StarCraft II: Heart of the Swarm (2013)

by Christopher March 12, 2013

written by Christopher March 12, 2013 4 minutes read

Summary

Focuses on Sarah Kerrigan’s journey with the Zerg swarm against the Terran Dominion.

Release Year: 2013
Genres: Real Time Strategy (RTS), Strategy
Platforms: Mac, PC (Microsoft Windows)
Developers: Blizzard Entertainment
Publishers: Blizzard Entertainment

Introduction

‘StarCraft II: Heart of the Swarm’ is the second chapter in the StarCraft II trilogy, focusing on the Zerg race and its leader, Sarah Kerrigan.

Synopsis

The story follows Sarah Kerrigan in her effort to regain control of the swarm and exact her revenge on the Terran Dominion’s emperor, Arcturus Mengsk. The player plays from the perspective of Sarah Kerrigan, recently returned to her human form by Jim Raynor.

The Queen of Blades is gone. On the hellish planet Char, Jim Raynor harnessed the power of an ancient Xel’Naga artifact in a desperate bid to stop the zerg Swarm from overrunning the Koprulu sector, and the relic restored Sarah Kerrigan to her human form.

Without their queen to guide and unify them, the Swarm has fractured into several broods scattered throughout the Koprulu sector.

Similar to Wings of Liberty, the briefing room allows interactive exploration, this time on the Leviathan, an enormous Zerg breed which functions as a bioship. Kerrigan and her allies are located in the nerve center. She has a personal chamber for altering her abilities, and there is an evolution pit where she can upgrade her units and perform evolution missions with the evolution master Abathur.

Characters

Sarah Kerrigan, Jim Raynor, Arcturus Mengsk

Gameplay

Real-time strategy with a story-driven campaign, featuring new units and abilities for the Zerg.

Conclusion

A vital chapter in the StarCraft II saga, offering compelling narrative and refined gameplay.

Review Score

8.5/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

Fan Art

Fan Art Style: Normal

Fan Art Style: Retro

Fan Art Style: Modern

Christopher

Christopher has carved a niche for himself as an authority on retro pre-2000 computer games. With a passion that borders on reverence, Christopher delves deep into the pixelated past of gaming, unearthing gems and sharing insights that resonate with both nostalgic players and curious newcomers. His articles serve as a time machine, transporting readers back to an era where gameplay and creativity often trumped graphical fidelity. Cristopher's expertise isn't just in cataloging these classics; he analyzes their design, the context of their creation, and their impact on the gaming landscape, offering a comprehensive look at the evolution of digital entertainment. Beyond mere retrospectives, Christopher champions the relevance of these retro games in today's high-definition world. He skillfully draws parallels between the foundational mechanics of yesteryear's titles and the modern gaming innovations they inspired. His work goes beyond mere preservation; it's an ongoing dialogue between the past and present of gaming. Christopher's content educates, entertains, and ignites discussions within the gaming community. His dedication not only keeps the legacy of pre-2000 games alive but also highlights their importance in shaping the future of video gaming.