Summary

Release Year: 1996
Genres: Real Time Strategy (RTS), Strategy
Platforms: DOS, Mac, PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation, Sega Saturn
Developers: Cyberlore Studios
Publishers: Blizzard Entertainment, Electronic Arts, Electronic Arts Victor

Warcraft II: Beyond the Dark Portal (1996): An Expansion of Epic Proportions

Released in 1996, Warcraft II: Beyond the Dark Portal is the expansion pack to the groundbreaking real-time strategy (RTS) game, Warcraft II: Tides of Darkness. Developed by Blizzard Entertainment, Beyond the Dark Portal takes players on an epic journey through the shattered world of Draenor, the Orcish homeworld, as they delve into two new campaigns, encounter new heroes, and experience a wealth of new content.

A Shattered World and a New Threat

Beyond the Dark Portal picks up where Tides of Darkness left off. After the Alliance’s victory over the Orcish Horde in the First War, the surviving Orcs are captured and imprisoned in internment camps. However, the Alliance’s triumph is short-lived as they discover that the Dark Portal, the gateway between Azeroth and Draenor, remains open, threatening to unleash a new wave of Orcish invaders.

Determined to end the threat once and for all, the Alliance forces decide to venture through the Dark Portal and seal it from the other side. However, their arrival on Draenor reveals a shattered world, ravaged by the effects of Gul’dan’s reckless use of demonic magic. The Orcs, once a proud and noble race, are now scattered and divided, their clans fighting for survival amidst the ruins of their former civilization.

Meanwhile, Ner’zhul, the Warchief of the Shadowmoon Clan, has seized control of the remaining Orcish hordes and plans to conquer Azeroth by gathering magical artifacts and opening rifts to other worlds. With the fate of both Draenor and Azeroth hanging in the balance, the Alliance must confront Ner’zhul and his evil forces, while also navigating the treacherous landscape of a shattered world.

Two Epic Campaigns

Beyond the Dark Portal features two distinct campaigns, one for the Alliance and one for the Horde. The Alliance campaign follows the expeditionary force as they traverse the war-torn lands of Draenor, seeking to seal the Dark Portal and prevent Ner’zhul’s plans from coming to fruition. Players will command the human forces, dwarves, and high elves as they face off against the remaining Orcish clans, as well as new threats that emerge from the depths of Draenor.

The Horde campaign, on the other hand, puts players in control of Ner’zhul and his Shadowmoon Clan as they seek to conquer Azeroth. Players will command the Orcish hordes, trolls, and goblins as they gather magical artifacts, open rifts to other worlds, and clash with the Alliance forces attempting to thwart their plans. Both campaigns offer unique storylines, missions, and challenges, providing players with a captivating and immersive experience from both sides of the conflict.

New Heroes and Units

Beyond the Dark Portal introduces five new hero characters for each side, who actively participate in several of the new single-player missions. These heroes are essentially super-powered versions of standard units, with unique abilities and enhanced stats. For the Alliance, players can command Archmage Khadgar, the powerful human wizard; Turalyon, the valiant paladin; Alleria Windrunner, the skilled ranger; Danath Trollbane, the fierce dwarf warrior; and Kurdran Wildhammer, the mighty shaman.

On the Horde side, players can lead Grom Hellscream, the brutal Orcish warrior; Kilrogg Deadeye, the cunning troll chieftain; Zul’jin, the enigmatic troll witch doctor; Cho’gall, the malevolent ogre mage; and Teron Gorefiend, the sinister death knight. These heroes add an extra layer of depth and strategy to the gameplay, allowing players to customize their armies and adapt their tactics to the challenges at hand.

Expanded Map Editor and New Features

While Beyond the Dark Portal does not update the map editor to include its new features, third-party programs exist that can add these features to the editor. This allows players to create custom maps and campaigns that incorporate the new content from the expansion, such as the new units, heroes, and tile sets.

Beyond the Dark Portal also introduces a number of new gameplay features and enhancements. These include new unit abilities, such as the ability for footmen to construct towers, and for priests to resurrect fallen units. The expansion also introduces new terrain types, such as lava and ice, which affect unit movement and combat. These additions add variety and depth to the gameplay, providing players with new strategic possibilities and challenges.

A Timeless Classic

Warcraft II: Beyond the Dark Portal is widely regarded as one of the greatest expansion packs ever released. It expanded upon the already impressive foundation of Warcraft II: Tides of Darkness, offering new campaigns, heroes, units, and gameplay features. The expansion’s rich storyline, engaging missions, and innovative gameplay have ensured its enduring popularity among RTS fans.

Beyond the Dark Portal’s legacy can be seen in the countless RTS games that have followed in its footsteps. Its impact on the genre is undeniable, and it remains a beloved classic that continues to be enjoyed by gamers around the world. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer to the Warcraft universe, Beyond the Dark Portal is an essential experience that will immerse you in a world of epic battles, unforgettable characters, and strategic depth.