Legacy of the Void is the third and final installment of the acclaimed science fiction game StarCraft 2. Developed and published by the well-respected gaming industry giant Blizzard Entertainment, this continuation of the epic saga of the Zerg, Terran, and Protoss raises the bar in the real-time strategy genre once again. This much-awaited chapter of the hugely successful series picks up where the first two installments, Wings of Liberty and Heart of the Swarm, left off. Legacy of the Void takes players on another fast-paced adventure as the mighty Protoss, armed with legendary warriors and highly-advanced knowledge, prepare to take back their homeworld of Aiur and engage in a final battle against an ancient evil.
Legacy of the Void’s Campaign mode puts the spotlight on the Protoss and their quest to reclaim Aiur. The player takes on the role of Heirarch Artanis, a young executor who eventually rises to become the leader of the proud and mighty Protoss race. With the Protoss standing on the brink of extinction, Artanis unites the Khalai and Nerazim factions to prevent the Protoss civilization from disappearing entirely.
Now having raised a powerful fleet known as the Golden Armada, Artanis intends to take back their home planet of Aiur, which fell to the ruthless Zerg Swarm years ago. However, an ancient evil has arisen to threaten the fulfillment of the Protoss’ destiny. It is now up to Artanis, with the aid of Jim Raynor and Kerrigan, to face this indomitable enemy threatening to consume all life in the galaxy.
Blizzard Entertainment is known for its unparalleled dedication to delivering high-quality gaming experience. It is no surprise that both the single-player and multiplayer modes of StarCraft 2: Legacy of the Void are well-polished and highly enjoyable.
Legacy of the Void’s single-player campaign comprises of 22 missions, with varying tasks aiming to unite the factions of the Protoss race. It provides plenty of enjoyable and intriguing content while offering a rich gaming experience distinct from the first two installments.
One of the most enjoyable aspects of the single-player campaign is that Blizzard treats it as a separate entity from multiplayer, having its own unique units and rules. While the multiplayer mode focuses on balance between the races, the single player aims to deliver an immersive and delightful adventure. Players will have a blast gathering Protoss forces aboard the Spear of Adun, Heirarch Artanis’ magnificent flagship in the fight for Aiur.
Legacy of the Void adds to StarCraft 2’s already strong multiplayer mode. New units are available for each of the three races: the Adept and Disruptor for Protoss, the Cyclone and Liberator for Terran, and the Ravager and Lurker for the Zerg.
Several changes have been implemented to ensure gameplay balance is maintained. These changes include decreasing the amount of minerals and vespene gas and increasing the number of starting workers from 6 to 12. The biggest adjustment, however, is the reduction of game speed to keep it more in sync with real time. This affects the movement speed of units, cooldowns, research times, upgrade times, and other values related to speed.
Legacy of the Void boasts of these new and exciting multiplayer features:
- Co-Op Missions. Formerly known as Allied Commanders, this mode provides players with the ability to battle through special scenarios with a friend. Taking command of StarCraft legends such as Jim Raynor, Sarah Kerrigan, Heirarch Artanis, and other figures in the StarCraft universe, players can unlock new units and abilities as they progress through the mode. The Co-Op Missions mode features its own achievements.
- Archon Mode. This new multiplayer game mode offers players the chance to share control over a single base to battle against another enemy duo. It is a great way for novice players to learn the basics of the game with the assistance of a more experienced player. It also offers the chance for players to execute more intricate strategies as sharing management duties allows each player to focus on a different area of battle.
StarCraft 2: Legacy of the Void boasts of stunning graphics and spectacular cutscenes that Blizzard games have been known for. Every unit is brought to life by highly detailed models and smooth animation. New maps with Protoss-themed tilesets have been added to an already rich collection.
This game’s immersion value is enriched by its outstanding soundtrack. The sound and music team for this game deserves praise for creating tracks with depth and width, adding to the game’s overall feel of top-notch quality.
Blizzard’s excellent production values complement the game’s equally excellent gameplay and engaging storyline — as expected from the premier developer responsible for multiple gaming classics such as Diablo, World of Warcraft, and the original StarCraft series.
StarCraft 2: Legacy of the Void is an overall satisfying final chapter of the epic StarCraft saga. While it has its flaws, the game as a whole delivers a great ending to a beloved classic.
