The Protoss Phoenix unit is now featured on Blizzard’s StarCraft 2 page.

Builds From: Stargate
Armament: Twin Ion Cannons
Role: Air Superiority Fighter

The Phoenix replaces the Corsair as the Protoss air superiority unit. It serves as a counter to early game, light air units, like the Zerg Mutalisk.

The Phoenix has a special ability: Overload. This is an area of effect attack that deals heavy damage for a short period of time. Following that, the Phoenix shuts down and is unable to attack and defend itself for a few seconds, making the use of this ability an important tactical decision.

These desperate tactics are frowned upon by protoss commanders, but have become tacitly accepted as a necessity in the desperate times facing the protoss. Through extraordinary dedication and bravery, these daring pilots have done much to even the odds.

Watch the Phoenix do its thing in the gameplay video.

Interestingly, this isn’t the first time a StarCraft flying unit goes by the name of “Phoenix”. Screenshots from an early alpha version of the original StarCraft show the unit that came to be known as the Terran “Wraith” displaying the same moniker.

Here is an excellent illustration showing the transition of StarCraft Protoss units from StarCraft’s 2D to StarCraft 2’s 3D.

The original StarCraft units were actually created in 3D at first. 2D sprites were generated from those and used in the game.

It is yet to be determined whether The Dark Archon -> Soul Hunter comparison is a fitting one: The Dark Archon is a pure spellcaster that lacks an attack, while the Soul Hunter is a ranged, ground attack unit. However, until new info is released, we’ll stick with this comparison. After all, the Dark Archon controls minds, while the Soul Hunter controls souls…

The Dark Templar, one of the most popular units from the Brood War expansion, is missing so far. Fortunately, with the Protoss units being based on Dark Protoss design, there’s a good chance he’ll make an appearance in the final game.