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==Storyline== |
==Storyline== |
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| ⚫ | {{Quote|You are Hierarch Artanis, leader of the mighty protoss race. Years ago, your homeworld of Aiur fell to the merciless zerg Swarm. Now, at long last, you have raised a powerful fleet of warships known as the Golden Armada, and are poised to reclaim your world. But an ancient evil—Amon—threatens this destiny and the fate of the entire galaxy. Only you can reunite the protoss factions and defeat the coming darkness before it consumes all life in the sector.|Story summary.|url=http://eu.battle.net/sc2/en/legacy-of-the-void/#campaign}} |
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| − | {{Quote|I have seen the story, and I’m telling you — there are some surprises, some twists, some turns, it’s going to be really exciting.|[[Robert Clotworthy]]|url=http://www.blizzplanet.com/blog/comments/robert-clotworthy-announced-voice-recording-for-the-starcraft-ii-legacy-of-the-void-expansion-has-begun}} |
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{{StarCraft storyline}} |
{{StarCraft storyline}} |
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| + | The protoss were being systematically exterminated and were dying out from sheer age even before the [[Great War]].<ref name = "ExtinctInterview">"The Protoss are sort of a troubled species. They're being systematically exterminated, and were being exterminated long before the Zerg arrived. They were starting to die out from their sheer age, but now that the Zerg came and their home world is gone, these guys are really having a lot of trouble." Dustin Browder, Jonathan Ross. 2009-06-29. [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> The protoss have been picked off one-by-one, and their shattered civilization will fracture as something even worse happens, forcing a leader to save them from annihilation.<ref name = "Leg4">"What we're talking about for the Protoss campaign is -- y'know, the Protoss are a shattered civilization, right. They've been beaten and pummeled by the brutality of the StarCraft universe for years and years and years now, and we might bring into the campaign something even worse happens to them, and they ultimately just fracture into all these different factions. And so you are working as one of the Protoss Heroes trying to re-unite the Protoss before annihilation." Dustin Browder ''et al.'' 2009-09-04. [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=61P0UBqRNQo BlizzCon 2009 StarCraft 2 Fansite Q&A - Part 4/5]. ''Youtube.'' Accessed 2009-10-07.</ref> Various protoss factions will be united for a last stand against [[Amon]].<ref name = "CampaignOverview"/> |
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| ⚫ | Years ago, |
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| − | The protoss will be at the forefront of the story. [[Jim Raynor]] and [[Sarah Kerrigan]] will feature in the story, but |
+ | The protoss will be at the forefront of the story. [[Jim Raynor]] and [[Sarah Kerrigan]] will feature in the story, but Amon is the primary issue. [[Chris Metzen]] has likened the story to that of the film ''[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/300_%28film%29 300]'', with a small force engaging a much more powerful one in a desperate last stand. The storyline will conclude the ''[[StarCraft II]]'' trilogy,<ref name = "300Movie">2013-03-18, [http://news.softpedia.com/news/Starcraft-2-Legacy-of-the-Void-Is-Similar-to-300-Says-Game-Director-338269.shtml Starcraft 2: Legacy of the Void Is Similar to 300, Says Game Director]. ''Softpedia'', accessed on 2013-03-19</ref> but is written in such a way that those who haven't played the previous installments (a possibility as per the game's stand-alone status in terms of installation) will not be lost.<ref>2014-11-25, [http://www.ausgamers.com/features/read/3485521 AusGamers StarCraft 2: Legacy of the Void Developer Interview with Blizzard's Allen Dilling]. ''AusGamers'', accessed on 2014-11-26</ref> |
| + | |||
| + | Locations visited in the campaign include [[Korhal]] and [[Shakuras]].<ref>2014-11-07, [http://starcraft.blizzplanet.com/blog/comments/blizzcon-2014-starcraft-ii-legacy-of-the-void-screenshots BlizzCon 2014 – StarCraft II: Legacy of the Void Screenshots]. ''Blizzplanet'', accessed on 2014-11-12</ref> |
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===Oblivion=== |
===Oblivion=== |
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''Legacy of the Void'' is primarily a singleplayer expansion.<ref>2014-09-24, [http://www.idigitaltimes.com/starcraft-2-legacy-void-release-date-are-heroes-storm-hearthstone-going-delay-starcraft-2-expansion StarCraft 2: Legacy Of The Void Release Date: Are Heroes Of The Storm & Hearthstone Going To Delay The StarCraft 2 Expansion?]. ''iDigital Times'', accessed on 2014-10-11</ref> The campaign was intended to focus on [[Zeratul]] as its main character<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> but the focus changed to [[Artanis]] by 2014.<ref name = "CampaignPreview">Blizzard Entertainment. 2014-11-07. [http://us.battle.net/sc2/en/blog/16668520/ Legacy of the Void: Campaign Preview]. ''Blizzard Entertainment.'' Accessed 2014-11-08.</ref> Zeratul will still feature prominently however.<ref name = "CampaignOverview"/> |
''Legacy of the Void'' is primarily a singleplayer expansion.<ref>2014-09-24, [http://www.idigitaltimes.com/starcraft-2-legacy-void-release-date-are-heroes-storm-hearthstone-going-delay-starcraft-2-expansion StarCraft 2: Legacy Of The Void Release Date: Are Heroes Of The Storm & Hearthstone Going To Delay The StarCraft 2 Expansion?]. ''iDigital Times'', accessed on 2014-10-11</ref> The campaign was intended to focus on [[Zeratul]] as its main character<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> but the focus changed to [[Artanis]] by 2014.<ref name = "CampaignPreview">Blizzard Entertainment. 2014-11-07. [http://us.battle.net/sc2/en/blog/16668520/ Legacy of the Void: Campaign Preview]. ''Blizzard Entertainment.'' Accessed 2014-11-08.</ref> Zeratul will still feature prominently however.<ref name = "CampaignOverview"/> |
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| − | Artanis will travel on the |
+ | Artanis will travel on the [[arkship]] ''[[Spear of Adun]]'' and interact with characters such as Phasesmith [[Karax]] and a [[preserver]], [[Rohana]]. The ship will have been derelict for hundred of years and will require upgrades.<ref name = "CampaignPreview"/> |
| − | The protoss campaign will be based on diplomacy as the protoss factions splinter.<Ref name = "SpyBrowder2"/> The player will work with different [[protoss tribes]]<ref name = "1upPre">Dustin Browder and Thierry Nguyen . 2008-12-30. [http://www.1up.com/do/previewPage?cId=3172090&p=1 StarCraft 2 Wings of Liberty (PC)]. ''1up.com'' Accessed 2008-12-31.</ref> and sects, helping leaders of some sects which will anger others.<ref name = "Inc BlizzCon">2008-10-13. [http://www.incgamers.com/Videos/276/BlizzCon-Chris-Sigaty-StarCraft-2-Interview BlizzCon Chris Sigaty StarCraft 2 Interview]. ''IncGamers''. Accessed on 2008-10-14</ref> Using units from one side may preclude using units from the other side<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> and alienating one or another sect may cut the player off from part of the campaign.<ref name = "Inc BlizzCon"/> New allies will bring with them new technologies and techniques.<ref name = "CampaignPreview"/> The ultimate goal of the campaign is to unite the various tribes into a viable, unified force that can ensure the protoss' survival.<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> |
+ | The protoss campaign will be based on diplomacy as the protoss factions splinter.<Ref name = "SpyBrowder2"/> The player will work with different [[protoss tribes]]<ref name = "1upPre">Dustin Browder and Thierry Nguyen . 2008-12-30. [http://www.1up.com/do/previewPage?cId=3172090&p=1 StarCraft 2 Wings of Liberty (PC)]. ''1up.com'' Accessed 2008-12-31.</ref> and sects, helping leaders of some sects which will anger others.<ref name = "Inc BlizzCon">2008-10-13. [http://www.incgamers.com/Videos/276/BlizzCon-Chris-Sigaty-StarCraft-2-Interview BlizzCon Chris Sigaty StarCraft 2 Interview]. ''IncGamers''. Accessed on 2008-10-14</ref> Using units from one side may preclude using units from the other side<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> and alienating one or another sect may cut the player off from part of the campaign.<ref name = "Inc BlizzCon"/> New allies will bring with them new technologies and techniques. This forms the basis of the game's army customization.<ref name = "CampaignPreview"/> The ultimate goal of the campaign is to unite the various tribes into a viable, unified force that can ensure the protoss' survival.<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> |
| − | The game will feature upgrade choices in a similar vein as the [[Bay 12 (Hyperion)|armory]] and [[evolution pit]] from the previous games<ref>2014-07-20, [http://www.idigitaltimes.com/articles/23897/20140720/starcraft-2-legacy-void-release-date-2015.htm StarCraft 2: Legacy Of The Void Release Date: Will The Protoss Expansion Even Come Out In 2015?]. ''Digital Times'', accessed on 2014-07-24</ref> through the |
+ | The game will feature upgrade choices in a similar vein as the [[Bay 12 (Hyperion)|armory]] and [[evolution pit]] from the previous games<ref>2014-07-20, [http://www.idigitaltimes.com/articles/23897/20140720/starcraft-2-legacy-void-release-date-2015.htm StarCraft 2: Legacy Of The Void Release Date: Will The Protoss Expansion Even Come Out In 2015?]. ''Digital Times'', accessed on 2014-07-24</ref> through the [[solar core]] and [[war council]].<ref name = "CampaignPreview"/> |
It is intended that the game's campaign have its own feel distinct from ''Wings of Liberty'' and ''Heart of the Swarm''. In the latter, Kerrigan composed a great portion of her forces' strength by herself. For ''Legacy of the Void'', it is intended that no single protoss warrior be comparable to her in that regard via gameplay. Zeratul may be an exception, but any such missions would be based on stealth (e.g. assassination). The power of the protoss in the game is to come from the protoss as a whole, not a single individual.<ref name = "WarCry"/> |
It is intended that the game's campaign have its own feel distinct from ''Wings of Liberty'' and ''Heart of the Swarm''. In the latter, Kerrigan composed a great portion of her forces' strength by herself. For ''Legacy of the Void'', it is intended that no single protoss warrior be comparable to her in that regard via gameplay. Zeratul may be an exception, but any such missions would be based on stealth (e.g. assassination). The power of the protoss in the game is to come from the protoss as a whole, not a single individual.<ref name = "WarCry"/> |
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===Multiplayer=== |
===Multiplayer=== |
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| − | New units were confirmed at [[BlizzCon 2014]], along with [[Archon Mode]]<ref>2014-11-07, [https://twitter.com/BlizzPro/status/530804256178446336 Blizzpro]. ''Twitter'', accessed on 2014-08-11</ref> and [[Allied Commanders]]. The game will also feature automated tornuments<ref name = "VoidWarp">2014-11-07, [http://starcraft.blizzplanet.com/blog/comments/starcraft-ii-legacy-of-the-void-warps-into-blizzcon-2014 StarCraft II: Legacy of the Void Warps into BlizzCon 2014]. ''Blizzplanet'', accessed on 2014-11-11</ref> and new [[tileset]]s.<ref>2014-11-07, [http://starcraft.blizzplanet.com/blog/comments/blizzcon-2014-starcraft-ii-legacy-of-the-void-overview BlizzCon 2014 – StarCraft II: Legacy of the Void Overview]. ''Blizzplanet'', accessed on 2014-11-13</ref> |
+ | New units were confirmed at [[BlizzCon 2014]], along with [[Archon Mode]]<ref>2014-11-07, [https://twitter.com/BlizzPro/status/530804256178446336 Blizzpro]. ''Twitter'', accessed on 2014-08-11</ref> and [[Allied Commanders]]. The game will also feature automated tornuments<ref name = "VoidWarp">2014-11-07, [http://starcraft.blizzplanet.com/blog/comments/starcraft-ii-legacy-of-the-void-warps-into-blizzcon-2014 StarCraft II: Legacy of the Void Warps into BlizzCon 2014]. ''Blizzplanet'', accessed on 2014-11-11</ref> and new [[tileset]]s.<ref>2014-11-07, [http://starcraft.blizzplanet.com/blog/comments/blizzcon-2014-starcraft-ii-legacy-of-the-void-overview BlizzCon 2014 – StarCraft II: Legacy of the Void Overview]. ''Blizzplanet'', accessed on 2014-11-13</ref> Note that the no. of units is, as of November 2014, not set in stone. Units may be added/removed prior to and during the game's beta.<ref>2014-11-19, [http://us.battle.net/sc2/en/blog/16860232 Legacy of the Void: Multiplayer Development Update – November 19, 2014]. ''Blizzard Entertainment'', accessed on 2014-11-24</ref> |
| − | Blizzard intends to focus on micromanagement (to avoid simply using large unit clumps), harassment, and constant attacks in the new expansion. "Passive time", such as the low-activity early-game, will be avoided. Changes include reducing the amount of [[minerals]] |
+ | Blizzard intends to focus on micromanagement (to avoid simply using large unit clumps), harassment, and constant attacks in the new expansion. "Passive time", such as the low-activity early-game, will be avoided. Changes include reducing the amount of [[minerals]] and [[vespene gas]] in order to encourage the creation of new expansions. The starting [[worker]] count will increase from 6 to 12, and the starting buildings ([[command center]], [[nexus]] and [[hatchery]]) will create more [[supply]], [[psi]] and [[control]] to make creating new workers possible).<ref name = "LotVMP">Blizzard Entertainment. 2014-11-08. [http://us.battle.net//sc2/en/blog/16654945 Legacy of the Void: Multiplayer Preview]. ''Blizzard Entertainment.'' Accessed 2014-11-09.</ref> |
| + | |||
| + | Mech and air upgrades may be split for the game.<ref>2014-12-17, [http://us.battle.net/sc2/en/blog/17222794 Legacy of the Void: Multiplayer Development Update – December 17, 2014]. ''Blizzard Entertainment'', accessed on 2014-12-21</ref> |
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====Protoss==== |
====Protoss==== |
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[[File:LegacyOfTheVoid SC2 Logo1.jpg|thumb|The game's original logo]] |
[[File:LegacyOfTheVoid SC2 Logo1.jpg|thumb|The game's original logo]] |
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By 2013 [[Blizzard Entertainment]] had begun working on ''Legacy's'' story, scripts and missions.<ref name = "RedditAMA">Kaivax. 2013-03-06. [http://us.battle.net//sc2/en/blog/8983614 Reddit AMA Full Transcript]. ''Blizzard Entertainment.'' Accessed 2013-03-07.</ref> As of February 2014, Blizzard was "hard at work" on the game.<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> By August 2014, the development team was in discussion concerning community suggestions pertaining to the expansion.<ref>2014-08-29, [http://us.battle.net/sc2/en/forum/topic/13923142268?page=4#79 Legacy of the Void: What we know so far]. ''Blizzard Entertainment'', accessed on 2014-08-29</ref> The game was formally revealed at [[BlizzCon 2014]].<ref>2014-11-07, [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NlHCTYwDt4k StarCraft 2 Legacy of the Void Trailer (PC)]. ''Blizzard Entertainment'', accessed on 2014-11-12</ref> |
By 2013 [[Blizzard Entertainment]] had begun working on ''Legacy's'' story, scripts and missions.<ref name = "RedditAMA">Kaivax. 2013-03-06. [http://us.battle.net//sc2/en/blog/8983614 Reddit AMA Full Transcript]. ''Blizzard Entertainment.'' Accessed 2013-03-07.</ref> As of February 2014, Blizzard was "hard at work" on the game.<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> By August 2014, the development team was in discussion concerning community suggestions pertaining to the expansion.<ref>2014-08-29, [http://us.battle.net/sc2/en/forum/topic/13923142268?page=4#79 Legacy of the Void: What we know so far]. ''Blizzard Entertainment'', accessed on 2014-08-29</ref> The game was formally revealed at [[BlizzCon 2014]].<ref>2014-11-07, [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NlHCTYwDt4k StarCraft 2 Legacy of the Void Trailer (PC)]. ''Blizzard Entertainment'', accessed on 2014-11-12</ref> |
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| + | |||
| + | New artists were brought onto the game's art team that had not worked on ''Heart of the Swarm''.<ref name = "CampaignOverview"/> |
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===Singleplayer=== |
===Singleplayer=== |
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| − | The story of ''Legacy of the Void'' was the first point of development for the game, as the gameplay of ''StarCraft II'' had been solidified with the previous titles. The story was worked on collaboratively between [[James Waugh]], [[Chris Metzen]], [[Samwise Didier]], [[Jason Huck]], [[ |
+ | The story of ''Legacy of the Void'' was the first point of development for the game, as the gameplay of ''StarCraft II'' had been solidified with the previous titles. The story was worked on collaboratively between [[James Waugh]], [[Chris Metzen]], [[Samwise Didier]], [[Jason Huck]], [[Allen Dilling]], [[Justin Thavirat]], [[Matt Morris]], and [[Dustin Browder]] over the period of several months<ref name = "CampaignOverview">2014-11-07, [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xsvHY7YaxUg StarCraft II Legacy of the Void Campaign Overview]. ''YouTube'', accessed on 2014-11-13</ref> (Waugh was the lead writer).<ref name = "RivalCast">2013-02-14, [http://www.rivalcastmedia.com/shows/grand-old-podcast/transcripts/episode-88/ Grand Old Podcast Episode 88 Transcript]. ''Rival Cast Media'', accessed on 2013-05-12</ref> As of August 2013, the game's story has been written, many of the cinematics have been completed, and voice actors have begun work.<ref>2013-08-12, [http://www.blizzplanet.com/blog/comments/robert-clotworthy-announced-voice-recording-for-the-starcraft-ii-legacy-of-the-void-expansion-has-begun Robert Clotworthy Announced Voice Recording for the StarCraft II: Legacy of the Void Expansion Has Begun]. ''Blizzplanet'', accessed on 2013-08-12</ref> As of November 2013, [[Dustin Browder]] was satisfied with the game's story, but felt the missions and campaign mechanics needed more work, to make them "feel" like protoss missions.<ref name = "WarCry">2013-11-09, [http://www.warcry.com/news/view/129477-StarCraft-2-Legacy-of-the-Void-Campaign-Needs-More-Work-Blizzard-Says StarCraft 2: Legacy of the Void: Campaign Needs More Work, Blizzard Says]. ''Warcry Network'', accessed on 2013-11-09</ref> It was intended for the story to have the following tenants: |
*Create a distinctly protoss story while wrapping up the story threads of the ''StarCraft II'' trilogy—keep the story focused on the protoss and their lore. |
*Create a distinctly protoss story while wrapping up the story threads of the ''StarCraft II'' trilogy—keep the story focused on the protoss and their lore. |
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| Line 115: | Line 121: | ||
*Fullfill the fantasy of playing as protoss.<ref name = "CampaignOverview"/> |
*Fullfill the fantasy of playing as protoss.<ref name = "CampaignOverview"/> |
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| − | Through the nature of the [[Khala]], it |
+ | Through the nature of the [[Khala]], it is intended that the game explore themes of collectivism vs. individuality.<ref name = "CampaignOverview"/> |
===Multiplayer=== |
===Multiplayer=== |
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| − | In 2011, [[Chris Sigaty]] expressed doubt that new units would be added to the game, and that if they are added, it is likely that other units will be removed from multiplayer.<ref name = "Removal">2011-06-03, [http://www.gamersbook.com/scene/news/starcraft-2-legacy-of-the-void-possible-removal/ StarCraft 2: Legacy of the Void Possible Removal]. ''Gamersbrook'', accessed on 2011-06-07</ref><ref>Tom Senior. 2011-05-31. [http://www.pcgamer.com/2011/05/31/starcraft-2-legacy-of-the-void-could-have-less-units-than-heart-of-the-swarm/ StarCraft 2: Legacy of the Void could have less units than Heart of the Swarm]. ''PC Gamer.'' Accessed 2011-06-07.</ref> This |
+ | In 2011, [[Chris Sigaty]] expressed doubt that new units would be added to the game, and that if they are added, it is likely that other units will be removed from multiplayer.<ref name = "Removal">2011-06-03, [http://www.gamersbook.com/scene/news/starcraft-2-legacy-of-the-void-possible-removal/ StarCraft 2: Legacy of the Void Possible Removal]. ''Gamersbrook'', accessed on 2011-06-07</ref><ref>Tom Senior. 2011-05-31. [http://www.pcgamer.com/2011/05/31/starcraft-2-legacy-of-the-void-could-have-less-units-than-heart-of-the-swarm/ StarCraft 2: Legacy of the Void could have less units than Heart of the Swarm]. ''PC Gamer.'' Accessed 2011-06-07.</ref> This was refuted by Blizzard employee [[Kevin Johnson]] in 2013 stating that "no new units isn’t a direction we’re considering or have ever considered."<ref>December, 2013, [http://www.reddit.com/r/starcraft/comments/1ozq8a/mana_vs_firecake_money_war/ccxf1i1?context=0 Mana vs Firecake Money war]. ''Reddit StarCraft'', accessed on 2014-05-13</ref> New units were revealed at BlizzCon 2014.<ref>2014-11-09, [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IdJlhSFhGYQ&list=UUCOXNC9exhmx-nWp-Zkl-sw&src_vid=xsvHY7YaxUg&feature=iv&annotation_id=annotation_1416175415 StarCraft II Legacy of the Void Multiplayer]. ''YouTube'', accessed on 2014-11-12</ref> |
==References== |
==References== |
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Revision as of 08:28, 21 December 2014
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This article or section contains information from StarCraft II: Legacy of the Void.
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The content may change substantially over time.
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"An ancient cycle will complete its course. There will be much blood and darkness. But there will be impossible acts of valor and heroism. And you will see the protoss unleashed."
- Chris Metzen describing the game(src)
Legacy of the Void is the name of the StarCraft II protoss campaign and episode.
It will be the third StarCraft II product and will be released separately from the other two games, Wings of Liberty and Heart of the Swarm,[1][2] occurring after them chronologically,[3] beginning immediately after the ending of Heart of the Swarm.[4] It was expected to be priced as an expansion in 2009.[5] However, it will now be released as an independent installment, not requiring StarCraft II vanilla to run.[6] It will receive a simultaneous PC/Mac release.[7] The beta is intended for release in the first half of 2015.[8]
Storyline
"You are Hierarch Artanis, leader of the mighty protoss race. Years ago, your homeworld of Aiur fell to the merciless zerg Swarm. Now, at long last, you have raised a powerful fleet of warships known as the Golden Armada, and are poised to reclaim your world. But an ancient evil—Amon—threatens this destiny and the fate of the entire galaxy. Only you can reunite the protoss factions and defeat the coming darkness before it consumes all life in the sector."
- Story summary.(src)
The protoss were being systematically exterminated and were dying out from sheer age even before the Great War.[9] The protoss have been picked off one-by-one, and their shattered civilization will fracture as something even worse happens, forcing a leader to save them from annihilation.[10] Various protoss factions will be united for a last stand against Amon.[11]
The protoss will be at the forefront of the story. Jim Raynor and Sarah Kerrigan will feature in the story, but Amon is the primary issue. Chris Metzen has likened the story to that of the film 300, with a small force engaging a much more powerful one in a desperate last stand. The storyline will conclude the StarCraft II trilogy,[12] but is written in such a way that those who haven't played the previous installments (a possibility as per the game's stand-alone status in terms of installation) will not be lost.[13]
Locations visited in the campaign include Korhal and Shakuras.[14]
Oblivion
Artanis intended to retake Aiur, but found himself leading forces against Amon instead.[15]
Gameplay
Singleplayer
"We want to get that feeling of 'We're the Protoss and we have technology that you haven't even dreamed of. We will literally turn you into a parking lot if you mess with us.' We want to get that sense of power without the focus on a single character."
Legacy of the Void is primarily a singleplayer expansion.[16] The campaign was intended to focus on Zeratul as its main character[17] but the focus changed to Artanis by 2014.[18] Zeratul will still feature prominently however.[11]
Artanis will travel on the arkship Spear of Adun and interact with characters such as Phasesmith Karax and a preserver, Rohana. The ship will have been derelict for hundred of years and will require upgrades.[18]
The protoss campaign will be based on diplomacy as the protoss factions splinter.[19] The player will work with different protoss tribes[20] and sects, helping leaders of some sects which will anger others.[21] Using units from one side may preclude using units from the other side[19] and alienating one or another sect may cut the player off from part of the campaign.[21] New allies will bring with them new technologies and techniques. This forms the basis of the game's army customization.[18] The ultimate goal of the campaign is to unite the various tribes into a viable, unified force that can ensure the protoss' survival.[22]
The game will feature upgrade choices in a similar vein as the armory and evolution pit from the previous games[23] through the solar core and war council.[18]
It is intended that the game's campaign have its own feel distinct from Wings of Liberty and Heart of the Swarm. In the latter, Kerrigan composed a great portion of her forces' strength by herself. For Legacy of the Void, it is intended that no single protoss warrior be comparable to her in that regard via gameplay. Zeratul may be an exception, but any such missions would be based on stealth (e.g. assassination). The power of the protoss in the game is to come from the protoss as a whole, not a single individual.[24]
It has been indicated that Nova will make an appearance in the game,[25] and hinted that the hybrids will play a "critical role."[26]
Characters
- Amon
- Artanis
- Matt Horner
- Karax
- Sarah Kerrigan
- Jim Raynor
- Rohana
- Selendis
- Urun
- Valerian Mengsk
- Vorazun
- Zeratul
Multiplayer
New units were confirmed at BlizzCon 2014, along with Archon Mode[27] and Allied Commanders. The game will also feature automated tornuments[7] and new tilesets.[28] Note that the no. of units is, as of November 2014, not set in stone. Units may be added/removed prior to and during the game's beta.[29]
Blizzard intends to focus on micromanagement (to avoid simply using large unit clumps), harassment, and constant attacks in the new expansion. "Passive time", such as the low-activity early-game, will be avoided. Changes include reducing the amount of minerals and vespene gas in order to encourage the creation of new expansions. The starting worker count will increase from 6 to 12, and the starting buildings (command center, nexus and hatchery) will create more supply, psi and control to make creating new workers possible).[30]
Mech and air upgrades may be split for the game.[31]
Protoss
Terran
Zerg
Development
The game's original logo
By 2013 Blizzard Entertainment had begun working on Legacy's story, scripts and missions.[35] As of February 2014, Blizzard was "hard at work" on the game.[36] By August 2014, the development team was in discussion concerning community suggestions pertaining to the expansion.[37] The game was formally revealed at BlizzCon 2014.[38]
New artists were brought onto the game's art team that had not worked on Heart of the Swarm.[11]
Singleplayer
The story of Legacy of the Void was the first point of development for the game, as the gameplay of StarCraft II had been solidified with the previous titles. The story was worked on collaboratively between James Waugh, Chris Metzen, Samwise Didier, Jason Huck, Allen Dilling, Justin Thavirat, Matt Morris, and Dustin Browder over the period of several months[11] (Waugh was the lead writer).[39] As of August 2013, the game's story has been written, many of the cinematics have been completed, and voice actors have begun work.[40] As of November 2013, Dustin Browder was satisfied with the game's story, but felt the missions and campaign mechanics needed more work, to make them "feel" like protoss missions.[24] It was intended for the story to have the following tenants:
- Create a distinctly protoss story while wrapping up the story threads of the StarCraft II trilogy—keep the story focused on the protoss and their lore.
- Create an epic end times scenario for the player to stand against—deliver on the threat of Amon.
- Fullfill the fantasy of playing as protoss.[11]
Through the nature of the Khala, it is intended that the game explore themes of collectivism vs. individuality.[11]
Multiplayer
In 2011, Chris Sigaty expressed doubt that new units would be added to the game, and that if they are added, it is likely that other units will be removed from multiplayer.[41][42] This was refuted by Blizzard employee Kevin Johnson in 2013 stating that "no new units isn’t a direction we’re considering or have ever considered."[43] New units were revealed at BlizzCon 2014.[44]
References
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