Reluctance to Re-Introduce BW-Units - Page 34

If it actually happens, it would be because of something like this. The most important aspect is communication, which requires two things: stating the idea clearly, and delivering that information to the party in question.

The best way to make it absolutely clear what the community wants is with an actual, in-game example. I wouldn't suggest using a SC1 map for it; a SC2 map would work just as well.

Indeed, that's probably one of the biggest obstacles: so many arguments for these things will often harp on how SC1 had it, and how much better SC2 would be if it just did things the way SC1 did it. Well, Blizzard doesn't want to hear that. Whether that's right for them to ignore that argument or not is irrelevant; they clearly mentally tune out when people start talking SC1 mechanics.

So it's important that this map not simply dump SC1 units into SC2. It can't just be a modification of the SC2BW map. It needs to use StarCraft II units and elements. The argument cannot be, "These were good in SC1. Put it in SC2." The argument must be, "These are good ideas. Put them in SC2." And the best way to do that is to use existing SC2 units and twink them out.

Such a map would make it very clear what it is that the community is asking for. And that the community isn't just bellyaching because SC2 isn't SC1, that these ideas have merit regardless of where they come from.

The issue then is actually getting the information through Blizzard's wall of information. To do that would require getting pro players to talk about it alot. Get Day[9] to talk about it. The key is to do something more than just have a map and post it on the forums. People who routinely have Blizzard's ear, like regular interviewers, need to be bringing the map up. In short, the community needs to say, in one clear, strong voice, DO THIS!

People should make skills videos, showing off the skill difference between low-level micro and high-level micro. Hell, someone could make a tutorial explaining in meticulous detail exactly how the mechanics work with each unit, showing off the default attack-move behavior, followed by how to use the mechanic to achieve greater control and effects.

And again, the community needs to downplay the SC1 connection; I can't stress this enough. If you want to pierce Blizzard's wall of information, it is vital that it not be seen as whining about how SC2 is not like SC1. The argument is, and must always be, that these mechanics make SC2 better. If the community starts talking about it as "the SC1 in SC2 map," or whatever, then it's DOA. Blizzard will just put their hands over their ears and pretend nobody's saying anything.

The map would need to have a good name. Something catchy. Something that would state what it's all about without also being condescending towards SC2. I'm not good with names, so that's up to whoever does it.

Ultimately, if the community really wants this, it will require a concerted effort. That means getting lots of important people on-board with promoting it. We build the map, then we put the map everywhere. We get lots of people playing it and talking about it. We get lots of people promoting it.

This map needs to be so big that Blizzard simply can't ignore it.

And you'll also need to understand that Blizzard isn't going to do it for HOTS; it's way too late for changes like this (especially the spacing thing, as it would require a lot of unit rebalancing).

SC2 will never be BW. BW is a legend and the unique-ness will never be replaced. but it doesn't mean SC2 is that bad. And I actually don't want SC2 to be like BW in 3d.

Here is what I think Sc2 is doing really well compare to BW!

Simple Design:

E-sport is growing pretty fast because we (the first generation gamer) have grown up and have money to support something we love and grow up with. This slowly spread to our friends that doesn't play or watch E-sport/Starcraft. But SC2 have successfully spread to non-gamer, why? Because the simplicity in the design concept.

The best example I can give is Hellion vs Vulture. From a first glance of the vulture, you actually would not know exactly what it does. You can only get a feeling of "Fast" "Raider" but that's about it. You will not have a clue that it lay mines, and shoot some sort of grenade...etc.

On the other hand, a Hellion, a speedy car with actual wheels and a flame thrower on top. Any audience can understand immediately what it does completely. Shoot a line of fire, it will burn a marine, zerglings. Trying to burn a building or marauder, takes forever. Everyone understand with the first glance.

This apply to other units in comparison, such as baneling and a scourge. The green bubbling liquid bomb bug to a bat. The audience need to know immediately that baneling is a suicidal bomb bug.

I think this is the reason why blizzard makes SC2 units more simple, unique and clear. So that normal people can watch it, and knows what they are watching, what's happening.

Simple UI (Ok, noob friendly): Micro, Path-ing, Macro.

For a unit micro ability, SC2 is lacking a lot. Even though there are many units giving you the opportunity to show off. Baneling vs marine is a good example, blink stalker, seeker missile...etc. But right now, there are too many units that destroy micro plays (*Cough Cough Colossus) and encourage death-ball style. Why does the Carrier not function the same way in SC1 Hopefully, this will be addressed in HOTS.

In terms of simple UI and noob friendly macro stuff. I think it is good. As recently Flash says that Nestea was actually a genius in BW but always lack the mechanic to bring out his inner beast. The winner of the real RTS should truly be won by the genius master but not the player who can click faster and more accurately. It is called RTS afterall, a strategy game. Who would want a person with fast hand to win a chess tournament instead of a master mind?

There is the "Real-Time" in the RTS thing, so the mechanic stuff is still there, and is now at a 50/50 level. More amazing players such as MC who isn't successful in BW can now show off their talent.

Path-ing will always be unique for BW, and there is nothing about that. SC2 should have accurate, tight clean path-ing. But, things have to be done to address death-ball vs death-ball. Right now, TvZ is fun to watch, because a T and Z can never A-move into each other's army. It is about splitting, positioning..etc etc. So, even with the SC2 path-ing, the units are there to discourage death-ball. We just need to see more of those.

Have faith in HOTS!