Why You Should Give Starcraft 2 A Try

Despite the game being launched more than 3 years ago, StarCraft has been a staple game for millions of gamers worldwide; be they players who prefer single player stories, or others who love to experience the rush found in multiplayer. Here are a few (of the many, many) reasons why this would be a good time to start playing and watching the most popular RTS game today.

Single Player

Follow the path of Sarah Kerrigan (otherwise known as Queen of Blades), and control all the arsenal the Zerg race has to offer. The plot follows on after Jim Raynor rescued Kerrigan from the forces of the Zerg in the previous expansion (Heart of the Swarm). The story continues where Wings of Liberty has left off, which is just after Kerrigan was rescued by Raynor.

While 20 missions may seem a bit short for some of you, the story is gripping and immersive. And while some may protest to the fact that the romantic banter between Raynor and Kerrigan is cliché, the game has something to offer for everyone. Even if this is your first RTS game, the single player is the perfect opportunity to catch up and learn the basics of the genre.

Customize Kerrigan’s numerous abilities and powers, as well as upgrades for your Zerg army, to destroy your enemies with a single blow. Abilities and mutations range from respawning your Zerglings instantly after they die, to summoning a Leviathan to wreak havoc in the battlefield.

Multi Player - Custom Games and Arcade

Just like single player, multi player really does have something to offer for all players. Be it from custom games found in the arcade, FFA (Free For All), team games (2v2, 3v3, 4v4), or the classic 1v1.

The types of games on offer in the arcade are expansive, and continue to grow every day. To give you a taste of what the Arcade has to offer here is a list of games that are widely recommended:

- Nexus Wars
The gist of this game is that you try to overwhelm your opponent with your units by producing additional structures to produce even more units. This become tricky as everyone gets the same rate of minerals at the start and increases as you spend more minerals. With each three races having different costs and unique abilities, try each race and see which is best suited for you. Note that the game is 4v4, so try to communicate with your team mates to achieve victory!

- Raynor’s Party
This is essentially a group of extremely fun mini games rolled into one where the objective is to score the highest amongst the competitors by completing various games. Some of these include: Singularity Showdown, Rocket Buggie Rumble, and Hungry Hungry Ultralisk. As a personal favorite, I recommend Singularity Showdown, where your micro will be tested!

FFA and other team games

While these may not be as popular the widely played 1v1 mode, it is far more relaxing and stress free than 1v1. These modes (excluding FFA) allow you to create creative and funky builds while helping your team mate(s) to achieve victory. Also, the maps are far different from 1v1 maps, which will be a refreshing change if you play a lot of 1v1 ladder. Playing with different races also give nwq dynamics in which you can never find in a 1v1. An example would be timings: what combination of the 3 races would be best if you want to end the game early? What about the best combination for best defense? Or even the best late game army?

 

FFAs tend to be a race to mass up the most imbalanced unit for the respective races, e.g. most Protoss go mass Void Rays. The occasional teaming up with your neighbors and backstabbing them at the last second also gives this mode a fun twist. Of course, you can always be sneaky and try to hide bases and other dastardly deeds in order to win the game. Should you attack the moment you see an opening? Or should you wait until all your opponents have traded blows before you come in and obliterate them?

1v1

Last but not least, there is always the tried and true 1v1 mode, where players (from the clueless to absolute experts) compete to battle to the top of the ladder. There are bountiful sources to where you can find a guide (whatever your skill level may be) to help you on your way to becoming a better player. Team Dignitas has SC2 guides published that are designed for readers of various skills. Another site that may help you is team-liquid.net.

Whatever your skill is, be it it Bronze, Gold, Grandmaster Ladder or anything in between, the experience of trying your absolute best to win a game of StarCraft is greatly rewarding. If you are a serious gamer looking for something to take up, consider this mode!

Last but not least, remember to have fun playing, after all it is a game!

 

GL, HF!