Without being emotional about it, I want to talk a little bit more about SC2 now that it is out.
Yes, I bought it. I feel wrong about it because there are a number of key game politics I feel strongly against. For one there is an online activation that must always be met before an install is done. They are in their right, and are not being deceptive about it (it clearly states it in the system requirements). I feel, however, that such decision would be negative in the very long run (and I'm talking about history here, not necessarily replayability). Imagine Beethoven's 9th could only be played by asking permission to Beethoven himself. All fine and dandy until he dies.
Starcraft 1 may or may not not end up in the halls of human heritage, but that is an open decision left to our future generations.
Starcraft 2 will not even have the option, unless a cracked version is kept within the archives.
In the end, I find it ironically appropriate that such greed might end up costing them their legacy.
Right on!
...corporate sellouts.
However, having established this will not be a (major) factor unless you do not have an internet connection, I do have a more practical quarrel with Blizzard. According to
computers and videogame's website, there is a reference about the possibility of having to pay for "premium units". The news is not clear about it sources, nor if such premium units will be the ones introduced in future expansions (a la brood war), or if they are talking about a World of Warcraft dick move.
From the website:
To add insult to injury, one has to keep spending even more money if he wants any "premium maps" and "premium units" sold only via the BattleNet. Since this is a game that will be played mostly online don't be ready to dismiss this if you have a competitive streak.
I love playing competitively; an important part of my purchase decision was taking what the multiplayer component would bring to the longevity factor.
That would be moot the moment they start charging ANYTHING for the introduction of new units outside a full expansion set.
Another thing I feel very strong about is exactly what McTaggart just replied a few lines behind me:
I'm so tired of games giving you minor choices to make about the story ...I don't fucking know, you're the narrator. I'd be fine with it if it was a game where you play a character of your own creation and who your character is and how they act is up to you, but in a game with a story already written and characters already envisaged it feels out of place.
But in all honesty, I'm going to have to take it for a spin to form a more solid opinion about the subject, it might very well work out. Just want to state that longevity is not always a good thing (obvious fact is obvious).
On a final note: hell, having seen all the shitty stuff Blizzard is already doing (and the rumors of far worse stuff) makes me appreciate Valve's Steam service. Those Valve dudes are alright in my book.
The ultimate irony relies, then, within the game title. Wings of Liberty.
A more fitting title would definitely be: Wings of
Slavery.
-Arc
