This thread was created before BlizzCon began to keep updates on the new features for LotV and my personal opinions on them. As new changes are witnessed and confirmed, there'll be updates on them, from the live stream.
If you wish to talk about the other Blizzard things from the convention, you can create new threads, but this was made entirely for the LotV expansion. Will be updated as the changes go on.
- LotV will be released as a standalone expansion, like Age of Empires and it's expansions. This means it won't need WoL or Hots, or both installed to play.
- LotV will see the return of the Lurker in multiplayer and three new units for multi, as well.
- In the single-player campaign, instead of Zeratul, like it was previously announced, the story will center around Artanis.
- New characters include Rohanna, a Protoss Preserver (Egon Stetmann or lore computer), Karax (Swann, a.k.a upgrade master) and Vorazun (Raszagal's daughter, who'll try something stupid in the campaign no doubt.)
NEW UNITS:
- New unit for Zerg, besides the Lurker, is the Ravager, which operates as a Nod Specter from C&C 3: Kane's Wrath - once it's ability, Corrosive Bile, is fired, it'll UI the impact location and then rain down the artillery, if you call it so. The Ravager's shot can destroy Sentry Force Fields, so it's highly likely it'll be a Mid-Late game unit. The Corrosive Bile, paired with Infestor Fungal Growth, can be effective vs air units.
- New units for Terran are the HERC (Semi-Viper Melee, which grapples to easily approach target) and the Cyclone (Fires on the move and on a single target, meant for anti-scout and anti-Ultralisk). Cyclones are also anti-Lurkers.
- New unit for Protoss is the Disrupter (Using the rejected Replicator design from HotS), a mine-esque unit that has an ability to cloak for a short time, and then uncloaking unleashing a Predator-like burst, dealing likely bonus damage vs Light.
UNIT CHANGES - TERRAN:
- Siege Tanks on Siege Mode can be now picked by Medivacs and dropped, like Thors.
- Thors now have an ability called 'Emergency Repair', which heals the Thor to full back, but cannot attack or move.
- Banshees get a speed upgrade once (and if) a Fusion Core is built, adding to surviving late-game aerial counter.
- Battlecruisers now inherit the Warp ability from the Hyperion in HotS, which allows them to move anywhere, but will cost a lot of energy, perhaps even more than Yamato, for balance purposes.
UNIT CHANGES - ZERG:
- Corruptor now has 'Caustic Spray' a Corrosion-esque ability that deals damage to ground units over time, like Void Rays, as long as the Corruptor is using the ability.
- Infestor inherits Kerrigan's Wild Mutation ability from Heart of the Swarm, as buff and alternative to Fungal Growth.
- Swarm Hosts now are more mobile, spawning Locusts on the move, without needing to Burrow. They also gain an upgrade allowing Locusts to fly in late-game and attack like Brood Lord Broodlings. To counter-balance this, spawn times are now longer, allowing 'Swarm Host armies to be overrun'.
- Nydus Worms no longer can be damaged before popping up from the ground, even when detected. Only after they pop up and are through the brith animation, they can be attacked.
UNIT CHANGES - PROTOSS:
- Immortals now lose the passive 'Hardened Shield' ability, being switched now to active. Once active, it'll absorb normally damage from Siege Tanks and other units, but now it'll have a duration. According to Blizzard, this is a balance issue as the Immortals were too much hard counters.
- Warp Prisms can now pick units from a distance, without the Prism needing to be 'on top' of the unit, like other transports. This is meant to inspire more Immortal/HT/Stalker micro harassment and saving critical units from a swarming army.
- Oracle's Revelation now uncloaks cloaked units. They also inherit the Brood War Arbiter's Stasis Prison with a twist, being now a proximity mine. Once an enemy unit passes near it, the mine detonates, entrapping all foes into stasis prisons for long periods. As with the BW Arbiters, enemies cannot be attacked within Stasis Cells, but won't attack or move either.
- Tempests no longer attack air units, losing purpose against Battlecruisers, Carriers and Brood Lords, but now have an ability called 'Desintegrate', which consumes a single target's HP for a long period.
Dustin Browder finished presenting the "expansion" just now. Gotta say, I'm excited.
The trailer was absolutely amazing, and I like how we actually got a little more of a look at Artanis, as I assumed the entire thing would revolve around Zeratul. Will definitely be interesting to see what will happen.
- Dustin Browder also confirmed that the Lurker is returning (Zerg fans rejoice), along with a bunch of other new multiplayer units for all three races.
Even though I anticipated new units, I honestly didn't know what to think because Blizzard has said before they didn't plan on making more units for LotV, although I kind of hoped for it. Can't wait to see what kind of units we'll see.
- Being a mapmaker (campaign-maker specifically) and not much of a multiplayer gamer nowadays, gotta say I'm definitely most excited about the upcoming final campaign. I've been waiting for so long, and I feel like Blizzcon 2014 was the right time to start revealing LotV in general.
So, the TL;DR version of this is.... LotV Omgz, Epic! Can't wait!
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StarCraft II: Annihilation Campaign - A 24 mission single-player campaign featuring unique heroes, custom tracks, boss battles, a varied set of mission scenarios and three intersecting storylines.
They'd better not screw this one up like they did with HotS, I hope. The trailer looked slightly promising, apart from them spoilering the death of a character.
Definitely. Considering that LotV is Blizzard's final chance to actually make StarCraft II fantastic in all aspects and keep people interesting, they need to be making the right choices. It's now, or never!
I personally feel like the death thing is merely meant to confuse us, at least that's what I hope it is. I doubt Blizzard would reveal such an important part of storytelling like that. (Let's hope that's not the case)
@Hockleberry: Go
That line made it so awesome! Seems like the Protoss will definitely be returning to reclaim Aiur. I hope to see an epic battle take place here against the Zerg.
StarCraft II: Annihilation Campaign - A 24 mission single-player campaign featuring unique heroes, custom tracks, boss battles, a varied set of mission scenarios and three intersecting storylines.
Ever since The Amazing Spider-Man 2 trailer, which because of Emma Stone's suggestive clothing (spoiler-based, I mean), everyone came to read the future death of characters in trailers, even if it's accidental. If you looked well at the LotV trailer, you'll notice they already spoiled Kerrigan's... NVM.
They couldnt have made the new Protoss Unit less interesting if they tried. Seriously, WTF is that supposed to be? It looks like a Doodad in HOTS. What is up with the art direction for the Protoss Units in SC2? Its absolutely horrific....
And yes, the Cinematic Trailer looks pretty cool (as expected, the campaign will atleast entertain and bring us some awesome Protoss action, finally), even though the sound design is frightingly horrid (and I am not someone to usually say this).
I don't think that's Amon, really, more like a Hybrid mini-boss. Blizzard wouldn't be that naive to leak out something like that, again. Hope it's not the only new design for LotV, though...
/edit LOVE the giant missile turret. Predicting some interesting boss fights with it. >:)
i really liked the trailer, but some of the art seemed rushed, for example Kerrigan's face at the end. However, the website is very top-notched. I hope there is extra campaign like scenarios like they have in Company of Heroes.
The multiplayer got refreshed like never before realy with those changes. Even though i almost never play multiplayer, this is very inspiring. They focused on microing units with some interesting abilities, instead of deathballing with A key all over the map. That will surely shake of the rust from the multiplayer experience. Thats a huge improvement imo.
Getting excited! The changes to multiplayer sound nice, sounds like it'll be more micro-intensive than before. I'm mostly interested in that Commander mode, I wonder if the "new units" you can unlock are actually unique units available to commanders or (modified) multiplayer/campaign ones.
The Archon mode sounds nice too! Reminds me of that Brood War mode...Also, are those Zealots with psi-axes/psi-lances in some of the screenies?
PS: DAMN, that's one big turret! That thing must be firing tactical nukes, lol
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This thread was created before BlizzCon began to keep updates on the new features for LotV and my personal opinions on them. As new changes are witnessed and confirmed, there'll be updates on them, from the live stream.
If you wish to talk about the other Blizzard things from the convention, you can create new threads, but this was made entirely for the LotV expansion. Will be updated as the changes go on.
UPDATES
LotV trailer released - Oblivion:
LotV preview site released: http://us.battle.net/sc2/en/legacy-of-the-void/#media
LotV Campaign video released:
- LotV will be released as a standalone expansion, like Age of Empires and it's expansions. This means it won't need WoL or Hots, or both installed to play.
- LotV will see the return of the Lurker in multiplayer and three new units for multi, as well.
- In the single-player campaign, instead of Zeratul, like it was previously announced, the story will center around Artanis.
- New characters include Rohanna, a Protoss Preserver (Egon Stetmann or lore computer), Karax (Swann, a.k.a upgrade master) and Vorazun (Raszagal's daughter, who'll try something stupid in the campaign no doubt.)
NEW UNITS:
- New unit for Zerg, besides the Lurker, is the Ravager, which operates as a Nod Specter from C&C 3: Kane's Wrath - once it's ability, Corrosive Bile, is fired, it'll UI the impact location and then rain down the artillery, if you call it so. The Ravager's shot can destroy Sentry Force Fields, so it's highly likely it'll be a Mid-Late game unit. The Corrosive Bile, paired with Infestor Fungal Growth, can be effective vs air units.
- New units for Terran are the HERC (Semi-Viper Melee, which grapples to easily approach target) and the Cyclone (Fires on the move and on a single target, meant for anti-scout and anti-Ultralisk). Cyclones are also anti-Lurkers.
- New unit for Protoss is the Disrupter (Using the rejected Replicator design from HotS), a mine-esque unit that has an ability to cloak for a short time, and then uncloaking unleashing a Predator-like burst, dealing likely bonus damage vs Light.
UNIT CHANGES - TERRAN:
- Siege Tanks on Siege Mode can be now picked by Medivacs and dropped, like Thors.
- Thors now have an ability called 'Emergency Repair', which heals the Thor to full back, but cannot attack or move.
- Banshees get a speed upgrade once (and if) a Fusion Core is built, adding to surviving late-game aerial counter.
- Battlecruisers now inherit the Warp ability from the Hyperion in HotS, which allows them to move anywhere, but will cost a lot of energy, perhaps even more than Yamato, for balance purposes.
UNIT CHANGES - ZERG:
- Corruptor now has 'Caustic Spray' a Corrosion-esque ability that deals damage to ground units over time, like Void Rays, as long as the Corruptor is using the ability.
- Infestor inherits Kerrigan's Wild Mutation ability from Heart of the Swarm, as buff and alternative to Fungal Growth.
- Swarm Hosts now are more mobile, spawning Locusts on the move, without needing to Burrow. They also gain an upgrade allowing Locusts to fly in late-game and attack like Brood Lord Broodlings. To counter-balance this, spawn times are now longer, allowing 'Swarm Host armies to be overrun'.
- Nydus Worms no longer can be damaged before popping up from the ground, even when detected. Only after they pop up and are through the brith animation, they can be attacked.
UNIT CHANGES - PROTOSS:
- Immortals now lose the passive 'Hardened Shield' ability, being switched now to active. Once active, it'll absorb normally damage from Siege Tanks and other units, but now it'll have a duration. According to Blizzard, this is a balance issue as the Immortals were too much hard counters.
- Warp Prisms can now pick units from a distance, without the Prism needing to be 'on top' of the unit, like other transports. This is meant to inspire more Immortal/HT/Stalker micro harassment and saving critical units from a swarming army.
- Oracle's Revelation now uncloaks cloaked units. They also inherit the Brood War Arbiter's Stasis Prison with a twist, being now a proximity mine. Once an enemy unit passes near it, the mine detonates, entrapping all foes into stasis prisons for long periods. As with the BW Arbiters, enemies cannot be attacked within Stasis Cells, but won't attack or move either.
- Tempests no longer attack air units, losing purpose against Battlecruisers, Carriers and Brood Lords, but now have an ability called 'Desintegrate', which consumes a single target's HP for a long period.
MULTIPLAYER VIDEOS
TERRAN:
PROTOSS:
ZERG:
SCREENSHOTS AND ARTWORK - Attached below.
Personal opinions shortly, on *all* views.
no mention of starcraft yet...not even in the 2014 recap...okay nvm brief mention.
LOL NO LOTV TROLLOLOLOL just kidding
I am simply covered of cu... Sopiler NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO I got fucked all the plot and cutscenes :(
EPIC!!!!!!!!
Dustin Browder finished presenting the "expansion" just now. Gotta say, I'm excited.
The trailer was absolutely amazing, and I like how we actually got a little more of a look at Artanis, as I assumed the entire thing would revolve around Zeratul. Will definitely be interesting to see what will happen.
- Dustin Browder also confirmed that the Lurker is returning (Zerg fans rejoice), along with a bunch of other new multiplayer units for all three races. Even though I anticipated new units, I honestly didn't know what to think because Blizzard has said before they didn't plan on making more units for LotV, although I kind of hoped for it. Can't wait to see what kind of units we'll see.
- Being a mapmaker (campaign-maker specifically) and not much of a multiplayer gamer nowadays, gotta say I'm definitely most excited about the upcoming final campaign. I've been waiting for so long, and I feel like Blizzcon 2014 was the right time to start revealing LotV in general.
So, the TL;DR version of this is.... LotV Omgz, Epic! Can't wait!
StarCraft II: Annihilation Campaign - A 24 mission single-player campaign featuring unique heroes, custom tracks, boss battles, a varied set of mission scenarios and three intersecting storylines.
Starcraft II: A War Story Campaign - A multi-act campaign with custom factions. Follow my discord for updates: https://discord.gg/Ztu44gZ
If you want to see a list of other awesome campaigns, go to: Custom Campaign Initiative
@DudkiSC2: Go
They'd better not screw this one up like they did with HotS, I hope. The trailer looked slightly promising, apart from them spoilering the death of a character.
my life for auir! it looks promising!
@DeltaCadimus: Go
Definitely. Considering that LotV is Blizzard's final chance to actually make StarCraft II fantastic in all aspects and keep people interesting, they need to be making the right choices. It's now, or never!
I personally feel like the death thing is merely meant to confuse us, at least that's what I hope it is. I doubt Blizzard would reveal such an important part of storytelling like that. (Let's hope that's not the case)
@Hockleberry: Go That line made it so awesome! Seems like the Protoss will definitely be returning to reclaim Aiur. I hope to see an epic battle take place here against the Zerg.
StarCraft II: Annihilation Campaign - A 24 mission single-player campaign featuring unique heroes, custom tracks, boss battles, a varied set of mission scenarios and three intersecting storylines.
Starcraft II: A War Story Campaign - A multi-act campaign with custom factions. Follow my discord for updates: https://discord.gg/Ztu44gZ
If you want to see a list of other awesome campaigns, go to: Custom Campaign Initiative
@DudkiSC2: Go
Ever since The Amazing Spider-Man 2 trailer, which because of Emma Stone's suggestive clothing (spoiler-based, I mean), everyone came to read the future death of characters in trailers, even if it's accidental. If you looked well at the LotV trailer, you'll notice they already spoiled Kerrigan's... NVM.
The new site for LotV is out. Check it out.
http://us.battle.net/sc2/en/legacy-of-the-void/#media
HOLY SHIEAT!!!
They couldnt have made the new Protoss Unit less interesting if they tried. Seriously, WTF is that supposed to be? It looks like a Doodad in HOTS. What is up with the art direction for the Protoss Units in SC2? Its absolutely horrific....
And yes, the Cinematic Trailer looks pretty cool (as expected, the campaign will atleast entertain and bring us some awesome Protoss action, finally), even though the sound design is frightingly horrid (and I am not someone to usually say this).
Hey wtf that spoiler.. they showed Amon in those screenshots and it looks not realy inspiring.....
so who plans on making a lotv melle mod? :D It seems completely possible from what I saw, id make it myself but I have been busy with another project.
@abvdzh: Go
I don't think that's Amon, really, more like a Hybrid mini-boss. Blizzard wouldn't be that naive to leak out something like that, again. Hope it's not the only new design for LotV, though...
/edit LOVE the giant missile turret. Predicting some interesting boss fights with it. >:)
i really liked the trailer, but some of the art seemed rushed, for example Kerrigan's face at the end. However, the website is very top-notched. I hope there is extra campaign like scenarios like they have in Company of Heroes.
Also...that arc-ship looks awesome!!
I'm a but ocupied, but if you can I try to help you with the mod :)
The multiplayer got refreshed like never before realy with those changes. Even though i almost never play multiplayer, this is very inspiring. They focused on microing units with some interesting abilities, instead of deathballing with A key all over the map. That will surely shake of the rust from the multiplayer experience. Thats a huge improvement imo.
Getting excited! The changes to multiplayer sound nice, sounds like it'll be more micro-intensive than before. I'm mostly interested in that Commander mode, I wonder if the "new units" you can unlock are actually unique units available to commanders or (modified) multiplayer/campaign ones.
The Archon mode sounds nice too! Reminds me of that Brood War mode...Also, are those Zealots with psi-axes/psi-lances in some of the screenies?
PS: DAMN, that's one big turret! That thing must be firing tactical nukes, lol