Starcraft 2 FAQ taken RIGHT FROM BLIZZARD!

Copied and Pasted from www.starcraft2.com , an official blizzard page. As well as input from me following each answer to every question.

What is StarCraft II?

StarCraft II is the ultimate competitive real-time strategy game, and the sequel to the hit original, StarCraft. The game will include three completely distinct and balanced races, the Protoss, Terran, and Zerg, which have been overhauled and re-imagined with a number of new units for each, as well as new tricks for some of the classic units that are returning.

I have to voice my disappointment that so far there are only plans to have 3 races like before...they should have a new one in my opinion...but I like their attitude of not biting off more than they can chew.

When is the game coming out?

At this point, it's too early to provide an initial estimate on the release date. As with all Blizzard games, we will take as much time as needed to ensure the game is as fun, balanced, and polished as possible.

And I repeat my statement before. Thank you for not biting off more than you can chew. Take your time and make it right, Blizzard...My faith in you is being renewed at this sequel, don't fail us like you did with that joke Starcraft Ghost! (Console Only? Do you need slapped?)

How will StarCraft II be different from StarCraft?

StarCraft II will run on a vibrant new 3D-graphics engine that will be capable of rendering beautiful landscapes as well as massive individual units and army sizes.

We're also introducing a number of distinct new units to the Protoss, Terran, and Zerg, and even some of the familiar units that return in StarCraft II will have new tricks up their sleeves, which will give the game its own unique flavor.

In addition, Battle.net will be overhauled with some new and exciting features to enhance online play and competition, while the story-mode campaign will also offer some unique aspects for players who enjoy single-player content. We'll have more details on all these aspects in the months to come.

Ugh...now this was my fear...Look Blizz, as long as you don't make it look like an episode of Dragon Ball Z in space I will be happy. Warcraft 3 was horrible.

Will there be both single-player and multiplayer components?

Yes, StarCraft II will include a unique story-mode campaign, as well as multiplayer capability over Battle.net. We'll provide more detail on both of these aspects a little further along in the development process.

I trust them to do a good job here. The quality of Blizzard's lore never really did shine or fade over the years, and it was always a good way to get some compelling cinematics which Blizzard always did do extraordinarily well.

What will StarCraft II's story line be? Will any of the characters from the original StarCraft make an appearance in StarCraft II?

It's a little too early to get into details on the story. Once we're able to discuss the single-player campaign in detail, we'll also share some exciting information about the story line for the game.

I anxiously await this part to be answered.

How many cinematic cut-scenes will be included?

We know that StarCraft II players will expect to see some Blizzard-quality cinematic content in the game, and we have definite plans to include multiple cinematics, starting with a cinematic intro. We'll provide further confirmation once final determinations have been made.

If it's half of the original starcraft and they are half as good then I will have been pleased...but don't think that's us letting you off the hook from making them awesome!!!

How many races are in StarCraft II?

In StarCraft II, players will see the return of the Protoss, Terran, and Zerg races. Our goal is to ensure that all the factions in the game play even more distinctly from one another than in the original StarCraft, while still maintaining the fine balance that helped make StarCraft such a classic. We're also introducing a number of new units to each race, as well as modifying some of the familiar units returning in StarCraft II. With these design refinements and the new features we have planned for the single-player and multiplayer elements of the game, StarCraft II will offer a next-generation StarCraft experience.

With enough enhancements to the originals they can make it a whole new game in itself. I just hope they don't butcher it. I trust they won't. Adding a new race though would definately be cool...maybe they did and they just haven't told us.

StarCraft II has some big shoes to fill - is there added pressure in developing a follow-up to one of the most beloved games of all time?

We recognize that the bar is set pretty high, but this type of pressure is not new to us. Warcraft III had to follow in the footsteps of Warcraft II, and Diablo II had to follow the original Diablo. Creating a StarCraft game that's bigger and better than the original is definitely a big challenge, but it's one that we fully intend to meet and exceed.

Like I said, no episodes of DBZ in Space are to be playing while you are making this. No outward negative influences.

Will the game be released in multiple countries? Will the release be simultaneous? Which countries and what languages will the game be localized in?

Our goal is to release the game simultaneously across the world in multiple languages. As we get closer to release, we'll have more details to share.

Whatever, I know it will be released in USA in English so wherever else it hits the shelves God Bless.

Will there also be an expansion, and if so, what features will it contain?

Our focus has been and will continue to be on developing and refining the core StarCraft II experience, so we haven't really had much time to consider what types of things we would include with an expansion for the game if we were to do one.

Don't jump too far ahead guys. Let the original come out before you cream for a new one.

Will there be a console version of StarCraft II?

StarCraft II is being developed for the PC. We have no current plans to bring the game to any console platform.

YES! Now it's MY turn as a PC GAMER to say "SUCK IT CONSOLE BITCHES! Buy a PC and quit your bitching!"

Battle.net

Will Battle.net be overhauled? Will there be new features?

There will be some exciting new changes and features to Battle.net that will help us ensure that StarCraft II will be the ultimate competitive online real-time strategy game. We're not quite ready to discuss those features at this time, but we look forward to getting into more detail in the future.

I doubt you really could screw this up considering every rendition of battle.net to follow original Diablo was better. Let's just hope one of those changes will be MORE SERVERS SO THERE'S NOT AS MUCH DAMN LAG! And freakin limit the US Servers from connections to Korean computers so we don't lose our bandwidth maintaining long distance connections...I don't hate Koreans, I just hate wasted bandwidth.

Will we still be able to play the original StarCraft on Battle.net after StarCraft II is released?

Yes, you will.

No complaints here.

Will there be clan management?

We're not quite ready to discuss specifics related to Battle.net at this time, but we look forward to doing so in the future.
What steps are being taken to prevent cheating in multiplayer games?

We don't want to tip our hand to the people who may try to cheat on Battle.net, so we can't go into too much detail, but rest assured that security is one of our top priorities as we redesign and overhaul Battle.net, and we will take every precaution to ensure fairness in our online games. We've taken an aggressive stance against cheating in all of our games, and our players have overwhelmingly supported us in that, so we don't have any intention to make any changes in that regard.

I might have to resurrect SCA for this one...for those of you unaware, I was leader of my own clan called Starcraft Alliance. www.angelfire.com/games/SCA/sca - old school page. It would be like a trip back in time.

Cost, Rating, Beta/Trial versions

How much will StarCraft II cost? Where can I buy this game?

Pricing and availability will be determined and announced much closer to the release date.

Don't care...make it 70 and I'll buy it.

What will StarCraft II's rating be?

We are aiming for a T-rating in the US, and similar ratings elsewhere in the world, but those details won't be finalized until we get closer to release.

I'm 23, make it whatever you please for all I care...though it would be a shame for the kiddies not to get their hands on it...

Will there be a closed or open beta? How about a trial or demo version?

Decisions related to beta testing and trial or demo versions are usually made further along in the development process. We don't have any details available on these topics at the moment, but we will be happy to share the news once final decisions have been made.

I'll wait for it to come out. I've found betas to be disappointing...too many bugs and crashes, and you get a fix you can't sate cause they take it off of you in so much time then taunt you with the time it takes for them to release the damn thing!

Will there be a collector's edition?

Decisions related to the types of retail packages available will be made much closer to the game's release date.

Yes, there will be I am sure. Just like EVERY other one of their games.

Technical Aspects

What are the system requirements for StarCraft II?

We'll have more details on specific system requirements closer to the release date.

Anything that would be bear minimum would be good until then, asap.

Will the game run natively on Windows Vista?

StarCraft II will be fully compatible with Windows Vista, as well as XP. We'll have more details on system requirements closer to release.

Windows Vista sucks, XP is tolerable, 2000 is usable. I sincerely hope they don;'t go all new age and make it ALL for Vista like they did Starcraft 1...I pisses me off more than anything that I cannot play SC on a computer that could play it just fine before their most recent patch...now I have to Update EVERYTHING microsoft in order to play it, and it still wouldn't work.

Will StarCraft II be available on Mac simultaneously with PC?

As with all of Blizzard's recent releases, StarCraft II will ship on both PC and Mac simultaneously.

Good for the Mac guys, I am PC...so give me PC.

Will StarCraft II take advantage of DirectX 10? What other graphical goodies are included?

The game will be compatible with DirectX 10, and we're still considering whether there will be exclusive DirectX 10 graphic effects, but the graphics engine will also be very scalable to ensure that a wide range of different systems will be capable of running StarCraft II. The new engine is also capable of rendering very large units, as well as large numbers of units on screen together. Havok physics have been integrated into the engine for added realism as well.

Sounds good to me. Let's do this!!!

"Good...Bad...I'm the guy with the Gun" - Army of Darkness - Ash (Bruce Campbell)