Rating: 
Summary: As close to perfection as any game could get
Review: If I had to name a game that ever got closest to perfection, it would have to be Starcraft. This timeless classic, first released in 1997, is still extremely popular, and tournaments are still broadcast on TV in Korea. I don't think I've seen any game that is more tightly designed and robust in gameplay, controls, and graphics, than this one. It's kind of like playing pool to me -- a game that is old, multiplayer, and has infinite replay value. However, just because it is close to perfect, it doesn't mean that it will appeal to everyone (chess is also seen as an "almost perfect game", but not everyone likes to play it). This game is RTS (real time strategy), and a fast-paced one too. To be even decent at this game, you must be able to navigate and coordinate with a keyboard and mouse with rapid precision and skill. If you're slow with your hands, and prefer a less dynamic setting (such as a turn-based RPG where you can take your time thinking through every move), this game is not for you. You need not only skill but also knowledge (discussions with other players, etc. are a must if you really want to get good) and experience, so if you like 3-d shooters with short learning curves emphasizing skill more than strategy, this game probably isn't for you either. What made this game really stand out when it was first released was the fact that you could connect to other players world wide and play with actual humans, not a computer AI (note that network-based multiplayer games were not so big in 1997). The intense, hair-raising, thrilling experience that this environment provided still continues today. As long as you're the right "type" for real-time strategies, there is absolutely no reason why you shouldn't try this game. A warning, however, is that this game is arguably THE most addictive game ever created. I've been playing computer/console games since 1985 (starting with an Atari 2600), and this game alone has probably taken up at least as much time as ALL the other games I played put together. Seriously speaking, because of its massive addictiveness, I might actually give this 0 stars and tell people NOT to play it.
Rating: 
Summary: Starcraft BattleChest
Review: I think this game is not all that fun but if your looking for a nice cheap game go buy this game. Its worth buying but the age has caught up with the game. The graphics are ok but they are not the BEST in the world. I would recommend this game.
Rating:
Summary: What a classic
Review: Wow, if you haven't played Starcraft by now, there's really no excuse not to now that it's so cheap. Even for its age, this is one of the most well-designed and polished RTS games I have ever played. Of course, coming from Blizzard, you're expecting excellence. Believe me, it does not disappoint. The gameplay is well balanced with each of the races being very different from each other yet pretty much equal in power (especially after Brood War). There's the adaptable and familiar Terrans which are an all-around race with strong defence. The Zerg are reminiscent of the aliens from the Alien movies and are excellent for overwhelming you enemies with swarms of viscious creatures. Lastly comes the technologically advanced Protoss with their powerful shields and psionic abilities. Unlike some RTS games, like Warcraft 2, that pretty much palette-swap characters to differentiate their races; all the races have a much different feel to them and unique strategies. The single-player missions are a good introduction to the races and lay down a decent storyline with interesting characters and plot twists. The missions are at a pretty good difficulty so that by the time you finish them all you should have some good stratagies for multiplayer. This brings us to the most popular aspect of the game, kicking people's ass from around the world online ;) The multiplayer is still quite popular, a testament to this game's greatness that people are still playing it after all these years. There's a nice online ranking system and ladder play to give you some fame if you've got the skills. Overall a great game for a great price, well worth it in my opinion...
Rating:
Summary: Computer nights
Review: I'm reviewing this game on behalf of my husband. I've played it and while I have enjoyed it, I'm not nearly as die-hard about it as he is. I'll take Diablo II, thank you very much. In our house, we have a thing called computer night about once a month. On a Friday night, my husband, father-in-law, and 2 other males from church get together and hook up all their computers to a lan. This is the game that they spend hours playing. It usually starts at around 7 or 8, and the house is not returned to it's normal state until roughly 4am. It usually begins with a lot of talking smack about who's gonna win, and who lost the last time and what race they are going to be. Oh, and let's not forget about who is on what team. (2 vs 2, of course) After about a 2 hour battle, and the winning team is crowned, they get up from their machines and have a briefing. This is my favorite part to watch due to sheer fascination. The begin by explaining to each other how they saw the battle progressing, what things worked for them and what didn't, and then how they are might try to avoid the same obstacles the next game. Then, they return to their computers, the smack talking resumes, and it all begins again. It's just hilarious. And let me tell you, they get rowdy. Especially while they play with headphones on since it's late and they don't want to infringe on the other players. If this is any indication of the fun that they have while playing this game, it's only because the game is that good.
Rating:
Summary: Balance, beauty, buy it!
Review: This is my favorite PC game of all time. It looks great, even though it is over five years old now, and has nice sound effects and music too. In fact, it's one of the few games I keep the music on during play. The game balance is beautiful. Every potential gambit and strategy has a potential counter--the question is, are you clever enough to find out what your opponents are doing and prepare for it--or can you attack before they are ready? Three different races--some people end up liking one race or two; I like all three almost equally. Even if you like just one, though, you can become adept at countering all three races. Whether you like going against computer opponents or live multiplayer action, the game works well either way. There's even an in-depth single-player game which will bring you up to speed and provide quite a few challenges in the later rounds. If you get StarCraft, get the Brood War expansion as well. It adds quite a bit of depth to the strategies, and completes the balance of the races. In particular, I found that the Terran Medics helped the humans cope against the other two races, by keeping the basic units healthy and being able to remove certain nasty "spell effects." This game is going to be like Monopoly or Uno is to board and card games--one that people keep around virtually forever, even though newer games come along. A classic worth discovering or rediscovering.
Rating:
Summary: This 1998 RTS game is still one of the best out there!!
Review: I own the new Warcraft III series from Blizzard, and other true 3D games like Emperor: Battle for Dune, from Westwood/EA games. I say this because some of the older RTS games like Westwood's Command and Conquer series, Dune 2000, Blizzards own Warcraft II, and other games date badly. You can see this in terms of the control problems, blocky graphics, clunky path finding, and (if you play online) nearly non-existent fan base. Starcraft and the expansion Broodwar, still generate a daily complement of 40000 players, online at any one time, playing in thousands of games. I'm sure the newest games like Warcraft III, and Diablo II is providing the lions share of overall traffic on Blizzards server farms. Still, Starcraft is a game going on six years of relatively strong viability. The reasons why are simple. First, the game has nearly flawless control. This is significant, since many computer users, only work with a mouse and keyboard. Second, as an RTS (real time strategy game), the game has been patched, to keep up a finely tuned balance between forces. Due to strong after purchase support, the smallest bugs, have been rooted out of the game in subsequent, game patches. Third, the game has "mucho" replayability! I've played single missions over, and over, just to try the different strategies. The diversity of units is done so well, that many strategies exist in multi-player as well. Fourth, due to the easy to work game editor, there are many different games, produced by the players. Some are just battle, and others are detailed RPG style games, while still others, reinvent the term: "All Out War". Blizzard has a different philosophy than most gaming companies. They continue to work on a game until they believe it is a first class product. They provide added value like a game editor that you can use to create better missions than the professional ones created in the game. Not to mention, the server network Battle Net, that allows game owners with simple Internet connections to login, and play online with up to 8 players, for no additional charge! Yes that's right Ultima and Everquest players, it's still totally free to play online! The last thing to consider is the original Starcraft, and its expansion set Broodwar, are an incredible bargain, at less than twenty bucks for both. Add to that that, they throw in both of the expensive guide books, and game newbies can start playing for dirt. Moreover, just between you, me, and the lamppost, deep down in some secret cavern, inside Blizzards game complex they are working on Starcraft II. If you have the stamina, (or the cheat codes) to beat Warcraft III on its highest setting, and last mission, you get an extended ending sequence. The extension, shows a brief detail of 3D Starcraft characters, in a short battle sequence. Blizzard has not announced this game officially, and refuses to confirm or deny they will produce it. I believe this all has to do with, continued sales of Starcraft as it exists today. A game with a strong following, and decent enough sales to give them time to create a 3D follow-up, that won't disappoint. Warcraft II had a lot of AI, and path finding problems that Starcraft does not have. Warcraft III was necessary to revive that series. Starcraft does not have those problems, so the challenge will be to make a new game, that is much richer, and more interesting in its game play. Until that time comes, you won't be disappointed playing the original.
Rating:
Summary: Best. Computer Game. Ever.
Review: Let's start off with the "average customer review" of these games, which, as i'm writing this, is 4 1/2 stars. THIS IS A CRIME. WHOEVER DID NOT RATE THESE GAMES WITH 5 STARS SHOULD BE HUNG AND SHOT. Seriously, though, these games are amazing. Age of Empires? Psshhh. Starcraft was the first strategy game to contain THREE DIFFERENT RACES- the Terrans(humans), the Zerg, and the Protoss. Play Warcraft 2(which has only two races and no variance between them) and you'll understand how earth-shaking that was back then. Brood War, additionally, isn't a real expansion set. It's much more- almost a real sequel. And this game never gets old. I bought the original a few years ago, and the expansion shortly after. I'm still playing them- fighting the computer, fighting real people, fighting whoever I can kill. Just when you think you kick ass, someone'll come along and beat you, forcing you to play even more. In short, these games are well worth your 20 bucks. BUY IT NOW.
Rating:
Summary: This game's awesome
Review: This is the battlechest of the best game made by one of the best computer game companies.(Blizzard) Not only does it have the original game and the expansion, it also has two great strategy guides
Rating:
Summary: GET THIS GAME!!!
Review: Its tons of fun. Ive had this game for 7 years and i still love it. It has endless gameplay, i know cause i haven't done everything. Well judge for yourself. BYE THIS GAME, NOW!
Rating:
Summary: Very Good Game, Very Good Price
Review: I just recently bought this game. And boy did I ever get a good deal. This battle chest includes Starcraft, the Starcraft expansion "Brood War", and also has the prima's official strategy guide to both games! And the best part is the price If your thinking about buying this game but don't know if it will like it, take my word, this is a great game. If you have ever played ever played any of the command and conquer games you'll like this. It is similar to the same gameplay, but just a few different things. So, have fun playing Starcraft, and Brood War, and remember if you ever have trouble you can use you strategy book. Enjoy
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