PGC NEWS

StarCraft, the real-time strategy (RTS) game from Blizzard Entertainment, has long been a beloved title among fans. With numerous annual tournaments, StarCraft has evolved into a prominent esport thanks to its engaging traditional gameplay and balanced factions. However, time took its toll on StarCraft and its expansion, Brood War. The need for a sequel was inevitable if Blizzard wanted to maintain the franchise’s relevance. In 2010, StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty arrived, promising refined and enhanced traditional gameplay. Does Wings of Liberty live up to the legacy of this legendary RTS?

Gameplay: Classic StarCraft, Reforged

As the successor to the acclaimed StarCraft, Wings of Liberty inherits the core RTS gameplay of its predecessor. Players begin each match with a command center and a small force. By gathering resources, they construct buildings and train armies to complete objectives and defeat opponents. Matches are fast-paced, demanding constant attention to unit management. Each unit has unique characteristics and abilities, making the ability to control multiple units simultaneously crucial for victory.

Terran units battling Zerg forces

Two primary resources fuel your war machine: Minerals and Vespene Gas. Minerals are essential for basic construction and unit production, while Vespene Gas is crucial for advanced units and upgrades. A delicate balance is required; focusing too much on Minerals can leave you lacking in upgrades, while prioritizing Vespene Gas hinders army growth.

Wings of Liberty features three playable factions, each with strengths and weaknesses:

• Terran: Humans, offering a balanced and accessible starting point for new players. Their moderate building costs allow for rapid army deployment.
• Zerg: A swarm-based faction capable of overwhelming opponents with sheer numbers. Their units are relatively inexpensive but fragile.
• Protoss: Powerful warriors with plasma shields that regenerate out of combat. However, their high resource costs demand careful unit management.

Zerg units attacking a Terran base

Engaging Single-Player Campaign

The Wings of Liberty campaign follows Jim Raynor and his Raiders four years after the events of Brood War. Across 29 missions, interspersed with stunning cutscenes, players fight to liberate the populace from the Dominion’s oppressive rule under Emperor Arcturus Mengsk. The story also delves into the mysteries surrounding ancient Xel’naga artifacts and Raynor’s hope of restoring Sarah Kerrigan’s humanity. Familiar faces like Zeratul and Kerrigan return, alongside a cast of new characters crucial to the narrative.

Jim Raynor in a cutscene

Missions are varied and challenging, ranging from collecting guarded artifacts to time-sensitive operations requiring swift decision-making. Some missions present choices that impact the storyline, offering replayability. Completing missions earns Credits to upgrade units at the Armory and hire Mercenaries. Research Points, earned from optional objectives, unlock upgrades at the Laboratory, allowing players to customize their tech tree.

In-game screenshot of a mission

Multiplayer and Custom Maps: Endless Possibilities

While the campaign is engaging, the multiplayer is where Wings of Liberty truly shines. The ranked system allows players to compete against others of similar skill levels online. The already demanding gameplay becomes even more intense against human opponents with diverse strategies. For a change of pace, Custom Maps offer unique scenarios, often resembling mini-games with genres like tower defense, RPG, and even third-person shooters. These maps are created and shared by the community using the StarCraft II Editor.

Protoss units engaging in battle

The Downside: DRM Woes

Wings of Liberty’s biggest flaw is its always-online DRM. This requirement can hinder players with unreliable internet connections or those wishing to play offline. Offline Mode only allows access to the campaign, and even then, progress isn’t saved locally, meaning any campaign progress is lost when playing online and must be restarted. The lack of LAN play also limits offline options with friends.

Image showcasing the game's user interface

Conclusion: A Must-Play RTS

Despite its DRM shortcomings, StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty delivers a compelling RTS experience. The refined gameplay, engaging campaign, and robust multiplayer make it a worthy successor to the original StarCraft. While the always-online requirement is a significant drawback, it doesn’t overshadow the game’s strengths. If you’re an RTS fan, Wings of Liberty is a must-play.