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Multiplayer is the "legs" of the game. Most players will finish the single player game in a few weeks (it's quite long, but does not go on forever) and if that was all there was to it, chances are this game would go back on the shelf. But that is not all there is to it - far from it. For those who are unfortunate enough to not have a decent internet connection or attend LAN events from time to time, the "Skirmish" option still allows you to experience multiplayer action - albeit against the computer AI. While it is definitely fun against the AI, it's also insanely difficult - it's not uncommon for a single AI to wipe out two allied human controlled teams. The AI attacks early in the piece with an advanced force, often before you have even built troop production facilities or any real defences. Their heroes seem to level up incredibly quickly and they know precisely where to strike to rapidly cripple your base. Add to that the fact that, even if you choose a large map, the computer places all the sides closely together, and you have one tough nut to crack. Make sure you play out the single player game long before you tackle the computer on skirmish; you need to know your troops and strategy inside and out to even have a hope.
The included map editor is amazing - powerful yet easy to use, its inclusion is guaranteed to inspire a raft of extra maps and campaigns. It's not just for the hardcore any more - most gamers will be able to pick it up and create their own custom levels in minutes.
Playing against a human lifts this experience into the stratosphere - there really is no replacement for the human cunning. Even playing against someone who vastly out-ranks you in terms of skill is not a total loss; the technique you observe as they thrash you inside 10 minutes will help you next time you play.
The actual game engine employed by Blizzard to bring Warcraft III to life is a thing of beauty. The isometric angle employed by default is just the right compromise - allowing a good down-angle (to help you plan your base layout), a good idea as to the 3D topography (very important when planning your defensive structure locations) and enough distance vision to help see what's coming up. From here, you can zoom in (and down) to get a close look at your detailed characters / buildings (great during combat) or pan left and right to make sure that things are as you want them to be (great for precision building placement). The controls to handle all of this are incredibly simple and intuitive - even complete newbies to the RTS concept will quickly get the hang of it and interface manipulation will soon become second nature, allowing you to get on with the task at hand.
The sound stands up to the benchmark set by the graphics engine - very nice samples and moody music help create a palpable air of tension; you will very quickly become familiar with what each of the sounds means in each context, allowing you to rapidly tackle each obstacle that confronts you.
All in all, Blizzard have crafted a novel new RTS game that both fits in well with the previous games in the series and still stands alone by itself as a must-buy. The depth of the strategy required to ensure victory is unprecedented and the general "gotta play some more" gameplay is all too rare a thing these days. This is no clone game nor cookie-cutter RTS. It offers enough unique attributes to carve its own niche - expect many clones to be released from Blizzard's competitors in the near future.
The game is damn-near perfect - the only flaws being its extreme difficulty in skirmish mode and the occasional bug (for some reason, if you save too many times during a mission, the building animations cease to be - you start a building and when it's finished building, it just appears - from a vacant lot...). If you love (or even like) real time strategy, get it. If you love (or even like) role playing games, get it. If you have a PC that can play it, GET IT. HIGHLY recommended. |
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