Preview: 'StarCraft II'

Several long years have elapsed since Blizzard announced the development of a sequel to its award-winning sci-fi strategy StarCraft. While the studio has endured some criticism for the delays the project has suffered, it's fair to say that the wait has only fuelled the fires of anticipation. Beta testing for StarCraft II is finally under way, and although early impressions suggest a familiar offering, they also promise one that's worth the wait.

StarCraft II takes place during the 26th century in the far reaches of the Milky Way galaxy. Like the original, the game centres on three races - human exiles known as the Terrans, the insectoid Zerg, and the psionically-blessed Protoss. The follow-up is divided into three instalments, one dedicated to each species, with the first segment Wings Of Liberty shining the spotlight on the Terrans. Picking up four years after the events of StarCraft: Brood War, the opening chapter finds insurgent leader Jim Raynor leading a force of mercenaries following a failed campaign against the tyrannical Terran Dominion.

The first thing you'll notice about StarCraft II is that it's polished to a mirror sheen. The second thing you'll pick up on is how tidy the user interface is. Unlike most real-time strategy games - where joining a match online is like trying to get your head around a new statistics analysis package - the matchmaking system is refreshingly streamlined. Joining a game is a matter of a few mouse clicks. There are several different modes of play. Firstly, you can take on the computer. As the beta version of the game only includes easy mode, it provides newbies with the perfect opportunity to rack up some field experience before joining a game with human companions. The player vs player options allow you to go head-to-head with a single opponent over a network, or take part in a two-on-two skirmish.

Putting in several hours against the computer is definitely recommended before diving into a game head-first, as matches between budding tacticians and veterans tend to last a matter of minutes. Effective resource management is the name of the game, and this can be the difference between your side being overrun, or snatching a victory from the jaws of defeat. After you have selected a stage from the 14 available and chosen which of the three races you wish to control, the game gets under way. Voice chat is supported, allowing you and your companion to deliberate over the finer points of strategy and resource allocation.

Each playable faction has its own selling points. The humans are good all-rounders, while the Zerg can spawn ground forces at a frightening rate, and the Protoss possess warp technology and devastating air units. Taking their level of balance into account, the Terrans are recommended for newcomers or anyone who has been away from the series for a while. Little has changed since the original StarCraft in the way of each race's fundamentals, but there are some additions and even omissions. Now all Zerg units can burrow underground, while the Protoss have received a speed update. The game has approximately the same number of units as its predecessor and a distinctly similar feel to it. Anyone who has played the original will know exactly which strategy to implement depending on the units they are up against.

Those who are unfamiliar with the original may find the learning curve somewhat steep. There's a lot to take on board, from the nuances of each unit to the implications of various terrain types. However, it seems fair to say that the developer's intention is to create a true sequel - a game that incorporates superior aesthetics and a wealth of additional features, without straying too far from its forebear's roots. In this regard, StarCraft II is shaping up to be a fanboy's dream.

Aside from the new matchmaking mechanics and an impressive graphical facelift, Blizzard has overhauled the record function, allowing players to view replays of previous campaigns and learn from their mistakes. The final game also promises to include a more sophisticated editing system for creating user-generated maps and mods, as well as the option to purchase premium maps via Battle.net.

StarCraft II has been in the works for what seems like an eternity, but one cannot underestimate how long it takes to develop a real-time strategy offering of this magnitude. Much of the time has clearly been invested in balancing, not to mention the stellar presentation. It's abundantly clear that this one will build on the success of its predecessor, delivering a technologically superior offering with the same RTS principles at its core. The focus is multiplayer-centric this time around, and this comes as no surprise given that all modern games derive their longevity from online play. Beta testing on the game is scheduled to run for several months yet, and this time is likely to be invested in further balancing, utilising fan feedback and perhaps improving the computer AI.

If beta impressions prove one thing, it's that the game's lengthy gestation period has not been squandered. StarCraft II has the feel of a natural successor with no small measure of enhancements. The wait is almost over now and the final product looks certain to be a real fan-pleaser.

StarCraft II: Wings Of Liberty is released for PC later this year.