StarCraft Video Game Series
Set in science-fiction reality, the real-time strategy (RTS) series ranks among the strict canon of the genre. StarCraft is one of the three, along with Diablo i World of Warcraft, the leading brands in Blizzard Entertainment's portfolio.
Chris Metzen and James Phinney are considered to be the creators of the series. The first game in the series was released in 1998 and the same year saw an official expansion - StarCraft. StarCraft: Brood War. However, players had to wait more than 12 years for a full-fledged sequel. In July 2010, the game hit store shelves StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty, the first part of a triptych that also included StarCraft II: Heart of the Swarm (2013) i StarCraft II: Legacy of the Void (likely 2015).
The action of the games in the series StarCraft is set in the distant future. The multithreaded plot of the series depicts the struggle between three races: Terrans, Protoss and Zerg, in which the stakes are the domination of a key area of the Milky Way galaxy known as the Korpulu Sector. In doing so, each side of the conflict is guided by different values and has different goals.
The gameplay is based on classic principles for the RTS genre. The players' task is to build a base for acquiring raw materials, developing technology and recruiting units, and then crack down on enemy troops. Each race has a distinct set of units with unique characteristics, as well as specific battle tactics.
Games in the series StarCraft are distinguished by a meticulously refined balance of gameplay. Developers from the Blizzard Entertainment studio placed great emphasis on ensuring that no side has a significant advantage over the others. Thanks to this, duels fought against computer artificial intelligence or live players have a very exciting character. This is also the reason for the popularity of the series in the e-sports world.
StarCraft Series Evolution
2017
StarCraft: Remastered
2010
StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty
1998
StarCraft
StarCraft: Remastered
Strategy
August 14, 2017
An upgraded version of the bestselling 1998 RTS game. Both versions were developed by Blizzard Entertainment. Compared to the original release, the game (including the Brood War expansion) features mainly significantly improved audiovisuals. Although the visuals remain two-dimensional, all the graphic elements have become more detailed. Furthermore, the game supports high resolutions (up to 4K), as well as refreshed audio, which also applies to dialogues between characters. Changes were introduced to the game's online component as well - StarCraft: Remastered offers an advanced system of matchmaking, the option to store one's save files in the cloud, quick button re-mapping, and easy access to fan-made maps and replays. The mechanics remain unchanged - the game is a classic RTS, featuring three playable races (the Terrans, the Protoss, and the Zerg). The gameplay is based on gathering resources, building one's base, conducting research, producing units, and fighting enemies - in combat, taking advantage of both the enemy's weak spots and the strong spots of the player's forces, constitutes the key to success. Apart from six story campaigns (two for each of the races), the game offers an extensive multiplayer component with various game modes.
StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty
Strategy
July 27, 2010
A sequel to a bestselling RTS game released by the Blizzard company in 1998. The story of the second game was split into three separate episodes; Wings of Liberty is the first installment in the trilogy, focusing on Terrans. In the game you meet an old acquaintance - Jim Raynor. Deemed a rebel, now he fights with Zerg forces, who seem to be interested in a mysterious artifact. He also encounters the powerful and mysterious race of Protoss. In comparison with the prequel, gameplay mechanics did not go through any drastic changes, allowing the authors to focus on new, upgraded visuals, multiplayer mode enhancements, and other minor modifications. Single player campaign allows the player to complete the available scenarios in any order and freely choose which technologies to develop. Furthermore, between the missions you can explore the world, talk to non-player characters, and use their services.
- StarCraft II: Legacy of the Void November 10, 2015
- StarCraft II: Heart of the Swarm March 12, 2013
- StarCraft II: Nova Covert Ops March 29, 2016
StarCraft
Strategy
March 28, 1998
A world-famous real-time strategy by the legendary developer Blizzard Entertainment. Set in a science fiction world, the game features dynamic battles between three enemy fractions – the descendants of humans known as Terrans, the enigmatic Protoss, and the insectoid Zerg. StarCraft offers 30 extensive missions divided into three different single player campaigns. Each of the available races is distinguished by unique units, technologies, buildings etc., giving players the opportunity to play in three vastly different styles. The single player mode serves as an introduction to the extensive multiplayer for up to eight players, which has earned StarCraft eternal fame and gathered a huge e-sport community. Additionally, the title offers level and scenario editor allowing for the creation of original levels, units, and even whole campaigns.
- StarCraft: Brood War November 18, 1998
StarCraft Series News
Former Blizzard employee claimed StarCraft 2 earned less than a WoW mount. Now that claim is backfiring on him
Pirate Software's reputation has suffered so much that gamers are digging up older footage of the streamer and pointing out the half-truths and falsehoods of its claims regarding StarCraft 2 revenue.
video games
Jacob Blazewicz
January 24, 2025
StarCraft 2 Receives Its Biggest Update in Years. Blizzard Prepares Game for Game Pass Release
Two weeks before StarCraft 2's Game Pass subscription release, Blizzard began testing a new update. The patch focuses mainly on balance improvements.
video games
Martin Bukowski
October 22, 2024
Blizzard Is Developing New StarCraft Game. Former Far Cry Brand Leader Is in Charge of Shooter, Claims Jason Schreier
Up to three times a piece? That's what Blizzard studio must be thinking because according to credible rumors, it is once again attempting to develop a shooter in the StarCraft universe.
video games
Adrian Werner
September 27, 2024
StarCraft 2 Earned Less Than WoW's Shiny Pony; Blizzard Thrives on Microtransactions
The developer of StarCraft 2: Wings of Liberty says in the first two years after its release the game earned less for Blizzard than a certain mount for World of Warcraft. 'This is why companies rely on microtransactions,' he says.
video games
Hubert Sledziewski
November 13, 2023
Blizzard Boss Doesn't Rule Out Return of Beloved IPs; World Doesn't End on Diablo, Warcraft and Overwatch
Microsoft's acquisition of Blizzard may have a very positive impact on the studio. The team is expected to receive more freedom of action, and its head does not rule out the return of less popular brands, including the StarCraft series.
video games
Adrian Werner
November 7, 2023
Amazon Prime Gaming With 5 Games in August 2022 (Rumor)
There are many indications that we got to know the games that will hit Amazon Prime Gaming's offer in August. Subscribers will be able to download StarCraft: Remastered, among others.
special offers
Kamil Kleszyk
July 25, 2022
StarCraft: Mass Recall Mod Offers SC1 and Brood War Campaign on New Engine
The latest version of StarCraft: Mass Recall mod, which enables us to complete the story campaigns of the original StarCraft and the Brood War expansion using the free edition of the second installment, has been released.
video games
Bart Swiatek
December 28, 2020
StarCraft: Mass Recall Mod Offers SC1 and Brood War Campaign on New Engine
The latest version of StarCraft: Mass Recall mod, which enables us to complete the story campaigns of the original StarCraft and the Brood War expansion using the free edition of the second installment, has been released.
video games
Bart Swiatek
December 28, 2020
Twilight of StarCraft 2 Begins as Blizzard Reduces Support
Ten years after the launch of StarCraft 2: Wings of Liberty, Blizzard Entertainment decided to limit support for the game. Developers will no longer create new paid content for the microtransaction system - collector's item boxes and commanders.
video games
Bart Swiatek
October 16, 2020