A big lie. In our current currency, it's almost the DOUBLE of standard American Dollars. If there, it's 50, here's at least a hundred, even a bit more, considering our economic state, nowadays... And Blizzard *does* convert the currency, depending on location. Else, it'd be 50 here, too.
Also, texture set is used for multiple tileset painting, the best example being the first Aiur comeback mission in the campaign. While the first segment (Vorazun/Alarak) is set in a destroyed city, the second (Karax/Fenix) is set in a stone temple setting and the last one (Artanis) is set on caverns. It's good for micro missions where you can set more than one different environment without needing to be insanely creative, like in the past, just needing to adjust fog/lightning with triggers. The only bad thing is that 'defining' separate areas are divided in 8x8 blocks.
You just need to look at them from a lot of many angles, and beyond 'Oh, nice', 'Oh, how cool' and 'It left a bit to be desired'. Stuff like the meaning of the scene/dialogue, the narrative aspect, the emotional impact, the connection to the story, etc.
A good example to look at is 'Coming of the Horde' which delivers pretty much what could've been the WarCraft movie, beyond just showcasing 'humans and good orcs fighting bad orcs'. It delivers drama and machinations, gives us much more depth into Gul'Dan and Medivh's characters, behind the action of the first WarCraft game and also connects pretty well with the third, with Thrall father and his clan resisting Gul'Dan and Blackhand for what they did, sacrificing their people's souls and bodies to demons for mere power.
As well as the Blood Elves campaign, set post TFT, I think, which was much more political, so to say, including the uneasy alliance with the Forsaken and stuff. And that was pretty engaging, in a way, as well as the final cutscene where Dalaran tries forcing the Blood Elves hand like they did in the past, just because they think it'd work, this time, or even Sylvanas blackmailing them in the final hour, making you realize that her aid was a trap and a play in military agreement, as well.
That was a good review as well, and as you said in my post, we pretty much agree on the consensus that LotV is the best StarCraft II, in storyline, at least. That is, because I can't defend the multiplayer, which at least in HotS was stronger. Check no more than a simple pro match video from the ESL channel, regarding LotV, and you'll see what I mean.
We both can agree and disagree too concerning the kickstart/sad scene of HotS concerning Raynor's supposed 'death'. As I said in another thread, my review to your Aureolin Eclipse, I think, it used the old cliche of 'making you believe your loved one is dead, when he's not', but it could've at least worked if there was a use of the 'power of suggestion', like Kerrigan keeping in contact with Raynor, hearing him fight and then scream. Yes, it'd be more hokey, but at least it'd give credence to the transmission, because we heard Raynor's screams and we wouldn't believe he's still alive and stuff.
I did that in my forsaken HotS - Alternate fanfic (Which I see more and more errors of mine, in writing and telling the story), and while it was over-cliched, the scene worked, as well as Kerrigan's abduction in that Fanfic, and all the confusion and piling up rage on the cruelty of the world contributed to her accepting a deal with virtually little option, also in that fanfic. That was both the best circumstance, the best motivations and the best construction of that time.
I disagree a bit on the fact that Artanis' development is akin to Leonardo, and that he didn't grew, at least in the way you wished it was, with Tassadar. Tassadar was more of 'standing to your convictions, and prove the world's wrong' and he sticked to it until the end. Artanis also did that, but grew in many respects possible - His character, though scarred by Zeratul's death, could also see sense and empathy even in the most dangerous of allies, otherwise he'd be such a pain in Alarak's ass, as well as he puts faith in all he can trust, including Kerrigan, and he even hesitates when it comes to saving her from her assailing Hybrid. He still remembers the atrocities she committed, yet the depictions on Ulnar, as well as Zeratul's previous faith, force him to get over his promises of payback to aid her, and he ultimately sees she's changed and not the Queen Bitch from before. Well, at least because he doesn't know what happened in Kaldir, at least...
He also grew in wisdom, with learning and accepting new truths, recognizing the Protoss needed change and unity more than ever, and also as a true leader - He convinces, by few words, the Purifiers to aid him and he's adamant that the Conclave of the past is gone, he takes the courage needed to end Shakuras, though it pains heavily his heart, so much as Vorazun's, as well as he constantly argues with Rohana on the views of the past and present, and that while her fortitude is admirable, change is ultimately required. He also stands up to Alarak constantly, regarding slaying his rivals - Just because he's got to do it, to secure an 'ally', it doesn't mean that he's got to enjoy it, or the Tal'Darim, but he at least comprehends them, as they were so much a product of Amon's manipulations as were the Protoss pre-Aeon of Strife.
And there is drama involved, as well, perhaps even more than I expected - The Korhal post-cinematic is a reaffirming of Raynor and Artanis' standing partnership, Rohana's severing is emotional and fitting to her arc, and even Karax gets to shine when even he didn't expect it, and the meaning to the end of the caste system, imposed by the Conclave years ago, means the ultimate change is inevitable - Where are Protoss see themselves as Protoss, despite their appearance, creed, belief or the feeling of bonding through a unity link. This doesn't mean, however, the Khala is bad, it did deliver a new age to the Protoss, putting an end to all slaughter, and satisfied all their emotional and psionic links when it was needed, and the Khala does mean 'faith' but it's also a lesson to never put too much faith, or become fanatic, like the Tal'Darim.
Amon, well... He's kind of complicating of where he's built up big time, but then ends up a big bad evil, but not as hokey as was Azmodan or Diablo in Diablo 3. He still does stuff, but yet I feel he could've done more, particularly in HotS, where it should be his setting up his orchestra of destruction, but we get absolutely nothing out of him. And his origins/motivations definitely needed some backing, as well. They were pretty much like Ultron was, in Age of Ultron, which was hated because, like HotS, it suggested a much more darker and sadder tone, almost in a Game of Thrones level. I'd say Season 4, at best, if you ask me.
I guess that while there are missions for about everyone's liking, I like to say my favorites were those whom were non-intrusive with time (The third Aiur prologue mission and the first Ulnar mission), as well as 'Last Stand' (But rather because of the said 'stress' test to your defenses), the first Aiur comeback mission and the second Korhal mission.
/edit BTW, I'm believing more and more that, pretty much like HotS ripped 'X-Men Origins: Wolverine' in some aspects, the 'Into the Void' drank heavily from Age of Ultron in the respect of two super-beings fighting one another, one representing life while other erroneously believing he can fix the universe by just killing the shit out of everything. Figures...
Well, thanks for elaborating to Imperial, but it was a specificity issue, and while both are closed, they're very separate too. Often 3.0 is confused with Void itself, if only because of the new UI, a portion of Assets and stuff. So, I'm sorry about the confusion.
Also, on the Amon thing, yeah, while hatred and stuff are reasonable, that alone would hardly fit well with a being which apparently, the Void doesn't do anything with it. Unless it was this emotion that somehow lowered his immunity and allowed the Void to involuntarily corrupt him, or some external source, just 'he's just Anakin/Lucifer hating' doesn't cut so well, particularly from an evil that was built up to this point, what with visions or directly talking to the Tal'Darim in the prologue mini-campaign. Just a criticism on his 'dark' origins but, apart from that, even though I think he could've done more in the previous games, and made his presence subtle, yet relevant, he's technically fine.
When you first hear the 'Allied Commander' thing, particularly if you played Red Alert 3 like I did, you'd imagine not co-op with human players, but with an AI of sorts you could control indirectly, issuing orders to defend an area, kill a specific unit/structure. Except that, since it's Blizzard, it'd come with many more options, like 'Expand to this site' or 'Build this building or unit' or 'Research this tech above anything else and right now'. Unfortunately, we got MOBA heroes and teamwork using ideas from campaign missions. And while Terran and Protoss' abilities MAY fell RTS-ish, they still fall on MOBA category, because they're so unique per commander you feel you're actually playing LoL RTS instead of any other map.
Well, truth be told, Kerrigan is an odd case - One hour she's all innocent, another she's a villain, another she's remorseful, another she's got no regrets, in another she's all into it, another she's hesitating... It even seems, if you look at a certain angle, that Blizzard doesn't know what to do with her, and that's why they put her through more stuff than every StarCraft character combined.
Well, that was a good one, dividing between 'Spoilers' and 'No Spoilers', though I'd get a bit critical of a few parts here and there. But it was a good critic, nonetheless, with the exception it was a bit *too* positive and misunderstood.
As I once said, the point of reviewing is pointing out good stuff while, in a tolerant way, also telling about it's flaws, and some stuff like Artanis being a teacher and stuff seemed a bit confusing. Artanis, for me, did a good job of being the 'fish out of water' character, and had the will and charisma given to him by Zeratul's sacrifice, which was what truly kicked the story forward. I figured that, if there were any other way around, it just wouldn't end up as powerful or riveting as that cutscene ended. And I admit he did grew up consistently as a leader, being forced into decisions, taking risks, fighting for what he believes, he virtually did a lot more than both Raynor and Kerrigan, for a reason - Raynor was just 'treasure hunting alien thingies' while Kerrigan was 'all righteous revenge'.
Also, it wasn't any new writer, it was just the addition of Waugh, a WarCraft lore writer, whom was along with Metzen. Though I bet that Waugh was more vocal about how the story was led than Metzen going all happy-hands like he did with HotS. Thank God for that...
BTW, I think you forgot to comment a bit on the missions, notably the last Shakuras mission, which was worth of calling itself 'ending with a bang'. :)
Yeah, well, I had no Dark Eldar characters to reference, and that were as close to Alarak as Abaddon was. Also, everyone virtually calls him a Sith Lords, because of the KotOR villain design. Good to see Blizzard draws good inspiration, still. :)
Well, at least we can agree that, if per chance in a far future, Blizzard decides to make a third game, it'll have to somehow follow the path of the upcoming 'The Force Awakens' (Which, BTW, has the best Japanese trailer ever), in which known characters can be cameos, but core ones will have to be totally new, to provide a refreshing course for both old and new audiences.
On the Mothership, yeah, it did crash, along with rescueables, but it could've just crashed straight down, like any big ship could. I mean, Battlecruisers fall straight, as well as Carriers, so why Motherships can't follow that rule? xD
Remember the 'Pearl Harbor' Michael Bay movie? There's a scene there where both pilots do an ego-stroking stunt, both in training and in battle (They call it 'who chickens out first', I guess), that nearly crashes their planes mid-air, in the most inplausible way possible. And they don't even get reprimanded, for either irresponsible military aircraft use, endangering themselves, or damaging thousands-of-dollars equipment.
That's what I mean when the Mothership, in the very first mission, does that, because a ship THAT size clearly wouldn't just dodge out of crashing in Artanis' war party way in the last second. That vessel behaved more like a jet than it did a capital ship, which's everything but fast. That's what I usually call the 'Michael Bay's world of physics.'
Also, nice to see you liked the review, though I thought you'd disagree with something like the ending, for an instance. Well, actually, I thought it was kind of okay, though it was... normal, for Blizzard's standards. That's the best way I can put it.
0
This must be the only time I ever publish some WIP of any WTE of mine, but here we go. Suffice to say, progress, to a minimum, was done today.
0
@ScrinKing: Go
A big lie. In our current currency, it's almost the DOUBLE of standard American Dollars. If there, it's 50, here's at least a hundred, even a bit more, considering our economic state, nowadays... And Blizzard *does* convert the currency, depending on location. Else, it'd be 50 here, too.
Also, texture set is used for multiple tileset painting, the best example being the first Aiur comeback mission in the campaign. While the first segment (Vorazun/Alarak) is set in a destroyed city, the second (Karax/Fenix) is set in a stone temple setting and the last one (Artanis) is set on caverns. It's good for micro missions where you can set more than one different environment without needing to be insanely creative, like in the past, just needing to adjust fog/lightning with triggers. The only bad thing is that 'defining' separate areas are divided in 8x8 blocks.
0
@Mozared: Go
Well, I was wondering when that'd come up... I'll have eventually one by next weekend, heavily inspired on 'Reclamation', no doubt.
0
@JayborinoPlays: Go
You just need to look at them from a lot of many angles, and beyond 'Oh, nice', 'Oh, how cool' and 'It left a bit to be desired'. Stuff like the meaning of the scene/dialogue, the narrative aspect, the emotional impact, the connection to the story, etc.
A good example to look at is 'Coming of the Horde' which delivers pretty much what could've been the WarCraft movie, beyond just showcasing 'humans and good orcs fighting bad orcs'. It delivers drama and machinations, gives us much more depth into Gul'Dan and Medivh's characters, behind the action of the first WarCraft game and also connects pretty well with the third, with Thrall father and his clan resisting Gul'Dan and Blackhand for what they did, sacrificing their people's souls and bodies to demons for mere power.
As well as the Blood Elves campaign, set post TFT, I think, which was much more political, so to say, including the uneasy alliance with the Forsaken and stuff. And that was pretty engaging, in a way, as well as the final cutscene where Dalaran tries forcing the Blood Elves hand like they did in the past, just because they think it'd work, this time, or even Sylvanas blackmailing them in the final hour, making you realize that her aid was a trap and a play in military agreement, as well.
0
@EivindL: Go
That was a good review as well, and as you said in my post, we pretty much agree on the consensus that LotV is the best StarCraft II, in storyline, at least. That is, because I can't defend the multiplayer, which at least in HotS was stronger. Check no more than a simple pro match video from the ESL channel, regarding LotV, and you'll see what I mean.
We both can agree and disagree too concerning the kickstart/sad scene of HotS concerning Raynor's supposed 'death'. As I said in another thread, my review to your Aureolin Eclipse, I think, it used the old cliche of 'making you believe your loved one is dead, when he's not', but it could've at least worked if there was a use of the 'power of suggestion', like Kerrigan keeping in contact with Raynor, hearing him fight and then scream. Yes, it'd be more hokey, but at least it'd give credence to the transmission, because we heard Raynor's screams and we wouldn't believe he's still alive and stuff.
I did that in my forsaken HotS - Alternate fanfic (Which I see more and more errors of mine, in writing and telling the story), and while it was over-cliched, the scene worked, as well as Kerrigan's abduction in that Fanfic, and all the confusion and piling up rage on the cruelty of the world contributed to her accepting a deal with virtually little option, also in that fanfic. That was both the best circumstance, the best motivations and the best construction of that time.
I disagree a bit on the fact that Artanis' development is akin to Leonardo, and that he didn't grew, at least in the way you wished it was, with Tassadar. Tassadar was more of 'standing to your convictions, and prove the world's wrong' and he sticked to it until the end. Artanis also did that, but grew in many respects possible - His character, though scarred by Zeratul's death, could also see sense and empathy even in the most dangerous of allies, otherwise he'd be such a pain in Alarak's ass, as well as he puts faith in all he can trust, including Kerrigan, and he even hesitates when it comes to saving her from her assailing Hybrid. He still remembers the atrocities she committed, yet the depictions on Ulnar, as well as Zeratul's previous faith, force him to get over his promises of payback to aid her, and he ultimately sees she's changed and not the Queen Bitch from before. Well, at least because he doesn't know what happened in Kaldir, at least...
He also grew in wisdom, with learning and accepting new truths, recognizing the Protoss needed change and unity more than ever, and also as a true leader - He convinces, by few words, the Purifiers to aid him and he's adamant that the Conclave of the past is gone, he takes the courage needed to end Shakuras, though it pains heavily his heart, so much as Vorazun's, as well as he constantly argues with Rohana on the views of the past and present, and that while her fortitude is admirable, change is ultimately required. He also stands up to Alarak constantly, regarding slaying his rivals - Just because he's got to do it, to secure an 'ally', it doesn't mean that he's got to enjoy it, or the Tal'Darim, but he at least comprehends them, as they were so much a product of Amon's manipulations as were the Protoss pre-Aeon of Strife.
And there is drama involved, as well, perhaps even more than I expected - The Korhal post-cinematic is a reaffirming of Raynor and Artanis' standing partnership, Rohana's severing is emotional and fitting to her arc, and even Karax gets to shine when even he didn't expect it, and the meaning to the end of the caste system, imposed by the Conclave years ago, means the ultimate change is inevitable - Where are Protoss see themselves as Protoss, despite their appearance, creed, belief or the feeling of bonding through a unity link. This doesn't mean, however, the Khala is bad, it did deliver a new age to the Protoss, putting an end to all slaughter, and satisfied all their emotional and psionic links when it was needed, and the Khala does mean 'faith' but it's also a lesson to never put too much faith, or become fanatic, like the Tal'Darim.
Amon, well... He's kind of complicating of where he's built up big time, but then ends up a big bad evil, but not as hokey as was Azmodan or Diablo in Diablo 3. He still does stuff, but yet I feel he could've done more, particularly in HotS, where it should be his setting up his orchestra of destruction, but we get absolutely nothing out of him. And his origins/motivations definitely needed some backing, as well. They were pretty much like Ultron was, in Age of Ultron, which was hated because, like HotS, it suggested a much more darker and sadder tone, almost in a Game of Thrones level. I'd say Season 4, at best, if you ask me.
I guess that while there are missions for about everyone's liking, I like to say my favorites were those whom were non-intrusive with time (The third Aiur prologue mission and the first Ulnar mission), as well as 'Last Stand' (But rather because of the said 'stress' test to your defenses), the first Aiur comeback mission and the second Korhal mission.
/edit BTW, I'm believing more and more that, pretty much like HotS ripped 'X-Men Origins: Wolverine' in some aspects, the 'Into the Void' drank heavily from Age of Ultron in the respect of two super-beings fighting one another, one representing life while other erroneously believing he can fix the universe by just killing the shit out of everything. Figures...
0
@ArcaneDurandel: Go
Well, thanks for elaborating to Imperial, but it was a specificity issue, and while both are closed, they're very separate too. Often 3.0 is confused with Void itself, if only because of the new UI, a portion of Assets and stuff. So, I'm sorry about the confusion.
Also, on the Amon thing, yeah, while hatred and stuff are reasonable, that alone would hardly fit well with a being which apparently, the Void doesn't do anything with it. Unless it was this emotion that somehow lowered his immunity and allowed the Void to involuntarily corrupt him, or some external source, just 'he's just Anakin/Lucifer hating' doesn't cut so well, particularly from an evil that was built up to this point, what with visions or directly talking to the Tal'Darim in the prologue mini-campaign. Just a criticism on his 'dark' origins but, apart from that, even though I think he could've done more in the previous games, and made his presence subtle, yet relevant, he's technically fine.
@ImperialGood: Go
When you first hear the 'Allied Commander' thing, particularly if you played Red Alert 3 like I did, you'd imagine not co-op with human players, but with an AI of sorts you could control indirectly, issuing orders to defend an area, kill a specific unit/structure. Except that, since it's Blizzard, it'd come with many more options, like 'Expand to this site' or 'Build this building or unit' or 'Research this tech above anything else and right now'. Unfortunately, we got MOBA heroes and teamwork using ideas from campaign missions. And while Terran and Protoss' abilities MAY fell RTS-ish, they still fall on MOBA category, because they're so unique per commander you feel you're actually playing LoL RTS instead of any other map.
0
@Mozared: Go
Well, truth be told, Kerrigan is an odd case - One hour she's all innocent, another she's a villain, another she's remorseful, another she's got no regrets, in another she's all into it, another she's hesitating... It even seems, if you look at a certain angle, that Blizzard doesn't know what to do with her, and that's why they put her through more stuff than every StarCraft character combined.
0
Well, that was a good one, dividing between 'Spoilers' and 'No Spoilers', though I'd get a bit critical of a few parts here and there. But it was a good critic, nonetheless, with the exception it was a bit *too* positive and misunderstood.
As I once said, the point of reviewing is pointing out good stuff while, in a tolerant way, also telling about it's flaws, and some stuff like Artanis being a teacher and stuff seemed a bit confusing. Artanis, for me, did a good job of being the 'fish out of water' character, and had the will and charisma given to him by Zeratul's sacrifice, which was what truly kicked the story forward. I figured that, if there were any other way around, it just wouldn't end up as powerful or riveting as that cutscene ended. And I admit he did grew up consistently as a leader, being forced into decisions, taking risks, fighting for what he believes, he virtually did a lot more than both Raynor and Kerrigan, for a reason - Raynor was just 'treasure hunting alien thingies' while Kerrigan was 'all righteous revenge'.
Also, it wasn't any new writer, it was just the addition of Waugh, a WarCraft lore writer, whom was along with Metzen. Though I bet that Waugh was more vocal about how the story was led than Metzen going all happy-hands like he did with HotS. Thank God for that...
BTW, I think you forgot to comment a bit on the missions, notably the last Shakuras mission, which was worth of calling itself 'ending with a bang'. :)
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@Alevice: Go
Yeah, well, I had no Dark Eldar characters to reference, and that were as close to Alarak as Abaddon was. Also, everyone virtually calls him a Sith Lords, because of the KotOR villain design. Good to see Blizzard draws good inspiration, still. :)
0
@JayborinoPlays: Go
Well, at least we can agree that, if per chance in a far future, Blizzard decides to make a third game, it'll have to somehow follow the path of the upcoming 'The Force Awakens' (Which, BTW, has the best Japanese trailer ever), in which known characters can be cameos, but core ones will have to be totally new, to provide a refreshing course for both old and new audiences.
On the Mothership, yeah, it did crash, along with rescueables, but it could've just crashed straight down, like any big ship could. I mean, Battlecruisers fall straight, as well as Carriers, so why Motherships can't follow that rule? xD
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@ArcaneDurandel: Go
Interesting... One more reason as why the character's great, then. :D
0
@JayborinoPlays: Go
Remember the 'Pearl Harbor' Michael Bay movie? There's a scene there where both pilots do an ego-stroking stunt, both in training and in battle (They call it 'who chickens out first', I guess), that nearly crashes their planes mid-air, in the most inplausible way possible. And they don't even get reprimanded, for either irresponsible military aircraft use, endangering themselves, or damaging thousands-of-dollars equipment.
That's what I mean when the Mothership, in the very first mission, does that, because a ship THAT size clearly wouldn't just dodge out of crashing in Artanis' war party way in the last second. That vessel behaved more like a jet than it did a capital ship, which's everything but fast. That's what I usually call the 'Michael Bay's world of physics.'
Also, nice to see you liked the review, though I thought you'd disagree with something like the ending, for an instance. Well, actually, I thought it was kind of okay, though it was... normal, for Blizzard's standards. That's the best way I can put it.
0
@Mozared: Go
U welcome. :)
0
Just so you know, I've finally done the review, though it's spoiler-free, mostly. Enjoy.
0
Lads, it's done. Read and weep.