StarCraft Expansion Set: Brood War

Review

by Joshua Crystal

The highly anticipated expansion pack to StarCraft is everything one might expect with new campaigns, new tile sets and new units thrown in for good measure. The storyline is also quite predictable, although new characters expand it a bit.

Kerrigan, Zerg Queen of Blades, is infested by the in-fighting Zerg who have torn the hive apart and now plans to kill all that oppose her. But a new over-mind, the nerve center that controls all Zerg hordes, has grown. She must send her small horde to destroy the new over-mind, so she can control all Zerg. The over-mind was captured by the Terrans who plan to harness the power of the Zerg and use them as biological weapons against their enemies.

The new units, although cool, are not explained at all. They just seem to appear as the levels progress. No explanation is given for why they are now available to use. The Terrans seem to get the short end of the stick, with the only new abilities being healing and blinding, a capability where you can stop an observer from being a detector. The Protoss's coolest new ability is mind control, with which you can take any unit. Controlling an SCV or drone is incredibly cool because you are allowed to build that race's buildings and units!

Brood War is, overall, a solid addition to StarCraft. Although the story is predictable, it is still very enjoyable. Most players will most likely get about 95% of the replay out of the online arena. At www.battle.net, Blizzard's free online gaming service, you can download new maps, play with friends or compete with anyone.

If you love StarCraft or real-time strategy games in general, you'll love StarCraft Expansion Set: Brood War. If you only play 3D games, don't bother with this one!