StarCraft 2 updates: rules of engagement, Nydus Worm mechanics, terrain bonuses

StarCraft 2 updates: rules of engagement, Nydus Worm mechanics, terrain bonuses - Image 1Blizzard‘s has only previously began development on the Zerg, but various changes have already been applied to the first two technologically superior races that certain mechanics have changed. Tactical and strategic players have often been concerned how much their previous StarCraft II. Developers clarify new questions on unit mechanics, tactical features in the original StarCraft, and a status check on the map dominator’s favorite race: the blitzing Zerg.

StarCraft 2 updates: rules of engagement, Nydus Worm mechanics, terrain bonuses - Image 1 

Blizzard‘s next set of questions and answers was compiled with the third episode of BlizzCast, and for today’s update on StarCraft II, we’re herded new facts that may delight the hardcore tactician. But that would depend on what their core strategy would be, of course.

First up is that the Terran’s Battlecruiser has met a slight arsenal change by way of its Missile Barrage special ability. Yes, missiles. It would seem that it wasn’t enough that the space-faring bruiser had big-ass, double-barrelled, plasma cannon turrets that targeted ground and air forces – now it comes with with an array of fast seeking plasma projectiles that could obliterate lighter ships in one simultaneous salvo.

Luckily though, Missile Barrage only air-to-air based, and it’s designed to keep lighter craft at bay and give the hulking behemoth an impressive fear factor against smaller strike craft. This ability does not change the Battlecruiser’s rules of engagement, however. All turrets and missiles will have their crosshairs on a single target at a time.

StarCraft 2 updates: rules of engagement, Nydus Worm mechanics, terrain bonuses - Image 1 

For vessels and structures carrying units you invested on, Blizzard offers the following compromises. If an enemy manages to corrupt a Terran Medivac or a Protoss Shuttle loaded with forces, the corruption destroys the contents of the ship, and transfers control of the unit to the enemy.

In a complete turnaround, however, Zerg forces lurking in the vast system of created by the Nydus Worm and the Warrens won’t be destroyed until all entrance and exits of a Nydus network are completely obliterated.

New touches with animations may prove difficult for players who’re easily distracted, as the deaths of units may deter tacticians from achieving their best AIM (actions in minutes) at critical points in the game. This efficiency is significant for most Korean-style StarCraft players, and Blizzard is well aware of the animation repercussions. They are looking into that issue, but no firm solution has been pointed out.

The old terrain bonuses feature that StarCraft: Brood War served will not be making a second run in StarCraft 2. The developers maintain that the line-of-sight mechanic will be sufficient tactical advantage to those who have the high ground. There is no talk of weapon range augmentations, however.

StarCraft 2 updates: rules of engagement, Nydus Worm mechanics, terrain bonuses - Image 1 

The creators behind the Craft real-time strategy games are currently performing a three-way tug of war to balance all three sides. But as it currently stands, Blizzard admits that the Zerg, though it’s an easy favorite for many blitz tacticians, are the weakest race for now. This is all due to the fact that the developers only started designing the units of the Zerg collective recently.

Learn more about the Zerg collective by way of BlizzCast Episode 3, which we’ve linked to below. The Ultralisk and the new Zerg Queen have also been divulged in some detail. More details on them as we get the full skinny – or as soon as Blizzard launches a beta.

Via Blizzard

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