Starcraft II: Nova Covert Ops (2016)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 6 minutes read

Summary

StarCraft II: Nova Covert Ops: A Covert Strike into the Heart of Intrigue

Released in 2016, StarCraft II: Nova Covert Ops is a standalone expansion pack for the popular real-time strategy game StarCraft II. The expansion focuses on Nova Terra, a Dominion Ghost operative, and her covert missions to uncover a conspiracy that threatens the Dominion.

Story

The story of Nova Covert Ops takes place shortly after the events of StarCraft II: Heart of the Swarm. Emperor Valerian Mengsk is struggling to contain a resurgence of zerg attacks, while the Defenders of Man, a human supremacist group, is gaining popularity. Meanwhile, several Dominion Ghosts have gone missing, including Nova Terra, the deadliest Ghost of all.

Nova is eventually discovered to be alive and working with Valerian to investigate the disappearance of the other Ghosts. Their investigation leads them to a conspiracy involving the Defenders of Man and a rogue element within the Dominion government.

Gameplay

Nova Covert Ops features nine action-strategy missions spanning three mission packs. The missions are designed to be challenging and require players to use stealth, strategy, and combat skills to succeed.

Nova is a powerful unit with a variety of abilities, including the ability to cloak, snipe enemies, and deploy holographic decoys. Players must use Nova’s abilities wisely to infiltrate enemy bases, sabotage their plans, and eliminate high-value targets.

In addition to Nova, players can also control a variety of Dominion units, including marines, ghosts, and siege tanks. These units can be used to support Nova in her missions and provide additional firepower.

Characters

  • Nova Terra: The protagonist of the story, Nova is the Dominion’s most powerful Ghost operative. She is a skilled assassin and saboteur, and she is fiercely loyal to Valerian Mengsk.
  • Valerian Mengsk: The Emperor of the Dominion, Valerian is struggling to contain a resurgence of zerg attacks and the growing threat of the Defenders of Man. He trusts Nova implicitly and relies on her to uncover the conspiracy that threatens his rule.
  • Viktor Stukov: A former Ghost who betrayed the Dominion and joined the zerg, Stukov is now a high-ranking member of the Swarm. He is a powerful enemy and a major threat to Nova and her mission.
  • Matt Horner: The Dominion’s fleet admiral, Horner is a close friend and ally of Nova. He provides her with support and intelligence throughout her missions.
  • Gabriel Tosh: A former Ghost who now leads the Defenders of Man, Tosh is a charismatic and dangerous leader. He believes that the Dominion is corrupt and that humanity must be protected from its alien enemies.

Reception

Nova Covert Ops received generally positive reviews from critics. The game was praised for its challenging and engaging missions, its well-written story, and its strong characters. However, some critics felt that the game was too short and that it did not offer enough new content for the price.

Overall, Nova Covert Ops is a solid expansion pack that offers a fun and challenging experience for StarCraft II fans. The game’s missions are well-designed and the story is engaging. While the game is somewhat short, it is still a worthwhile purchase for fans of the series.

Legacy

Nova Covert Ops has been praised for its strong female protagonist and its exploration of the darker side of the StarCraft universe. The game has also been credited with helping to popularize the use of stealth mechanics in real-time strategy games.

Nova Terra has become one of the most popular characters in the StarCraft universe. She has appeared in several other StarCraft II expansions and spin-offs, and she has also been featured in other Blizzard games, such as Heroes of the Storm.

Conclusion

StarCraft II: Nova Covert Ops is a standalone expansion pack that offers a gripping single-player campaign, intense action-strategy missions, and a chance to play as the enigmatic Nova Terra. The game is a must-play for fans of the StarCraft series and RTS enthusiasts alike.

Review Score

8.5/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

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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.

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