Hi. My name is Dan and I used to be one of the manager in this fan-based website (www.starcraftii.com).

I really wanted to drill down and see what kind of new posts/ideas or things (blogs) you would want to see in the upcoming dates.

I plan to revive this blog site on my personal time, put as much starcraft II images, blogs, photos, questions/issues & answer to your posts.

Any suggestions? comments?
Thank you!

P.S please don’t put spam (advertisements) or swearing posts.

General:

•    The Standard (US) and Standard for Lefties (US) hotkey configurations are now available in all regions.
•    A new game clock has been added. Players can now instantly see how long they’ve been in their current mission or match. This feature can be turned on or off in the Gameplay Options menu.
•    A new Quick Save option is now available for the single-player campaign. Players can now quickly save their mission progress by pressing Ctrl + Q.
•    A new System Panel has been added. Players can now view their local time and FPS while in game by mousing over the Menu (F10) button in the upper-left hand corner of the game screen.  Laptop users can also view Wi-Fi signal strength and battery levels.
•    Sight granted by death reveal no longer lifts Fog of War. Units revealed in this manner are not targetable.
•    (Mac only) Moved StarCraft II data files and settings from the Documents folder into the Application Support folder.
•    Support for NVIDIA 3D Vision has been added.  To experience StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty in 3D on your desktop or notebook, you will need 3D Vision.  For more information, visit www.nvidia.com/Starcraft3D

 

Balance Changes:

•    PROTOSS

•    Zealot

•    Build time increased from 33 to 38.
•    Warp Gate cooldown increased from 23 to 28.

•    TERRAN

•    Battlecruiser

•    Ground damage decreased from 10 to 8.

•    Bunker

•    Build time increased from 30 to 35.

•    Reaper

•    Build time increased from 40 to 45.

•    Siege Tank

•    Siege mode damage changed from 50 to 35 (+15 armored).
•    Upgrade damage changed from +5 to +3 (+2 armored).

•    ZERG

•    Ultralisk

•    Ram ability removed. Ultralisk will now use normal attack against buildings.
•    Damage decreased from 15 (+25 armored) to 15 (+20 armored).

•    Maps

•    Desert Oasis

•    Destructible Rocks have been added to make natural expansions easier to protect.
•    Center Xel’Naga Tower area has been narrowed.

 

StarCraft II Editor Improvements:

•    Added new requirement types: Odd, Divide, Mod, Multiply.
•    Added a chance field to effect data.
•    Added support for the Slider dialog control type.
•    Added a trigger to deal damage from a unit.
•    Added a trigger event response to provide the amount a player or unit property changes.
•    Added a trigger event when an effect executes.
•    New Trigger Editor functions:

•    Save Data Conversation State Value (Action).
•    Load Data Conversation State Value (Action).
•    Players On Team (returns Player Group associated with teams in game lobby).
•    Unit Owner Changes (Event).
•    Old Unit Owner (returns player ID in response to Unit Owner Changes).
•    New Unit Owner (returns player ID in response to Unit Owner Changes).

•    XP, Level, and Bounty unit properties can now be modified by triggers.
•    Banks now save/restore XP, learned abilities, and items.
•    Message Window now includes a time stamp for each message.
•    An actor event is now dispatched when a missile cannot hit its target.
•    When loading documents with Battle.net-only dependencies, you will now be prompted to log in and download the dependency data, rather than failing to load.
•    Game variants now automatically use the default melee variants for new maps, without requiring manual generation. This will not take effect for maps created prior to this patch.
•    The Custom game variant is no longer automatically included when other non-default variants are defined.
•    Increased the maximum recharge vital rate for heal effects.

 

Bug Fixes:

•    Battle.net

•    Chat windows no longer vanish when exiting a multiplayer map or campaign mission.
•    Fixed an issue where players would still receive toasts when their status was set to busy.

•    Custom Games

•    Default race in a game lobby is now properly set to Random.
•    Players can now configure the lobby for 1v5 matches.
•    The search functionality for map searches has been improved.
•    Lobby hosts will now receive a toast when an invited player declines an invitation.
•    Custom game lobbies will now remember the game mode chosen under a category.
•    Fixed an issue where changing the category to “Custom” would default the teams to 5v3.
•    Fixed an issue where custom maps could not be reported from the map preview screen.

•    Gameplay

•    General

•    If a unit loads into a transport, missiles targeting it will no longer target similar units in the area.
•    Structures damaged during construction will no longer count towards structures lost.
•    Fixed an issue where builders waiting for an area to clear could block units trying to leave the area.
•    Fixed an issue with inventory drop range checks.
•    Fixed an issue that, in certain cases, allowed a command to be issued that did not appear on the command card.

•    Interface

•    Queue tooltips now display information about what is in progress.
•    Fixed an issue where the back button would not always return players to the score screen properly.

•    Terran

•    Marines trained at multiple Barracks will now prefer a Barracks with a Reactor over one with a Tech Lab or no attachment.
•    SCVs will now load into the closest Command Center if multiple are within range.

•    Zerg

•    Creep now recedes properly when an AI-controlled Hatchery, Lair, or Hive is destroyed.

•    StarCraft II Editor

•    The Player Leaves Game event now fires when a player leaves or they are defeated/victorious.
•    Loading screen progress bar option now works when using Melee loading screen type.
•    Test Document now works properly on maps with Battle.net-only dependencies.
•    Publishing a new file using Major revision will now properly set the document version to 1.0.
•    Publish dialog now properly remembers the Show Real Name setting from previous publish.
•    File preview panel now displays author’s real name if that option was set during publishing.
•    The Import module will now allow importing an override Assets.txt file.
•    Undoing a terrain object modification will now also undo associated terrain changes.
•    Editor will display document text from another locale if no text for the active locale exists.
•    Copying points with custom models will display the model properly on the pasted point.
•    It is no longer possible to have multiple default variants in the Game Variants dialog.
•    Removed icon support for attribute and variant definitions, as Battle.net does not display these.
•    Fixed issues with invalid map bounds when creating 32×32 maps.
•    Fixed issues with poor performance in the Terrain Editor when scroll bars are visible.
•    Fixed issues with drag-and-drop in Trigger Editor when tracking is not enabled.
•    Fixed an issue that would cause a crash if multiple unit forms had too many abilities.
•    Fixed an issue with temporary publish names in the Publish dialog still verifying the original name.
•    Fixed an issue with the Unit Manipulates Item trigger.
•    Fixed excessive delays on some systems when saving files using the Smaller Files option, and also when publishing Locked files.
•    Fixed preview panel display in Terrain Editor palettes.
•    Fixed performance issues in Terrain Editor when modifying terrain with many road tiles on the map.
•    Fixed initial display of variables in the Trigger Debugging Window.
•    Fixed generated script for built-in attribute values, which caused them to not be accessed properly.
•    Fixed action list when modifying a Custom Script action without sub-views enabled.
•    Fixed loading map dependency data.
•    Fixed an issue where loading complex bank files would cause the client to disconnect from Battle.net.

•    Technical Issues

•    Fixed an issue where unplugging headphones could cause the game to freeze.
•    Fixed an issue where XP systems running with Unicode characters enabled could prevent a player from starting a multiplayer game.   

NOTE: You CAN’T open this mission once you have started the Char mission or completed the game.  You have to load an old saved file.

I’ve been playing SC2 since beta and while fun, it’s the same feel as the original Starcraft, with some new units, powers and buildings.  Had this been 5 years ago, I wouldn’t really care, but after 10 years of waiting I would have expected more than just a few new units.  There’s no new gameplay systems or strategy changes in Starcraft 2, you still need to build and gather resources as quickly as possible and create a bigger army than your enemy to win.

However Blizzard has added some very nice additions to single player.  There is a full achievements list that players can get from each mission and once you’ve completed the single player campaign you open up Challenge Mode which provides 9 more Challenges with achievements that are actually great fun.  I haven’t beat’n them all yet, but I’m working on it.

Blizzard also added a lobby system for single player where you can upgrade units and buildings with credits you earn during each mission.  You also gather Zerg and Protoss research points during missions which can be used to further upgrade your forces.  The upgrade system added a MMORPG element to the game which is a welcomed addition and since you can’t earn enough credits to upgrade everything,  you really have to pick which unit you like using the best and upgrade those.

Getting into the actual gameplay, nothing new was really added that would separate it from the original Starcraft.  All the maps were very well thought out and fun to play, but again nothing really new.   The new units are obviously fun to play and you’ll need to rethink the strategies you used in the original SC.

The graphics change is nice, but the 3D camera is really just a gimmick that Blizzard can use to say SC2 is completely 3D.  The graphics are very similar to what World of Warcraft looks, good, but a bit cartoony. I didn’t once change the camera angle while playing and really don’t see any reason why you would ever, aside from just playing around with it.

Overall Starcraft 2 is great game, but after 10 years of waiting I feel like it could have been more. The upgrade system is a very nice addition, but that’s really the only new thing that Starcraft 2 introduced.   Strategies remain the same, build as many units as your can and overwhelm your opponent.

While I’m disappointed there weren’t any real changes to Starcraft2, the game is great, extremely polished and reminds me of my days in college playing the original SC to 3am.

Score: 9/10

StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty – Patch 1.0.2

Bug Fixes

• Fixed an issue where campaign mission victories would not always trigger properly.
• Fixed an issue where some players were unable to access single-player features.

Bug Fixes

• Campaign saves have been optimized.
• Fixed an issue with sound not playing on some 7.1 systems.

To me, StarCraft II is an awesome game for four major reasons:

1. Helps Copy-right issue problem
Frankly, there is too much of iso torrent and illegal downloading of games. I’ve known a lot of my friends using Virtual CD space to play StarCraft I. LAN capability is, of course, a great option to enjoy the games with your friends, but that technical part has caused many gamers to copy & illegally play the game. So I think you have to understand that these games are developed by millions of dollars, and with the devotion of high intense graphic artists and intensive creative works by both smart & artistic individuals, as well as game lovers+developers.

Plus, I think it’s about time a computer game company step-up and protect their propriety products. StarCraft II is unique, creative and artistic game. So it deserves to be protected and well-maintained by Blizzard. Wouldn’t you want to protect your art work & awesome stuff? I would.

2. Awesome Game at an affordable price
Some people think StarCraft II is excessively increasing their price for the game. Well, if you are looking for one of the best graphic RTS games and a unique character developing & challenging story-line game, then I think you know it will cost more to get the best. Plus, if you thought those game trailers are a realistic, high-definition story, then you will know that it costs tons of money creating the graphic effects, and voice acting. Maintaining million players online instantaneously and helping gamers enjoy their game are part of the game costs. Development of this game was estimated at $100 million dollars, and that is a statement given by Wall Street Journal from my previous blog.

Although you may think $60 is expensive at the moment, but if you can enjoy and play the same game for years, then that is a great game: It keeps you interested, and fun. That’s what matters in a computer game: you are entertained & having fun! Not just a year or months, but for years (most likely!)

Playing StarCraft II Terran Campaign

3. Terran Campaign Issue
Some gamers commented “StarCraft II is limited because it plays only the Terran campaign”. Well, think of it this way. The StarCraft has made it to top list in IGN best picked games and StarCraft I fans are demanding more intense game plays with harder, unique, and interesting features. So, in order to make their games more fun, you are playing from three different race perspective: Terran, Zerg, Protoss.

If you saw the StarCraft Game tournaments, you would know Terran is one of the best races. As matter of fact, several top StarCraft I pro-gamers in European StarCraft League played Terran as their main race. So, why not give it a try? What’s so bad about playing Terran (Human)?

But more importantly, StarCraft II- Wings of Liberty has 26 intensive campaign games to play while StarCraft I had only 10 campaigns for each race. It’s not 10 different race campaigns like StarCraft I, but a long chronologically developed Terran campaigns in StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty. Are 26 campaigns boring and not long enough for you to play?

4. Battlenet is logical & common-sense.
I don’t understand why it is annoying if you have to login and play StarCraft II. If you have played World of Warcraft and enjoyed some of free online MMORPG, then playing StarCraft II shouldn’t be a problem. It is really needless to say on this matter. After all, you have to admit that there are tons of free online games and you have to login to play them (either be single campaign(practice game) or multi-player game). It is point-less to say, “WTF? StarCraft II is making me go online every time I play”, when you are logining into Facebook everyday or twitting every other minutes.

Plus, Battlenet is adapting the current trend of various online games & keeping track of your individual achievements. So you can review your game scores, strategy and find old team-mates from the previous games. If the game is on internet, then you can play anywhere you are and save your progress. So you don’t need to pack-up your laptop to enjoy StarCraft II. Just play in your friend’s or cousin’s.

Also did you know you can trade or seller you WoW account to others? I just found out and made a few bucks.

Voice Your Thoughts!
What’s your opinion on StarCraft II? Do you think it is a great game, or is there something you want it to be improved? Write & share your opinions!

It is clearly shown from the first 20 seconds of the trailer, we see Jim Raynor has the close relationship to Kerrigan, the previous

Kerrigan with a sniper rifle

Terran Ghost and Queen of Zerg. Kerrigan was stuck in the midst of the war, fighting against the Zerg swarm and asking for reinforcement “We need an immediate evac!”. As the planet is continuously bombarded and swarmed with Zergs, Jim Raynor was ordered to leave the planet by the Terran Dominion Leader Arcturus Mengsk in the Hyperion (the commanding battle cruiser): “Delay that order. We are moving out”. At that moment, Jim Raynor shouts, “WHAT! You are not just going to leave her!”. (Up to this part, the movie is speaking of the past, and relationship between Kerrigan and Jim Raynor).

The revolution that Jim Raynor is leading in this battle field is to destroy the Terran Dominion and take over their force. That is why Jim Raynor, in this trailer and the game, appears as only as a mercenary Terran soldier and leading a group of dedicated Terran soldiers into the battle field. He is also joining the Moebius Foundation at Mar Sara, where StarCraft I first introduced him as a vulture (a motor bicycle, not an animal for those new into the game) rider and a marshal.  For him, joining the organization is both personal and revolution purposes. Of course, Mar Sar is also attacked by the Zergs, forcing Jim Raynor to join the StarCraft II wars.

As the trailer progress, we finally see Terran Dominion ships appearing from Hyper drive above the Planet Char. Both Terran Dominion and Moebius Foundation form battle formation to attack each other, destroying ships and boarding the enemy ships. In midst of this trailer, we see two new characters: Matt Horner (the one in the General suit), and Tychus Findlay (the marine from very first StarCraft II Cinematic Trailer).

I don’t know how StarCraft II fans feel about their absolute bad-ass words, but I felt the characters played awesome role portraying each character. I loved it when Jim Raynor said, “About time we kick this revolution. You took overdrive.” when the Dominion battle cruisers appeared in the radar and prepares for another epic battle between Terran forces.

Jim Raynor's Skull Armor

It appears that Jim Raynor and Tychus Findlay handle themselves quiet impressive: Jim Raynor alone takes down three marines and drinks victory vodka. But that dramatic doesn’t end in here with a drink of Vodka, obviously. Like an angered tiger and merciless marine, he attacks the Dominion Battleships with Tychus Findlay. One thing that you might wonder is “Why the damn white skull image on the Jim Raynor’s Helmet?” Truth be told, I don’t know a lot about that, but it is portrayed as a metaphoric devil. He is going after the Dominion for vengeance because you wouldn’t see see Jim Raynor pointing a gun Terran Dominion Prince Valerian and killing three Dominion marines if he wasn’t. (Yeah. The black marine suit with White Skull is the Jim Raynor’s Hardcore Armor, if you look carefully.) In my perspective, I think the StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty is all about Jim Raynor’s personal story, revolving the whole game on his political power play, vengeance against Dominion, and putting an end to Kerrigan.

P.S One thing just pop out of the mind while re-watching this trailer: When Kerrigan gives up her hope on the Terran reinforcement, this particular scene reminds me of the main character girl looking into the sky at the swarm of spirit monsters from “Final Fantasy Movie: The Spirit Within”. Quiet catchy the same, I think.

What do you think of this new trailer?  Please leave your comments!

$100 Million in Development of StarCraft II
According to recent news from Wall Street Journals, Blizzard used more than $100 million on the development of StarCraft II and expects that the game sales will increase the Activision’s profits dramatically during the pre-order sales (Source: http://www.gamedot.co.uk/2010/07/20/starcraft-ii-100-million-to-make/). With IGN rating the game as one of top 25 games in 2010 Summer, it has sold more than 16.5 million sales as of today. (Source1, Source 2). In addition, as of yesterday, July 19, 2010, StarCraft II ranked as #1 Top retail game sales in Amazon.com & GameStop.com. (Source)

StarCraft II: Liberty of Wings – Grand Release on July 27, 2010
If you are looking for high-thrilling storyline, with action-packed strategy game and unbeatable graphics, then StarCraft II is the game for you. The game has been developing for more than 6 years, and Blizzard will debut its first sequel to StarCraft I- StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty. Follow your Terran Hero, Jim Raynor in his journey to liberation of Terran from Zerg & Protoss!  If you aren’t sure, then check out the cool StarCraft II Artwork & Game Screen Shots, and Game Play + Trailers!

Pre-order your StarCraft II!
You can order your games at: Amazon and GameStop.