[StarCraft II] Q&A

[GeeGeeOH]

---StarCraft II Q&A Batch 9---

1) In the gameplay video the UI is toggled on/off several times. Will that be an option in-game?
Currently, the UI will only toggle off during game cinematics. There are currently no plans to implement this for single-player or multiplayer as it would give some players an advantage over others.

2) Will the Twilight Archon have abilities?
Yes. In the BlizzCon build, the Twilight Archon had the feedback ability. We are still doing much work on this unit, so none of this is final.

3) Can Protoss Units be attacked during the Warp-In process?
Yes. When units are warping in, the unit will increase in hit points until they are at max hit points and at that point youll be able to control the unit.

4) Will there be some old units from StarCraft be included in the Map Editor for StarCraft II?
There will be units included in the Map Editor which will not be in the standard multiplayer skirmish mode. These will include various units from the original StarCraft, such as the Protoss Dragoon.

5) Will different races have different max-squad caps?
Currently all 3 races will have the same maximum population cap at 200.

6) Can the Planetary Fortress lift off?
Once the Command Center has been upgraded to be a Planetary Fortress, it can no longer lift off. Furthermore, the Planetary Fortress cannot be changed back into a normal Command Center with lift off capabilities.

http://www.battle.net/forums/thread....=1&#post243230

[Terenas77]

Peccato ....ci speravo in un "Planetary Fortress Drop" nei minerali del mio avversario

[GeeGeeOH]

---StarCraft II Q&A Batch 10---

1) What does the "Intercept Missiles" function of the Predator do exactly?
The Predator is equipped with a point defense laser system which destroys incoming enemy projectiles. This ability makes the Predator an excellent support fighter to help defend slower capital ships, such as the Battlecruiser.

2) Can the Radar Tower also detect invisible units even in Fog of War?
No. On the other hand, Sensor Arrays and Radar Towers do allow all Missile Turrets in its range to also detect invisible units within those Missile Turrets range.

3) Can the Thor defend itself against air units well?
The Thor unit can attack air units, although it has a relatively slow rate of fire. It is always still better to escort your Thor units with additional support units.

4) Can the Thor be attacked by the Missile Turret like the Colossus?
No.

5) Will phase cannons dissipate if they travel outside influence of pylon matrix?
No, phase cannons will not be destroyed if they travel outside of pylon power. However, phase cannons caught outside of pylon power will still be able to move but will also be stuck in energy form. They cannot redeploy until they are back in range of pylon power. Also, while in energy form, phase cannons have no shields and are extremely vulnerable to enemy fire.

6) When a player in a team game leaves will the computer AI take over? Or, will the remaining players be given control of that person's team?
Computer AI will not take over if your ally leaves in a team multiplayer game. Although, if you have allied control set, the player will be able to control their allys units after they leave.

http://www.battle.net/forums/thread....ThreadID=13321

[GeeGeeOH]

---StarCraft II Q&A Batch 11---

1) Will map sizes in StarCraft II be similar or larger than the maps in the original StarCraft?
Map sizes can fluctuate on a per-map basis, but generally the playable area on maps are about the same. The terrain cells were converted over into the new editor to proportionally match the original StarCraft (i.e. 128x128 SC1 is about the same as 128x128 in SC2 ).

2) Will StarCraft II Heroes have unique abilities?
Heroes will have unique abilities different from regular unit abilities. Heroes will be playable only for single player and will not be a part of the multiplayer skirmish experience.

3) Will the Terrans be weak to melee without the Firebat?
Dont worry, the Terrans will have plenty of other counters to melee units. Nonetheless, because we know there are so many people who do love the Firebat unit, it will be in the map editor.

4) Will Mutalisks attack still hit multiple targets?
Yes, the Zerg Mutalisk unit is currently designed to hit multiple units with a single attack.

5) Will a submerged supply depot still be able to be attacked? Will it have more hit points while submerged?
Yes, the submerged supply depot will still be able to be attacked, and no it will not have more hit points. The ability to submerge a supply depot is designed to allow units to move over them strategically. Players will not only be able to keep enemies out, allow friendly units to pass through, but they are also powerful roadblocks in separating incoming armies in 2.

http://www.battle.net/forums/thread....p=1&#post18850

[Monroo]

Ma questo "Predator" cos'è? Io non lo vedo...

[Elrond]

In effetti me lo sono perso anche io...

[GeeGeeOH]

Ma questo "Predator" cos'è? Io non lo vedo...

Beh si vede nel techtree http://limitedgaming.com/files/18/post-3-1186176827.jpg: unità aria-aria.

[Monroo]

Se è per questo c'è anche il Nomad che non si sa cos'è... C'è solo nell'albero...

Io fin'ora mi son adeguato a questo thread:

http://blizzforums.com/showthread.php?t=10286

Anche se purtroppo nelle vacanze non è ancora stato aggiornato...

[GeeGeeOH]

---StarCraft II Q&A Batch 12---

1. How useful will tier 1 units be in the late game? (broodwar.de)
As a staple of the original StarCraft, which we intend to carry over to StarCraft II, is that every unit has a specific role in that factions army. Every unit will fulfill a unique role, which complements the other units, some better than others of course. In subscribing to that idea, tier 1 units will be quite useful in late game as well as early. Many of the tier 1 units will be able to be upgraded to keep up with the later game units as well.
For example, the Terran Marine currently has 3 upgrades available to it, as well as its standard attack and armor upgrades. New upgrades such as the combat shields, increasing the Marines health will be important in having the Marine deal with later game units.

2. Can we expect units to replace the Reaver and the Soul Hunter? (starcraftzone.com)
Yes, we are always testing the addition of new units as well as the removal of older units. For instance, in our current build, the Terran Firebat is back in the game, as we test how he interacts with the new additions into StarCraft II. Of course, nothing is final though.

3. What was the reasoning behind axing spell X (lockdown, mind control etc)? (sclegacy.com)
As mentioned above in question 2, much like with units, we are also testing several new abilities for StarCraft II. If these abilities do not work as we would intend, it is always possible for a reintroduction of original abilities from the original StarCraft. We are constantly striving to improve and complement what has already been very successful with StarCraft for StarCraft II.

4. Will there be a black player color? (starcraft-source.com)
We have tried using black, but it was too difficult to differentiate units on the mini-map from the fog of war.

5. Will you be able to use custom army colors in the game? (teamliquid.net)
In custom maps created through the Map Editor, players will be able to select any color for their factions. In multiplayer games, players will be able to choose between approximately 12-18 colors.

http://www.battle.net/forums/thread....p=1&#post23162

"For instance, in our current build, the Terran Firebat is back in the game"

[iiiiy]

In SC quando nei 2vs2 uno dei due player muore deve per forza lasciare il game. Hanno detto qualcosa se metteranno la possibilità di rimanere li a vedere la partitia, magari senza poter girare per la mappa o senza poter parlare.

[Elrond]

Senza poter girare per la mappa, servirebbe a poco. E in quanto al non poter parlare, dimentichi che si potrebbero comunque usare programmi esterni come TeamSpeak. Quindi, messa così non avrebbe molto senso. Quello che si potrebbe fare è permettere al giocatore di restare e di assumere il comando delle unità dell'alleato, in modo da dare una mano con la micro. Comunque non è stato detto...

[iiiiy]

Senza poter girare per la mappa, servirebbe a poco. E in quanto al non poter parlare, dimentichi che si potrebbero comunque usare programmi esterni come TeamSpeak. Quindi, messa così non avrebbe molto senso. Quello che si potrebbe fare è permettere al giocatore di restare e di assumere il comando delle unità dell'alleato, in modo da dare una mano con la micro. Comunque non è stato detto...

Basta mettere questa possibilità attivabile o non. Cosi nelle partite "serie" non ci sono problemi.

[Elrond]

Non mi era nemmeno passato per la testa che si potesse fare così...
Ok, 1-0 per te!

[GeeGeeOH]

Immagino che, come per War3, il player sconfitto resti in game...

[GeeGeeOH]

---StarCraft II Q&A Batch 13---

1. Are the Ultralisk making a return in SC2? (starcraft2forum.org)
The Ultralisk figures heavily in our current plans, but as with everything else relating to units and balance, this is subject to change.

2. Will there be in game voice chat supported in SC2? (teamliquid.net)
Yes, there are plans to implement VoIP into Battle.net, but details beyond that are yet to be announced.

3. What are the system requirements ? (Starcraft-Source.com)
We are still optimizing the game and do not have minimum system requirements yet. Nonetheless, StarCraft II will require pixel shader 2.0 and at least 128mb of dedicated video RAM.

4. Will we be seeing any hybrid units in StarCraft II? (starcraft.org)
We are planning to explore the mysteries surrounding the Xelnaga for the single player campaign. In the campaign you will encounter several unique units that would not otherwise be seen in multiplayer. At this time, youll just have to wait and see.

5. Does the Thor burn out like Terran buildings if it is damaged? (starcraft2.4players.de)
No, the Thor does not burn down like the Terran buildings. It will be like the other Terran vehicles, which are able to be repaired by the scv.

http://www.battle.net/forums/thread....p=1&#post27705

[iiiiy]

Azz, mi sa che non sarà poi cosi leggero come requisiti. Mi sa che dovrò cambiare pc. :(
Belle le ultralische, chissà come le disegneranno.
Bella la voice chat.

[GeeGeeOH]

Pixel shader 2.0 e 128MB di ram sono 2 generazioni di schede vide fa: dal Radeon 9500 e GeForce 5600 (le schede che escono ora supportano il 4.0), direi nulla di esagerato...
Il VoIP viene implementanto ora in WoW, era prevedibile la sua intorduzione in SC2... la cosa interessante è che la risposta parla di B.Net quindi magari potrebbero patchare pure War3.

[Elrond]

Non so perché, ma questo batch mi fa pensare che siano più indietro coi lavori di quanto pensassi. Ovviamente è solo una sensazione... Però se ancora non sanno i requisiti minimi vuol dire che l'engine nonostante tutto non è ancora pronto. E devono ancora implementare il VOIP (non banalissimo, se è la prima volta), e resta sempre il bilanciamento. Fino a oggi speravo che per natale fosse pronto... Mi sa che mi metto il cuore in pace.

[GeeGeeOH]

Come detto per il VoIP la Blizzard lo stà testando da oltre due mesi sui server pubblici di test di WoW e dovrebbe andare live durante la prossima settimana.
Per i requisiti non direi che non sono definiti, ma come sempre non si sbilanciano e non rilasciano informazioni precise finchè non è il momento giusto.

[Angels]

Non so perché, ma questo batch mi fa pensare che siano più indietro coi lavori di quanto pensassi. Ovviamente è solo una sensazione... Però se ancora non sanno i requisiti minimi vuol dire che l'engine nonostante tutto non è ancora pronto. E devono ancora implementare il VOIP (non banalissimo, se è la prima volta), e resta sempre il bilanciamento. Fino a oggi speravo che per natale fosse pronto... Mi sa che mi metto il cuore in pace.

Sicuramente per il gioco bisogna aspettare il 2008, perchè l'espansione di WoW uscirà a novembre(probabilmente anche se non è stato ufficializzato) e non credo che alla Blizzard vorranno fare 2 cose insieme.
Io spero che si arrivi al massimo all'estate, ma potrebbe uscire anche fra un anetto.

[GeeGeeOH]

Sicuramente per il gioco bisogna aspettare il 2008, perchè l'espansione di WoW uscirà a novembre(probabilmente anche se non è stato ufficializzato) e non credo che alla Blizzard vorranno fare 2 cose insieme.
Io spero che si arrivi al massimo all'estate, ma potrebbe uscire anche fra un anetto.

Direi che posso concordare sulle previsioni d'uscita per SC2, ma WotLK per novembre la trovo improbabile: solo 2 mesi? nah avrebbero già annunciato il betatesting pubblico a quest'ora, poi devono ancora rilasciare ZA e Sunwell Plateau... anche WotLk non arriva prima del prossimo anno.

Comunque suggerirei di discutere sulla data di uscita di SC2 nel topic uffiaile.

[Angels]

Direi che posso concordare sulle previsioni d'uscita per SC2, ma WotLK per novembre la trovo improbabile: solo 2 mesi? nah avrebbero già annunciato il betatesting pubblico a quest'ora, poi devono ancora rilasciare ZA e Sunwell Plateau... anche WotLk non arriva prima del prossimo anno.

Comunque suggerirei di discutere sulla data di uscita di SC2 nel topic uffiaile.

Anche a me novembre sembra presto, ma la notizia sembra fondata.
Per il resto questo è un topic su SC2 non WotLk.

[GeeGeeOH]

---StarCraft II Q&A Batch 14---

1) Will there be Vespean Gas deposits that yield better rates, the same as yellow crystals? (starcrafttwo.com)
It is very likely that there will be higher yield Vespean Gas deposits, though we are being very careful in balancing this, since gas collection is based on a more linear rate of collection (3 collectors) versus mineral collection.

2) What happens if you initiate the warp-in of a Protoss Stalker but the pylon providing power is destroyed before warp-in completes?
If you lose the pylon providing power for the unit warping in, you will lose that unit, and the purchasing credits will likely be refunded.

3) Could the Colossus be transported by the Phase Prism, since the Prism's crystal can turn any matter into energy? (mymym.com)
Yes, the new Phase Prism now transports by changing the unit they wish to transport into energy, which is stored in the Phase Prism for transport. This allows the Phase Prism to be able to transport even gigantic units such as the Colossus.

4) What happens if a Terran Battlecruiser targets a Protoss Stalker with the Yamato Cannon but the Stalker blinks away before the shot is completed?
Currently, the shot from the Yamato Cannon will still track and hit the Protoss Stalker.

5) Will Dark Templars be invisible when warping in, or susceptible to attack for a few seconds before it fades out?
No, currently the Dark Templar will be invisible the instant it begins to warp-in, though of course we are still testing this for balance as it makes the Dark Templar quite strong in back door drops.

6) Do the bunkers have any visual indication as to whether or not they're occupied?
Currently the bunkers do not have any visual indications to whether it is occupied or not, but this is something we would like to change.

Chat with Devs: The StarCraft II team is trying out what it would be like to have the Ghost as a Tier 1.5 unit without stealth, keeping the stealth ability as an upgrade at a later Tier.

This will be quite interesting since their snipe ability could provide much support to a group of Marines, picking off key units such as Medics, Templars, etc.

http://www.battle.net/forums/thread....p=1&#post31048

[GeeGeeOH]

---StarCraft II Q&A Batch 15---

1) Can an upgraded command center be salvaged? Does it lose its mobility when upgraded to a surveillance station?
No, the command center cannot be salvaged, nor can it lift off after it is upgraded to a Surveillance Station (allows the use of the Comsat ability).

2) In Starcraft 1, when you cancel a nuclear launch that is in progress, you lose the warhead. Will Starcraft II make any changes to this setback? (starcrafttwo.com)
Currently, if you cancel the nuke while it is firing, you will still lose the nuke. This outcome has not yet been finalized and may be changed in the final version.

3) Can a Ghost be equipped with both a Nuke and Drop Pod simultaneously?
Yes, any Ghost can launch either a Nuke or a Drop Pod, making the Ghost highly effective at responding to multiple battle circumstances.

4) Will "caster" units, such as the Protoss High Templar, have a regular attack, like Tassadar had in SC1, or will they only be able to attack through their spells? (blizzplanet.com)
Currently, there are no plans to give the High Templar a physical attack, though High Templar Story Characters will have additional abilities beyond that of the standard unit. At the moment, the High Templar is one of best support units in the game, with the ability to cast a devastating Psi Storm or choke off crucial areas of the map with the force field ability. Once youve used up its energy, no worries, convert it into an Archon with another Templar.

5) Can Marines be Stimmed while in a bunker? What about a Ghosts snipe ability?
In the current build, abilities cannot be activated while inside a bunker, but you can activate abilities before entering a bunker. For example, if you activate Stim Pack on a few Marines, then enter a bunker, they will attack at the higher rate of fire from inside the bunker. The Stim Pack effects will still wear off as normal though.

http://www.battle.net/forums/thread....p=1&#post34532

During much testing, the Developers realized that the Starports ability to transform into a Starbase was not very essential in the gameplay of the Terrans and was also leaving several tech lab add ons scattered across the map. At the moment, the Starports ability to transform into a Starbase has been taken out of the game, thus to produce advanced units, the Starport will need the appropriate tech lab add-on, similar to the original StarCraft.

Two of the reasons we don't currently allow special abilities in bunkers is that it would make the interface quite messy and it would be overpowered for certain abilities.
As far as interface, players would have to be able to access all special abilities from the bunker UI, which could mean the possibility of many, many abilities (for instance if you had a Medic, Marine, Ghost, and Firebat in the bunker).
The Bunker would also be overpowered for units like the Medic (would it be able to heal while in the Bunker? which would be OP) or the Ghost (sniping, launching nukes, and drop pods, from inside the Bunker).

[GeeGeeOH]

---StarCraft II Q&A Batch 16---

1. Does the Time Bomb ability of the Mothership stop a Nuclear Missile (just like other missiles) when used on the area where the Nuclear Missile is about to explode? (starcraft2.4players.de)
The Time Bomb ability of the Mothership is designed to stop a Nuclear Missile if used at the right time, making a powerful counter in the hands of a skilled Protoss Player. This ability has still yet to go through the needed balance to make sure this is not over powering, but it is our intention to try and get that ability in the final version as designed.

2. In the UI there are little boxes just to the right of the minimap that have numbers on them. How exactly do these function? Different gameplay screenshots suggest different functionality. (www.starcraft-source.com)
I believe the small boxes you are referring to are the Control Groups used to select multiple units at a time, making it faster to give attack and move orders.

3. Does Drop Pads make new units or use this recruited before? (www.starcraft2.net.pl)
There are plans to have the drop pods be manually loaded with units created by the player, to better allow the player to adapt to their current tactical needs.

4. What was the design team's rationale in adding a second siege style unit (Thor) to the Terran race? (www.starcraft2.com.au)
The Thor's role compared to the Siege Tank, is more of an assault unit rather than a siege unit. The Thor is much more exposed when attacking an enemy location, while the Siege Tank has a much larger range and is able to hit the enemy at a larger distance. The range of the Siege Tank has also been increased since the BlizzCon Demo.

5. How do the Yamato and Plasma Torpedo upgrade work? Do you have to research these things only once or will you have to pay for each battle cruiser? (www.broodwar.de)
Battlecruisers can be upgraded individually with either a Yamato Gun or Plasma Torpedoes, but not both. After the Battlecruiser is upgraded, it can then use that particular special ability as long as it has enough energy to do so.

6. "With MBS (Multiple Building Selection) and automine in the game, what macro-specific features are going to be added to make sure that the player always has as much to do on the macro side as he does micro? Will a player still be able to favor macro or micro according to his own style?" - FrozenArbiter (www.teamliquid.net)
It is our goal to allow players to micro more vs. macro more. This is something that was great about the original StarCraft and it is something we want to maintain while we add new mechanics as well as interface features. We are still evaluating such features as automine as well as MBS. We don't have an answer for this at the moment, but we are working on it.

http://www.battle.net/forums/thread....p=1&#post44419