StarCraft

Summary

Genre: Strategy
Number of players: 1-8

Review

From the creators of the rather successful WarCraft series comes a game that is literally out of this world (I know it's been used a thousand times, but the oldies are the goodies!).

StarCraft is a real time strategy game which features three teams battling for domination of the galaxy. It should be specified now that these are three completely different teams, with literally no similarities in the units at all. Those of you who have played Total Annihilation will know exactly what I mean. Whether you play as the powerful, noble Protoss, the middle-of-the-road Terrans, or the voracious Zerg, you will need to form strategies to win and know the strengths and weaknesses of every unit under your command in order to be successful. Or, you could just play against Mav, in which case victory is almost assured anyway.


Gameplay: As far as a learning curve goes, the single player has done it very well, easing you into the game with 'Boot Camp' before actually sending you on your way as the Terrans in the first of a three-part adventure, which, to succeed in, you must learn the ways of all three teams, or else be crushed into the dirt by the computer. The story line behind it is superb, and keeps you interested right until the very end.

The gameplay is absolutely amazing. Time literally flies by as you enter and conquer the various worlds. Stratagy games simply don't come better than this.


Challenge: This game will have you going for absolutely ages. There are three episodes, each involving you taking control of a different team. First comes the Terrans (easy) then the Zerg (middle of the road) then the Protoss (very hard) and believe me that's more than enough to keep you amused for a loooooong time. And that's without the challenge of taking on another person in multiplayer, or beating the impressive AI in a custom map.


Graphics: Graphically StarCraft is very good. Each and every unit is carefully designed, and the game really benefits from this. Every world has its own unique appearance, as you would expect, and there's even little pictures of every unit in close-up when you select them! Sure, it doesn't add to the gameplay, but it's a really neat feature!


Sounds: Soundwise, the game is very good as well. Each team has their own very different style of music, and own set of sound effects, with units throwing insults at you if you spend your time continually clicking on them.


Multiplayer: And the goodness just keeps on coming. Multiplayer now, and StarCraft once again excels. Battle.net is possibly not the most user-friendly method of connection, as those of you who have tried competing against people overseas will more than vouch for, but once you get past these little things, you will find that the multiplayer is fast, exciting, and really does keep you on your toes.


Summing up: It really is difficult to pick holes with StarCraft. It's one of those rare games that you just find yourself playing over and over again. I've had it for some time now, and I just can't put it down. This is one of my all time favourite games. I would certainly recommend it to anyone, especially to fans of the genre.


Gamesmark: 96%


Reviewer: Tangycheese