Need I say more?
http://www.blizzard.com/
Full Version: The Universe Implodes
Been posted, see 'Hope Springs Eternal'.
(Still cool though!).
(Still cool though!).
It's like 20000 christmasses coming at once!
WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO *explodes and bursts with excitement*
WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO *explodes and bursts with excitement*
QUOTE(kiwi_a2 @ May 19 2007, 04:34 AM) 
Been posted, see 'Hope Springs Eternal'.
(Still cool though!).
(Still cool though!).
I had decided that it deserved a new topic since was offical now instead of just rumors.
Heh. I enjoyed the tagline.
"Hell, it's about time."
"Hell, it's about time."
I've got to say the Mac-simultaneous guarantee really made me happy now that I've got a new Mac. I've got Boot Camp, but another reason that I don't have to reboot is welcome.
QUOTE(Shenlon @ May 19 2007, 01:25 PM)
Heh. I enjoyed the tagline.
"Hell, it's about time."
"Hell, it's about time."
I liked that enough that I took a screenshot of that page and am currently using it as my wallpaper.
I'm using the Starcraft II logo wallpaper from starcraft2.com as my laptop's background. The three are in my desktop's cycle.
QUOTE(mrxak @ May 19 2007, 03:54 PM)
I'm using the Starcraft II logo wallpaper from starcraft2.com as my laptop's background. The three are in my desktop's cycle.
Heh, a wee bit dedicated are ya?
Well the Halo 3 one I was using on the laptop was getting a bit old. I like keeping a dark desktop image for battery life purposes and the starcraft logo one works great for that.
As for my desktop, heck, I'll use anything for a desktop image. I bet I don't even see any of the three on there any time soon. I've got way too many images and way too many windows open blocking it all anyway
.
They look cool, that's all.
As for my desktop, heck, I'll use anything for a desktop image. I bet I don't even see any of the three on there any time soon. I've got way too many images and way too many windows open blocking it all anyway
.They look cool, that's all.
At last. I've been waiting nearly ten years for this game... as have a great many of us. It's time. As long as they don't do a Warcraft III with it, and keep the multiplayer actually fun and balanced (hero rush = automatic fail), I will probably have a few problems with grad work. Ah. Fun memories. ^^
-Andiyar
-Andiyar
Yeah, with their desire to put powerful units right at the beginning and casters prematurely in the tech tree (mass casters, anyone?), probably because people often didn't get to use them since they got caught by rushing, they messed with the MP balance in WarIII big time. Not that I'm often playing multiplayer often, but even then I found the very fact that you basically began with an overpowered unit ridiculous; unless, of course, you're in a single-player mission where the hero makes sense, and even then it was still not ideal since you did not have to worry about it due to resurrection, which brings me to the fact I hope they won't have any of this stupid hero stuff outside of the single-player campaign (honestly, Starcraft as a RPGRTS makes even less sense than it did for WarCraft), and that in that single-player campaign, "Jim Raynor must survive" (and no stupid resurrection).
I think that, with any luck, StarcraftII will be released in 2008.
I think that, with any luck, StarcraftII will be released in 2008.
I just hope they keep the HP/Damage balance. One of the great things in BW is that macro and micro both are very important, and that is indirectly caused by the fact that it's really hard to keep units alive.
Essentially, I just hope the game is as fast paced, balanced, and has the same aggressive and punishing/rewarding style of combat.
Essentially, I just hope the game is as fast paced, balanced, and has the same aggressive and punishing/rewarding style of combat.
I'll be happy as long as at least one of their new races (if there will be any) will have a construction system that isn't dependent on some sort of field like two of the original three races did (the creep and the pylons' energy fields are too restrictive)
They've been emphasizing how they're keeping it as large battles. And from the gameplay vids it seems units are pretty much as you'd expect from Starcraft. They die easy to the units they are vulnerable to, and can take out units they're good against very fast.
QUOTE(SuperNova @ May 20 2007, 07:43 PM)
I'll be happy as long as at least one of their new races (if there will be any) will have a construction system that isn't dependent on some sort of field like two of the original three races did (the creep and the pylons' energy fields are too restrictive)
Well..
Restrictive?
Both those races have the advantage over terran when it comes to expanding. So it's not like it matters really?
QUOTE
They've been emphasizing how they're keeping it as large battles. And from the gameplay vids it seems units are pretty much as you'd expect from Starcraft. They die easy to the units they are vulnerable to, and can take out units they're good against very fast.
Just saw the videos, and I have to agree. Looking good so far.
QUOTE(Modesty Blaise @ May 20 2007, 03:25 PM)
Well..
Restrictive?
Both those races have the advantage over terran when it comes to expanding. So it's not like it matters really?
Just saw the videos, and I have to agree. Looking good so far.
Restrictive?
Both those races have the advantage over terran when it comes to expanding. So it's not like it matters really?
Just saw the videos, and I have to agree. Looking good so far.
I can certainly see how the protoss have an advantage over terran in expanding, but how the heck do the zerg? I think the hatchery takes longer to build than a command center/nexus and has less health, and obviously they can't add any other buildings until its done. Once you get to the late game they get the reinforcing advantage of nydus canals, true, but even then the zerg have to spend quite some time with a helpless pulsating blob beforehand.
QUOTE(SuperNova)
I'll be happy as long as at least one of their new races (if there will be any) will have a construction system that isn't dependent on some sort of field like two of the original three races did (the creep and the pylons' energy fields are too restrictive)
Sorry, but Blizzard has declared that there will be no new (playable) races, and their promise of further distinguishing each race suggests further restrictions.
QUOTE(Veritus Dartarion)
I can certainly see how the Protoss have an advantage over the Terrans in expanding, but how the heck do the Zerg? I think the hatchery takes longer to build than a command center/nexus and has less health, and obviously they can't add any other buildings until its done. Once you get to the late game they get the reinforcing advantage of nydus canals, true, but even then the Zerg have to spend quite some time with a helpless pulsating blob beforehand.
Terrans are mobile, and the Protoss can quickly set up static defenses. The Zerg, however, are reliant on their abundant units to protect them, and their Hatchery is slightly cheaper than a Command Center or Nexus. Honestly, expansion is one of the Zerg's few weak-points; be thankful it exists.
Yeah, Zerg can produce way more units than anybody else. That's their resource advantage.
QUOTE(Veritus Dartarion @ May 21 2007, 12:03 AM)
I can certainly see how the protoss have an advantage over terran in expanding, but how the heck do the zerg? I think the hatchery takes longer to build than a command center/nexus and has less health, and obviously they can't add any other buildings until its done. Once you get to the late game they get the reinforcing advantage of nydus canals, true, but even then the zerg have to spend quite some time with a helpless pulsating blob beforehand.
Tell me, which other buildings would they need?
What makes a command-center less vulnerable?
The zerg troops are "faster" then terrans wo stimpacks, and even with, they are very close.
Zerg also has the luck that the same building create units and can have resources delivered to it.
I think that they also need to have better expanding abilities, since they are the ones forced to expand early, due to gas consumption.
Terran expanding on the other hand is expensive, and slow. You'll need more extra cash, and you'll have to defend it well.
QUOTE(Modesty Blaise @ May 20 2007, 11:31 PM)
Terran expanding on the other hand is expensive, and slow. You'll need more extra cash, and you'll have to defend it well.
Nah, Terran can expand fairly quickly, with the mobile buildings you can get a second base set up safely and move it over to the expansion site just needing some bunkers and its good to go. But I'm a Terrian player.
Anyhow..
This is freak'en awesome! I was completely peeved when they announced Ghost, on top of that, being console only. It was a slap in the face. Then the teaser unit in WC3...
But yea! Its back! ANd hopefully, you'd be able to get a none money man game going on.
QUOTE(Mr. Wigs @ May 21 2007, 09:46 AM)
Nah, Terran can expand fairly quickly, with the mobile buildings you can get a second base set up safely and move it over to the expansion site just needing some bunkers and its good to go. But I'm a Terrian player.
Well, everyone does fast exps on their natural and stuff. It's the next expand and those after that are hard.
Even though you can fly a command center, you have to put it down on a well defended place.
I play terran and protoss myself.
Look at those vids 
Zerg the worst at expanding? What are you folks smoking?
Zerg Hatch costs 300, and once it is done, can produce any defensive unit you need for your expansion. There is a reason zerg always have the most expansions in pro replays.
Protoss is in the middle when it comes to expanding. They can start constructing base defenses prior to the Nexus' completion. Though usually you won't float enough minerals to afford this.
Terran on the other hand needs to bring defensive units to protect the expansion afterards. If not, you will have to construct several other buildings just to keep it safe. Their inefficient construction style means you will mostly construct no more than 2 structures at the same time, or you will reduce your harvesting. In addition, the worker can be killed by lone scouts when constructing the CC.
All main structures take 120 seconds to finish.
Then let us do the math here:
CC: 400
2 bunkers: 200
8 marines: 400
If you want the expansion to be more independant, add fact/rack.
Zerg on the other hand, will use 300 on the hatch, then build units as needed. By scouting you will know what is needed, and the fast troop production speed of zerg will allow you to counter in time.
Zerg Hatch costs 300, and once it is done, can produce any defensive unit you need for your expansion. There is a reason zerg always have the most expansions in pro replays.
Protoss is in the middle when it comes to expanding. They can start constructing base defenses prior to the Nexus' completion. Though usually you won't float enough minerals to afford this.
Terran on the other hand needs to bring defensive units to protect the expansion afterards. If not, you will have to construct several other buildings just to keep it safe. Their inefficient construction style means you will mostly construct no more than 2 structures at the same time, or you will reduce your harvesting. In addition, the worker can be killed by lone scouts when constructing the CC.
All main structures take 120 seconds to finish.
QUOTE
Nah, Terran can expand fairly quickly, with the mobile buildings you can get a second base set up safely and move it over to the expansion site just needing some bunkers and its good to go. But I'm a Terrian player.
Then let us do the math here:
CC: 400
2 bunkers: 200
8 marines: 400
If you want the expansion to be more independant, add fact/rack.
Zerg on the other hand, will use 300 on the hatch, then build units as needed. By scouting you will know what is needed, and the fast troop production speed of zerg will allow you to counter in time.
I wouldn't have minded Ghost if it wasn't console. But yeah, I'd want it in addition to Starcraft 2, not instead of it.
QUOTE(Wikipedia: Talk: Starcraft 2: Returning Units/Structures)
Scanning the screenshots, we can pick up several familiar structures that can be identified right away. Maybe a list of old stuff and new stuff is in order?
Here's my list so far, I'm only posting units that has not been mentioned in the main page or official StarCraft II website.
Returning Units/Structures -
Terran:
Units SCV - Appears around the Command Center-ish looking building
Marine - Updated with a shield attachment on the power suit, do I also spot a bayonet attachment on the gun?
Siege Tank - Deployed in Siege Mode, the unit scale and blast radius (siege mode) seems to be enlarged.
Battle Cruiser - One screen on IGN shows several Battle Cruisers charging what seems to be Yamato Gun
Ghost - Appears after nuclear warhead detonates in the gameplay movie, slaughtered by unburrowed zerg units soon after.
Structures Bunker - some screen shots shows fire coming out, same garrison ability?
Missile Turret - One screen has Missile Turrets firing at those over-sized Collosus, this may imply ground-defense ability? Or just that Collosus are so big that ground-to-air attacks can hit it?
Barrack - The legs are intact, so it can be safe to assume the lift-off feature is still there
Refinery - seems to be doing the same thing
Command Center - The thrusters are visible, so maybe it kept life-off feature also.
Zerg:
Units Zergling - Absolutely massive amount of these guys, emphasis even more on their swarming ability maybe?
Mutalisk - Being fired at by a Missile Turret, with blood coming out.
Structures Unknown Building - Given that it has no creep coming out, and seems to stand on top of a crater, maybe an Extractor?
Protoss:
Units Probe - Was seen warping several buildings behind a next of Photon Cannons
Structures Photon Cannon - Several of these have shields blocking incoming fire
Note: It is correct that the main article should not contain complete list of known units or buildings, the list presented here is meant as reference/analysis of source materials (screenshots and trailers), for opening up useful discussions.
Maximilius 12:29, 19 May 2007 (UTC)
Here's my list so far, I'm only posting units that has not been mentioned in the main page or official StarCraft II website.
Returning Units/Structures -
Terran:
Units SCV - Appears around the Command Center-ish looking building
Marine - Updated with a shield attachment on the power suit, do I also spot a bayonet attachment on the gun?
Siege Tank - Deployed in Siege Mode, the unit scale and blast radius (siege mode) seems to be enlarged.
Battle Cruiser - One screen on IGN shows several Battle Cruisers charging what seems to be Yamato Gun
Ghost - Appears after nuclear warhead detonates in the gameplay movie, slaughtered by unburrowed zerg units soon after.
Structures Bunker - some screen shots shows fire coming out, same garrison ability?
Missile Turret - One screen has Missile Turrets firing at those over-sized Collosus, this may imply ground-defense ability? Or just that Collosus are so big that ground-to-air attacks can hit it?
Barrack - The legs are intact, so it can be safe to assume the lift-off feature is still there
Refinery - seems to be doing the same thing
Command Center - The thrusters are visible, so maybe it kept life-off feature also.
Zerg:
Units Zergling - Absolutely massive amount of these guys, emphasis even more on their swarming ability maybe?
Mutalisk - Being fired at by a Missile Turret, with blood coming out.
Structures Unknown Building - Given that it has no creep coming out, and seems to stand on top of a crater, maybe an Extractor?
Protoss:
Units Probe - Was seen warping several buildings behind a next of Photon Cannons
Structures Photon Cannon - Several of these have shields blocking incoming fire
Note: It is correct that the main article should not contain complete list of known units or buildings, the list presented here is meant as reference/analysis of source materials (screenshots and trailers), for opening up useful discussions.
Maximilius 12:29, 19 May 2007 (UTC)
The official blizzard gameplay demo is now available from the starcraft2.com movies section. You can see it in fairly high rez and in english.
I know the Terran buildings can fly (there's one gameplay video that shows them doing it), and they even have thruster effects now.
Yea, the gamepaly video that mrxak posted a link to had the Terrian building flying. It looked to be a Command Center, Barracks, and maybe a factory?
I like how the Terran Buildings look more hodgepodge then they did before, it fits in better.
The Protoss look more ethereal now. There tech seem to look more on the realm of Magic, then science.
I like how the Terran Buildings look more hodgepodge then they did before, it fits in better.
The Protoss look more ethereal now. There tech seem to look more on the realm of Magic, then science.
I dunno, I'm not sure I like how the new terran buildings and siege tanks look. A little bit cartoonish whereas the majority of the units and buildings I've seen besides them look very nice. Well, protoss photon cannons could use some work too.
The massive Protoss battleship at the end of the gameplay trailer seemed way overpowered. Took out what, six battlecruisers, four missile turrets, a few dozen marines and an entire terran base? A projectable and apparently extremely tough shield + an Independence Day style White House Death Ray + a black hole generator?
I mean damn I'm gonna have to call Will Smith or Luke Skywalker or something.
I mean damn I'm gonna have to call Will Smith or Luke Skywalker or something.
Keep in mind that they were cheating at that point for demo purposes, a real one would not have the energy to do all that back to back, and I believe some of those also took off the ship's shields, Dark Archon mind control style.
That ship shouldn't be too hard to take down. Just send a couple of attacks at it so it uses up its energy or whatever then wallop it with a few battle cruisers. Man this is sad I am speculating on tactics for a game that does not yet exist. Ah well. 
This is one blizzard beta I actually want to get into, whenever it happens.
I agree with everything mrxak is saying here.
QUOTE(mrxak @ Jun 1 2007, 05:15 PM)
This is one blizzard beta I actually want to get into, whenever it happens.
Yeah. It's sorta like when you go to a party and all you see are ugly girls, until this one chick who is a total babe shows up.
That was the best analogy I've heard in along time.
How do you get into the beta anyway?
Edit: Analogy, not apology. I hate my spell checker.
How do you get into the beta anyway?
Edit: Analogy, not apology. I hate my spell checker.
QUOTE(3dd13 @ Jun 2 2007, 01:30 PM)
How do you get into the beta anyway?
You probably don't. Blizzard has about half a million employees and several million trusted testers from previous projects, remember?
I remember they had a beta you could try to sign up for when TFT came out, probably Warcraft III too.
According to the WoW site, they'll be giving beta keys to a upcoming blizzard game (probably StarCraft 2) at BlizzCon. Which both rocks and sucks because I probably won't go to BlizzCon this year.
QUOTE(3dd13 @ Jun 5 2007, 11:21 AM)
According to the WoW site, they'll be giving beta keys to a upcoming blizzard game (probably StarCraft 2) at BlizzCon. Which both rocks and sucks because I probably won't go to BlizzCon this year.
Sorry for the grave dig, but the Terran Viking is a terribly exciting unit.
I agree with mrxak on the tanks though, the first time i saw them i had difficulty recognizing them.
Also, ideas/comments on that gigantic walker thing seen in this shot?
I can't tell if it's just a different angle of the Viking, but it appears here to be larger and bulkier.
_bomb
By all means, grave-dig the topic whenever there's some more news .
Nice, they finally got the Terran page up, I see, and lots more on the Protoss page. Viking does look very nice. The whole game does seem to be about making terrain your bitch instead of the other way around. Infinite maneuvering possibilities ftw!
As for the screenshot, major upgrade for the Goliath? Similar niche to the Protoss Colossus?
Neat how command centers can apparently be upgraded to have a big-ass canon on top to defend itself (and a resource point), and also can carry a few SCVs while flying.
.Nice, they finally got the Terran page up, I see, and lots more on the Protoss page. Viking does look very nice. The whole game does seem to be about making terrain your bitch instead of the other way around. Infinite maneuvering possibilities ftw!
As for the screenshot, major upgrade for the Goliath? Similar niche to the Protoss Colossus?
Neat how command centers can apparently be upgraded to have a big-ass canon on top to defend itself (and a resource point), and also can carry a few SCVs while flying.
QUOTE(Bomb)
<snip> the Terran Viking is a terribly exciting unit.
QUOTE(mrxak)
Viking does look very nice.
Indeed it is exciting, and it does look very nice (if only the unit dialogue wasn't so corny). Although it is presented as the successor of the venerable LarsCorp Goliath, it is really more of an adaption of the UED Valkyrie Missile Frigate. Pity it can't shoot air targets when its on the ground, though.
(On a side note, the fluff they posted on the Viking's description page is nothing but lies. The Brood Wars made it clear that it was the Zerg who were lacking in aerial capabilities against the Terrans, not the reverse.)
QUOTE(Bomb)
I agree with mrxak on the tanks though, the first time i saw them i had difficulty recognizing them.
[b]
The Tanks have undergone a model redesign recently. The treads still splay out from the vehicle (presumably for additional stability), but the lip-stick gun-barrel of the Arclite Shock Cannon has been remodeled into something that looks much less like Qbert, and rather more menacing.
QUOTE(Bomb)
[b]
Also, ideas/comments on that gigantic walker thing seen in this shot?
I can't tell if it's just a different angle of the Viking, but it appears here to be larger and bulkier.
_bomb
Also, ideas/comments on that gigantic walker thing seen in this shot?
I can't tell if it's just a different angle of the Viking, but it appears here to be larger and bulkier.
_bomb
QUOTE(mrxak)
'Thor'[/i], and it is essentially a Siege Tank on steroids. According to my sources, its so large that it can't be build in a factory; its build by an SCV like a building. Its slow, but it packs a powerful punch, and can deliver an even more devastating artillery barrage once deployed.
Neat how command centers can apparently be upgraded to have a big-ass canon on top to defend itself (and a resource point), and also can carry a few SCVs while flying.
The Command Center can now upgrade to either a 'Planetary Fortress' (gets a big gun) or a 'Surveillance Station' (ComSat) at the expense of permanently sacrificing its lift-off capabilities (as well as the appropriate resources, of course). This loss of mobility would seem to be counter-balanced by the Terran's new ability to 'salvage' old buildings, by deconstructing them in return for resources.
In other news, add-ons can be mixed and matched between the Barracks, Factory, and Starport. The 'Reactor' add-on grants the ability to build two units at once, whilst the 'tech' add-on permits the construction of more advanced units.
The 'Reaper' unit, shown it the original demo, is confirmed to replace the Firebat. In addition to their jet-packs and dual gauss-pistols, they can throw demolition charges.
The 'Cobra', the oddly-named successor to the Vulture Scavenger Hoverbike, does not have spider-mines (sadly) and does not perform the same anti-infantry role as its predecessor. Instead, it is used as an mobile AAA platform, and excels at damaging heavily armored targets.
The 'Banshee', a unit reminiscent of a certain aircraft from C&C, is one of two units to succeed the Wraith. It inherits the Wraith's cloaking capabilities, and has an AoE air-to-surface bombing attack. However, they possess not anti-aircraft capabilities.
The 'Predator' is the other unit to succeed the Wraith. Unlike its predecessor, it can not cloak, and much as the Banshee can not attack aircraft, the Predator can not attack ground targets. However, it possesses a strong AA attack, as well as the ability to enter an 'interceptor' mode, and literally shoot down incoming ordinance.
The old Behemoth BattleCruisers are back, but are not without a few new tricks. In addition to now possessing a rapid-fire laser battery (which makes them infinitely more useful), they now come in more than one flavor. Instead of instantly being fitted with a Yamato Gun once it has been researched, it has to be manually refitted with the powerful device. However, you can also opt to forego the Yamato Cannon in favor of an anti-ground barrage of 'Plasma Torpedos'.
The Terran Missile Turret no longer automatically has detection capabilities, but now only gain them when near a 'Sensor Dome' building. This structure is a passive detector that reveals the location of enemy forces within a fixed radius, but not the type or condition. The Sensor Dome can be upgraded into a 'Radar Dome', an active scanning facility that reveals even the details of the units it detects. Unfortunately, the Radar Dome's existence becomes known to a foe enters its detection radius.
Science Vessels have been replaced by the 'Nomad', a fancy can-opener of a support unit. It loses Irradiate, but it gains an AoE defensive matrix (works like dark swarm), and the ability to repair air units instantly at the cost of energy instead of resources ('nano-repair').
The StarPort can be upgraded into either a 'Deep Space Relay' (which we know nothing about), or a StarBase, which can build even the most advanced air units while flying. The StarBase can also 're-arm' friendly air units (restore energy) at the expense of its own energy reserves.
<yawn>
I'd write more, but its late. I'll get back to it later.
QUOTE(mrxak)
Neat how command centers can apparently be upgraded to have a big-ass canon on top to defend itself (and a resource point), and also can carry a few SCVs while flying.
The Command Center can now upgrade to either a 'Planetary Fortress' (gets a big gun) or a 'Surveillance Station' (ComSat) at the expense of permanently sacrificing its lift-off capabilities (as well as the appropriate resources, of course). This loss of mobility would seem to be counter-balanced by the Terran's new ability to 'salvage' old buildings, by deconstructing them in return for resources.
In other news, add-ons can be mixed and matched between the Barracks, Factory, and Starport. The 'Reactor' add-on grants the ability to build two units at once, whilst the 'tech' add-on permits the construction of more advanced units.
The 'Reaper' unit, shown it the original demo, is confirmed to replace the Firebat. In addition to their jet-packs and dual gauss-pistols, they can throw demolition charges.
The 'Cobra', the oddly-named successor to the Vulture Scavenger Hoverbike, does not have spider-mines (sadly) and does not perform the same anti-infantry role as its predecessor. Instead, it is used as an mobile AAA platform, and excels at damaging heavily armored targets.
The 'Banshee', a unit reminiscent of a certain aircraft from C&C, is one of two units to succeed the Wraith. It inherits the Wraith's cloaking capabilities, and has an AoE air-to-surface bombing attack. However, they possess not anti-aircraft capabilities.
The 'Predator' is the other unit to succeed the Wraith. Unlike its predecessor, it can not cloak, and much as the Banshee can not attack aircraft, the Predator can not attack ground targets. However, it possesses a strong AA attack, as well as the ability to enter an 'interceptor' mode, and literally shoot down incoming ordinance.
The old Behemoth BattleCruisers are back, but are not without a few new tricks. In addition to now possessing a rapid-fire laser battery (which makes them infinitely more useful), they now come in more than one flavor. Instead of instantly being fitted with a Yamato Gun once it has been researched, it has to be manually refitted with the powerful device. However, you can also opt to forego the Yamato Cannon in favor of an anti-ground barrage of 'Plasma Torpedos'.
The Terran Missile Turret no longer automatically has detection capabilities, but now only gain them when near a 'Sensor Dome' building. This structure is a passive detector that reveals the location of enemy forces within a fixed radius, but not the type or condition. The Sensor Dome can be upgraded into a 'Radar Dome', an active scanning facility that reveals even the details of the units it detects. Unfortunately, the Radar Dome's existence becomes known to a foe enters its detection radius.
Science Vessels have been replaced by the 'Nomad', a fancy can-opener of a support unit. It loses Irradiate, but it gains an AoE defensive matrix (works like dark swarm), and the ability to repair air units instantly at the cost of energy instead of resources ('nano-repair').
The StarPort can be upgraded into either a 'Deep Space Relay' (which we know nothing about), or a StarBase, which can build even the most advanced air units while flying. The StarBase can also 're-arm' friendly air units (restore energy) at the expense of its own energy reserves.
<yawn>
I'd write more, but its late. I'll get back to it later.
Where are you getting this from?
If it's true I'm kinda sad about the firebats. I liked those guys.
If it's true I'm kinda sad about the firebats. I liked those guys.
The Firebats were cool, but they had limited use against Protoss. They chewed through Zerg, though, and that may be why Blizzard took them out.
Of all the units, new and old, the Thor is the most awesome-looking of the bunch. It's kind of like Mechwarrior meets Starcraft, if you think about it.
I'm rather disappointed about the Seige Tank's new look, though: it kinda looks a bit comical now, though a pair of big-@$$ cannons I saw on one screenshot of them is making me rethink my opinion.
Of course, the mighty Battlecruiser returns (and why shouldn't it? Starcraft without Battlecruisers is like a Tiger without stripes: It just ain't right!), and I like the idea of outfitting them for base-, ground-, or air-based assault. It's something the old model was severely lacking.
Did anyone notice that the Banshee, the Terrans' ATG attack aircraft also shares its name with a Nod Unit (from CnC: Tiberian Sun)? Though I haven't seen any photos of it, so I can't be sure if it's ripped from CnC.
Alright, that'll do for now.
EDIT: Grammar. D'oh.
Of all the units, new and old, the Thor is the most awesome-looking of the bunch. It's kind of like Mechwarrior meets Starcraft, if you think about it.
I'm rather disappointed about the Seige Tank's new look, though: it kinda looks a bit comical now, though a pair of big-@$$ cannons I saw on one screenshot of them is making me rethink my opinion.
Of course, the mighty Battlecruiser returns (and why shouldn't it? Starcraft without Battlecruisers is like a Tiger without stripes: It just ain't right!), and I like the idea of outfitting them for base-, ground-, or air-based assault. It's something the old model was severely lacking.
Did anyone notice that the Banshee, the Terrans' ATG attack aircraft also shares its name with a Nod Unit (from CnC: Tiberian Sun)? Though I haven't seen any photos of it, so I can't be sure if it's ripped from CnC.
Alright, that'll do for now.
EDIT: Grammar. D'oh.
QUOTE(Rickton @ Aug 15 2007, 01:55 PM)
Where are you getting this from?
I'm getting this from just about every source I can find.
Now, onto more information.
*ahem*
The Reapers are NOT trained at the Barracks like marines, instead they are recruited at the 'Merc Haven' (building with the neon BAR sign), much like Mercenaries from WC3. You can only recruit three before you hit a cool-down timer, however.
Marines can have a ballistic shield researched that gives them an extra 15 hit-points.
You now start with six workers instead of just four.
The Ghost returns, but it seems its Lockdown charges have fallen by the wayside (perhaps the dominion did not think them cost effective?). Instead, the Ghost can literally snipe enemy organic units for 150 damage--more than enough to instantly kill a marine. They can still paint targets for nuclear strikes, as well as 'Drop Pods' which summon reinforcements (six marines to be exact).
The Terran Tactical Nuclear Warhead is no longer built at a typical silo, seeing as the CC no longer uses add-ons. Instead, they are built at a 'Shadow Ops' facility, a stand-alone structure that combines the function of the Nuclear Silo with the Covert Ops add-on. In addition to nukes, it can also build Drop Pods for 300 minerals and 200 gas (the same as six marines + an additional gas expense for balance). It should be noted that since building nukes is somewhat easier, their damage has been reduced from the percentage damage (66%) in SC1, with the 500 mininimum damage, to a more reasonable 400 damage maximum.
In my haste last night, I neglected to note that the Nomad retains the EMP (although I *think* it doesn't fire as a missile now, just AoE around the Nomad itself).
Medics return, although their 'flare' ability now reveals a portion of the map instead of blinds a target.
Stimpacks return, on both the Marine and the Reaper.
The Siege Tank's range has been reduced slightly.
And the Drop Ship apparently only carries up to five marines, and has to actually land to deploy its payload of units.
...
I'll get to writing an overview of the Protoss when I have time.
QUOTE(Warlord Mike @ Aug 15 2007, 10:08 AM)
Did anyone notice that the Banshee, the Terrans' ATG attack aircraft also shares its name with a Nod Unit (from CnC: Tiberian Sun)? Though I haven't seen any photos of it, so I can't be sure if it's ripped from CnC.
Eh... there's only so many words for things like ghosts.
QUOTE(~vIsitor~ @ Aug 15 2007, 02:38 PM)
The Reapers are NOT trained at the Barracks like marines, instead they are recruited at the 'Merc Haven' (building with the neon BAR sign), much like Mercenaries from WC3. You can only recruit three before you hit a cool-down timer, however.
This, I'm not sure I believe. At least I certainly don't want to believe it.
Anyway, interesting about the Thor. I was sort of wondering if it was a walking building like Ancients in WC3.
Too bad about the firebats, they were about the only basic thing that could reasonably counter a zergling rush (and even advanced things like the siege tank or reaver could have trouble). As it is the Terran don't have much to counter the Zerglings, especially at the beginning.
Terran air power in the Brood Wars: depends. What the Terrans were especially lacking in air forces was flexibility. The Valk could chew through a swarm of mutalisks, but it was about the only thing they were good at. In particular, impossible to use them to quickly dispatch a wing of attacking (and guarded, of course) guardians; wraiths are too costly and fragile for extended combat, and Battlecruisers are too slow to react to such an attack.
Terran air power in the Brood Wars: depends. What the Terrans were especially lacking in air forces was flexibility. The Valk could chew through a swarm of mutalisks, but it was about the only thing they were good at. In particular, impossible to use them to quickly dispatch a wing of attacking (and guarded, of course) guardians; wraiths are too costly and fragile for extended combat, and Battlecruisers are too slow to react to such an attack.
QUOTE(mrxak @ Aug 15 2007, 01:24 AM)
By all means, grave-dig the topic whenever there's some more news .
Nice, they finally got the Terran page up, I see, and lots more on the Protoss page. Viking does look very nice. The whole game does seem to be about making terrain your bitch instead of the other way around. Infinite maneuvering possibilities ftw!
As for the screenshot, major upgrade for the Goliath? Similar niche to the Protoss Colossus?
Neat how command centers can apparently be upgraded to have a big-ass canon on top to defend itself (and a resource point), and also can carry a few SCVs while flying.
.Nice, they finally got the Terran page up, I see, and lots more on the Protoss page. Viking does look very nice. The whole game does seem to be about making terrain your bitch instead of the other way around. Infinite maneuvering possibilities ftw!
As for the screenshot, major upgrade for the Goliath? Similar niche to the Protoss Colossus?
Neat how command centers can apparently be upgraded to have a big-ass canon on top to defend itself (and a resource point), and also can carry a few SCVs while flying.
I already love the SCV carry feature. It never made any sense to me why command centers and barracks were mobile but without the ability to scoop up a few units inside of them. This will make new terran expansions that much easier to set up, defend and evacuate.
And the terrain conquest stuff looks absolutely great. The most stupid things in StarCraft involved the minor elevations and awkward units trying to go up stairs. For the sequel they've made it so much more fluid and open which should improve things tremendously. I don't look forward to trying to find my zealous reapers as they jump around the map, chasing after one little unit though.
_bomb
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