I just don't love it as much as everyone else...
Written: Feb 05 '04 (Updated Feb 05 '04)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Stunning 3d graphics, A few new advancements in gameplay
Cons: Build-limit of units, Mediocre strategy game (even though it's Warcraft)
The Bottom Line: Sure it's the new Warcraft...but other than the graphics, it's far from perfect. You'll like this game but you won't be addicted to it.
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| hightechfool's Full Review: WarCraft III: Reign of Chaos |
~~ Intro ~~
Yeah, it's a Warcraft game! I love Warcraft, everyone does! This game has much to offer but there are just too many older and newer games that beat it in several ways. The 3d graphics in this game are just about perfect, although the camera can't be moved/rotated very much--so really it works about the same as an ordinary 2d strategy game. The addition of 'Heros' into the gameplay was a great idea--though it pulled away from almost every aspect of the Warcraft series that gamers loved about it in the first place. Multiplayer is fun, but it's nothing different. There is a somewhat strictly-enforced limit to how many units can be built and maintained...now that's just dumb and you know it.
~~ Gameplay ~~
There's nothing new in the gameplay. Except for the heros. This game focuses on a player's ability to wield the power of leadership, rather than use large forces to overwhelm the enemy. It's always great if a player has the choice to take the scalpel approach to strategy rather than the broadsword, but in this game you don't get a choice. I do admit it is very fun to use the heros in strengthening surrounding units, and also the spells & abilities that can be earned end up being both innovative and useful. But I like to have armies and bloody battlefields. So I guess Blizzard gets points for making something different...but not too many points. As for the rest of the gameplay--it's typical Warcraft unit-building. Mine gold and lumber...only this time it's 'prettier' with the new 3d engine. Most units don't even mention what weapon they're really using--but they seem to kill things well so I guess it's not very relevant. The interface within the gameplay is also quite effective, and at no point was I ever at a loss to figure out how to affect an action on the playing field. Furthermore, there really isn't any reliable way to adjust difficulty for the single-battle games. So when you're first starting the game you better stick to campaign, otherwise you'll get creamed and you won't learn why. Controls are highly customizable and if you can learn them all then I'll shake your hand. The last few things aren't as important to me as the stuff below, so I'll move on...
~~ Graphics, Sound, Storyline ~~
As I mentioned, the graphics were visually stunning and left nothing to be desired. I dimmed the lights in my apartment and hunched over my computer as if I had entered into my own little movie. There were a surprising abundance of atmospheric effects...little animals and creatures running around, encouraging you to butcher them and advance your hero's skills for the effort. The cutscenes and opening screens of the game were boldly cinematic, and improved the overall stylistic feel of the game. The sound was good I guess...the music at least hit you pretty hard when you first start the game. Sound effects are also fairly intimidating...definitely one of the biggest factors that made me afraid of being cut up by some Orc or Undead. The storyline was weak. After the first few chapters I started skipping the cool cutscenes, just because I didn't want to deal with the contrived suspense any longer. It wasn't an emotional rollercoaster and I really just went from level to level trying to see new cool things about the game. The plot contained minimum details and depth, and led to a "Go over here...fight for these people...kill this guy...stop the evil" approach to what could have been a perfect RPG strategy. The graphics really are fresh and excellent--just promise not to buy this game for the storyline.
~~ Conclusion ~~
Empire Earth is a better game for the gameplay...the new Command & Conquer games are better for just about every other reason. EA's Black & White offers richer graphics and a much more in-depth game experience. I can name other games that stole my time away from this new eye-candy edition of Warcraft, but then this probably wouldn't be a very good review of Warcraft. So to conclude, let me just say that this game is worth seeing just to watch the beautifully rendered 3d characters move swiftly through the lush landscapes and destroy the [limited number of] enemy units in new and clever ways. Don't expect any groundbreaking change in anything else really...if you enjoy the addition of heros into the Warcraft series, then I am happy for you--but don't love this game just for being Warcraft. I really wanted it to be better...or at least tell myself it was--but when I bought this game it was $60. Because Blizzard knew I'd pay it for the new Warcraft. Just try a few other games in this genre before deciding this one can't be beat. Because it can be beat, and it has been.
Recommended:
No
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Epinions.com ID:
hightechfool
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Member: John Mickus
Location: San Diego, CA USA
Reviews written: 24
Trusted by: 2 members
About Me:
I only like the good ones...
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