Warcraft (PC)

Nearly everyone has heard of WarCraft (Tides of Darkness) – First released about eight years ago, makers Blizzard Entertainment launched a fantasy strategy game that was set in Medieval Times - WarCraft was an instant hit, not just with the children but adults alike. Everyone rushed out to get a copy, other PC games were just left on the shelves whilst WarCraft was selling like hot cakes, it was the strategy game to have.

WarCraft ...
...up with a sequel. - WarCraft 2 (Beyond the Dark Portal) – This was a continuation of the first game as the conflict between the Orcs and humans still had another chapter – the war of Azeroth was not quite over.

The objective of the game:
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When you first play this game you have to decide which race you want to be – The two races are humans and orcs. Once you’ve decided then you are ready to play ... more

Nearly everyone has heard of WarCraft (Tides of Darkness) – First released about eight years ago, makers Blizzard Entertainment launched a fantasy strategy game that was set in Medieval Times - WarCraft was an instant hit, not just with the children but adults alike. Everyone rushed out to get a copy, other PC games were just left on the shelves whilst WarCraft was selling like hot cakes, it was the strategy game to have.

WarCraft was so successful that it wasn’t too long before Blizzard came up with a sequel. - WarCraft 2 (Beyond the Dark Portal) – This was a continuation of the first game as the conflict between the Orcs and humans still had another chapter – the war of Azeroth was not quite over.

The objective of the game:
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When you first play this game you have to decide which race you want to be – The two races are humans and orcs. Once you’ve decided then you are ready to play the game. The objective of WarCraft is to destroy all your enemies on each of the given scenarios; you will not be able to advance further into the game until you kill all of your enemies. At the same time you have to build your stronghold and be able to defend your territory as you can be attacked anytime

The key to this game is GOLD – Each scenario has gold mines, which you have to find on the map, some are more noticeable than others – without gold you will not be able to build anything and that also includes your army. You have to send your peasants to mine for gold at all times – as you build something your gold credit goes down which is why you need to constantly bring in the gold. As you advance further into the game gold mines are less in numbers or are placed in harsh terrain – this is where your strategy skills will need to be at its best as you will also find that your enemy is looking to camp around the same gold mine as you and take control over the mine. As gold becomes more scarce there is no time to delay decisions, you have to think about your next move well in advance and time your attack with precision.

Like most strategy games building is an integral part of the game play – WarCraft is no different, the only character on Warcraft who has the skill to build are your peasants – although ranked very low they too play an important part in helping to destroy your enemy. Without peasants you will not be able to build a community and all gold will cease to come in. – Peasants can build the following buildings which each play a significant role in the game of WarCraft.

*Town Hall – This is the core of your community, it is here where all gold and other resources are stored. The Town Hall should be protected at all times as it is very expensive to build another one and without your Town Hall you cannot create more peasants. If your Town Hall crumbles then the enemy is running riot in your town and you are losing the battle.

*Farms – You need to build farms to feed your peasants and soldiers, each farm you build will feed 5 peasants or soldiers. A vital building to keep your population happy.

*Barracks – Essential to build and train your army – You have footmen, archers and knights the nucleus of your army and you also have catapults. These will protect your community and fight the enemy. Strategically it is wise if you build two or three barracks at a time.

*Lumber Mill – This is where the peasants take all the chopped trees, an important resource if you want to keep building.

*Blacksmith – This building can make all the difference when it comes to defeating your enemy. It is here where all weapons are up-graded and armoury is strengthened on your soldiers. Equipping them better when going out to battle – it is no point in sending out your troops to battle if they are weak and vulnerable.

*Stables – The stables is where the knights horses are feed and looked after. The knight is the best soldier on WarCraft, it can hunt down the enemy on horseback – a group of knights of say 10-12 can be a handful, as they gallop through the forest in search of the enemy.

*Tower – This is an excellent building to defend your town – Towers can spot the enemy approaching way before your soldiers as they tower over your community, once your enemy is in reach the tower will launch either speeding arrows or cannon balls. There are some scenarios that you will be attacked without expecting it – Your enemy will show up in numbers as they try to burn your town up, building these towers will be your lifeline.

Graphics/sound and game play
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The game play is excellent which compensates for the graphics – the graphics are ok but you soon overlook that as you begin to challenge the new scenario campaigns on WarCraft – To be honest I may of been a bit harsh on the graphics, they are more than ok, the graphics are clear and when compared to other strategy games WarCraft passes with flying colours in that department. The sound on the game is very good – sharp and clear voices can be heard from your different characters, each speaking in different tones. The community noises can also be heard clearly giving the game more of a realistic feeling when playing – the chopping of trees, the mining of gold, the noise of a building crumbling, the clash of two swords when in battle, the burning of a building, the noise of an arrow flying in mid-air all these noises contribute to the enjoyment of playing WarCraft.

The battle scenes are also very good – a battle can be small and won easily or a battle can take hours as you retreat your troops for a change of plan or call in for more reinforcements – either way you will enjoy your duels. Battles are not only restricted to land but WarCraft also offers some great battle scenes on sea and in the air. An addictive game that offers hours of fun - WarCraft is mouse orientated.

Bottom line:
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Although WarCraft is an old strategy game, it is still one of the best and cheap selling strategy games on the market today. Anyone into PC strategy games that hasn’t played any of the WarCraft series should get themselves a copy. – Gamers of all ages will be captivated with hours of game play as you match your skills with other players or alone in fierce sea battles, icy tundra’s, desolate deserts and challenging dragon slaying conquests. Eight years later and WarCraft has not been forgotten, many of your PC shops and second hand retailer game shops still store and sell this classic game. If this game were released today October 2001 it would be an instant hit all over again. You can buy this game for as little as £10.00 and when compared to Settlers IV, Age of Empires, Diablo and other strategy games out there WarCraft is well worth the money even if it is a bit outdated. This review is aimed at those who are getting into strategy games or for those who enjoy playing strategy games but have never heard of WarCraft.

 

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