StarCraft II: Legacy of the Void Reviews
It isn't perfect, but StarCraft II: Legacy of the Void allows the series to end on a high note, offering a comprehensive experience which should make every type of RTS player happy.
Its mere existence proves that the RTS genre, despite the flood of MOBAs in recent years, is very much alive and well. It's clear that Blizzard have poured every resource at their disposal into making the definitive StarCraft II experience. The result is something truly special. Legacy of the Void should not be missed.
Legacy of the Void is a grandiose Space Opera of the highest order, a stunning conclusion to not only StarCraft II but the entire StarCraft epic that began a decade and a half ago. That's only part of the story though: Blizzard has also managed to embrace new players with a more forgiving entry point, while also providing more depth and increased skill ceiling for the long time devotee. That might be the real legacy of this game.
StarCraft II Legacy of the Void is the culmination of years of improvements. Archon and co-op modes provide a stair step for new players and veterans alike to rejoin the multiplayer ranks, whereas the incredibly strong single player ties up the story arc nicely. While most sequels don't feel the freedom to innovate, Blizzard has done exactly that, making the venerable series feel fresh and new.
Legacy of the Void is an unmatched RTS, and helps to ensure that StarCraft II is easily the best RTS to be released for nearly a decade. If you are even remotely interested in StarCraft, buy it.
Legacy of the Void offers a stellar single-player RTS experience, which is nothing new for Blizzard. But the story provides a strong emotional pull that hasn't been achieved in previous installments, making it an exceptional framework for the overall RTS experience. The new co-op campaign most definitely falls flat, but Archon mode and Automated Tournaments make up for it by providing something new and exciting for both beginner and advanced players. [OpenCritic note: Single player was rated 4.5 / 5 stars. Multiplayer was rated 4 / 5 stars.]
StarCraft 2: Legacy of the Void lives up to Blizzard's reputation as a leading RTS developer and offers plenty for both series and RTS fans to enjoy.
Blizzard promises that this isn't the end of StarCraft, and there are already plans for more balance updates and story campaigns. And I'll probably end up playing more of it, just to see how those plans play out. I still think I like the series' characters and world enough to check in with them from time to time. I might even go back and play through the whole series in the future. But at this point, StarCraft will have to find a newer, weirder place to be in if it really wants me back.
I like Legacy of the Void—genuinely, I do. It's just that I don't really want to play it now that I've finished the campaign. The focus on unlocking and swapping between different units in the same slot makes for a highly customizable and highly "for your tastes" kind of experience in the campaign—I just wish that had carried over to the multiplayer to really shake things up.
A beautifully crafted end to StarCraft II's reign
I had far more fun with Legacy of the Void than I was expecting to. The campaign is excellent, and even as a newcomer, transitioning from the single-player to dabbling in multiplayer was surprisingly smooth. RTS fans past and present should take this opportunity to return to StarCraft, or - even better - join the action for the first time.
Although the series is beginning to feel dated and will likely need to be revamped for its next release, StarCraft II does well in catering to its niche audience while accommodating newcomers in a way that allows everyone a gaming experience that, overall, is very enjoyable.
Starcraft II shows that even in the modern era there's still a place for an isometric RTS.
[T]his game is the ultimate product of a bygone era made for the faithful fans it has gathered over almost two decades. It's a damn good real-time strategy game and a damn good StarCraft game.
StarCraft II Legacy of the Void is a fitting way to end the trilogy that boasts some exceptional RTS gameplay with some beautiful storytelling thrown into the mix. If you're a fan of the series, then I'm sure you'll be purchasing this StarCraft game but for newcomers, Blizzard have also welcomed them and will give you enough support to draw you into the world competitive RTS.
For fans of the series, Legacy of the Void is a no brainer. For fans of strategy games, I say the again, StarCraft II is the best strategy game you can buy on PC. If you've been waiting for any reason at all to jump in, don't. The game is deep, the competition is fierce and anyone of any skill level can jump in and appreciate what the game is all about. There aren't a whole lot of games that can say that.
In the end, Legacy of the Void will be remembered for a number of reasons. First, as the final chapter in the StarCraft story that began 17 years ago. Second, as a satisfying conclusion to the StarCraft II trilogy. One that includes some of the best single-player missions in the series. And third, with the focus on the Protoss race it proves that shifting perspective and changing tone can result in some truly entertaining story-telling. Plus, it's still one of the most intricately designed, fast-paced, and skill-centric multiplayer games ever created. One that can be enjoyed by players of all skill level.
Legacy of the Void doesn't so much conclude StarCraft II with a bang as it helps to re-invigorate interest in a game that has been through dozens of ups and downs over the last few years.
I can safely say that Legacy of the Void definitely delivers in terms of its story and is a fitting end to almost two decades of storytelling
A good trilogy is a hard thing to pull off. Far more common than success stories like Return Of The King are third installments like The Dark Knight Rises or The Godfather Part III, where the series ends with a fizzle rather than a bang. Legacy Of The Void rises to this trilogy-concluding challenge. It closes the door on a story that started 17 years ago but opens new ones of its own with a multiplayer mode that has the promise to live on for years to come.