StarCraft II Q&A: of command centers, nukes, and psi storms

Yet another set of questions has reached Blizzard, and the answers shed light on StarCraft II‘s gameplay mechanics and features under the works. This time, we learn more about the Terran race and get a small factoid about caster units.

Now that command centers will have to be upgraded into Surveillance Stations instead of just having Comsat attachments to be able to spy on enemy locations or reveal uncharted areas on the map, these crucial buildings will also lose the ability to lift off once transformed. Aside from dropping nukes and sending chills down the enemy’s spine, Ghosts now have the ability to call ships in for reinforcements. However, nuke mechanics haven’t changed – cancelling a nuclear launch will still cost you a wasted warhead.

Caster units, particularly the Protoss High Templar which laid waste on troops with Psionic Storm, are still unable to dish out physical attacks. High Templar Story Characters will have additional abilities according to Blizzard, but regular units are currently efficient enough in the battlefield without regular attacks. Those who’ve played the original Starcraft shouldn’t be surprised, as these devastating guys never stay in the front line for long anyway.

Finally, it seems skills still won’t be usable when units are inside bunkers. Marines can use Stim Packs before entering the bunker and they’ll benefit from the effect, but it will wear off as usual. Keep in mind that Starcraft II is work in progress, and the video game is subject to change after extensive balancing to deliver the same quality its predecessor offered.

Yet another set of questions has reached Blizzard, and the answers shed light on StarCraft II‘s gameplay mechanics and features under the works. This time, we learn more about the Terran race and get a small factoid about caster units.

Now that command centers will have to be upgraded into Surveillance Stations instead of just having Comsat attachments to be able to spy on enemy locations or reveal uncharted areas on the map, these crucial buildings will also lose the ability to lift off once transformed. Aside from dropping nukes and sending chills down the enemy’s spine, Ghosts now have the ability to call ships in for reinforcements. However, nuke mechanics haven’t changed – cancelling a nuclear launch will still cost you a wasted warhead.

Caster units, particularly the Protoss High Templar which laid waste on troops with Psionic Storm, are still unable to dish out physical attacks. High Templar Story Characters will have additional abilities according to Blizzard, but regular units are currently efficient enough in the battlefield without regular attacks. Those who’ve played the original Starcraft shouldn’t be surprised, as these devastating guys never stay in the front line for long anyway.

Finally, it seems skills still won’t be usable when units are inside bunkers. Marines can use Stim Packs before entering the bunker and they’ll benefit from the effect, but it will wear off as usual. Keep in mind that Starcraft II is work in progress, and the video game is subject to change after extensive balancing to deliver the same quality its predecessor offered.