Summary
- Release Year: 1995
- Genres: Real Time Strategy (RTS), Strategy
- Platforms: DOS, Mac, PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation, Sega Saturn
- Developers: Blizzard Entertainment
- Publishers: Blizzard Entertainment, Electronic Arts, Electronic Arts Victor
Warcraft II: Tides of Darkness (1995)
Warcraft II: Tides of Darkness is a real-time strategy (RTS) game developed and published by Blizzard Entertainment. It was released in 1995 for MS-DOS and Macintosh. Warcraft II is the sequel to the popular 1994 game Warcraft: Orcs & Humans.
Warcraft II is set in the fictional world of Azeroth, which is divided between the human Alliance and the orcish Horde. The game follows the story of the two factions as they battle for control of Azeroth.
Warcraft II introduces several new features to the RTS genre, including the ability to build and control multiple units at once, the use of fog of war to limit visibility, and the introduction of hero units with special abilities.
The game was a critical and commercial success, selling over 2 million copies worldwide. It is considered one of the most important and influential RTS games ever made.
Gameplay
Warcraft II is a real-time strategy game in which the player controls a group of units and buildings. The player’s goal is to defeat their opponents by destroying their buildings and units.
The game features two main factions: the human Alliance and the orcish Horde. Each faction has its own unique units and buildings.
The player can build a variety of units, including footmen, archers, knights, and gryphon riders. The player can also build a variety of buildings, including barracks, farms, and blacksmiths.
The player can control their units and buildings using the mouse and keyboard. The player can select individual units or groups of units and give them orders. The player can also build and upgrade buildings by selecting them and clicking on the appropriate buttons.
Fog of War
One of the most important features of Warcraft II is the use of fog of war. Fog of war limits the player’s visibility of the map. The player can only see the area around their units and buildings. This makes it difficult to keep track of the enemy’s movements and intentions.
Fog of war adds an element of strategy to the game. The player must carefully manage their units and buildings to avoid being caught off guard by the enemy.
Hero Units
Another important feature of Warcraft II is the introduction of hero units. Hero units are powerful units with special abilities. Hero units can be used to turn the tide of battle in the player’s favor.
There are six hero units in Warcraft II:
- Human
- Archmage
- Paladin
- Mountain King
- Orc
- Blademaster
- Shadow Hunter
- Tauren Chieftain
Hero units can be upgraded by the player to make them even more powerful. Hero units can also gain experience by defeating enemy units.
Multiplayer
Warcraft II features a robust multiplayer mode that allows up to eight players to compete against each other over a LAN or the internet.
The multiplayer mode in Warcraft II is very popular and has been the foundation for many competitive RTS leagues and tournaments.
Legacy
Warcraft II is considered one of the most important and influential RTS games ever made. The game’s innovative features and addictive gameplay have made it a favorite of gamers for over two decades.
Warcraft II has been ported to a variety of platforms, including Windows, Mac OS X, and Linux. The game is also available on Blizzard’s Battle.net service.
Warcraft II has spawned a number of sequels and spin-offs, including Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos, World of Warcraft, and Hearthstone.
Conclusion
Warcraft II: Tides of Darkness is a classic RTS game that still holds up today. The game’s innovative features, addictive gameplay, and timeless art style make it a must-play for any fan of the genre.
Review Score
9/10
Art
Cover Art
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