Warcraft 3 is guaranteed to be a complete success no matter what the reviews say. Why? Because the original and its sequel were hailed for such a long time as being the most fun real time strategy games people have ever played. Many gamers have been waiting for Warcraft 3 way back in 1995 when they completed Warcraft 2. It’s no surprise then that we expect something special from it. Warcraft 3 attempts to change the average game play in the norm of real time strategies and add in an element of RPG to spice up the mix. Along with a brand new 3D environments Warcraft 3 sets its sights on being one of the best.

Game Play

The battle between the Orcs and Humans rages on, but the inclusion of the ghastly undead scourge and the tree-lovin' night elves seems to be a good move. Real time strategies began with a one on one campaign element, where one race battled against another. These days’ strategy fans require more of a challenge and with this challenge a good story line is essential to keep the average player interested. The multiple character elements also help to make multiplayer battles so much better.

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One thing that is evident when first launching into a campaign is how familiar everything looks. The interface and usability of the game, right down to keyboard shortcuts remain the same, which makes the game instantly playable for any fan of Starcraft or Warcraft II. Those not familiar with the interface can easily pick the game up without even a glance at the manual. This is because of the superbly iconic and large buttons. Each item in the interface has a tool tip system so hovering over any item tells you what it is. The tutorial is very good and will aid any first time strategy players. As in the original you collect wood and gold resources to build with. Upkeep however is very new. If you build too many units for your base to sustain then you have upkeep.

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Warcraft 3 attempts to tread new ground by adding an element of RPG (Role Playing Game). As well as the normal battles and missions, submissions can be found by talking to villagers and people scattered about the level. Very much like a RPG, take the mission on and succeed, and you will be rewarded in some way. These submissions are pretty varied; one such mission involved killing a dragon that was scaring the villagers. The rewards are usually worth taking the missions on, and may help to complete your main objective. This element really adds to the genre, and along with the magic elements including spell casting blend together so well. There are parts of the early missions where you can’t remember whether you’re playing a RTS or RPG. I have to congratulate Blizzard in a wonderful job of blending two genres together so well. The RPG element is accentuated further in that heroes have a six-slot inventory for items you find either from slain creatures, inside crates or even to buy at merchants scattered around the maps. Items either passively increase your stats when held or can be cast to summon help, award health or lay traps.

All of these changes are minor in comparison to the additions of heroes. Okay, commander units aren't exactly a new idea, but have been implemented well in Warcraft III, specifically in the single-player campaign. Each controllable hero is a character that gets a lot of screen time and dialog in the game's story, so you'll always have at least one unit on the battlefield whose motive is clear and well-being you want to protect.

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As you play through the campaigns as different races you can see similarities between what each race can build. Each race seems to have an array of different buildings and units, but in the end the majority of units are the same apart from the graphics and name. This is good to enable players to pick up and play as a different race, but is disappointing because variety is always good. The more variety and differences in races really help multiplayer games and skirmishes and adds a greater element of strategy. Starcraft for example seems to have a greater variety of race and units. Each unit gains experience in each battle. The more experienced the unit is the better they will be in the next battle.

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The multiplayer aspect of Warcraft 3 sees a big improvement in the match making of players. Each time you play the game takes a note of how good a player you are and just clicking on one button you can be matched by a similarly skilled player. This way you don’t join games where you are trounced on immediately by seasoned veterans who do nothing other than play online games. Also if you are a veteran at these games, you don’t get too bored by playing novice players. This matching seems to work very well and makes for a more interesting and challenging game. Online rankings are also fairer.

Graphics

As I’ve mentioned, Warcraft 3 uses a newly developed 3D graphics engine which allows the designers to include a variety of wonderful lighting effects and detailed environments. Unlike 2D Warcraft II, in Warcraft 3 terrain can be deformed by explosions and buildings can be built and destroyed in more realistic way. As well as looking good, you can now alter your viewpoint to allow you to get closer to the action and detail.

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Each character and race in the game now more and look far more detailed with clothes moving in the wind. You can get so close to the action you can almost see the expression of anger on the Orcs. Environments are lush, colourful and alive with ambient creatures, running streams, moving trees and great weather and night/day effects.

Sound

The most interesting element of the game is that the fun and characterisation of Warcraft II remains. Each unit, especially the Orcs have unique and sometimes very funny things to say as you move them from one place to another or when you order them to attack. Along with the music which is also superb, the sound just polishes off a wonderfully entertaining game.

Overall

Blizzard in Warcraft 3 have attempted to add some great ideas into the game play. The RPG element is superbly integrated; the 3D environments and graphics are detailed and wonderful to look at. It’s nice to see that sequels can offer something new in terms of game play and story line. The multiplayer match maker system is brilliant, and the sound is just the icing on the cake. I’d be surprised to find anyone that didn’t like this game. Seasoned veterans of the genre will lap up the unique and interesting new features, while newbie’s will find the game easy to pick up with the wonderfully intuitive interface and tutorials.