OMG StarCraft

Like the Zerg, StarCraft II's art is always evolving. I attended the artwork panel discussion at BlizzCon '09 and captured some pretty cool video footage that demonstrates a lot of the death animations for not only the units, but for the various doodads and NPC structures in the game. These animations are powered by Havok's physic engine and really bring everything on the map to life.

Doodads was actually quite an interesting topic at the panel. We've known for a few years now that StarCraft II would have doodads scattered around the map and that some of them could be destroyed to reveal back doors to enemy bases, but what I wasn't aware of was just how many doodads Blizzard intended on creating.

There are literally hundreds of different doodads and they aren't just "scattered" across the map, they completely cover most maps, helping to bring them to life and make it seem like full sized civilizations inhabit these planets. What's even cooler is that they are ALL destructible (you can level entire cities now).

Hit the jump to check out my rad video.

Not a competitive RTS gamer? Think you'll get bored of StarCraft II after you beat Wings of Liberty's solo campaign? Think you'll shelf the game until Heart of the Swarm releases? Think again.

Blizzard is packing an insane number of tools into StarCraft II's map editor and leveraging their new Battle.net platform along with capitalism to spur a mod/map making movement unlike anything this planet has ever seen.

Tomorrow, in my grand preview of Battle.net, I will go into more detail on how the new map making movement could transform StarCraft II custom maps from a labor of love, into a viable small business. (For more now, you can watch our video interview with Dustin Browder) But for now, I will focus on how the maps will be made – with this incredibly powerful map editor.

Hit the jump to see a list of basic features the editor has to offer, as well as a video from BlizzCon '09 that showcases some examples of how unique and creative custom maps can be in StarCraft II.

First off, Dustin Browder is a very cool guy. One thing is always apparent when you're walking around the convention floor at BlizzCon: the fans are fanatics. But what's not always apparent to the average convention goer, who doesn't get to sit down with the developers of the games they love so much, is that the guys behind the game are equally as passionate if not more fanatical then the fans. Leading the fanboy charge is certainly Dustin "terrible, terrible damage" Browder. It's impossible to ignore his excitement and enthusiasm for StarCraft II in this interview, and after the interview was over Browder left me with the feeling that this game is not only going to be "epic," but it has a real shot at being Game of the Year.

Second part of the interview after the jump.

The second 2v2 match at BlizzCon '09 once again pits Team Devs vs. Team Cinematics and is, in my opinion, a better played contest compared to the first.

Cinematics puts up an incredible fight, especially early on with Billy Shih's mineral line antics, and really has David Kim and Matt Gotcher reeling.

I appologize ahead of time for the sound quality, I was using a new camcorder and commentating really echoed throughout the hall we were in.

If you missed the first 2v2 match, you can find that here. Also I have a 1v1 pro exhibition match coming later today.

If Diablo III is more your thing, you can find the announcement trailer here, at omgrpg.com. Keep checking that site later today for more gameplay footage of the Monk in action.

Videos after the jump.

The following is the very first publicly recorded 2v2 match in StarCraft II and it took place during the final hours of BlizzCon 09. As displayed above, Team 1 is comprised of game developers David Kim, playing as the Terran, and Matt Gotcher playing as the Protoss. They are taking on the Cinematics team of Yeon-Ho Lee, playing as the Terran, and Billy Shih, playing as the Zerg. Videos after the jump, enjoy!