I have to admit, I’m a Toss player all the way, but choosing between the three – Larvae is the only one that doesn’t have me seeing a lot of repetitive gameplay. And also, it fits the species of Zerg (aka “Swarm”) the best.

When seeing DP at first glance, I admit I liked it. But as I thought more about its ability; proton charge, I found some repetitive gameplay elements. Since the Terran Mule have a similar function – gathering more minerals, that is – my thoughts adresses this ability aswell.

Now, I have not played this game, so my views might be somewhat inaccurate, but seeing as both of these abilities are energy based, and both are made for increasing workers mining capabilities, it seems that the DP and the Call down Mule are dependant on ones victory. I do not think matchup differences will apply, you will still have to use the abilities as frequently as possible to gain the upper hand.

I’m all for macro, as I’ve seen many are, but to strengthen my argument, I ask you to find an ability in SC1, apart from your own (such as perfect worker split), that gave you the upper hand in worker mining economy. Take all the time you want.

I also know that SC2 isn’t SC1. That all became clear when they removed (or improved) some of the mildly entertaining things like bad pathfinding, retarded AI and other things that made you have to gain certain skills to try to avoid, such as, again, the worker split. And I’m all for improving and removing things that doesn’t need to exist in an RTS game. If I were a worker, I’m sure I could figure out how to move to my very own tasty mineral.

But removing the meaningless aspects of macro, and then completely reinstating it again with an ability that you have to totally depend on? And if you as Zerg match up against either Protoss or Terran, I’m almost certain that you will have to make Drones asap, unless you want to get behind in economy.

Leave the economy aspect to its perfected core: Build workers constantly and transfer them timingly to get ahead. Since it’s SC2 the high yield minerals should be enough as an economy change in gameplay.

Focus more on the good aspects of macro and micro. The abilities could be a lot better, imo race specific on a deeper level (Heavier armor on Terran and faster warp in for Protoss perhaps, just to throw something random out there), and not as spoon feeding and simple as the ones we currenly see.

Remove them.

Otherwise and also – Great job with the game, and I hope to see more intriguing ideas as beta kicks off.

In all honesty, I like the Terran thing. They should have to choose between multiple Command Center upgrades. Far-away expansions can get the Planetary Fortress and the main and natural could get the Orbital Command.

The Dark Pylon isn’t all that, but Protoss already have semi-compulsory Warp Gates. Personally I think the latter are the best “macro complications” so far. They give you a big bonus for keeping a close eye on your production.

The Queen larvae thing is interesting and could easily be balanced and lead to interesting choices if it’s limited by a huge energy requirement or something.

Overall I like these changes and think they add somewhat meaningful choices to the game. Although, like the first game, Blizzard will probably only get everything right in one of the expansions.

but I suppose blizz is trying…
hopefully they will do it right…

people want battle micro/marco, want cool things to happen.. these latest ‘click or lose the game’ add-ons aren’t really blizzard material… I have no idea what they were thinking, unless we are all missing a big picture.

Let the starport transform into a star-fortress, a slow flying battlestation. (limit two per player), that’s another cool thing I think people might like.

Or have the Nexus transform into the mothership once you have reach a certain level of tech, that’s also cool too.

Why is it a problem to remove all the ideas of old – namely, supply structures and outdated control schemes – without replacing them with artificial means to “complicate” the game? Why add “features” to the game if they don’t involve any strategic thinking? When is it a bad idea to click “make my probes bring back more minerals”?

Let me play with my units! Let me bring them into battle, position them tactically, inflict maximum damage on the enemy, and then decide what to do next. Don’t force me to babysit my base! The only time I should be looking at it is either when I 1) want to advance in tech or build a new unit producing building 2) need to defend it. Let me build units from the field by clicking a key that cycles through the available factories/gateways/hatcheries! Put small icons on the screen that correspond to them! Make the building I select pop up on the minimap so I know where it’s being built, and let me set a rally point so it goes where I want it to when it’s produced.

Hello! Has Anyone at Blizzard played any recent RTS game?!?

It’s very hard to evaluate these new mechanics without playing the game. BETA AHH!