In 1998, the world was introduced to StarCraft—the groundbreaking science-fiction real-time strategy series about three unique rival species—the terrans, zerg, and protoss—locked into a perpetual war to secure their place in the galaxy. Now, 17 years later, the stunning conclusion to the StarCraft saga is almost here . . . and a new era for the ultimate competitive real-time strategy game is set to begin. The series is so huge that the original game (that is sitting on my shelf behind me) is still being played competitively for millions of dollars all the time -It’s also a lot of fun to boot.
Legacy of the Void, the standalone conclusion to the StarCraft II trilogy, will arrive by winter, and players can pre-purchase the game now via the official Legacy of the Void website. Featuring a galaxy-spanning protoss campaign and new multiplayer features such as the cooperative Allied Commanders and Archon Mode that give battlefield generals of all stripes whole new ways to play, Legacy of the Void is being built to deliver the ultimate StarCraft II experience. Pre-purchase digitally through Battle.net® or at participating retailers now, and you’ll gain immediate access to all three “Whispers of Oblivion” prologue missions featuring the legendary Dark Templar Zeratul . Those who pre-purchase digitally or lock in their pre-order with a deposit at select retailers will gain entry to the ongoing Legacy of the Void beta test.
“With Legacy of the Void, we’re giving some of Blizzard’s most iconic characters an unforgettable sendoff and delivering the climactic StarCraft finale players deserve,” said Mike Morhaime, CEO and cofounder of Blizzard Entertainment. “At the same time, we’re excited to bring StarCraft II multiplayer into a whole new era with a host of major new gameplay modes and enhancements—we can’t wait to see what the future holds for StarCraft II competition.”
Multiple Editions
Legacy of the Void will come in a digital Standard Edition, which players can pre-purchase now online or at select retailers. A physical Standard Edition will also be available at launch. Players have the option to upgrade their digital pre-purchase to the Digital Deluxe Edition which will unlock a variety of in-game bonuses for Blizzard games (available upon Legacy of the Void’s release), including:
· Archon battle pet ready to join your side in World of Warcraft
· Void Seeker mount to charge through the Nexus in Heroes of the Storm
· Protoss card back to demonstrate your psionic potential in Hearthstone
· Protoss-themed portraits and unit skin for StarCraft II
Starcraft 2: Legacy of the Void will also be available in a retail-exclusive Collector’s Edition, which comes equipped with the digital bonus items from the Digital Deluxe Edition, as well as a special edition of the upcoming full-color hardcover StarCraft Field Manual; a DVD loaded with cinematics and special features; and a CD soundtrack. Players should check their local shops for details and availability and be sure to lock in their preorder, as supplies are limited.
In addition, anyone who purchases or pre-purchases any edition of the expansion will also unlock access to an upcoming, yet-to-be-revealed StarCraft Warrior Hero in Heroes of the Storm, Blizzard’s recently released free-to-play team brawler. That’s a lot of love for picking up this expansion to finish the Starcraft 2 experience.
Picking up where Heart of the Swarm left off, Legacy of the Void casts you in the role of Hierarch Artanis, leader of the technologically advanced protoss race. Years ago, the protoss homeworld of Aiur fell to the merciless zerg Swarm. Now, you have raised a powerful fleet of warships known as the Golden Armada and are poised to reclaim your world. But an ancient evil threatens your destiny and the fate of the entire Koprulu Sector. The galaxy’s only hope is for you to reunite the protoss factions and defeat the coming darkness.
Whispers of Oblivion
To wet players’ appetites before the launch of the full campaign, a special action-packed prologue titled “Whispers of Oblivion” bridges the storyline between Heart of the Swarm and Legacy of the Void. In these missions, players will join Zeratul to unravel the mysteries of the Xel’naga prophecy. Whispers of Oblivion will be available to everyone free of charge before the Legacy of the Void launch, but players who pre-purchase now will receive instant access to all three prologue missions in the Legacy of the Void beta test.
Legacy of the Void, the third and final chapter in the StarCraft II saga, is a standalone game, meaning you’ll be able to purchase, play, and harness the power of the protoss without owning any previous entries in the series.
New Multiplayer Features
In addition to the single-player campaign, Legacy of the Void will feature a host of new features that will make it the ultimate StarCraft multiplayer experience. Two heads are better than one, and Archon Mode applies this maxim to competitive gaming. In this brand-new two-player mode, players merge together to become a greater, unified force by sharing control over a single base. It’s the perfect mode for rookies to learn tactics from seasoned veterans—and a fun way to amplify the power of a burgeoning all-star.
Allied Commanders is a new, open-ended game mode with campaign-style objectives that breathes new life into the StarCraft cooperative experience. Here, each player will choose a powerful commander to lead their favorite army into battle and fight in diverse scenarios with dynamic, campaign-style objectives. Players can then level up these commanders to gain access to new units, abilities, and customization options for their armies.
The thrill of competing in a StarCraft II tournament is like no other gaming experience around, and Legacy of the Void makes it easier than ever for everyone to get in on the action. With Automated Tournaments, players from around the world can prove their might in no-holds-barred daily online competitions. Tournaments will be held for players of all skill levels, unlocking the potential for anyone to feel the excitement of surviving through elimination rounds and clawing their way to victory.
Legacy of the Void will be released for Windows and Mac. Visit www.starcraft2.com to learn more.
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