I'll just quickly explain what Warcraft is (skip this paragraph if you already know what warcraft is about), then we can get right into it. Warcraft is a real-time
strategy game, set in medieval times; Tolkien style. If your not a fan of orcs and goblins don't let
it put you off as you'll be missing out on a great game (and it is only light-hearted). You can
choose either Orcs or Humans, each side has different units and missions (14 missions each. A few trainers then they get progressively harder), and there
own cut scenes (very nice). At the start of a mission you may be given a few swordsmen
and an archer plus a worker, you then set out making buildings and training more workers to chop wood/get gold (resources such as wood, gold or
oil are charged for each building/unit made/trained). As you train more workers or swordsmen you need
to make farms to feed them, there are many buildings available each with its own purpose eg a blacksmith to design better shields/swords a barracks to train more warriors. Interested read my review already:
The real-time strategy world has really boomed over in pc land. Dune ][ got the ball rolling then
Command and Conquer gave it a healthy kick. There are now loads of spinoffs using the same tried and
proved formula. Warcraft (demo 2.7mb) followed closely after Command and Conquer (recently ported to mac). Warcraft 1
(also available for mac) is regarded with great reverence by all who have played it.
The difficult last level. Constant dragon attacks
The original Warcraft was a great game but was slightly flawed. Once you figured out how easy
it was to win by using the old ambush trick, it's game over for good. A strategically arranged squad
of your finest warriors could comfortably take out the dumb enemies who pursued your scout. Worked
every time. Also flawed was the design of the mission progression, with the boring exception of a
labyrinth mission, Warcrafts' campaign simply had you fighting the same war in each round, with
success meaning only another go at the same situation on a slightly bigger scale. Blizzard being the
consumer orientated company they are, have listened to every little comment, and addressed each
problem. This sequel is an altogether different beast.
Run the gauntlet peons!
Immediately obvious is the stunning new unit/building graphics. Also obvious are the radical
changes made to the game engine. Warcraft 2 fights an entirely different battle. Enemies now exhibit
reasonable intelligence and the game must now be played in a totally different style to the
original. The ambush days of old are long gone and most enemies now stay well clear of your fearsome
archers, venturing close only for brief hit and run assaults. Your only hope is to constantly pump
out grunts to stave off the computer's seemingly never ending onslaught.
Nice terrain
Many scenarios though, are far from straightforward. Warcraft 2 has oceans, so combined use of
land and sea forces is a regular event. Having a navy (includin submarines!) doesn't necessarily mean
a mighty clash of armadas, although this can happen; sea units are used mostly for either shore
bombardment or escortin' troop carriers. They are also handy for defending the oil rigs you'll be
building. Oil is a new resource, which together with the more complex hierarchy tree of building and upgrading,
makes for far more interesting economic and resource management. Secretly I prefer land only games,
as you have less to worry about :)
The net game setup screen
Other changes include an adjustment of the costs and strengths of the structures/units from the
first game. Air units are new too, but for most of the 14 scenarios each side plays (total of 28
missions to keep you busy) you get only the reconnaissance birds. While these are extremely useful,
it's only in the later scenarios that gryphons/dragons become available. Alliances are new, several
species automatically join your cause through the course of a game, making available even more exotic
weapons and units.
The score board shown at the end of each mission
New music and voices are a treat for the ears, just keep clicking on those units or sit back and
enjoy those war songs in true Redbook Audio. You can even use headphones or speakers to experience the
3D sound. Another feature, i haven't got around to using, is speech recognition. I've heard you can
speak in those cheats! not sure if you can do commands though, hmmmm...
I love this game. Not only did they port it but they improved everything to make it more mac like.
The best feature would have to be networking - crossplatform, internet (tcp/ip), appletalk, modem,
serial port and ipx. Up to 8 of your friends can join in, alliances can be made, messages are fully
controllable too. I often play across the internet (up too 6 people very smoothly at 28.8k, just type
in the hosts ip for a direct connection) or 2 on 2 with my brother and I vs two computers (or more if
were feeling adventurous!). Using the map editor (included on the cd with a sound editor as well!) you
can make your own level, or download a few from The Pudzone.
I probably sound over enthusiastic but just try the demo
(networkable) and make up your own mind. You might
like to get the expansion pack as well. This should keep you going till
Myth arrives ;) Also check out the coming soon Warcraft Adventures (a warcraft adventure game!)
ps sorry about using the five star rating just felt it was worthy.
My Computer:
Reviewed on an 8500/120/49 Mac OS 7.6.
28.8k Hayes Optima modem
Requirements:
* Mac OS 7.5 or higher (PPC interrupt extension needed only
for 7.5.5)
* 68040 or better (Accelerated for Power Mac)
* 8MB Ram
* CD-ROM drive (2x recommended)
* Minimum 13" 256-colour monitor
Will run fine on an 040 (no 3d involved yet!)
Retail Price:
$45.95 or if still available get the Battle chest $54.95 (Warcraft 1+2+Expansion Pack)
Blizzard's Home Page
UnOffical MacWarcraft site
Download demo FAT (13456kb) from ftp.blizzard.com
Be sure to pick up the updater (if you decide to get it)
Rating:
Reviewed by: Torso12
