Retro Review: Warcraft 3/Frozen Throne
I got Warcraft 3 last Christmas and finally completed the single player not too long ago. Suprisingly, many seem to be getting this game now, with much of the background of World of Warcraft rooted in this game. Now on to the review.
This game comes with a fat manual, which is actually better described as a source book. It has the entire history of the Warcraft universe, including the beginings of each race and the aftermath of Warcraft 2/Beyond the Dark Portal. The story starts as Arthus leads a mission to save his realm from the plagues that are turning people into the undead. All the while, Thrall is trying to lead the Orcs to a new land where they can be freed from the curse that has caused their rage and live in peace. The Frozen Throne expansion pack continues some threads of the main game, but through new perspectives.
Graphics/Sound: While the graphics may be dated, the art style still carries well. This game should on well on pretty much any modern computer. You won't see the same amount of units on screen as in Starcraft, that probably had more to do with gameplay changes then the graphics engine. Also, it is good to hear all the dialog actually voice acted, although not very lipsynced. The prerendered FMV's are also among the best I have seen in a game.
Controls: Umm...basicly the same Starcraft/Warcraft we've seen before. Can still be played without a keyboard, but learning how to hotkey units and abilities will help alot. Nothing special, but nothing wrong. If anything, there is limited camera control, but changing the camera angle doesn't really do much for the game anyway.
Gameplay: Much tweaking has been done to the Warcraft/Starcraft formula. The most appearent difference is the inclusion of the Hero unit, a completely unique unit (Starcraft mostly had heros as sooped-up versions of regular units) that can gain experience. This gives the game more of a RPG feel to it.
Another major change: the amount of units you control. Starcraft had a total of 200 possible units; this game tops out under a hundred. Also, the new upkeep system saps gold you collect if you have too many units. Too many units will majorly hinder the gold you collect. As such, it often is better to have a few groups of units, all fully upgraded. Because of this, Heros become much more important, since they can strengthen the few units you can get.
What this game really succeeds at is when they deviate from the standard Warcraft/Starcraft mission formula (ie: kill the opponent's army). Those dungeon levels that frustrated you in Starcraft, Warcraft 3 makes them actually enjoyable. Frozen Throne is the best expansion pack I have ever played, since they play more with the formula more then the main game.
If there's one problem I had with this game, it was the last levels in both games. They're frustrating, Frozen Throne's especially so. All the other levels are balanced right, but these often stack the game excessively against you. You may need to start over a few times on each.
Overall: While this game may not be the classic that Starcraft or Warcraft 2 is, it is still a great game, one which I recommend to any PC gamer. With the Battle Chest for only $30 max, you should go get this game, even if you're adicted to World of Warcraft (spend the time waiting in queue playing this game).
Graphics/Sound: 7/10
Control: 8/10
Gameplay: 9/10
Overall: 9/10
Buyability: 5/5
This game comes with a fat manual, which is actually better described as a source book. It has the entire history of the Warcraft universe, including the beginings of each race and the aftermath of Warcraft 2/Beyond the Dark Portal. The story starts as Arthus leads a mission to save his realm from the plagues that are turning people into the undead. All the while, Thrall is trying to lead the Orcs to a new land where they can be freed from the curse that has caused their rage and live in peace. The Frozen Throne expansion pack continues some threads of the main game, but through new perspectives.
Graphics/Sound: While the graphics may be dated, the art style still carries well. This game should on well on pretty much any modern computer. You won't see the same amount of units on screen as in Starcraft, that probably had more to do with gameplay changes then the graphics engine. Also, it is good to hear all the dialog actually voice acted, although not very lipsynced. The prerendered FMV's are also among the best I have seen in a game.
Controls: Umm...basicly the same Starcraft/Warcraft we've seen before. Can still be played without a keyboard, but learning how to hotkey units and abilities will help alot. Nothing special, but nothing wrong. If anything, there is limited camera control, but changing the camera angle doesn't really do much for the game anyway.
Gameplay: Much tweaking has been done to the Warcraft/Starcraft formula. The most appearent difference is the inclusion of the Hero unit, a completely unique unit (Starcraft mostly had heros as sooped-up versions of regular units) that can gain experience. This gives the game more of a RPG feel to it.
Another major change: the amount of units you control. Starcraft had a total of 200 possible units; this game tops out under a hundred. Also, the new upkeep system saps gold you collect if you have too many units. Too many units will majorly hinder the gold you collect. As such, it often is better to have a few groups of units, all fully upgraded. Because of this, Heros become much more important, since they can strengthen the few units you can get.
What this game really succeeds at is when they deviate from the standard Warcraft/Starcraft mission formula (ie: kill the opponent's army). Those dungeon levels that frustrated you in Starcraft, Warcraft 3 makes them actually enjoyable. Frozen Throne is the best expansion pack I have ever played, since they play more with the formula more then the main game.
If there's one problem I had with this game, it was the last levels in both games. They're frustrating, Frozen Throne's especially so. All the other levels are balanced right, but these often stack the game excessively against you. You may need to start over a few times on each.
Overall: While this game may not be the classic that Starcraft or Warcraft 2 is, it is still a great game, one which I recommend to any PC gamer. With the Battle Chest for only $30 max, you should go get this game, even if you're adicted to World of Warcraft (spend the time waiting in queue playing this game).
Graphics/Sound: 7/10
Control: 8/10
Gameplay: 9/10
Overall: 9/10
Buyability: 5/5
posted by SeanM at 9:35 PM
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