After 12 years, Blizzard has finally made a sequel to the widely successful “StarCraft”. For those who are old enough to remember the original, this is a joyful reunion.

Back in 1998, Blizzard created history with their “StarCraft” RTS game. This was not so much because of innovation, but more due to refining the genre and creating a balanced multiplayer mode that is being played even today. In South Korea there are Television shows dedicated to this game, and the players are hailed as stars.  This new release has, therefore, been awaited with high expectations.

”StarCraft 2: Wings of Liberty” is a strategy/war game set in space in the distant future. You can choose between three clans: Terran are people who have colonised parts of the galaxy. Protoss are the original, high-tech residents. The third clan is Zerg, an insect-like race that threatens to take over the galaxy.

The campaign mode is entertaining and well made. Between missions you get to know the main characters through various animated sequences that have good voice actors. Altogether, the story is well told and engaging. The missions are varied in content, and never get boring or repetitive. Along the way, you will be rewarded with various "achievements", which are published in your online profile. Throughout the game, you need to make certain choices, which will lead you in different directions.

Even though the campaign mode has a lot to offer, it is the multiplayer mode at battle.net that will provide you with entertainment for years to come. In this mode you get to meet other players and you will face numerous challenges in the competitive "ladder" system, which is designed to "match-up" players of equal skill levels. The opponents are often ruthless, which can be quite frustrating at times, but as you get more experienced your skills will improve, and the balance between losses and victory  will equal out.

Child suitability:
”StarCraft 2: Wings of Liberty” has a 16 year age limit. It contains an abundance of violence and bad language, and should not be played by anyone younger than 16. In the multiplayer mode you will, as in other online games, meet some challenges in relation to certain players who may act in an unsuitable fashion, and we advise you, therefore, not to reveal any personal information.

Level of difficulty:

3-15 years: Under the age limit.

16+:  The campaign mode is challenging, but it is possible to choose an appropriate level of difficulty. On the Normal level, young people who are used to playing games will be able to finish the campaign without much trouble, but many will have to try more than once to finish some of the missions. The multiplayer mode will provide challenges in accordance to your skill level.

Suggested age: Suitable for children from 16 years.

Format: PC

PEGI: 16, violence, online

Our Assessment: Not recommended

Other reviews:

Gamespot.com

IGN