Oh baby
Any other Blizzard fanboys in here? I’ve been waiting for this game as long as I can remember, and it doesn’t disappoint. I’ve been playing the ahem demo version - and it’s sweet. I knew it would be, but I had to be sure before I spent $80 after tax on it (ordered the collector’s ed).
Here’s a few observations:
The game is the bomb. My first thought was: OMG TEH GRAPHICS!!!1 followed by OMG TEH GAMEPLAY!!!1
The single player is engaging enough, but who cares? This game is all about the multi. Here’s my thoughts so far:
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The humans fill in the requisite middle-of-the-road race, and are pretty well rounded. I like commanding them because you can build faster using multiple peons. Also, one of the human heros has a resurrect power that’s ridiculously handy.
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The Orcs are cool too, especially some of the later units like the witch doctor and the shamans. Also, Orcs can use their burrows (equiv to supply depots in SC) for defense by bunkering up to 4 peons in each. Makes setting up defense very easy.
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The Night Elfs are awesome, although I suck at commanding them. Many of their buildings are huge living trees, and you can uproot them and move them around, or use them for defense. Also, their “Wisps” (peons) don’t destroy trees while they’re harvesting wood, so you won’t cut a big hole out around your base like you will with the other races.
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The Undead are here to fill in the standard role of the “evil race”. They’re an awesome race too: think Protoss (advanced) + Zerg (evil). Their peons don’t have to work on building new structures, they just start the summoning and move on. Also, if you find a new gold mine the Undead can harvest it without the aid of a nearby Town Hall!
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Fell like checking out the area when you start the game? Proceed with caution, because there’s “Critters” living in certain areas of the map. Make sure you do your scouting at night, when they’ll be asleep.
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I love the Day/Night cycle and how it affects the gameplay. With certain combinations of races, you really have to watch the daylight and be sure to attack during the right period to avoid giving the other guys the advantage.
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I dare to predict! Some people will be pissed that the food limit is only 90. Also, once you get over 70 you’re heavily taxed for the high upkeep of your army. This all means that you have to rely on strategy and planning, not just cranking out the most units. I personally think this is going to add a lot of challenge to the game.
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Another interesting aspect is the presence of NPC shops/camps. You can buy items and hire mercenaries from these shops after you wipe out the small group of critters protecting them (or visit at night while the critters are asleep). Interestingly, this is the only way to get an airship, allowing you to transport units impassible terrain.
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12 player multiplayer? Yes!
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Heros. Level 'em up. Use 'em to lead your armies. Awesome.
Anyway that’s all I can think of atm, and I should probably get back to work anyway.