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{{Quote|The killing will never stop...until [[Arcturus Mengsk|Mengsk]] is dead.|[[Sarah Kerrigan]] pondering on her desire for vengeance.|url=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6YwEI-ekDIk}}
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{{Quote|The killing will never stop until [[Arcturus Mengsk|Mengsk]] is dead. I'm going to make him pay.|[[Sarah Kerrigan]]|Get it Together}}
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'''''Heart of the Swarm''''' is the name of the ''[[StarCraft II]]'' [[zerg]] campaign and episode.
'''''Heart of the Swarm''''' is the name of the ''[[StarCraft II]]'' [[zerg]] campaign and episode. [[Heart of the Swarm beta|The beta test]] went live September 4, 2012.<ref name ="HotSBetaLive">Blizzard Entertainment. 2012-09-04. [http://us.battle.net/sc2/en/blog/7157306/Heart_of_the_Swarm_Beta_Now_Live_-9_4_2012 Heart of the Swarm Beta Now Live!]. ''Blizzard Entertainment.'' Accessed 2012-09-04.</ref> On November 13, 2012, the release date of March 12, 2013 was announced.<ref name = "HotSPresales"/> Presales became available as of then.<ref>Blizzard Entertainment. 2012-11-13. [https://eu.battle.net/support/en/article/starcraft-ii-heart-of-the-swarm-presale-faq StarCraft II: Heart of the Swarm Presale FAQ]. ''Blizzard Entertainment.'' Accessed 2012-11-13.</ref> The beta ended on March 1st, 2013.<ref>Kaivax. 2013-02-28. [http://us.battle.net//sc2/en/blog/8789570 Heart of the Swarm Beta Ends March 1]. ''Blizzard Entertainment.'' Accessed 2013-03-05.</ref>
 
   
It will be released separately from the other two games<ref name = "KotakuSplit3">Mike Farley. 2008-10-10. [http://kotaku.com/5061980/starcraft-ii-single-player-is-a-trilogy StarCraft II Single Player Is A Trilogy!] ''Kotaku.com'' Accessed 2008-10-10.</ref><ref name = "IGNSplit3">Eduardo Vasconcellos. 2008-10-10. [http://pc.ign.com/articles/918/918895p1.html Blizzcon 08: StarCraft II Split Into Three Games]. ''IGN.'' Accessed 2008-10-10.</ref> and is expected to be priced as an expansion.<ref name = "BPHotSFAQ">Medievaldragon. 2011-10-27. [http://www.blizzplanet.com/blog/comments/blizzcon-2011-starcraft-ii-heart-of-the-swarm-faq BlizzCon 2011: StarCraft II: Heart of the Swarm FAQ]. ''Blizzplanet.'' Accessed 2011-10-28.</ref><ref name = "Drop"/><ref name = "SourcePardo">Webnet. 2009-08-17. [http://www.starcraft-source.com/article/news/view/?id=261 Rob Pardo Q&A - Battle.net, Wings of Liberty, and more]. ''StarCraft Source.'' Accessed 2009-08-29.</ref> The basic set will cost $40 USD and the deluxe set will cost $55<ref>Rick Marshall. 2012-11-13. [http://www.digitaltrends.com/gaming/starcraft-ii-heart-of-the-swarm-will-arrive-march-12/ StarCraft II: Heart of the Swarm arrives March 12 in ‘Standard Edition’ and ‘Deluxe Edition’]. ''Gaming Trends.'' Accessed 2012-11-13.</ref> to $60. The Collector's Edition will cost $80.<ref>Alice O'Connor. 2012-11-13. [http://www.shacknews.com/article/76629/starcraft-2-heart-of-the-swarm-coming-march-2013 StarCraft 2: Heart of the Swarm coming March 12]. ''Shack News.'' Accessed 2012-11-13.</ref>
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It is released separately from the other two games<ref name = "KotakuSplit3">Mike Farley. 2008-10-10. [http://kotaku.com/5061980/starcraft-ii-single-player-is-a-trilogy StarCraft II Single Player Is A Trilogy!] ''Kotaku.com'' Accessed 2008-10-10.</ref><ref name = "IGNSplit3">Eduardo Vasconcellos. 2008-10-10. [http://pc.ign.com/articles/918/918895p1.html Blizzcon 08: StarCraft II Split Into Three Games]. ''IGN.'' Accessed 2008-10-10.</ref> and was priced as an expansion.<ref name = "BPHotSFAQ">Medievaldragon. 2011-10-27. [http://www.blizzplanet.com/blog/comments/blizzcon-2011-starcraft-ii-heart-of-the-swarm-faq BlizzCon 2011: StarCraft II: Heart of the Swarm FAQ]. ''Blizzplanet.'' Accessed 2011-10-28.</ref><ref name = "Drop"/><ref name = "SourcePardo">Webnet. 2009-08-17. [http://www.starcraft-source.com/article/news/view/?id=261 Rob Pardo Q&A - Battle.net, Wings of Liberty, and more]. ''StarCraft Source.'' Accessed 2009-08-29.</ref> The basic set costs $40 USD and the deluxe set costs $55<ref>Rick Marshall. 2012-11-13. [http://www.digitaltrends.com/gaming/starcraft-ii-heart-of-the-swarm-will-arrive-march-12/ StarCraft II: Heart of the Swarm arrives March 12 in ‘Standard Edition’ and ‘Deluxe Edition’]. ''Gaming Trends.'' Accessed 2012-11-13.</ref> to $60. The Collector's Edition costs $80.<ref>Alice O'Connor. 2012-11-13. [http://www.shacknews.com/article/76629/starcraft-2-heart-of-the-swarm-coming-march-2013 StarCraft 2: Heart of the Swarm coming March 12]. ''Shack News.'' Accessed 2012-11-13.</ref>
   
 
It follows ''[[StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty|Wings of Liberty]]'' and precedes ''[[StarCraft II: Legacy of the Void|Legacy of the Void]]'' chronologically<ref name = "LorePanel2010">Chris Metzen, Brian Kindregan, StarCraft Legacy staff. 2010-10-23. [http://sclegacy.com/feature/106-blizzcon-2010/899-blizzcon-2010-starcraft-ii-lore-panel BlizzCon 2010 StarCraft II Lore Panel]. ''StarCraft Legacy.'' Accessed 2010-10-25.</ref><ref name = "BlizzCon 2008 Lore Panel">StarCraft Legacy staff. 2008-04-04. [http://sclegacy.com/feature/33-bc-08/337-starcraft-ii-lore-panel StarCraft II Lore Panel]. ''StarCraft Legacy''. Accessed on 2009-05-12</ref> and storywise.<ref name = "QA46">2007-17-11, [http://forums.battle.net/thread.html?topicId=12662133120&sid=3000 StarCraft II Q&A - Batch 46]. ''[[Karune]]''. Accessed on 2008-18-11</ref>
 
It follows ''[[StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty|Wings of Liberty]]'' and precedes ''[[StarCraft II: Legacy of the Void|Legacy of the Void]]'' chronologically<ref name = "LorePanel2010">Chris Metzen, Brian Kindregan, StarCraft Legacy staff. 2010-10-23. [http://sclegacy.com/feature/106-blizzcon-2010/899-blizzcon-2010-starcraft-ii-lore-panel BlizzCon 2010 StarCraft II Lore Panel]. ''StarCraft Legacy.'' Accessed 2010-10-25.</ref><ref name = "BlizzCon 2008 Lore Panel">StarCraft Legacy staff. 2008-04-04. [http://sclegacy.com/feature/33-bc-08/337-starcraft-ii-lore-panel StarCraft II Lore Panel]. ''StarCraft Legacy''. Accessed on 2009-05-12</ref> and storywise.<ref name = "QA46">2007-17-11, [http://forums.battle.net/thread.html?topicId=12662133120&sid=3000 StarCraft II Q&A - Batch 46]. ''[[Karune]]''. Accessed on 2008-18-11</ref>
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Who ''is'' Sarah Kerrigan?<ref>Blizzard Entertainment staff. [http://eu.battle.net/sc2/en/game/heart-of-the-swarm-preview/story?page=4 Story]. ''Blizzard Entertainment.'' Accessed 2011-09-01.</ref>
 
Who ''is'' Sarah Kerrigan?<ref>Blizzard Entertainment staff. [http://eu.battle.net/sc2/en/game/heart-of-the-swarm-preview/story?page=4 Story]. ''Blizzard Entertainment.'' Accessed 2011-09-01.</ref>
   
==Development==
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==Storyline==
 
{{StarCraft storyline}}
[[File:Heart of the Swarm SC2 Logo1.jpg|thumb|Development image]]
 
 
{{Quote|How many innocents have [[Sarah Kerrigan|you]] killed? How many more have to die?|[[Horace Warfield]]|Conscience}}
Blizzard's storyboard team was already working on ''Heart of the Swarm'' while ''Wings of Liberty''{{'}}s gameplay was refined.<ref>Chris Metzen, Justin Kranzl. 2010-04-28. [http://www.vg247.com/2010/04/28/interview-blizzards-chris-metzen-on-the-wow-movie-heart-of-the-swarm-more/ Interview: Blizzard’s Chris Metzen on the WoW movie, Heart of the Swarm, more]. ''VG247.'' Accessed 2010-06-26.</ref><ref>2010-04-30, [http://www.blizzplanet.com/blog/comments/giantbomb_chris_metzen_talks_starcraft_ii_and_world_of_warcraft_cataclysm/ GiantBomb: Chris Metzen Talks StarCraft II and World of Warcraft: Cataclysm]. ''Blizzplanet'', accessed on 2010-05-06</ref>
 
   
 
''Heart of the Swarm'' is a sequel to ''Wings of Liberty''.<ref name = "MTVHotS">Russ Frushtick. 2010-08-23. [http://multiplayerblog.mtv.com/2010/08/23/starcraft-2-heart-of-the-swarm-update/ Blizzard Gives An Update On 'StarCraft 2: Heart of the Swarm']. ''MTV Multiplayer.'' Accessed 2010-08-24.</ref> It focuses on [[Sarah Kerrigan]]<ref name = "WEGTrilogy">Rob Pardo. 2008-10-10. [http://www.wegame.com/watch/Starcraft_2_Trilogy_Announcement/ Starcraft 2 Trilogy Announcement]. ''Wegame.com'' Accessed 2008-10-12.</ref> and the development of a zerg empire.<ref>2009-06-29, Jonathan Ross, [http://www.destructoid.com/destructoid-interview-starcraft-ii-s-dustin-browder-137841.phtml Destructoid interview: StarCraft II's Dustin Browder]. ''Destructoid''. Accessed on 2009-07-23</ref> Kerrigan is no longer considered the Queen of Blades. Questions remain about why Kerrigan is no longer with [[Jim Raynor]] and whether her transformation has given her new purpose.<ref>Blizzard Entertainment. [http://us.battle.net/sc2/en/game/heart-of-the-swarm-preview/story Story]. ''Blizzard Entertainment.'' Accessed 2011-06-01.</ref> It begins three weeks after the end of ''Wings of Liberty''.<ref name = "HotSRetail">Blizzard Entertainment. ''[[StarCraft II: Heart of the Swarm]].'' (Activision Blizzard) (in English). March 12, 2013</ref> Kerrigan is treated as an anti-hero storywise, and will have to make peace with her relationship with the Swarm over the course of the story. Themes of identity and responsibility will be present, of how responsible Kerrigan is for her actions and whether there are some crimes that can't be forgiven. She is torn in a sense, with her love for Raynor pulling her in one direction, and her hatred for Mengsk pulling her in another.<ref name = "BC2011LorePanel">2011-10-22, [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rz4nMWExg98 BlizzCon 2011 - Starcraft 2: Heart of the Swarm - Campaign and Lore Panel (Full)]. ''YouTube'', accessed on 2011-11-07</ref>
As of March 2011 [[Dustin Browder]] expected ''Heart of the Swarm'' to finish development in approximately one year.<ref>Medievaldragon. 2011-03-06. [http://www.blizzplanet.com/blog/comments/gdc-2011-dustin-browder-confirms-starcraft-ii-heart-of-the-swarm-on-2012 GDC 2011: Dustin Browder Confirms StarCraft II: Heart of the Swarm on 2012]. ''Blizzplanet.'' Accessed 2011-03-05.</ref> As of July 2011, the first part of the campaign (including cutscenes) had been completed.<ref>2011-07-27, [http://sea.battle.net/sc2/en/blog/163365 Happy Birthday, StarCraft II!]. Blizzard Entertainment, accessed on 2011-07-29</ref>
 
   
  +
===Summary===
''Heart of the Swarm'' has 20 main missions and 7 optional evolution missions, and in much of the world, it has been priced as an expansion.<ref name = "Drop">Lovedrop. 2011-05-31. [http://www.teamliquid.net/forum/viewmessage.php?topic_id=228212 TeamLiquid Heart of the Swarm Preview]. ''Teamliquid.'' Accessed 2011-05-31.</ref> It requires an installed version of ''Wings of Liberty'' to play.<ref name = "Atomic"/>
 
 
During the [[Battle of Char (Dangerous Game)|Invasion of Char]], the zerg were recalled to Char, and were in route aboard [[leviathan]]s when Kerrigan was deinfested. The broods aboard the leviathans died or scattered over the [[Koprulu Sector]], according to [[Izsha]].<ref name = "LegacyHotSPreview"/><br/><br/> And the (temporary) absence of a leader for the Swarm opened the way to rogue/dissident [[brood mother]]s, such as [[Zagara]].<ref name = "LegacyHotSPreview"/>
   
 
Following the battle, Kerrigan was transformed into a human form but still has some infested elements (such as her "dreadlocks") leaving open the question of how infested is she, and whether she had her original personality back. Kerrigan was [[Flashpoint Conflict|taken]] by [[Jim Raynor]] and [[Valerian Mengsk]] to a lab while she tried to reform the [[Zerg Swarm]] in order to topple [[Arcturus Mengsk]].<ref name = "EbbyMDInterview">Jonny Ebbert, Medievaldragon. 2011-09-17. [http://www.blizzplanet.com/blog/comments/jonny-ebbert-talks-starcraft-ii-heart-of-the-swarm Jonny Ebbert Talks StarCraft II: Heart of the Swarm]. ''Blizzplanet.'' Accessed 2011-09-17.</ref>
The development team numbers over 150, with a core team of 70 developers.<ref name = "GamespotQ&A"/>
 
   
 
A [[Terran Dominion]] task force led by [[Nova Terra]] attacked the lab, seeking Kerrigan. Raynor was also there, fighting and attempting to protect Kerrigan.<ref name="HotSTeaser1">2011-05-31. Blizzard Entertainment. [http://www.gametrailers.com/video/debut-teaser-starcraft-ii/714345 Debut Teaser HD]. ''Gametrailers.'' Accessed 2011-05-31.</ref> Meanwhile, General [[Horace Warfield]]'s forces are attempting to purge [[Char]].<ref name = "LegacyHotSPreview"/>
In October of 2011, Blizzard began releasing preview art of new units.<ref name = "FBNewUnit">2011-10-06. [http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10150414630507457&set=a.10150414625217457.406451.178337772456&type=1 StarCraft II: Heart of the Swarm Preview]. ''Facebook (StarCraft)''. Accessed 2011-10-07.</ref><ref>2011-10-10. [http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10150421759727457&set=a.305747407456.191804.178337772456&type=1&ref=nf Wall Photos]. ''Facebook (StarCraft)''. Accessed 2011-10-10.</ref><ref>[https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10150432028812457&set=a.10150414625217457.406451.178337772456&type=3&theater StarCraft II: Heart of the Swarm Preview]. ''Facebook (StarCraft).'' Accessed 2011-10-19.</ref>
 
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{{Stub}}
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==Gameplay==
   
 
A few updates have been made to the game's graphics engine, including upgrades to the look and behavior of zerg [[creep]], as well as some changes that allow Blizzard artists to better showcase the worlds in the game. However, Blizzard intends for the expansion to have the same minimum hardware requirements as ''Wings of Liberty''.<ref name = "BlizzplanetF&Q">2011-10-27, [http://www.blizzplanet.com/blog/comments/blizzcon-2011-starcraft-ii-heart-of-the-swarm-faq BlizzCon 2011: StarCraft II: Heart of the Swarm FAQ]. ''Blizzplanet'', accessed on 2011-11-06</ref>
 
A few updates have been made to the game's graphics engine, including upgrades to the look and behavior of zerg [[creep]], as well as some changes that allow Blizzard artists to better showcase the worlds in the game. However, Blizzard intends for the expansion to have the same minimum hardware requirements as ''Wings of Liberty''.<ref name = "BlizzplanetF&Q">2011-10-27, [http://www.blizzplanet.com/blog/comments/blizzcon-2011-starcraft-ii-heart-of-the-swarm-faq BlizzCon 2011: StarCraft II: Heart of the Swarm FAQ]. ''Blizzplanet'', accessed on 2011-11-06</ref>
   
 
A new feature is the [[rock pillar]]<ref name = "TLJuneReport">Blizzard Entertainment, Teamliquid. 2012-06-09. [http://www.teamliquid.net/forum/viewmessage.php?topic_id=343491 Heart of the Swarm Update]. ''Blizzard Entertainment.'' Accessed 2012-06-09.</ref>/collapsable rock tower,<ref name = "HotSJuneBR">Blizzard Entertainment. 2012-06-08. [http://us.battle.net/sc2/en/blog/6306259 Heart of the Swarm Update - New Videos] ([http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=0gcs52bErU4 StarCraft II: Heart of the Swarm - Battle Report (Protoss vs Zerg)]). ''Blizzard Entertainment.'' Accessed 2012-06-08.</ref> which can be destroyed in order to block off a choke point.<ref name = "TLJuneReport">Blizzard Entertainment, Teamliquid. 2012-06-09. [http://www.teamliquid.net/forum/viewmessage.php?topic_id=343491 Heart of the Swarm Update]. ''Blizzard Entertainment.'' Accessed 2012-06-09.</ref>
====Destruction of Worlds====
 
During the campaign, players can use the Destruction of Worlds mechanic to add a planet's resources to the Swarm's own resources.<ref>Bashiok. 2011-10-20. [http://us.battle.net/blizzcon/en/blog/3761495/StarCraft_II_Heart_of_the_Swarm-10_21_2011#blog StarCraft II: Heart of the Swarm]. ''Blizzard Entertainment.'' Accessed 2011-10-22.</ref> This evolves the swarm, not individual units. Old [[broodmother]]s will contact Kerrigan, wanting to rejoin the Swarm. [[Izsha]] will identify worlds to destroy, each of which gives a benefit. For instance, one might enable [[drone]]s to harvest more [[minerals]], or give [[overlord]]s more [[control]].<ref name = "HotSPanel"/> On the subject of worlds, several exotic ones will feature, driving home how the zerg use the harsh conditions of worlds to further their own evolution..<ref>2011-11-08, [http://www.pcgamer.com/2011/11/08/starcraft-ii-heart-of-the-swarm-interview%E2%80%94blizzard-breaks-down-zerg-lore/ StarCraft II: Heart of the Swarm interview—Blizzard breaks down Zerg lore]. ''PC Gamer'', accessed on 2011-11-19</ref>
 
   
 
Main and gas-extracting structures now display by passing the cursor the number of [[worker]]s related to it.<ref name = "HotSJuneBR">Blizzard Entertainment. 2012-06-08. [http://us.battle.net/sc2/en/blog/6306259 Heart of the Swarm Update - New Videos] ([http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=0gcs52bErU4 StarCraft II: Heart of the Swarm - Battle Report (Protoss vs Zerg)]). ''Blizzard Entertainment.'' Accessed 2012-06-08.</ref> For example, passing a cursor on a hatchery will show "workers: 10/24" and on an extractor will show "workers: 0/3").<ref name = "HotSJuneBR">Blizzard Entertainment. 2012-06-08. [http://us.battle.net/sc2/en/blog/6306259 Heart of the Swarm Update - New Videos] ([http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=0gcs52bErU4 StarCraft II: Heart of the Swarm - Battle Report (Protoss vs Zerg)]). ''Blizzard Entertainment.'' Accessed 2012-06-08.</ref>
{{clear}}
 
   
===Beta Test===
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===Singleplayer===
 
''Heart of the Swarm'' has 20 main missions and 7 optional evolution missions.<ref name = "Drop">Lovedrop. 2011-05-31. [http://www.teamliquid.net/forum/viewmessage.php?topic_id=228212 TeamLiquid Heart of the Swarm Preview]. ''Teamliquid.'' Accessed 2011-05-31.</ref> It requires an installed version of ''Wings of Liberty'' to play.<ref name = "Atomic"/>
{{Main|Heart of the Swarm beta}}
 
The ''Heart of the Swarm'' beta went live in September 2012.<ref name ="HotSBetaLive"/> It was expected to last 3-5 months.<ref name = "FansiteInterview"/> By June 2012 the missions were complete, and [[Dustin Browder]] believed the game would be released that year. However, there was a lot of multiplayer work, UI, art and debugging to work on.<ref>TheRealGiantBomb. 2012-06-15. [http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=oqA-3hvErDg The Guts of StarCraft II: Heart of the Swarm]. ''Youtube.'' Accessed 2012-06-16.</ref> The game's release date was finalized as March 12, 2013.<ref name = "HotSPresales"/>
 
   
 
[[A canon]] choices are the default in regards to the events of ''Wings of Liberty'', but the game reflects player choices.<ref name = "HotSPanel">SoMuchMass. 2011-10-22. [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rz4nMWExg98 BlizzCon 2011 - Starcraft 2: Heart of the Swarm - Campaign and Lore Panel (Full)]. ''Youtube.'' Accessed 2011-10-22.</ref> References are made in character dialogue to such events.<ref name = "BC2011LorePanel"/> However, the impact of individual choices in ''Wings of Liberty'' is small.<ref name = "KindreganQA10">Brian T. Kindregan. 2012-12-24. [http://us.battle.net/sc2/en/blog/8226551 StarCraft II Creative Development Q&A - Part 10]. ''Blizzard Entertainment.'' Accessed 2012-12-24.</ref>
==Storyline==
 
{{StarCraft storyline}}
 
{{Quote|How many innocents have you killed? How many more have to die?"|[[Horace Warfield]] confronting Kerrigan.|url=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6YwEI-ekDIk}}
 
[[File:Intro SC2-HotS VCine1|left|thumb|Introduction cinematic]]
 
''Heart of the Swarm'' is a sequel to ''Wings of Liberty''.<ref name = "MTVHotS">Russ Frushtick. 2010-08-23. [http://multiplayerblog.mtv.com/2010/08/23/starcraft-2-heart-of-the-swarm-update/ Blizzard Gives An Update On 'StarCraft 2: Heart of the Swarm']. ''MTV Multiplayer.'' Accessed 2010-08-24.</ref> It focuses on [[Sarah Kerrigan]]<ref name = "WEGTrilogy">Rob Pardo. 2008-10-10. [http://www.wegame.com/watch/Starcraft_2_Trilogy_Announcement/ Starcraft 2 Trilogy Announcement]. ''Wegame.com'' Accessed 2008-10-12.</ref> and the development of a zerg empire.<ref>2009-06-29, Jonathan Ross, [http://www.destructoid.com/destructoid-interview-starcraft-ii-s-dustin-browder-137841.phtml Destructoid interview: StarCraft II's Dustin Browder]. ''Destructoid''. Accessed on 2009-07-23</ref> Kerrigan is no longer considered the Queen of Blades. Questions remain about why Kerrigan is no longer with [[Jim Raynor]] and whether her transformation has given her new purpose.<ref>Blizzard Entertainment. [http://us.battle.net/sc2/en/game/heart-of-the-swarm-preview/story Story]. ''Blizzard Entertainment.'' Accessed 2011-06-01.</ref> More will be seen of the [[Kel-Morian Combine]] and [[Umojan Protectorate]].<ref name = "BPKindregan2010">Brian Kindregan, Eldorian. 2010-10-28. [http://www.blizzplanet.com/blog/comments/sc2-interview Blizzcon: Interview with StarCraft 2 Lead Writer Brian Kindregan]. ''Blizzplanet.'' Accessed 2010-10-31.</ref> It begins three weeks after the end of ''Wings of Liberty''.<ref name = "HotSRetail">Blizzard Entertainment. ''[[StarCraft II: Heart of the Swarm]].'' (Activision Blizzard) (in English). March 12, 2013</ref>
 
   
 
The campaign operates similarly to an RPG, in which Kerrigan is focused on increasing her personal power through mutations. Zerg armies protect her as she garners this power.<ref name = "SpyBrowder2">Allen 'Delsyn' Rausch, Dustin Browder. 2008-10-10. [http://pc.gamespy.com/pc/starcraft-2/918963p2.html StarCraft II: Making the Split (PC) (page 2)]. ''Gamespy.'' Accessed 2008-10-12.</ref> The greater her power, the more zerg she's able to control.<ref name = "Brain Trust">2008-17-10, [http://www.giantbomb.com/news/qa-the-starcraft-ii-brain-trust/388/ Q&A: The Starcraft II Brain Trust]. ''Giant Bomb News''. Accessed on 2008-20-10</ref> Like ''Wings of Liberty'', the player is presented with choices as to which missions to carry out and which units to get, but such choices aren't be based on cash.<ref>2009-06-29, Jonathan Ross, [http://www.destructoid.com/destructoid-interview-starcraft-ii-s-dustin-browder-137841.phtml Destructoid interview: StarCraft II's Dustin Browder]. ''Destructoid''. Accessed on 2009-07-29</ref> Both the missions and their objectives are intended to be quite different from the ones featured in ''Wings of Liberty''.<ref>2010-05-02, [http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/02/blizzards-dustin-browder-talks-starcraft-2/ Blizzard's Dustin Browder talks StarCraft 2]. ''JoyStiq'', accessed on 2010-05-03</ref> She will instead worry about evolving the Swarm.<ref name = "Afterwords3">Dustin Browder, Phil Kollar. 2010-09-19. [http://gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2010/09/19/afterwords-starcraft-ii.aspx?PostPageIndex=3 Afterwords: StarCraft II]. ''Game Informer.'' Accessed 2010-09-21.</ref>
During the [[Battle of Char (Dangerous Game)|Invasion of Char]], the zerg were recalled to Char, and were in route aboard [[leviathan]]s when Kerrigan was deinfested. The broods aboard the leviathans died or scattered over the [[Koprulu Sector]], according to [[Izsha]].<ref name = "LegacyHotSPreview"/><br/><br/> And the (temporary) absence of a leader for the Swarm opened the way to rogue/dissident [[brood mother]]s, such as [[Zagara]].<ref name = "LegacyHotSPreview"/>
 
   
 
The campaign features a branched storyline structure.<ref name = "MTVHotS"/> Each planet gives access to multiple missions.<ref name = "LegacyHotSPreview">StarCraft Legacy staff. 2011-05-30. [http://sclegacy.com/feature/3-events/1016-may-2011-hots-gameplay-info May 2011 HoTS Gameplay Info]. ''StarCraft Legacy.'' Accessed 2011-05-31.</ref> The set pieces alter in accordance with planet and the results of missions.<ref>2011-05-31, [http://www.g4tv.com/games/pc/64349/starcraft-ii-heart-of-the-swarm/articles/74617/starcraft-2-heart-of-the-swarm-preview-part-1-getting-to-know-the-swarm/ Know the Swarm]. ''G4TV'', accessed on 2011-07-08</ref> It is intended that the missions strike a balance in regards to foes, with terrans, zerg, and protoss getting equal limelight.<ref name = "FansiteInterview"/>
Following the battle, Kerrigan was transformed into a human form but still has some infested elements (such as her "dreadlocks") leaving open the question of how infested is she, and whether she had her original personality back. Kerrigan was [[Flashpoint Conflict|taken]] by [[Jim Raynor]] and [[Valerian Mengsk]] to a lab while she tried to reform the [[Zerg Swarm]] in order to topple [[Arcturus Mengsk]].<ref name = "EbbyMDInterview">Jonny Ebbert, Medievaldragon. 2011-09-17. [http://www.blizzplanet.com/blog/comments/jonny-ebbert-talks-starcraft-ii-heart-of-the-swarm Jonny Ebbert Talks StarCraft II: Heart of the Swarm]. ''Blizzplanet.'' Accessed 2011-09-17.</ref>
 
   
 
Missions cannot be skipped, but their order can be changed.<Ref>Dustin Browder, Teamliquid. 2013-01-21. [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WBtgb1rc2xE&feature=player_embedded Interview with Dustin Browder - HotS Press Event Jan 2013]. ''Youtube.'' Accessed 2013-01-24.</ref> Browder expects that it will take the average player 20 or fewer hours to complete the campaign.<ref name = "GamespotQ&A"/> Many [[hybrid]]s will appear in the campaign as opponents to Kerrigan.<ref name = "BC2011LorePanel"/>
A [[Terran Dominion]] task force led by [[Nova Terra]] attacked the lab, seeking Kerrigan. Raynor was also there, fighting and attempting to protect Kerrigan.<ref name="HotSTeaser1">2011-05-31. Blizzard Entertainment. [http://www.gametrailers.com/video/debut-teaser-starcraft-ii/714345 Debut Teaser HD]. ''Gametrailers.'' Accessed 2011-05-31.</ref> Meanwhile, General [[Horace Warfield]]'s forces are attempting to purge [[Char]].<ref name = "LegacyHotSPreview"/>
 
{{clear}}
 
<youtube>SG_3R9BoVvg</youtube>
 
{{clear}}
 
One of Kerrigan's goals is to reunify and enhance the swarm before dealing with [[Arcturus Mengsk]].<ref name = "LegacyHotSPreview"/> She has to make hard choices over the course of the campaign&mdash;she's on the run in a sense and will have to defend against herself against other races due to her past as the Queen of Blades.<ref name = "ShackNews"/> She is amnesiac, and unsure of her place in regards to her subordinates.<ref>2011-05-31, [http://kotaku.com/5806131/hands-on-with-starcraft-ii-heart-of-the-swarm-now-with-more-rpg-and-space-yetis Hands On With StarCraft II: Heart of the Swarm’s Campaign, Now With More RPG and Space Yetis]. ''Kotaku'', accessed on 2011-06-09</ref> The question will be asked as to whether Kerrigan succumbs to her rage and is destroyed by it, or can she transcend it? Still, a more sympathetic side to Kerrigan will be seen.<ref name = "GamespotQ&A">2011-08-01, [http://au.gamespot.com/news/6325853/starcraft-ii-heart-of-the-swarm-qanda-with-dustin-browder StarCraft II: Heart of the Swarm Q&A With Dustin Browder]. ''Gamespot'', accessed on 2011-08-13</ref>
 
   
 
The missions of the game are intended to have a different feel than those in ''Wings of Liberty''. In the first game of the trilogy, the zerg were rarely engaged directly and instead, it was about Raynor side-stepping them while completing his objectives. In ''Heart of the Swarm'', the missions are more offensive in nature, such as preventing anyone from escaping an invaded planet.<ref name = "BC2011LorePanel"/>
The story is intended to have a darker feel than ''Wings of Liberty'', due to the zerg being the protagonists.<ref name="ShackNews">2011-06-01, [http://www.shacknews.com/article/68627/interview-starcraft-2-heart-swarm Interview: StarCraft 2: Heart of the Swarm director Dustin Browder]. ''Shack News'', accessed on 2011-07-08</ref> According to writer [[Brian T. Kindregan]], the story is going to be "a complete story of Sarah Kerrigan and the zerg," and that it have "its own satisfying ending."<ref>2011-06-?, [http://arstechnica.com/gaming/news/2011/06/heart-of-the-swarm.ars StarCraft II: Heart of the Swarm features mutating DNA, yetis from space]. ''Ars Technica'', accessed on 2011-07-08</ref> He intends for the story to convey the zerg mindset and their code of ethics, though not so far to convey the idea that the zerg are simply misunderstood. Striking a balance between the "alienness" of zerg characters yet also making them relatable is another issue.<ref name = "Atomic">2011-06-15, [http://www.atomicmpc.com.au/Feature/260571,starcraft-2-heart-of-the-swarm-video-preview.aspx Starcraft 2: Heart of the Swarm video preview]. ''Atomic'', accessed on 2011-07-08</ref> Kerrigan is treated as an anti-hero storywise, and will have to make peace with her relationship with the Swarm over the course of the story. Themes of identity and responsibility will be present, of how responsible Kerrigan is for her actions and whether there are some crimes that can't be forgiven. She is torn in a sense, with her love for Raynor pulling her in one direction, and her hatred for Mengsk pulling her in another.<ref name = "BC2011LorePanel">2011-10-22, [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rz4nMWExg98 BlizzCon 2011 - Starcraft 2: Heart of the Swarm - Campaign and Lore Panel (Full)]. ''YouTube'', accessed on 2011-11-07</ref>
 
   
 
It is intended that character lines will be altered slightly based on context&mdash;not new scenes, but ones that will be contextually appropriate.<ref name="ShackNews">2011-06-01, [http://www.shacknews.com/article/68627/interview-starcraft-2-heart-swarm Interview: StarCraft 2: Heart of the Swarm director Dustin Browder]. ''Shack News'', accessed on 2011-07-08</ref>
More emphasis will be placed on mission cutscenes than ''Wings of Liberty'' in regards to conveying backstory, such as information about the zerg.<ref name = "FansiteInterview"/> [[Dustin Browder]] has acknowledged that ''Wings of Liberty'' suffered from a lack of clarity at times, that character motivations were vague and the story lacked central focus. In contrast, ''Heart of the Swarm'' will keep its focus on Kerrigan much more and hopefully avoid those problems.<ref>2012-06-15, [http://sclegacy.com/news/23-sc2/1160-dustin-browder-interview-mlg-anaheim-2012 Dustin Browder Interview - MLG Anaheim 2012]. ''StarCraft Legacy'', accessed on 2012-07-19</ref>
 
   
 
There is little use for air-to-air units in the campaign.<ref name = "FansiteInterview"/>
Location-wise, ''Heart of the Swarm'' is intended to show more exotic locales than the ones featured in ''Wings of Liberty''&mdash;no "farm areas" for instance. Ideas for locations include gas giants, frozen and hot worlds, places where the zerg were first formed and Dominion labs.<ref name = "GamespotQ&A"/> Concept art shown at [[BlizzCon 2010]] depicts a (number of) jungle setting(s).<ref name = "BC2010Art"/>
 
   
 
====Kerrigan's Evolution====
It is unlikely that many characters from ''Wings of Liberty'' will return for ''Heart of the Swarm'' bar [[Jim Raynor]] and [[Arcturus Mengsk]].<ref name = "FansiteInterview"/> Characters from ''[[StarCraft: Brood War]]'' will make appearances, with [[Samir Duran]] cited as one such possibility.<ref name = "GamespotQ&A"/> [[Gabriel Tosh]] will not return,<ref name = "Apr19QA">Dustin Browder, Chris Sigaty, StarCraft Legacy staff. 2010-04-22. [http://sclegacy.com/feature/3-events/670-april-19th-wings-of-liberty-fansite-qa-session April 19th Wings of Liberty Fansite QA Session]. ''StarCraft Legacy.'' Accessed 2010-04-23.</ref> while [[Valerian Mengsk]] will.<ref name = "LorePanel2010">StarCraft Legacy staff. 2010-10-23. [http://sclegacy.com/feature/106-blizzcon-2010/899-blizzcon-2010-starcraft-ii-lore-panel BlizzCon 2010 StarCraft II Lore Panel]. ''StarCraft Legacy.'' Accessed 2010-10-25.</ref> [[Zeratul]] will make an appearance in the game.<ref name = "BC2011LorePanel">2011-10-22, [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rz4nMWExg98 BlizzCon 2011 - Starcraft 2: Heart of the Swarm - Campaign and Lore Panel (Full)]. ''YouTube'', accessed on 2011-11-07</ref>
 
 
{{Main|Sarah Kerrigan (Heart of the Swarm)}}
 
Kerrigan can increase her stats in a manner similar to ''[[Warcraft III]]'', but not to the same extent.<ref name = "Atomic"/> She is present on almost every singleplayer mission. Unlike Raynor, Kerrigan is a creature of power that leads her army from the front And unlike ''Wings of Liberty'', the mission isn’t over if she dies. Kerrigan is able to revive at the nearest hatchery if she is killed, allowing players to use her aggressively.<ref name = "BlizzInsider">Dustin Browder, Blizzard Entertainment staff. 2011-05-31. [http://us.battle.net/sc2/en/blog/2852733 Blizzard Insider Interview With Dustin Browder]. ''Blizzard Entertainment's Battle.net official website'' Accessed 2011-06-01.</ref>
   
 
Kerrigan initially starts out looking very human and armed with a gun, though she can control zerg forces.<ref name = "LegacyHotSPreview"/><br/><br/> Each battle focus allows Kerrigan to have a certain set of special abilities.<ref name = "LegacyHotSPreview"/><br/><br/>
Blizzard intends to use [[A canon]] choices by default in regards to the events of ''Wings of Liberty'', but wants to use whichever choice a player made in ''Wings of Liberty''.<ref name = "HotSPanel">SoMuchMass. 2011-10-22. [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rz4nMWExg98 BlizzCon 2011 - Starcraft 2: Heart of the Swarm - Campaign and Lore Panel (Full)]. ''Youtube.'' Accessed 2011-10-22.</ref> References will be made in character dialogue to such events.<ref name = "BC2011LorePanel"/> However, the impact of individual choices in ''Wings of Liberty'' will be small.<ref name = "KindreganQA10">Brian T. Kindregan. 2012-12-24. [http://us.battle.net/sc2/en/blog/8226551 StarCraft II Creative Development Q&A - Part 10]. ''Blizzard Entertainment.'' Accessed 2012-12-24.</ref>
 
   
 
====Unit Evolution Mechanics====
==Gameplay==
 
 
{{Main|Evolution pit}}
 
About the "hive-evolution" mechanic Dustin Browder said "we are trying to focus the player on finding new DNA from exotic and strange creatures around the sector so that you really feel like the key to zerg success is finding and infesting the immense, deadly monsters that live on the most savage planets in the galaxy."<ref name = "BlizzInsider">Dustin Browder, Blizzard Entertainment staff. 2011-05-31. [http://us.battle.net/sc2/en/blog/2852733 Blizzard Insider Interview With Dustin Browder]. ''Blizzard Entertainment's Battle.net official website'' Accessed 2011-06-01.</ref> It is intended that the choices of unit type/evolution by less clear-cut than in ''Wings of Liberty'', with different options being equally viable.<ref name = "FansiteInterview"/>
  +
 
Mini-missions are available when a unit split is available. The missions allow the player to use both types of units, enabling the player to make an educated choice by the end of it.<ref name = "HotSPanel">SoMuchMass. 2011-10-22. [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rz4nMWExg98 BlizzCon 2011 - Starcraft 2: Heart of the Swarm - Campaign and Lore Panel (Full)]. ''Youtube.'' Accessed 2011-10-22.</ref> These changes cannot be reverted.<ref name = "SCLegacyHotsPresent"/>
  +
 
There are 14 or so short skirmishes far from the standard missions. In one example, zerglings can be upgraded into [[raptor]]s by absorbing the genetics of leaping creatures, while the alternative is to listen to a {{link|queen|SC2}} on a remote world who has developed [[swarmling]]s.<ref>Bashiok. 2011-10-20. [http://us.battle.net/blizzcon/en/blog/3761495/StarCraft_II_Heart_of_the_Swarm-10_21_2011#blog StarCraft II: Heart of the Swarm]. ''Blizzard Entertainment.'' Accessed 2011-10-22.</ref> This is a change from the old [[mutagen]] system of evolution, which developers felt was too similar to the system of upgrades in ''Wings of Liberty''.<ref name = "BC2011LorePanel"/>
  +
 
Another example of an evolution mission involved [[baneling]]s. [[Abathur]] arranges for banelings to evolve into [[splitterling]]s on one planet by absorbing the genetic essence of its indigenous lifeforms. Alternatively, the banelings can be subjected to natural selection on a volcanic world, where lava flows kill many until they evolve jumping abilities to avoid that.<ref name = "SCLJan17Press">StarCraft Legacy staff. 2013-01-22. [http://www.sclegacy.com/site/feature/3-events/1210 January 17 HotS Press Event]. ''StarCraft Legacy.'' Accessed 2013-01-22.</ref>
  +
 
====Destruction of Worlds====
 
During the campaign, players can use the Destruction of Worlds mechanic to add a planet's resources to the Swarm's own resources.<ref>Bashiok. 2011-10-20. [http://us.battle.net/blizzcon/en/blog/3761495/StarCraft_II_Heart_of_the_Swarm-10_21_2011#blog StarCraft II: Heart of the Swarm]. ''Blizzard Entertainment.'' Accessed 2011-10-22.</ref> This evolves the swarm, not individual units. Old [[broodmother]]s will contact Kerrigan, wanting to rejoin the Swarm. [[Izsha]] will identify worlds to destroy, each of which gives a benefit. For instance, one might enable [[drone]]s to harvest more [[minerals]], or give [[overlord]]s more [[control]].<ref name = "HotSPanel"/> On the subject of worlds, several exotic ones will feature, driving home how the zerg use the harsh conditions of worlds to further their own evolution..<ref>2011-11-08, [http://www.pcgamer.com/2011/11/08/starcraft-ii-heart-of-the-swarm-interview%E2%80%94blizzard-breaks-down-zerg-lore/ StarCraft II: Heart of the Swarm interview—Blizzard breaks down Zerg lore]. ''PC Gamer'', accessed on 2011-11-19</ref>
  +
  +
====Characters====
 
*[[Abathur]]
 
*[[Brakk]]
 
*[[Dehaka]]
 
*[[Expedition Leader|Kaldir Expedition Leader]]
 
*[[Mira Han]]
 
*[[Matt Horner]]
 
*[[Izsha]]
 
*[[Sarah Kerrigan]]
 
*[[Lassara]]
 
*[[Arcturus Mengsk]]
 
*[[Valerian Mengsk]]
 
*[[Emil Narud]]
 
*[[Naktul]]
 
*[[Niadra]]
 
*[[Jim Raynor]]
 
*[[Alexei Stukov]]
 
*[[Rory Swann]]
 
*[[Nova Terra]]
 
*[[Horace Warfield]]
 
*[[Yagdra]]
 
*[[Zagara]]
 
*[[Zeratul]]
 
*[[Zurvan]]
   
 
===Units===
 
===Units===
 
{{Quote|New multiplayer units! Now with 5,000% more super bad-assedness!|[[BlizzCon 2011]] slogan|url=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H3R6ZqVQ3WE&feature=related}}
 
{{Quote|New multiplayer units! Now with 5,000% more super bad-assedness!|[[BlizzCon 2011]] slogan|url=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H3R6ZqVQ3WE&feature=related}}
There will be new multiplayer units for each of the three playable races.<ref>2011-05-31, [http://www.pcgamer.com/2011/05/31/starcraft-ii-heart-of-the-swarm-preview/ Starcraft II: Heart of the Swarm preview]. ''PCGamer'', accessed on 2011-07-08</ref> As of October 2011, Blizzard has shown some of the new artwork.<ref name = "FBNewUnit"/> Blizzard is planning on new units or major fixes to existing units.<ref name = "GBH">Brad Shoemaker. 2011-05-31. [http://www.giantbomb.com/news/plunging-into-the-heart-of-starcraft-iis-zerg-swarm/3274/ Plunging Into the Heart of StarCraft II's Zerg Swarm]. ''Giant Bomb.'' Accessed 2011-05-31.</ref> The development team intends to create mutations of popular units from ''StarCraft'' lore that allow the player to feel that they're mutating and evolving your Swarm. Creatures seen, but never previously controlled are intended to be playable as well.<ref name = "BlizzInsider">Dustin Browder, Blizzard Entertainment staff. 2011-05-31. [http://us.battle.net/sc2/en/blog/2852733 Blizzard Insider Interview With Dustin Browder]. ''Blizzard Entertainment's Battle.net official website'' Accessed 2011-06-01.</ref> Units may be removed from multiplayer and replaced. Not all races will be given equal treatment in regards to unit additions/removals.<ref name = "GamespotQ&A"/> It is Blizzard's intention to enhance the uniqueness of each playable species in regards to gameplay<ref name = "BlizzplanetF&Q"/> and to avoid redundancy.<ref>2011-10-27, [http://www.blizzplanet.com/blog/comments/blizzcon-2011-starcraft-ii-heart-of-the-swarm-units-and-abilities BlizzCon 2011: StarCraft II: Heart of the Swarm – Units and Abilities]. ''Blizzplanet'', accessed on 2011-11-06</ref>
 
   
  +
There are new multiplayer units for each of the three playable races.<ref>2011-05-31, [http://www.pcgamer.com/2011/05/31/starcraft-ii-heart-of-the-swarm-preview/ Starcraft II: Heart of the Swarm preview]. ''PCGamer'', accessed on 2011-07-08</ref> It was Blizzard's intention to enhance the uniqueness of each playable species in regards to gameplay<ref name = "BlizzplanetF&Q"/> and to avoid redundancy.<ref>2011-10-27, [http://www.blizzplanet.com/blog/comments/blizzcon-2011-starcraft-ii-heart-of-the-swarm-units-and-abilities BlizzCon 2011: StarCraft II: Heart of the Swarm – Units and Abilities]. ''Blizzplanet'', accessed on 2011-11-06</ref>
A new gameplay innovation being tested is the [[rock pillar]]<ref name = "TLJuneReport">Blizzard Entertainment, Teamliquid. 2012-06-09. [http://www.teamliquid.net/forum/viewmessage.php?topic_id=343491 Heart of the Swarm Update]. ''Blizzard Entertainment.'' Accessed 2012-06-09.</ref>/collapsable rock tower,<ref name = "HotSJuneBR">Blizzard Entertainment. 2012-06-08. [http://us.battle.net/sc2/en/blog/6306259 Heart of the Swarm Update - New Videos] ([http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=0gcs52bErU4 StarCraft II: Heart of the Swarm - Battle Report (Protoss vs Zerg)]). ''Blizzard Entertainment.'' Accessed 2012-06-08.</ref> which can be destroyed in order to block off a choke point.<ref name = "TLJuneReport">Blizzard Entertainment, Teamliquid. 2012-06-09. [http://www.teamliquid.net/forum/viewmessage.php?topic_id=343491 Heart of the Swarm Update]. ''Blizzard Entertainment.'' Accessed 2012-06-09.</ref>
 
   
 
Units, which were cut from multiplayer, make their appearances in the campaign mode.<ref name = "SamNew">June, 2012, [http://www.g4tv.com/videos/59212/starcraft-2-heart-of-the-swarm-new-units-gameplay-preview-with-sam-didier/ Starcraft 2: Heart of the Swarm "New Units" Gameplay Preview With Sam Didier]. ''G4'', accessed on 2012-06-21</ref>
Main and gas-extracting structures now display by passing the cursor the number of [[worker]]s related to it.<ref name = "HotSJuneBR">Blizzard Entertainment. 2012-06-08. [http://us.battle.net/sc2/en/blog/6306259 Heart of the Swarm Update - New Videos] ([http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=0gcs52bErU4 StarCraft II: Heart of the Swarm - Battle Report (Protoss vs Zerg)]). ''Blizzard Entertainment.'' Accessed 2012-06-08.</ref> For example, passing a cursor on a hatchery will show "workers: 10/24" and on an extractor will show "workers: 0/3").<ref name = "HotSJuneBR">Blizzard Entertainment. 2012-06-08. [http://us.battle.net/sc2/en/blog/6306259 Heart of the Swarm Update - New Videos] ([http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=0gcs52bErU4 StarCraft II: Heart of the Swarm - Battle Report (Protoss vs Zerg)]). ''Blizzard Entertainment.'' Accessed 2012-06-08.</ref>
 
 
Units, which were cut from multiplayer, will make their appearances in the campaign mode.<ref name = "SamNew">June, 2012, [http://www.g4tv.com/videos/59212/starcraft-2-heart-of-the-swarm-new-units-gameplay-preview-with-sam-didier/ Starcraft 2: Heart of the Swarm "New Units" Gameplay Preview With Sam Didier]. ''G4'', accessed on 2012-06-21</ref>
 
   
 
====Terrans====
 
====Terrans====
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|'''[[Widow mine]]'''<ref name = "SC:LHotSJuneStats">KDraconis. 2012-06-08. [http://sclegacy.com/news/23-sc2/1157-heart-of-the-swarm-unit-stats Heart of the Swarm Unit Stats]. ''StarCraft Legacy.'' Accessed 2012-06-09.</ref>
 
|'''[[Widow mine]]'''<ref name = "SC:LHotSJuneStats">KDraconis. 2012-06-08. [http://sclegacy.com/news/23-sc2/1157-heart-of-the-swarm-unit-stats Heart of the Swarm Unit Stats]. ''StarCraft Legacy.'' Accessed 2012-06-09.</ref>
 
|}
 
|}
According to [[Dustin Browder]], the terrans have "enough stuff already" and as such, it is difficult to know what to do with them. Terrans are more flexible in multiplayer than the zerg or protoss and the team doesn't want to add units/unit properties that increase this trend.<ref name = "GamespotQ&A"/> Still, Blizzard is planning on de-nerfing the [[reaper]].<ref name = "ReaperBuff"/> Reapers will gain an out-of-combat regeneration ability called Combat Drugs.<ref name = "TLJuneReport">Blizzard Entertainment, Teamliquid. 2012-06-09. [http://www.teamliquid.net/forum/viewmessage.php?topic_id=343491 Heart of the Swarm Update]. ''Blizzard Entertainment.'' Accessed 2012-06-09.</ref><ref name = "MPHotSLegacy">StarCraft Legacy staff. 2011-10-22. [http://sclegacy.com/news/23-sc2/1089-blizzcon-2011-starcraft-ii-multiplayer-panel BlizzCon 2011 StarCraft II Multiplayer Panel]. ''StarCraft Legacy.'' Accessed 2011-10-23.</ref>
+
According to [[Dustin Browder]], the terrans have "enough stuff already" and as such, it is difficult to know what to do with them. Terrans are more flexible in multiplayer than the zerg or protoss and the team doesn't want to add units/unit properties that increase this trend.<ref name = "GamespotQ&A"/> Reapers gain an out-of-combat regeneration ability called Combat Drugs.<ref name = "TLJuneReport">Blizzard Entertainment, Teamliquid. 2012-06-09. [http://www.teamliquid.net/forum/viewmessage.php?topic_id=343491 Heart of the Swarm Update]. ''Blizzard Entertainment.'' Accessed 2012-06-09.</ref><ref name = "MPHotSLegacy">StarCraft Legacy staff. 2011-10-22. [http://sclegacy.com/news/23-sc2/1089-blizzcon-2011-starcraft-ii-multiplayer-panel BlizzCon 2011 StarCraft II Multiplayer Panel]. ''StarCraft Legacy.'' Accessed 2011-10-23.</ref>
   
At [[BlizzCon 2011]], three new terran units were revealed&mdash;the [[warhound]], the [[shredder]] and the [[hellbat]].<ref name = "RedditStats">The Rusher. 2011-10-26. [http://www.reddit.com/r/starcraft/comments/lm7e8/a_complete_list_of_all_multiplayer_hots/ ​A complete list of all multiplayer HOTS changes/additions, now that Blizzcon is over.] ''Reddit.'' Accessed 2011-10-29.</ref> Notable changes will be made to the {{link|battlecruiser|SC2}} as well.<ref name = "IGNHotSUnits"/> However, the [[shredder]] was later removed.<ref name = "Developer Update">Dustin Browder. 2012-04-11. [http://us.battle.net/sc2/en/blog/4833874/Developer_Update_Heart_of_the_Swarm_Multiplayer-4_11_2012#blog Developer Update: Heart of the Swarm Multiplayer - Starcraft II]. ''Battle.net'', accessed on 2012-04-11.</ref> Overall, the new terran theme for ''Heart of the Swarm'' is a mech one, standing in contrast to ''Wings of Liberty'' which was more balanced around biological terran units.<ref>2012-06-09, [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ft8u5jTkkrY&feature=relmfu Interview with David Kim, Game Balance Designer, StarCraft II Heart of the Swarm]. ''YouTube'', accessed on 2012-06-21</ref>
+
At [[BlizzCon 2011]], three new terran units were revealed&mdash;the [[warhound]], the [[shredder]] and the [[hellbat]].<ref name = "RedditStats">The Rusher. 2011-10-26. [http://www.reddit.com/r/starcraft/comments/lm7e8/a_complete_list_of_all_multiplayer_hots/ ​A complete list of all multiplayer HOTS changes/additions, now that Blizzcon is over.] ''Reddit.'' Accessed 2011-10-29.</ref> However, the [[shredder]] was later removed.<ref name = "Developer Update">Dustin Browder. 2012-04-11. [http://us.battle.net/sc2/en/blog/4833874/Developer_Update_Heart_of_the_Swarm_Multiplayer-4_11_2012#blog Developer Update: Heart of the Swarm Multiplayer - Starcraft II]. ''Battle.net'', accessed on 2012-04-11.</ref> Overall, the new terran theme for ''Heart of the Swarm'' is a mech one, standing in contrast to ''Wings of Liberty'' which was more balanced around biological terran units.<ref>2012-06-09, [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ft8u5jTkkrY&feature=relmfu Interview with David Kim, Game Balance Designer, StarCraft II Heart of the Swarm]. ''YouTube'', accessed on 2012-06-21</ref>
   
 
As of June 2012, the [[widow mine]], which could attack both air and ground units, was introduced.<ref name = "HotSJuneUpdate">Blizzard Entertainment. 2012-06-08. [http://us.battle.net/sc2/en/blog/6306259 Heart of the Swarm Update - New Videos] ([http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=q4nNfZwwhYg StarCraft II: Heart of the Swarm - Multiplayer Unit Update]). ''Blizzard Entertainment.'' Accessed 2012-06-08.</ref>
 
As of June 2012, the [[widow mine]], which could attack both air and ground units, was introduced.<ref name = "HotSJuneUpdate">Blizzard Entertainment. 2012-06-08. [http://us.battle.net/sc2/en/blog/6306259 Heart of the Swarm Update - New Videos] ([http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=q4nNfZwwhYg StarCraft II: Heart of the Swarm - Multiplayer Unit Update]). ''Blizzard Entertainment.'' Accessed 2012-06-08.</ref>
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|}
   
At BlizzCon 2011, the [[viper]] and [[swarm host]] were added to the Swarm,<ref name = "RedditStats"/> while the [[overseer]] was said to be removed from multiplayer.<ref name = "IGNHotSUnits"/> The overseer made a reappearance in the game due to changes to the viper.<ref name = "Developer Update"/> Prior to this, numerous ideas have been tossed around&mdash;the [[lurker]] is a possibility but has not been confirmed<ref name = "HotSInterview1">Dustion Browder, Callandor, Macbeth. 2011-01-28. [http://gameaxis.com/exclusive-interview-with-dustin-browder-starcraft-2s-lead-designer-part-1/ Exclusive: Interview with Dustin Browder – StarCraft 2’s Lead Designer (Part 1)]. ''Game Axis.'' Accessed 2011-01-28.</ref> and a different unit may be created to take the role the lurker once had.<ref name = "GamespotQ&A"/> At [[BlizzCon 2010]], the [[infested bunker]] was touted as a possible campaign unit. Concept art indicates the presence of another new zerg unit.<ref name = "BC2010Art">2010-10-24, [http://sclegacy.com/feature/106-blizzcon-2010/902-blizzcon-2010-starcraft-ii-art-panel BlizzCon 2010 StarCraft II Art Panel]. ''StarCraft Legacy'', accessed on 2011-01-29</ref> Browder is open to the idea of the [[defiler]] being playable in the campaign, but is more reserved about the [[devourer]].<ref name = "FansiteInterview">2011-05-31, [http://sclegacy.com/feature/3-events/1018-hots-fansite-interview May 2011 HoTS Fansite Interview]. ''StarCraft Legacy'', accessed on 2011-05-31</ref>
+
At BlizzCon 2011, the [[viper]] and [[swarm host]] were added to the Swarm,<ref name = "RedditStats"/> while the [[overseer]] was said to be removed from multiplayer.<ref name = "IGNHotSUnits"/> The overseer made a reappearance in the game due to changes to the viper.<ref name = "Developer Update"/> Prior to this, numerous ideas have been tossed around&mdash;the [[lurker]] is a possibility but has not been confirmed<ref name = "HotSInterview1">Dustion Browder, Callandor, Macbeth. 2011-01-28. [http://gameaxis.com/exclusive-interview-with-dustin-browder-starcraft-2s-lead-designer-part-1/ Exclusive: Interview with Dustin Browder – StarCraft 2’s Lead Designer (Part 1)]. ''Game Axis.'' Accessed 2011-01-28.</ref> and a different unit may be created to take the role the lurker once had.<ref name = "GamespotQ&A"/> At [[BlizzCon 2010]], the [[infested bunker]] was touted as a possible campaign unit.<ref name = "BC2010Art">2010-10-24, [http://sclegacy.com/feature/106-blizzcon-2010/902-blizzcon-2010-starcraft-ii-art-panel BlizzCon 2010 StarCraft II Art Panel]. ''StarCraft Legacy'', accessed on 2011-01-29</ref>
 
Various new types of [[nydus worm]]s are being planned as well.<ref name = "Developer Update"/>
 
   
 
====Protoss====
 
====Protoss====
Line 152: Line 180:
 
The protoss were to gain three new units&mdash;the [[oracle]], the [[replicant]] and the [[tempest]],<ref name = "RedditStats"/> while the [[mothership]] and [[carrier]] were to be removed from multiplayer games.<ref name = "IGNHotSUnits"/> As of April 2012, the replicant had been removed.<ref name = "Developer Update"/> As of June 2012, the [[mothership core]], a new unit built on the [[nexus]] that can later upgrade into a Wings of Liberty mothership, was named and displayed.<ref name = "HotSJuneUpdate"/> The carrier reappeared during the beta.<ref name = "HotSBetaPatch2">Cloaken. 2012-09-14. [http://us.battle.net/sc2/en/forum/topic/6571787498 Balance Update #2 9/14/2012]. ''Battle.net'', accessed on 2012-09-14</ref>
 
The protoss were to gain three new units&mdash;the [[oracle]], the [[replicant]] and the [[tempest]],<ref name = "RedditStats"/> while the [[mothership]] and [[carrier]] were to be removed from multiplayer games.<ref name = "IGNHotSUnits"/> As of April 2012, the replicant had been removed.<ref name = "Developer Update"/> As of June 2012, the [[mothership core]], a new unit built on the [[nexus]] that can later upgrade into a Wings of Liberty mothership, was named and displayed.<ref name = "HotSJuneUpdate"/> The carrier reappeared during the beta.<ref name = "HotSBetaPatch2">Cloaken. 2012-09-14. [http://us.battle.net/sc2/en/forum/topic/6571787498 Balance Update #2 9/14/2012]. ''Battle.net'', accessed on 2012-09-14</ref>
   
Changes could be made to the [[phoenix]] in due to concerns raised by some players about the effectiveness of massed [[mutalisk (StarCraft II)|mutalisk]]s against the protoss in multiplayer games.<ref>2012-01-25, [http://us.battle.net/sc2/en/blog/4338836/Questions_from_the_Community-1_25_2012#blog Questions from the Community]. ''Blizzard Entertainment'', accessed on 2012-01-26</ref> A general goal of protoss development in the game is to give them more aerial firepower.<ref name = "Developer Update"/>
+
A general goal of protoss development in the game is to give them more aerial firepower.<ref name = "Developer Update"/>
 
{{clear}}
 
{{clear}}
   
===Singleplayer===
+
===Multiplayer===
 
Blizzard plans on adding "drawing" functionality for referees in ''Heart of the Swarm.''<ref name = "TwitterRecord">Zarhym. 2010-03-12. [http://forums.battle.net/thread.html?topicId=23767157319&sid=3000 #BlizzChat Developer Chat on Twitter – 3/12]. ''Battle.net StarCraft II General Discussion Forum.'' Accessed 2010-03-13.</ref>
[[File:Ultralisk SC2 Cncpt1.jpg|thumb|left|Taming the zerg]]
 
The campaign operates similarly to an RPG, in which Kerrigan is focused on increasing her personal power through mutations. Zerg armies protect her as she garners this power.<ref name = "SpyBrowder2">Allen 'Delsyn' Rausch, Dustin Browder. 2008-10-10. [http://pc.gamespy.com/pc/starcraft-2/918963p2.html StarCraft II: Making the Split (PC) (page 2)]. ''Gamespy.'' Accessed 2008-10-12.</ref> The greater her power, the more zerg she's able to control.<ref name = "Brain Trust">2008-17-10, [http://www.giantbomb.com/news/qa-the-starcraft-ii-brain-trust/388/ Q&A: The Starcraft II Brain Trust]. ''Giant Bomb News''. Accessed on 2008-20-10</ref> Like ''Wings of Liberty'', the player will be presented with choices as to which missions to carry out and which units to get, but such choices won't be based on cash.<ref>2009-06-29, Jonathan Ross, [http://www.destructoid.com/destructoid-interview-starcraft-ii-s-dustin-browder-137841.phtml Destructoid interview: StarCraft II's Dustin Browder]. ''Destructoid''. Accessed on 2009-07-29</ref> Both the missions and their objectives are intended to be quite different from the ones featured in ''Wings of Liberty''.<ref>2010-05-02, [http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/02/blizzards-dustin-browder-talks-starcraft-2/ Blizzard's Dustin Browder talks StarCraft 2]. ''JoyStiq'', accessed on 2010-05-03</ref> She will instead worry about evolving the Swarm.<ref name = "Afterwords3">Dustin Browder, Phil Kollar. 2010-09-19. [http://gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2010/09/19/afterwords-starcraft-ii.aspx?PostPageIndex=3 Afterwords: StarCraft II]. ''Game Informer.'' Accessed 2010-09-21.</ref>
 
   
 
From a multiplayer standpoint, ''Heart of the Swarm'' is an expansion, not a sequel.<ref name = "MTVHotS">Russ Frushtick. 2010-08-23. [http://multiplayerblog.mtv.com/2010/08/23/starcraft-2-heart-of-the-swarm-update/ Blizzard Gives An Update On 'StarCraft 2: Heart of the Swarm']. ''MTV Multiplayer.'' Accessed 2010-08-24.</ref>
The campaign will feature a branched storyline structure.<ref name = "MTVHotS"/> Each planet will give access to multiple missions.<ref name = "LegacyHotSPreview">StarCraft Legacy staff. 2011-05-30. [http://sclegacy.com/feature/3-events/1016-may-2011-hots-gameplay-info May 2011 HoTS Gameplay Info]. ''StarCraft Legacy.'' Accessed 2011-05-31.</ref> The set pieces will alter in accordance with planet and the results of missions.<ref>2011-05-31, [http://www.g4tv.com/games/pc/64349/starcraft-ii-heart-of-the-swarm/articles/74617/starcraft-2-heart-of-the-swarm-preview-part-1-getting-to-know-the-swarm/ Know the Swarm]. ''G4TV'', accessed on 2011-07-08</ref> It is intended that the missions strike a balance in regards to foes, with terrans, zerg, and protoss getting equal limelight.<ref name = "FansiteInterview"/>
 
   
Missions cannot be skipped, but their order can be changed.<Ref>Dustin Browder, Teamliquid. 2013-01-21. [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WBtgb1rc2xE&feature=player_embedded Interview with Dustin Browder - HotS Press Event Jan 2013]. ''Youtube.'' Accessed 2013-01-24.</ref>
+
It has a separate ladder from ''Wings of Liberty.''<ref>Dustin Browder, Roy "Phantom" Kwan. 2011-02-17. [http://www.gosugamers.net/starcraft2/news/14646-heart-of-the-swarm-to-have-separate-ladder Heart of the Swarm to Have Separate Ladder]. ''GosuGamers.'' Accessed 2011-02-18.</ref>
   
 
''Heart of the Swarm'' will have the same e-sports focus as ''Wings of Liberty''.<ref name = "ReaperBuff">Dustin Browder, Owen Hill. 2011-03-04. [http://www.pcgamer.com/2011/03/04/browder-hints-at-heart-of-the-swarm-updates-emphasises-importance-of-e-sports/ Browder hints at Starcraft 2: Heart of the Swarm updates. Emphasises importance of e-sports]. ''PC Gamer.'' Accessed 2011-03-05.</ref> There are no plans to implement LAN.<ref name = "FansiteInterview"/>
Browder expects that it will take the average player 20 or fewer hours to complete the campaign.<ref name = "GamespotQ&A"/> Many [[hybrid]]s will appear in the campaign as opponents to Kerrigan.<ref name = "BC2011LorePanel"/>
 
   
 
The developers are considering expanding tier 1 scouting options for all three races.<ref name = "FansiteInterview"/>
The missions of the game are intended to have a different feel than those in ''Wings of Liberty''. In the first game of the trilogy, the zerg were rarely engaged directly and instead, it was about Raynor side-stepping them while completing his objectives. In ''Heart of the Swarm'', the missions are more offensive in nature, such as preventing anyone from escaping an invaded planet.<ref name = "BC2011LorePanel"/>
 
   
 
The game will includes an [[arcade]] for finding games.<ref name = "ModPanelBC11">StarCraft Legacy staff. 2011-10-26. [http://sclegacy.com/news/23-sc2/1092-blizzcon-2011-starcraft-ii-mod-and-blizzdota-panel BlizzCon 2011 StarCraft II Mod and BlizzDotA Panel]. ''StarCraft Legacy.'' Accessed 2011-10-26.</ref> The marketplace itself won't be ready until after the launch of ''Heart of the Swarm''.<ref>Dustin Browder. 2013-01-22. [http://www.gametrailers.com/videos/kxc56f/starcraft-ii--heart-of-the-swarm-expansion-overview Expansion Overview]. ''Gametrailers.'' Accessed 2013-02-02.</ref>
It is intended that character lines will be altered slightly based on context&mdash;not new scenes, but ones that will be contextually appropriate.<ref name="ShackNews">2011-06-01, [http://www.shacknews.com/article/68627/interview-starcraft-2-heart-swarm Interview: StarCraft 2: Heart of the Swarm director Dustin Browder]. ''Shack News'', accessed on 2011-07-08</ref>
 
   
 
The game possesses a leveling system, introducing a system of leveling and rewards. In this system, experience is earned while playing matchmaking and custom games. XP is given in accordance with race played, given at the end of the match, and is earnt through each unit built and destroyed. Levels range from 1 to 20 for each race. Bonus XP can also be earnt. Each level gifts the player with a new decal or portrait. These levels have a net total; by reaching level 20 for each race, a player has a net total level of 60 for instance.<ref>25-10-2012, [http://sea.battle.net/sc2/en/blog/473588/Heart_of_the_Swarm_Preview_Leveling-10_25_2012 Heart of the Swarm Preview: Leveling]. ''Blizzard Entertainment'', accessed on 2012-11-01</ref>
There will be little use for air-to-air units in the campaign.<ref name = "FansiteInterview"/>
 
   
''Heart of the Swarm'' is expected to have 20 missions.<ref name = "TLJuneReport">Blizzard Entertainment, Teamliquid. 2012-06-09. [http://www.teamliquid.net/forum/viewmessage.php?topic_id=343491 Heart of the Swarm Update]. ''Blizzard Entertainment.'' Accessed 2012-06-09.</ref>
+
A clan system is present in the game. Players can form/join clans and assign tags accordingly.<ref>2012-10-30, [http://us.battle.net/sc2/en/blog/7747190/First_Look_Clans_Coming_in_Heart_of_the_Swarm-10_30_2012 First Look: Clans Coming in Heart of the Swarm]. ''Blizzard Entertainment'', accessed on 2012-11-01</ref>
   
  +
==Reception==
====Kerrigan's Evolution====
 
{{Main|Sarah Kerrigan (Heart of the Swarm)}}
 
Kerrigan can increase her stats in a manner similar to ''[[Warcraft III]]'', but not to the same extent.<ref name = "Atomic"/>
 
   
  +
''Heart of the Swarm'' was the best selling retail PC game in North America in 2013.<ref>2014-02-06, [http://www.blizzplanet.com/blog/comments/activision-blizzard-q4-2013-conference-call-transcript Activision Blizzard Q4 2013 Conference Call – Transcript]. ''Blizzplanet'', accessed on 2014-06-11</ref>
According to [[Dustin Browder]] "Kerrigan will appear on almost every map in Heart of the Swarm. Unlike Raynor, Kerrigan is a creature of power that leads her army from the front, smashing aside siege tanks and destroying battlecruisers with her psionic abilities. And unlike Wings of Liberty, the mission isn’t over if she dies. Kerrigan will be able to revive at the nearest hatchery if she is killed, allowing you to use her aggressively against your enemies."<ref name = "BlizzInsider">Dustin Browder, Blizzard Entertainment staff. 2011-05-31. [http://us.battle.net/sc2/en/blog/2852733 Blizzard Insider Interview With Dustin Browder]. ''Blizzard Entertainment's Battle.net official website'' Accessed 2011-06-01.</ref>
 
   
 
{{stub}}
Kerrigan initially starts out looking very human and armed with a gun, though she can control zerg forces.<ref name = "LegacyHotSPreview"/><br/><br/> Each battle focus allows Kerrigan to have a certain set of special abilities.<ref name = "LegacyHotSPreview"/><br/><br/>
 
   
  +
==Development==
====Unit Evolution Mechanics====
 
{{Main|Evolution pit}}
 
About the "hive-evolution" mechanic Dustin Browder said "we are trying to focus the player on finding new DNA from exotic and strange creatures around the sector so that you really feel like the key to zerg success is finding and infesting the immense, deadly monsters that live on the most savage planets in the galaxy."<ref name = "BlizzInsider">Dustin Browder, Blizzard Entertainment staff. 2011-05-31. [http://us.battle.net/sc2/en/blog/2852733 Blizzard Insider Interview With Dustin Browder]. ''Blizzard Entertainment's Battle.net official website'' Accessed 2011-06-01.</ref> Creatures can be collected from places such as [[Terran Dominion]] labs.<ref name = "SCLegacyHotsPresent">StarCraft Legacy staff. 2013-01-22. [http://www.sclegacy.com/site/feature/3-events/1212 January 17 Heart of the Swarm Presentation]. ''StarCraft Legacy.'' Accessed 2013-01-22.</ref> It is intended that the choices of unit type/evolution by less clear-cut than in ''Wings of Liberty'', with different options being equally viable.<ref name = "FansiteInterview"/>
 
   
  +
===Development History===
Mini-missions will be available when a unit split is available. The mission will allow the player to use both types of units, enabling the player to make an educated choice by the end of it.<ref name = "HotSPanel">SoMuchMass. 2011-10-22. [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rz4nMWExg98 BlizzCon 2011 - Starcraft 2: Heart of the Swarm - Campaign and Lore Panel (Full)]. ''Youtube.'' Accessed 2011-10-22.</ref> These changes cannot be reverted.<ref name = "SCLegacyHotsPresent"/>
 
 
[[File:Heart of the Swarm SC2 Logo1.jpg|thumb|Development image]]
 
Blizzard's storyboard team was already working on ''Heart of the Swarm'' while ''Wings of Liberty''{{'}}s gameplay was refined.<ref>Chris Metzen, Justin Kranzl. 2010-04-28. [http://www.vg247.com/2010/04/28/interview-blizzards-chris-metzen-on-the-wow-movie-heart-of-the-swarm-more/ Interview: Blizzard’s Chris Metzen on the WoW movie, Heart of the Swarm, more]. ''VG247.'' Accessed 2010-06-26.</ref><ref>2010-04-30, [http://www.blizzplanet.com/blog/comments/giantbomb_chris_metzen_talks_starcraft_ii_and_world_of_warcraft_cataclysm/ GiantBomb: Chris Metzen Talks StarCraft II and World of Warcraft: Cataclysm]. ''Blizzplanet'', accessed on 2010-05-06</ref> The development team numbers over 150, with a core team of 70 developers.<ref name = "GamespotQ&A"/>
   
 
As of March 2011 [[Dustin Browder]] expected ''Heart of the Swarm'' to finish development in approximately one year.<ref>Medievaldragon. 2011-03-06. [http://www.blizzplanet.com/blog/comments/gdc-2011-dustin-browder-confirms-starcraft-ii-heart-of-the-swarm-on-2012 GDC 2011: Dustin Browder Confirms StarCraft II: Heart of the Swarm on 2012]. ''Blizzplanet.'' Accessed 2011-03-05.</ref> As of July 2011, the first part of the campaign (including cutscenes) had been completed.<ref>2011-07-27, [http://sea.battle.net/sc2/en/blog/163365 Happy Birthday, StarCraft II!]. Blizzard Entertainment, accessed on 2011-07-29</ref>
There are 14 or so short skirmishes far from the standard missions. In one example, zerglings can be upgraded into [[raptor]]s by absorbing the genetics of leaping creatures, while the alternative is to listen to a {{link|queen|SC2}} on a remote world who has developed [[swarmling]]s.<ref>Bashiok. 2011-10-20. [http://us.battle.net/blizzcon/en/blog/3761495/StarCraft_II_Heart_of_the_Swarm-10_21_2011#blog StarCraft II: Heart of the Swarm]. ''Blizzard Entertainment.'' Accessed 2011-10-22.</ref> This is a change from the old [[mutagen]] system of evolution, which developers felt was too similar to the system of upgrades in ''Wings of Liberty''.<ref name = "BC2011LorePanel"/>
 
   
 
In October of 2011, Blizzard began releasing preview art of new units.<ref name = "FBNewUnit">2011-10-06. [http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10150414630507457&set=a.10150414625217457.406451.178337772456&type=1 StarCraft II: Heart of the Swarm Preview]. ''Facebook (StarCraft)''. Accessed 2011-10-07.</ref><ref>2011-10-10. [http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10150421759727457&set=a.305747407456.191804.178337772456&type=1&ref=nf Wall Photos]. ''Facebook (StarCraft)''. Accessed 2011-10-10.</ref><ref>[https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10150432028812457&set=a.10150414625217457.406451.178337772456&type=3&theater StarCraft II: Heart of the Swarm Preview]. ''Facebook (StarCraft).'' Accessed 2011-10-19.</ref>
Another example of an evolution mission involved [[baneling]]s. [[Abathur]] arranged for banelings to evolve into [[splitterling]]s on one planet by absorbing the genetic essence of its indigenous lifeforms. Alternatively, the banelings could be subjected to natural selection on a volcanic world, where lava flows kill many until they evolve jumping abilities to avoid that.<ref name = "SCLJan17Press">StarCraft Legacy staff. 2013-01-22. [http://www.sclegacy.com/site/feature/3-events/1210 January 17 HotS Press Event]. ''StarCraft Legacy.'' Accessed 2013-01-22.</ref>
 
   
====Characters====
+
====May 2012 Announcement====
 
As of May 2012, Blizzard announced plans to include the following functionalities in ''Heart of the Swarm'':
*[[Abathur]]
 
 
*Multiplayer resume from replay: This would enable an interrupted multiplayer game, such as in an e-sport tournament, to start from a point in the [[replay]].
*[[Brakk]]
 
 
*Global Play: Enabling players to operate accounts outside of their home region
*[[Dehaka]]
 
 
*Multilanguage support
*[[Expedition Leader|Kaldir Expedition Leader]]
 
 
*Clan/group system
*[[Mira Han]]
 
 
*Unranked matchmaking
*[[Matt Horner]]
 
 
*Multiplayer replay viewing<ref>Chris Sigaty. 2012-05-07. [http://us.battle.net/sc2/en/blog/5366967/Developer_Update_with_Production_Director_Chris_Sigaty-5_7_2012#blog Developer Update with Production Director Chris Sigaty]. ''Blizzard Entertainment.'' Accessed 2012-05-7.</ref>
*[[Izsha]]
 
*[[Sarah Kerrigan]]
 
*[[Lessara|Lassara]]
 
*[[Arcturus Mengsk]]
 
*[[Valerian Mengsk]]
 
*[[Emil Narud]]
 
*[[Naktul]]
 
*[[Niadra]]
 
*[[Jim Raynor]]
 
*[[Alexei Stukov]]
 
*[[Rory Swann]]
 
*[[Nova Terra]]
 
*[[Horace Warfield]]
 
*[[Yagdra]]
 
*[[Zagara]]
 
*[[Zeratul]]
 
*[[Zurvan]]
 
   
===Multiplayer===
+
====Beta====
 
{{Main|Heart of the Swarm beta}}
Blizzard plans on adding "drawing" functionality for referees in ''Heart of the Swarm.''<ref name = "TwitterRecord">Zarhym. 2010-03-12. [http://forums.battle.net/thread.html?topicId=23767157319&sid=3000 #BlizzChat Developer Chat on Twitter – 3/12]. ''Battle.net StarCraft II General Discussion Forum.'' Accessed 2010-03-13.</ref>
 
 
[[Heart of the Swarm beta|The beta test]] went live September 4, 2012.<ref name ="HotSBetaLive">Blizzard Entertainment. 2012-09-04. [http://us.battle.net/sc2/en/blog/7157306/Heart_of_the_Swarm_Beta_Now_Live_-9_4_2012 Heart of the Swarm Beta Now Live!]. ''Blizzard Entertainment.'' Accessed 2012-09-04.</ref> It was expected to last 3-5 months.<ref name = "FansiteInterview"/> By June 2012 the missions were complete, and [[Dustin Browder]] believed the game would be released that year. However, there was a lot of multiplayer work, UI, art and debugging to work on.<ref>TheRealGiantBomb. 2012-06-15. [http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=oqA-3hvErDg The Guts of StarCraft II: Heart of the Swarm]. ''Youtube.'' Accessed 2012-06-16.</ref> On November 13, 2012, the release date of March 12, 2013 was announced.<ref name = "HotSPresales"/> Presales became available as of then.<ref>Blizzard Entertainment. 2012-11-13. [https://eu.battle.net/support/en/article/starcraft-ii-heart-of-the-swarm-presale-faq StarCraft II: Heart of the Swarm Presale FAQ]. ''Blizzard Entertainment.'' Accessed 2012-11-13.</ref> The beta ended on March 1st, 2013.<ref>Kaivax. 2013-02-28. [http://us.battle.net//sc2/en/blog/8789570 Heart of the Swarm Beta Ends March 1]. ''Blizzard Entertainment.'' Accessed 2013-03-05.</ref>
   
  +
====Release====
From a multiplayer standpoint, ''Heart of the Swarm'' is an expansion, not a sequel.<ref name = "MTVHotS">Russ Frushtick. 2010-08-23. [http://multiplayerblog.mtv.com/2010/08/23/starcraft-2-heart-of-the-swarm-update/ Blizzard Gives An Update On 'StarCraft 2: Heart of the Swarm']. ''MTV Multiplayer.'' Accessed 2010-08-24.</ref>
 
  +
The game was released on March 12, 2013.<ref name = "HotSPresales"/> With the game's release, many of those who had worked on it were transferred to work on ''[[Heroes of the Storm]]''.<ref name = "WoWExperience">2014-05-30, [http://www.gamespot.com/articles/blizzard-says-heroes-of-the-storm-is-much-closer-to-a-world-of-warcraft-experience/1100-6419827/ Blizzard Says Heroes of the Storm Is "Much Closer to a World of Warcraft Experience"]. ''Gamespot'', accessed on 2014-05-31</ref>
   
  +
===Maps===
It will have a separate ladder from ''Wings of Liberty.''<ref>Dustin Browder, Roy "Phantom" Kwan. 2011-02-17. [http://www.gosugamers.net/starcraft2/news/14646-heart-of-the-swarm-to-have-separate-ladder Heart of the Swarm to Have Separate Ladder]. ''GosuGamers.'' Accessed 2011-02-18.</ref>
 
  +
Because of feedback from ''Wings of Liberty'' players, ''Heart of the Swarm'' received larger map sizes.<ref name = "WoWExperience">2014-05-30, [http://www.gamespot.com/articles/blizzard-says-heroes-of-the-storm-is-much-closer-to-a-world-of-warcraft-experience/1100-6419827/ Blizzard Says Heroes of the Storm Is "Much Closer to a World of Warcraft Experience"]. ''Gamespot'', accessed on 2014-05-31</ref>
   
  +
===Units===
''Heart of the Swarm'' will have the same e-sports focus as ''Wings of Liberty''.<ref name = "ReaperBuff">Dustin Browder, Owen Hill. 2011-03-04. [http://www.pcgamer.com/2011/03/04/browder-hints-at-heart-of-the-swarm-updates-emphasises-importance-of-e-sports/ Browder hints at Starcraft 2: Heart of the Swarm updates. Emphasises importance of e-sports]. ''PC Gamer.'' Accessed 2011-03-05.</ref> There are no plans to implement LAN.<ref name = "FansiteInterview"/>
 
  +
Browder was open to the idea of the [[defiler]] being playable in the campaign, but was more reserved about the [[devourer]].<ref name = "FansiteInterview">2011-05-31, [http://sclegacy.com/feature/3-events/1018-hots-fansite-interview May 2011 HoTS Fansite Interview]. ''StarCraft Legacy'', accessed on 2011-05-31</ref> Various new types of [[nydus worm]]s were being planned as well.<ref name = "Developer Update"/> None of these were playable in the final product.<ref name = "HotSRetail"/>
   
 
===Storyline===
The developers are considering expanding tier 1 scouting options for all three races.<ref name = "FansiteInterview"/>
 
 
The story was intended to have a darker feel than ''Wings of Liberty'', due to the zerg being the protagonists.<ref name="ShackNews">2011-06-01, [http://www.shacknews.com/article/68627/interview-starcraft-2-heart-swarm Interview: StarCraft 2: Heart of the Swarm director Dustin Browder]. ''Shack News'', accessed on 2011-07-08</ref> According to lead writer [[Brian T. Kindregan]], the story was intended to be "a complete story of Sarah Kerrigan and the zerg," and have "its own satisfying ending."<ref>2011-06-?, [http://arstechnica.com/gaming/news/2011/06/heart-of-the-swarm.ars StarCraft II: Heart of the Swarm features mutating DNA, yetis from space]. ''Ars Technica'', accessed on 2011-07-08</ref> He intended for the story to convey the zerg mindset and their code of ethics, though not so far to convey the idea that the zerg are simply misunderstood. Striking a balance between the "alienness" of zerg characters yet also making them relatable was another issue.<ref name = "Atomic">2011-06-15, [http://www.atomicmpc.com.au/Feature/260571,starcraft-2-heart-of-the-swarm-video-preview.aspx Starcraft 2: Heart of the Swarm video preview]. ''Atomic'', accessed on 2011-07-08</ref>
   
 
More emphasis was placed on mission cutscenes than ''Wings of Liberty'' in regards to conveying backstory, such as information about the zerg.<ref name = "FansiteInterview"/> [[Dustin Browder]] has acknowledged that ''Wings of Liberty'' suffered from a lack of clarity at times, that character motivations were vague and the story lacked central focus. In contrast, ''Heart of the Swarm'' was to keep its focus on Kerrigan much more and hopefully avoid those problems.<ref>2012-06-15, [http://sclegacy.com/news/23-sc2/1160-dustin-browder-interview-mlg-anaheim-2012 Dustin Browder Interview - MLG Anaheim 2012]. ''StarCraft Legacy'', accessed on 2012-07-19</ref>
A game mechanic that is being tested for multiplayer is destructible rock pillars that can be used to blockade choke points.<ref name = "BlizzplanetF&Q"/>
 
   
 
Location-wise, ''Heart of the Swarm'' was intended to show more exotic locales than the ones featured in ''Wings of Liberty''&mdash;no "farm areas" for instance. Ideas for locations include gas giants, frozen and hot worlds, places where the zerg were first formed and Dominion labs.<ref name = "GamespotQ&A"/>
The game will include an arcade for finding games, part of the process for developing a [[marketplace]].<ref name = "ModPanelBC11">StarCraft Legacy staff. 2011-10-26. [http://sclegacy.com/news/23-sc2/1092-blizzcon-2011-starcraft-ii-mod-and-blizzdota-panel BlizzCon 2011 StarCraft II Mod and BlizzDotA Panel]. ''StarCraft Legacy.'' Accessed 2011-10-26.</ref> The marketplace itself won't be ready until after the launch of ''Heart of the Swarm''.<ref>Dustin Browder. 2013-01-22. [http://www.gametrailers.com/videos/kxc56f/starcraft-ii--heart-of-the-swarm-expansion-overview Expansion Overview]. ''Gametrailers.'' Accessed 2013-02-02.</ref>
 
   
 
As ''Heart of the Swarm'' neared, the online ''StarCraft'' short stories series became zerg-centric, focusing on zerg evolution.<ref name = "WhatStory"/> Online zerg-focused stories such as ''[[In the Blood]]'' have been published.<ref name = "SC:InTheBlood">Burns, Matt. "[[In the Blood]]." (Feb. 07, 2013). Blizzard Entertainment. [http://us.battle.net/sc2/en/game/lore/short-stories/in-the-blood/1 StarCraft Lore: In the Blood] Accessed 2013-02-07.</ref> An ongoing blog, [[Project Blackstone]], was also be created to represent changes in-universe. Light was shed on [[zerg]] biology and the [[protoss]].<ref name = "WhatStory">SoMuchMass. 2011-10-24. [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=buN_ni3GImI&feature=player_embedded#! BlizzCon 2011 - Blizzard Publishing: So What's The Story? Panel (Full)]. ''Youtube.'' Accessed 2011-10-27.</ref>
The game will have a leveling system, introducing a system of leveling and rewards. In this system, experience is earned while playing matchmaking and custom games. XP is given in accordance with race played, given at the end of the match, and is earnt through each unit built and destroyed. Levels range from 1 to 20 for each race. Bonus XP can also be earnt. Each level gifts the player with a new decal or portrait. These levels have a net total; by reaching level 20 for each race, a player has a net total level of 60 for instance.<ref>25-10-2012, [http://sea.battle.net/sc2/en/blog/473588/Heart_of_the_Swarm_Preview_Leveling-10_25_2012 Heart of the Swarm Preview: Leveling]. ''Blizzard Entertainment'', accessed on 2012-11-01</ref>
 
   
  +
====Cut Content====
A clan system will be in the game. Players can form/join clans and assign tags accordingly.<ref>2012-10-30, [http://us.battle.net/sc2/en/blog/7747190/First_Look_Clans_Coming_in_Heart_of_the_Swarm-10_30_2012 First Look: Clans Coming in Heart of the Swarm]. ''Blizzard Entertainment'', accessed on 2012-11-01</ref>
 
  +
It was deemed unlikely that many characters from ''Wings of Liberty'' would return for ''Heart of the Swarm'' bar [[Jim Raynor]] and [[Arcturus Mengsk]].<ref name = "FansiteInterview"/> It was stated that characters from ''[[StarCraft: Brood War]]'' would make appearances, with [[Samir Duran]] cited as one such possibility.<ref name = "GamespotQ&A"/> Duran did not appear in the final product.<ref name = "HotSRetail"/> However, unused subtitles had Stukov referring to Narud as Duran.<ref name="SC2 Mapster">rikky33. 2013-04-01. [http://www.sc2mapster.com/forums/general/general-chat/50877-omg-massive-spoiler-duran-in-hot-s/#p1 OMG Massive spoiler. Duran in HoTS]. ''Starcraft2mapster.com''. Accessed 2013-04-01.</ref>
   
  +
Creatures could be collected for DNA from places such as [[Terran Dominion]] labs.<ref name = "SCLegacyHotsPresent">StarCraft Legacy staff. 2013-01-22. [http://www.sclegacy.com/site/feature/3-events/1212 January 17 Heart of the Swarm Presentation]. ''StarCraft Legacy.'' Accessed 2013-01-22.</ref> Creatures were collected from the [[Daelaam Ark]]<ref name="SC2:HotS_EnemyWithin">Blizzard Entertainment. ''[[StarCraft II: Heart of the Swarm]].'' (Activision Blizzard). PC. Mission: [[Heart of the Swarm]], [[Enemy Within]] (in English). 2013-03-12.</ref> but not a Dominion lab.<ref name = "HotSRetail"/>
====May 2012 Announcement====
 
  +
As of May 2012, Blizzard announced plans to include the following functionalities in ''Heart of the Swarm'':
 
 
In December 2010, a video was uploaded claiming to be the ending cinematic to ''Heart of the Swarm''. The video was a very early rendering of the video with a temporary sound track and a watermark for The Third Floor, a company known to have done some of the cinematic work for ''Wings of Liberty''. Blizzard did not comment on the video as part of its general policy to "not comment on rumors or speculation".<ref>Owen Good. 2010-12-08. [http://kotaku.com/#!5709838/ending-leaked-for-starcraft-iis-next-chapter Ending Leaked For StarCraft II’s Next Chapter?]. ''Kotaku.'' Accessed 2011-03-29</ref> As it turns out, the final version of Heart of the Swarm's ending cinematic bears multiple similarities in characterization and dialogue with the leaked cinematic.<ref name="SC2:HotS_CineAscension">Blizzard Entertainment. ''[[StarCraft II: Heart of the Swarm]].'' (Activision Blizzard). PC. Cinematic: [[Ascension]] (in English). 2013-03-12.</ref>
*Multiplayer resume from replay: This would enable an interrupted multiplayer game, such as in an e-sport tournament, to start from a point in the [[replay]].
 
*Global Play: Enabling players to operate accounts outside of their home region
 
*Multilanguage support
 
*Clan/group system
 
*Unranked matchmaking
 
*Multiplayer replay viewing<ref>Chris Sigaty. 2012-05-07. [http://us.battle.net/sc2/en/blog/5366967/Developer_Update_with_Production_Director_Chris_Sigaty-5_7_2012#blog Developer Update with Production Director Chris Sigaty]. ''Blizzard Entertainment.'' Accessed 2012-05-7.</ref>
 
   
 
==Collector's Edition==
 
==Collector's Edition==
 
[[File:Heart of the Swarm SC2 Cover2.jpg|thumb|The collector's edition]]
 
[[File:Heart of the Swarm SC2 Cover2.jpg|thumb|The collector's edition]]
''Heart of the Swarm'' will feature a Collector's Edition. It will include custom in-game content: a [[torrasque]] skin, 3 Swarm-infested portraits, 3 Swarm-infested decals, a [[baneling]] pet in ''[[World of Warcraft]]'', and a Blade Wings & Banner sigil in ''[[Diablo III]]'' in honor of the Queen of Blades.
+
''Heart of the Swarm'' features a Collector's Edition. It includes custom in-game content: a [[torrasque]] skin, 3 Swarm-infested portraits, 3 Swarm-infested decals, a [[baneling]] pet in ''[[World of Warcraft]]'', and a Blade Wings & Banner sigil in ''[[Diablo III]]'' in honor of the Queen of Blades.
   
The product will include a ''Heart of the Swarm'' art book, a zerg [[rush]] mouse pad, a Behind the Scenes Blu-ray™ / DVD set and a Collector's Edition soundtrack.<ref>Blizzard Entertainment. 2012-11-13. [http://eu.battle.net/sc2/en/buy-now/collectors-edition Collector's Edition]. ''Blizzard Entertainment.'' Accessed 2012-11-13.</ref>
+
The product includes a ''Heart of the Swarm'' art book, a zerg [[rush]] mouse pad, a Behind the Scenes Blu-ray™ / DVD set and a Collector's Edition soundtrack.<ref>Blizzard Entertainment. 2012-11-13. [http://eu.battle.net/sc2/en/buy-now/collectors-edition Collector's Edition]. ''Blizzard Entertainment.'' Accessed 2012-11-13.</ref>
 
==Notes==
 
*In December 2010, a video was uploaded claiming to be the ending cinematic to ''Heart of the Swarm''. The video was a very early rendering of the video with a temporary sound track and a watermark for The Third Floor, a company known to have done some of the cinematic work for ''Wings of Liberty''. Blizzard did not comment on the video as part of its general policy to "not comment on rumors or speculation".<ref>Owen Good. 2010-12-08. [http://kotaku.com/#!5709838/ending-leaked-for-starcraft-iis-next-chapter Ending Leaked For StarCraft II’s Next Chapter?]. ''Kotaku.'' Accessed 2011-03-29</ref> As it turns out, the final version of Heart of the Swarm's ending cinematic bears multiple similarities in characterization and dialogue with the leaked cinematic.
 
 
*As ''Heart of the Swarm'' nears completion, the online ''StarCraft'' short stories series will become zerg-centric, focusing on zerg evolution.<ref name = "WhatStory"/> Online zerg-focused stories such as ''[[In the Blood]]'' have been published.<ref name = "SC:InTheBlood">Burns, Matt. "[[In the Blood]]." (Feb. 07, 2013). Blizzard Entertainment. [http://us.battle.net/sc2/en/game/lore/short-stories/in-the-blood/1 StarCraft Lore: In the Blood] Accessed 2013-02-07.</ref> An ongoing blog, [[Project Blackstone]], was also be created to represent changes in-universe&mdash;a [[Dominion]] exobiologist will write his theories on zerg evolution and Dominion countermeasures. Light may be shed on the [[protoss]] as well.<ref name = "WhatStory">SoMuchMass. 2011-10-24. [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=buN_ni3GImI&feature=player_embedded#! BlizzCon 2011 - Blizzard Publishing: So What's The Story? Panel (Full)]. ''Youtube.'' Accessed 2011-10-27.</ref>
 
   
 
==''Heart of the Swarm'' Videos==
 
==''Heart of the Swarm'' Videos==
Line 267: Line 272:
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
 
{{clear}}
 
{{clear}}
 
===Cinematics===
 
<gallery widths="200" position="left" spacing="small" captionalign="center" hideaddbutton="true">
 
StarCraft 2 Heart of the Swarm Intro Cinematic|Opening
 
HopesAndFears SC2-HotS VCine1|Hopes and Fears
 
GetItTogether SC2-HotS VCine1|Get it together
 
Choices (StarCraft II Heart of the Swarm Cinematic)|Choices
 
Transmission (StarCraft II Heart of the Swarm Cinematic)|Transmission
 
Conscience (StarCraft II Heart of the Swarm Cinematic)|Conscience (Sarah ver.)
 
Conscience QoB SC2-HotS VCine1|Conscience (Queen of Blades ver.)
 
Birthworld (StarCraft II Heart of the Swarm Cinematic)|Birthworld
 
Reborn (StarCraft II Heart of the Swarm Cinematic)|Reborn
 
ShiftingPerspectives_SC2-HotS_VCine1|Shifting Perspectives
 
Believe in me (StarCraft II Heart of the Swarm Cinematic)|Believe in me
 
Ascension (StarCraft II Heart of the Swarm Cinematic)|Ascension
 
</gallery>
 
{{clear}}
 
 
   
 
===Battle Reports===
 
===Battle Reports===

Revision as of 08:26, 11 June 2014

"The killing will never stop until Mengsk is dead. I'm going to make him pay."

Heart of the Swarm is the name of the StarCraft II zerg campaign and episode.

It is released separately from the other two games[3][4] and was priced as an expansion.[5][6][7] The basic set costs $40 USD and the deluxe set costs $55[8] to $60. The Collector's Edition costs $80.[9]

It follows Wings of Liberty and precedes Legacy of the Void chronologically[10][11] and storywise.[12]

The game is so named as per it being the most in-depth look into the zerg that Blizzard has ever carried out, allowing players to look into the 'heart' of the Swarm.[13]

Description

HotS Logo2

The game's logo

"Fury. Revenge. Hatred."

- The main themes of the game.(src)

The Queen of Blades is gone. On the hellish planet Char, Jim Raynor harnessed the power of an ancient Xel’Naga artifact in a desperate bid to stop the zerg Swarm from overrunning the Koprulu sector, and the relic restored Sarah Kerrigan to her human form. Without their queen to guide and unify them, the Swarm has fractured into several broods scattered throughout the Koprulu sector. One of the greatest threats to the galaxy has been neutralized...or so it seems.

Sarah Kerrigan is on the loose. Even without the terrible powers of the Queen of Blades or the might of the Swarm at her command, the former Ghost remains a foe not to be taken lightly. But if the artifact really did set her free, then why is Kerrigan seeking out zerg broods scattered throughout the Koprulu sector? What happened to Jim Raynor? Is she still pursuing her quest for vengeance, or has her transformation given Kerrigan a new purpose?

Who is Sarah Kerrigan?[14]

Storyline

"How many innocents have you killed? How many more have to die?"

Heart of the Swarm is a sequel to Wings of Liberty.[15] It focuses on Sarah Kerrigan[16] and the development of a zerg empire.[17] Kerrigan is no longer considered the Queen of Blades. Questions remain about why Kerrigan is no longer with Jim Raynor and whether her transformation has given her new purpose.[18] It begins three weeks after the end of Wings of Liberty.[19] Kerrigan is treated as an anti-hero storywise, and will have to make peace with her relationship with the Swarm over the course of the story. Themes of identity and responsibility will be present, of how responsible Kerrigan is for her actions and whether there are some crimes that can't be forgiven. She is torn in a sense, with her love for Raynor pulling her in one direction, and her hatred for Mengsk pulling her in another.[13]

Summary

During the Invasion of Char, the zerg were recalled to Char, and were in route aboard leviathans when Kerrigan was deinfested. The broods aboard the leviathans died or scattered over the Koprulu Sector, according to Izsha.[20]

And the (temporary) absence of a leader for the Swarm opened the way to rogue/dissident brood mothers, such as Zagara.[20]

Following the battle, Kerrigan was transformed into a human form but still has some infested elements (such as her "dreadlocks") leaving open the question of how infested is she, and whether she had her original personality back. Kerrigan was taken by Jim Raynor and Valerian Mengsk to a lab while she tried to reform the Zerg Swarm in order to topple Arcturus Mengsk.[21]

A Terran Dominion task force led by Nova Terra attacked the lab, seeking Kerrigan. Raynor was also there, fighting and attempting to protect Kerrigan.[22] Meanwhile, General Horace Warfield's forces are attempting to purge Char.[20]


AmmoCounter SC2-WoL CineFireFury1
This article or section is a stub. Please expand it.

Gameplay

A few updates have been made to the game's graphics engine, including upgrades to the look and behavior of zerg creep, as well as some changes that allow Blizzard artists to better showcase the worlds in the game. However, Blizzard intends for the expansion to have the same minimum hardware requirements as Wings of Liberty.[23]

A new feature is the rock pillar[24]/collapsable rock tower,[25] which can be destroyed in order to block off a choke point.[24]

Main and gas-extracting structures now display by passing the cursor the number of workers related to it.[25] For example, passing a cursor on a hatchery will show "workers: 10/24" and on an extractor will show "workers: 0/3").[25]

Singleplayer

Heart of the Swarm has 20 main missions and 7 optional evolution missions.[6] It requires an installed version of Wings of Liberty to play.[26]

A canon choices are the default in regards to the events of Wings of Liberty, but the game reflects player choices.[27] References are made in character dialogue to such events.[13] However, the impact of individual choices in Wings of Liberty is small.[28]

The campaign operates similarly to an RPG, in which Kerrigan is focused on increasing her personal power through mutations. Zerg armies protect her as she garners this power.[29] The greater her power, the more zerg she's able to control.[30] Like Wings of Liberty, the player is presented with choices as to which missions to carry out and which units to get, but such choices aren't be based on cash.[31] Both the missions and their objectives are intended to be quite different from the ones featured in Wings of Liberty.[32] She will instead worry about evolving the Swarm.[33]

The campaign features a branched storyline structure.[15] Each planet gives access to multiple missions.[20] The set pieces alter in accordance with planet and the results of missions.[34] It is intended that the missions strike a balance in regards to foes, with terrans, zerg, and protoss getting equal limelight.[35]

Missions cannot be skipped, but their order can be changed.[36] Browder expects that it will take the average player 20 or fewer hours to complete the campaign.[37] Many hybrids will appear in the campaign as opponents to Kerrigan.[13]

The missions of the game are intended to have a different feel than those in Wings of Liberty. In the first game of the trilogy, the zerg were rarely engaged directly and instead, it was about Raynor side-stepping them while completing his objectives. In Heart of the Swarm, the missions are more offensive in nature, such as preventing anyone from escaping an invaded planet.[13]

It is intended that character lines will be altered slightly based on context—not new scenes, but ones that will be contextually appropriate.[38]

There is little use for air-to-air units in the campaign.[35]

Kerrigan's Evolution

Kerrigan can increase her stats in a manner similar to Warcraft III, but not to the same extent.[26] She is present on almost every singleplayer mission. Unlike Raynor, Kerrigan is a creature of power that leads her army from the front And unlike Wings of Liberty, the mission isn’t over if she dies. Kerrigan is able to revive at the nearest hatchery if she is killed, allowing players to use her aggressively.[39]

Kerrigan initially starts out looking very human and armed with a gun, though she can control zerg forces.[20]

Each battle focus allows Kerrigan to have a certain set of special abilities.[20]

Unit Evolution Mechanics

Main article: Evolution pit

About the "hive-evolution" mechanic Dustin Browder said "we are trying to focus the player on finding new DNA from exotic and strange creatures around the sector so that you really feel like the key to zerg success is finding and infesting the immense, deadly monsters that live on the most savage planets in the galaxy."[39] It is intended that the choices of unit type/evolution by less clear-cut than in Wings of Liberty, with different options being equally viable.[35]

Mini-missions are available when a unit split is available. The missions allow the player to use both types of units, enabling the player to make an educated choice by the end of it.[27] These changes cannot be reverted.[40]

There are 14 or so short skirmishes far from the standard missions. In one example, zerglings can be upgraded into raptors by absorbing the genetics of leaping creatures, while the alternative is to listen to a queen on a remote world who has developed swarmlings.[41] This is a change from the old mutagen system of evolution, which developers felt was too similar to the system of upgrades in Wings of Liberty.[13]

Another example of an evolution mission involved banelings. Abathur arranges for banelings to evolve into splitterlings on one planet by absorbing the genetic essence of its indigenous lifeforms. Alternatively, the banelings can be subjected to natural selection on a volcanic world, where lava flows kill many until they evolve jumping abilities to avoid that.[42]

Destruction of Worlds

During the campaign, players can use the Destruction of Worlds mechanic to add a planet's resources to the Swarm's own resources.[43] This evolves the swarm, not individual units. Old broodmothers will contact Kerrigan, wanting to rejoin the Swarm. Izsha will identify worlds to destroy, each of which gives a benefit. For instance, one might enable drones to harvest more minerals, or give overlords more control.[27] On the subject of worlds, several exotic ones will feature, driving home how the zerg use the harsh conditions of worlds to further their own evolution..[44]

Characters

Units

"New multiplayer units! Now with 5,000% more super bad-assedness!"

There are new multiplayer units for each of the three playable races.[45] It was Blizzard's intention to enhance the uniqueness of each playable species in regards to gameplay[23] and to avoid redundancy.[46]

Units, which were cut from multiplayer, make their appearances in the campaign mode.[47]

Terrans

BattleHellion SC2-HotS DevRend1 WidowMine SC2 Head1
Hellbat[48] Widow mine[49]

According to Dustin Browder, the terrans have "enough stuff already" and as such, it is difficult to know what to do with them. Terrans are more flexible in multiplayer than the zerg or protoss and the team doesn't want to add units/unit properties that increase this trend.[37] Reapers gain an out-of-combat regeneration ability called Combat Drugs.[24][50]

At BlizzCon 2011, three new terran units were revealed—the warhound, the shredder and the hellbat.[51] However, the shredder was later removed.[52] Overall, the new terran theme for Heart of the Swarm is a mech one, standing in contrast to Wings of Liberty which was more balanced around biological terran units.[53]

As of June 2012, the widow mine, which could attack both air and ground units, was introduced.[54]

As of September 2012, during the beta, the warhound was removed.[55]

A general theme for terran units in the expansion is that they are more high-tech than units in previous installments.[56]

Zerg

SwarmHostLocust SC2 DevRend1 Viper SC2-HotS DevRend1
Swarm host and locust[48] Viper[48]

At BlizzCon 2011, the viper and swarm host were added to the Swarm,[51] while the overseer was said to be removed from multiplayer.[48] The overseer made a reappearance in the game due to changes to the viper.[52] Prior to this, numerous ideas have been tossed around—the lurker is a possibility but has not been confirmed[57] and a different unit may be created to take the role the lurker once had.[37] At BlizzCon 2010, the infested bunker was touted as a possible campaign unit.[58]

Protoss

Oracle SC2-HotS DevRend1 Tempest SC2-HotS DevRend1 MothershipCore HotS Rend2
Oracle[48] Tempest[48] Mothership core[54]

The protoss were to gain three new units—the oracle, the replicant and the tempest,[51] while the mothership and carrier were to be removed from multiplayer games.[48] As of April 2012, the replicant had been removed.[52] As of June 2012, the mothership core, a new unit built on the nexus that can later upgrade into a Wings of Liberty mothership, was named and displayed.[54] The carrier reappeared during the beta.[59]

A general goal of protoss development in the game is to give them more aerial firepower.[52]

Multiplayer

Blizzard plans on adding "drawing" functionality for referees in Heart of the Swarm.[60]

From a multiplayer standpoint, Heart of the Swarm is an expansion, not a sequel.[15]

It has a separate ladder from Wings of Liberty.[61]

Heart of the Swarm will have the same e-sports focus as Wings of Liberty.[62] There are no plans to implement LAN.[35]

The developers are considering expanding tier 1 scouting options for all three races.[35]

The game will includes an arcade for finding games.[63] The marketplace itself won't be ready until after the launch of Heart of the Swarm.[64]

The game possesses a leveling system, introducing a system of leveling and rewards. In this system, experience is earned while playing matchmaking and custom games. XP is given in accordance with race played, given at the end of the match, and is earnt through each unit built and destroyed. Levels range from 1 to 20 for each race. Bonus XP can also be earnt. Each level gifts the player with a new decal or portrait. These levels have a net total; by reaching level 20 for each race, a player has a net total level of 60 for instance.[65]

A clan system is present in the game. Players can form/join clans and assign tags accordingly.[66]

Reception

Heart of the Swarm was the best selling retail PC game in North America in 2013.[67]


AmmoCounter SC2-WoL CineFireFury1
This article or section is a stub. Please expand it.

Development

Development History

Heart of the Swarm SC2 Logo1

Development image

Blizzard's storyboard team was already working on Heart of the Swarm while Wings of Liberty's gameplay was refined.[68][69] The development team numbers over 150, with a core team of 70 developers.[37]

As of March 2011 Dustin Browder expected Heart of the Swarm to finish development in approximately one year.[70] As of July 2011, the first part of the campaign (including cutscenes) had been completed.[71]

In October of 2011, Blizzard began releasing preview art of new units.[72][73][74]

May 2012 Announcement

As of May 2012, Blizzard announced plans to include the following functionalities in Heart of the Swarm:

  • Multiplayer resume from replay: This would enable an interrupted multiplayer game, such as in an e-sport tournament, to start from a point in the replay.
  • Global Play: Enabling players to operate accounts outside of their home region
  • Multilanguage support
  • Clan/group system
  • Unranked matchmaking
  • Multiplayer replay viewing[75]

Beta

The beta test went live September 4, 2012.[76] It was expected to last 3-5 months.[35] By June 2012 the missions were complete, and Dustin Browder believed the game would be released that year. However, there was a lot of multiplayer work, UI, art and debugging to work on.[77] On November 13, 2012, the release date of March 12, 2013 was announced.[1] Presales became available as of then.[78] The beta ended on March 1st, 2013.[79]

Release

The game was released on March 12, 2013.[1] With the game's release, many of those who had worked on it were transferred to work on Heroes of the Storm.[80]

Maps

Because of feedback from Wings of Liberty players, Heart of the Swarm received larger map sizes.[80]

Units

Browder was open to the idea of the defiler being playable in the campaign, but was more reserved about the devourer.[35] Various new types of nydus worms were being planned as well.[52] None of these were playable in the final product.[19]

Storyline

The story was intended to have a darker feel than Wings of Liberty, due to the zerg being the protagonists.[38] According to lead writer Brian T. Kindregan, the story was intended to be "a complete story of Sarah Kerrigan and the zerg," and have "its own satisfying ending."[81] He intended for the story to convey the zerg mindset and their code of ethics, though not so far to convey the idea that the zerg are simply misunderstood. Striking a balance between the "alienness" of zerg characters yet also making them relatable was another issue.[26]

More emphasis was placed on mission cutscenes than Wings of Liberty in regards to conveying backstory, such as information about the zerg.[35] Dustin Browder has acknowledged that Wings of Liberty suffered from a lack of clarity at times, that character motivations were vague and the story lacked central focus. In contrast, Heart of the Swarm was to keep its focus on Kerrigan much more and hopefully avoid those problems.[82]

Location-wise, Heart of the Swarm was intended to show more exotic locales than the ones featured in Wings of Liberty—no "farm areas" for instance. Ideas for locations include gas giants, frozen and hot worlds, places where the zerg were first formed and Dominion labs.[37]

As Heart of the Swarm neared, the online StarCraft short stories series became zerg-centric, focusing on zerg evolution.[83] Online zerg-focused stories such as In the Blood have been published.[84] An ongoing blog, Project Blackstone, was also be created to represent changes in-universe. Light was shed on zerg biology and the protoss.[83]

Cut Content

It was deemed unlikely that many characters from Wings of Liberty would return for Heart of the Swarm bar Jim Raynor and Arcturus Mengsk.[35] It was stated that characters from StarCraft: Brood War would make appearances, with Samir Duran cited as one such possibility.[37] Duran did not appear in the final product.[19] However, unused subtitles had Stukov referring to Narud as Duran.[85]

Creatures could be collected for DNA from places such as Terran Dominion labs.[40] Creatures were collected from the Daelaam Ark[86] but not a Dominion lab.[19]

In December 2010, a video was uploaded claiming to be the ending cinematic to Heart of the Swarm. The video was a very early rendering of the video with a temporary sound track and a watermark for The Third Floor, a company known to have done some of the cinematic work for Wings of Liberty. Blizzard did not comment on the video as part of its general policy to "not comment on rumors or speculation".[87] As it turns out, the final version of Heart of the Swarm's ending cinematic bears multiple similarities in characterization and dialogue with the leaked cinematic.[88]

Collector's Edition

Heart of the Swarm SC2 Cover2

The collector's edition

Heart of the Swarm features a Collector's Edition. It includes custom in-game content: a torrasque skin, 3 Swarm-infested portraits, 3 Swarm-infested decals, a baneling pet in World of Warcraft, and a Blade Wings & Banner sigil in Diablo III in honor of the Queen of Blades.

The product includes a Heart of the Swarm art book, a zerg rush mouse pad, a Behind the Scenes Blu-ray™ / DVD set and a Collector's Edition soundtrack.[89]

Heart of the Swarm Videos

Blizzard has uploaded a number of videos to demonstrate Heart of the Swarm.

Battle Reports

In addition, Blizzard hosted a series of Battle Reports in June 2012.[25][90]

The next article in this series is StarCraft II: Legacy of the Void.

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