Computer gamers will be able to dive to the Titanic, go on the offensive in the Caribbean or take a space adventure this summer.
Indeed, the pace of new releases is going to be fast and furious. Starcraft II, coming out in July, is one of the most eagerly anticipated of the pack. After all, fans have had to wait a decade for a sequel.
But there are other options, including Commander: Conquest of the Americas, a trading game; the unusual Titanic: the Diving Simulator; and the off-the-wall Plants vs Zombies.
It’s no accident that Starcraft’s name is so similar to Warcraft, as both were designed by Blizzard. Both titles have already been global successes.
The first Starcraft game appeared in 1998. It was one of the earliest efforts by Blizzard. The original version of the outer space real-time strategy game shows its age today, especially with its graphics. But the actual gameplay remains a high point of the era.
Starcraft II: Wings of Liberty is, on first look, a graphically enhanced version of the original. The two-dimensional outer space playing field has become 3D. The point of the game remains to help the various space races — Protoss, Terrans and Zerg — achieve victory.
That’s accomplished, as in so many games, by building bases and creating battle-ready military units. Blizzard has said most of the action is linked to the Starcraft add-on Brood War, also published in 1998.
Along with single-player mode, there are options for multiple players to compete. Starcraft II: Wings of Liberty is slated for a July 27 release and should retail for about 50 euros ($63).
Some people might find it strange to manage wars between alien species. For those people, Rondomedia has created Plants vs Zombies, a game that was, until now, only available as a download. Now released as a regular…