Starcraft II: Wings of Liberty PC
Starcraft II: Wings of Liberty Image
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Metascore
93

Universal acclaim - based on 82 Critics What's this?

User Score
8.1

Generally favorable reviews- based on 2538 Ratings

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  • Summary: StarCraft II continues the epic saga of the Protoss, Terran, and Zerg. These three distinct and powerful races clash once again in the fast-paced real-time strategy sequel to the legendary original, StarCraft. Legions of veteran, upgraded, and brand-new unit types do battle across the galaxy, as each faction struggles for survival. Featuring a unique single-player campaign that picks up where StarCraft: Brood War left off, StarCraft II presents a cast of new heroes and familiar faces in an edgy sci-fi story filled with adventure and intrigue. In addition, Blizzard again offers unparalleled online play through Battle.net, the company's world-renowned gaming service, with several enhancements and new features to make StarCraft II the ultimate competitive real-time strategy game. Features fast-paced, hard-hitting, tightly balanced competitive real-time strategy gameplay that recaptures and improves on the magic of the original game. New units and gameplay mechanics further distinguish each race. Vibrant new 3D-graphics engine with support for dazzling visual effects and massive unit and army sizes. Full map-making and scripting tools to give players incredible freedom in customizing and personalizing their gameplay experience. [Blizzard]… Expand

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 82 out of 82
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 82
  3. Negative: 0 out of 82
  1. Telegraph
    Dec 14, 2010
    100
    For anyone else interested in or already on board with RTS games, Starcraft II isn't just an amazing, it's required reading.
  2. Gameblog.fr
    100
    StarCraft II, as expected, is an evolution rather than a revolution of the original. True to its roots, the game doesn't lose itself by trying to reinvent a formula that has proven itself (and still is, actually). StarCraft II shines thanks to a flawless production, fantastic gameplay with loads of of little additions and improvements, and an overhaul of its multiplayer side. With a very demanding high-level gameplay but still very accessible to newbies thanks to its casual mode and matchmaking feature, the latest Blizzard baby is another demonstration of the old saying: old friends are the best. Can't wait for the follow-up!
  3. Cheat Code Central
    96
    This is the perfect sequel. It reaches a hand out to those who didn't enjoy the first game, while keeping its fiercely loyal fans happy.
  4. MEGamers
    94
    Starcraft II has certainly been long overdue, but the immense waiting has really paid off. Blizzard have another jewel to add to their crown, and it's easy to see why. By not veering too far away from the original formula, Blizzard haven't at all 'played it safe' – they've recognized a gaming model that works and then given it a much needed 21st century polish.
  5. Eurogamer
    90
    And, more to the point, because millions will thoroughly enjoy StarCraft II regardless, thanks to a dense, thrilling, relentlessly clever and class-leading campaign adventure that takes this RTS to the masses in spite of itself. It might be less than half this sumptuous package, but it's a lot more game than almost anything else.
  6. Eurogamer Spain
    90
    An excellent game that you can consider the chess of the 21st century.
  7. GameShark
    75
    Don't get me wrong. Starcraft II is a fine game. It's just not great.

See all 82 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 580 out of 782
  2. Mixed: 76 out of 782
  3. Negative: 126 out of 782
  1. DeadlyCornbread
    Jul 12, 2011
    10
    I've come to expect a lot out of Blizzard since i first started playing their games (I started with Warcraft 2). And with each release (except World of Warcraft, I do not play MMORPG's) they take what I expect, and add even more. Starcraft 2 exceeds all of my expectations and adds things I never knew I needed.

    The control interface is extremely important in RTS games and this is one is hands down one of the easiest to use, and as precise as a razor. Using the tab key to select different unit types within a control group was ingenious. Hot keys bound to similar keys throughout all the armies, no more remembering what the ability is called to use it. But typically E is engage and D is disengage. And the presentations is beautiful. Not only this, but it is extremely smooth for the amount of action the game shows onscreen. Just look at gameplay videos and screenshots to see how great it looks.

    Better yet, the multiplayer is addictive and fun. New units have arrived, and they fill multiple roles. Vultures and firebats are NOT in multiplayer, instead they are replaced by a Hellion that fills both roles in one unit. There are many more instances like this, but I'm not going to carry on with all the changes. And custom maps are there to give you fresh change of pace and play some interesting maps that are sometimes nothing like the original game.

    In the end the singleplayer is engaging and fun, the mulitplayer will keep you coming back for more, the graphics are slick and smooth, all coming together to create a game well worth it's cost, and another heavy hitter title under Blizzard's belt. Absolutely worth getting!    … Expand
  2. R7critical
    Jun 28, 2011
    10
    Pretty fantastic game. Very smooth and polished. I thoroughly enjoyed the campaign mode, and eagerly await the next installment. Sadly the community that surrounds it is not conducive to enjoying the game experience. Great fun to play with friends, but as usual you should avoid the pubbies. Most of them haven't learned to act like decent human beings yet, or play very robotic "strats" that if fail, they immediately leave. The computer opponent is more challenging and inventive than most of the players you'll find online. Also the major league gaming component is entirely ignorable. You can have a much better time with this game without paying any attention to the elitist buffoonery that surrounds it.… Expand
  3. Mystril
    Oct 24, 2011
    10
    "If it aint broke, don't fix it". This game changes very little from SCI, but it doesn't really need to. It is fresh enough to warrant having a "2" put on it, and still it feels alot like "1", enough to bring back great memories from the first game.
    I dunno how many hours I have played this game, but one thing is for certain, it was never dull. The campaign I liked, alot (first campaign I have ever finished for an RTS, I never really played SC1's campaign, I just played skirmishes), the multiplayer (as always is awesome). All in all, its a great game.    … Expand
  4. MLGArcane
    Nov 18, 2011
    9
    I'm going to write a fair review... Something nobody on this site does. If you come to metacritic... DO NOT judge a game based on user reviews. Come for the critic reviews because I swear half the people on this site have no idea what they are talking about and give unfair reviews.. You can't take off 4 points because you thought the color of the grass wasn't green enough.. ANYWAYS, my honest opinion of this game is a 9.0. The campaign is very entertaining and well written. If you were a fan of SC1 campaign, no doubt you will enjoy this one as well. But, the reason why I bought this game was for online. This game is no doubt one of the best RTS games out there. The online is one of the most enjoyable experiences I've ever had. The type of strats that people come up with always makes the game entertaining. I'm currently a diamond player, and I never get games that I don't feel challenged because the ladder system is very good at placing people around your skill level. The ladder system is by far one of the best ranking systems I've seen introducing an MMR and stigma system that properly ranks people where they should be. Starcraft 2 is just one of those game that any RTS fan MUST play. Even if you've never played an RTS, now it the time to start!… Expand
  5. Honkeymagoo
    Aug 26, 2010
    8
    This is Starcraft 2, if you're not an RTS fan this probably won't turn you into one, but if you're a Starcraft/ Warcraft player it won't disappoint. STORY: Eh, I wasn't wowed by it, but it wasn't a turn off either, it kept me playing but won't win any awards for the plot either, voice acting is decent, but again not award winning. GRAPHICS: A very good looking RTS no doubt, the Zerg look creepy, the Protoss look shiny, and Terran look gritty, overall I think the graphics will hold up well and it's a very pretty game to look ing. SOUND: Pretty decent sound, each race is distinctive in the way it sounds you're not going to mistake the Zerg for the Terrans, also the swooshes and blips of the menus are nicely done. GAMEPLAY: This is where most people get divided, if you're a HUGE Supcom fan you're probably not going to like the gameplay as Starcraft is much more oriented with the Macro style gameplay, it's fast paced with most matches end in less than 15 minutes, but CAN last over an hour. VALUE: This is a high value game, the custom maps and mods are going to make this game into a game that is played for years to come. Overall it's definitely worth the money if you're an RTS fan. OVERALL: I'd say Starcraft 2 is not the 2nd coming that the hype would lead most people to believe, but it's going to revolutionize e-sports within 2 years, the custom maps and mod scene will be HUGE, so if you're a fan of RTS games pick it up, but if you're not, then it's probably not going to convert you.… Expand
  6. jackhunter
    Feb 15, 2014
    6
    Major probleme of this episode is the lack of identity of creativity. Story didnt have the charm of Starcraft 1, and looked like a cliché story of a american hero saving the world. Also, gameplay should have been more easy and casual friendly. Starcraft 2 asks to much commitment to be enjoyedin multiplayer, and fails to attract average players. This is why people stop playing it after finishing campaign.… Expand
  7. Bob_H
    Aug 20, 2010
    0
    I played this game just enough to know that it is practically identical to the first one, albeit an unimpressive graphics overhaul. It is sad that the "highlight" of this game for most reviewers is how similar it is to the previous one. "Don't change what doesn't need to be fixed!". If it doesn't need to be fixed, then why bother making a sequel? If people are so happy with this game's similarity to Starcraft I, why don't they just go play the original, rather than waste $60 on this overhyped, unnecessary sequel? The original had more campaigns to play through and was (obviously) DRM-less. The pros? The cinematics are good.… Expand

See all 782 User Reviews

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