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Starcraft News for Dec. 10th

Brood War Ads Showing Up
~Scorcher~ sent me a scan of an ad for Brood War he saw in the newspaper. London Drugs (a store) is advertising it for $37.99(Canadian). Click to view the ad

Which Action Figure do You Want in Your Stocking?
That's the new poll at Gamesmania. Choose from Lara Croft, Duke Nukem, Starcraft, Warcraft, or Star Wars. Go rock the vote.

StarCraft Add-On Reviewed
Gamesmania has a well written review up on Retribution, the recently released SC add-on by Wizard Works. Sounds like it could be worth the $20. Check it out!

Centipede !!
Ok I know this game isn't for everyone, but it is my all time favorite arcade game, bar none! There's a review up at Gamesmania (yep them again!) and I just thought I'd mention it in case there's anyone else out there wondering what the PC version turned out like :)

TONS OF NEW BROOD WAR INFO!!
Here, straight from Blizz is the Brood War Story Line, new Upgrade Info and new Hero Info!! Read and enjoy :) Sorry I didn't post it yesterday, I didn't check email till this morning :(

BROOD WAR STORYLINE

The Ashes of Aiur
Only days have past since the Protoss hero, Tassadar, sacrificed himself in order to destroy the nefarious Zerg Overmind. In the wake of the Overmind's apocalyptic destruction, the Protoss homeworld of Aiur was left devastated and fallow. Many of the mindless Zerg who survived the horrendous battle began to rampage unchecked across the blackened fields of Aiur.

The Conclave, which had ruled over the Protoss Tribes for many thousands of years, was eradicated along with nearly seventy percent of Aiur's population. Thus, only a handful of Protoss heroes remained to watch over the beleaguered survivors of their world. The Judicator Aldaris, Praetor Fenix, the Dark Templar Zeratul, and their human companion James Raynor banded together in order to unite and lead the scattered survivors. Yet the Zerg, still bent on their genocidal rampage, continued to slaughter every Protoss they encountered.

Though fate had conspired against them, and nearly everything they cared for was lost, the stalwart Protoss heroes never gave up hope that their deliverance would come.

The Emperor and His Dominion
As the titanic battle between the Protoss and the Zerg reached the boiling point upon the planet Aiur, Arcturus Mengsk took steps to consolidate his own power within the newly formed Terran Dominion. Having crowned himself Emperor of the Dominion, all of the Terran colonies within the Koprulu Sector were united under one sovereign rule for the first time.

With General Edmund Duke by his side, Mengsk was unopposed by any of the major Terran Militias within the Sector. Having reinforced the armies of the Dominion by forcefully conscripting the remaining warriors of the defunct Terran Confederacy, Mengsk set out to fortify the various worlds under his care. As the final battle concluded on Aiur and the Zerg reeled in disarray throughout the Sector, Mengsk was left to wonder what ever became of his former Lieutenant, Sarah Kerrigan, the self-styled Queen of Blades.

The Terminal Agenda
Light years away, far removed from the epic struggle between the Protoss and the Zerg, the custodians of the planet Earth watched and waited. Unknown to the wayward Terrans in the Koprulu Sector was the fact that their every move had been recorded since their exile from Earth. The United Powers League, the vast bureaucratic institution that ruled the Earth and it's sister worlds, had studied the slow advancements and hostile infighting of the Koprulu colonies for generations.

The UPL had borne silent witness to the founding of the Terran Confederacy and the myriad conflicts between the various Terran Militias. Overall, the UPL was content to observe their unwitting colonists without directly interfering in their affairs. It was only upon the discovery of alien species within the Koprulu Sector that the UPL finally committed to decisive action.

Never before had humanity encountered alien species of any kind. Thus, this unprecedented event caused a widespread panic throughout the UPL. Regardless of what happened to the expendable Koprulu colonies, the UPL could not afford to let aliens invade Earth. The momentous occasion brought many dissident countries into the UPL fold, thus expanding the powers of the organization and causing it to be renamed the 'United Earth Directorate'. Taking a more proactive, militaristic stance in regards to alien affairs, the UED bent all of its considerable resources towards studying the aliens and their maneuverings. After monitoring the Protoss and Zerg for several months, the UED gathered data on the strengths and weaknesses of the two races. Believing that they were capable of countering any of the aliens' attacks, the UED formed a military expeditionary force to put an end to the Koprulu conflict by any means necessary.

The expeditionary force, led by the brilliant Admiral Gerard DuGalle, had a secondary objective as well. Admiral DuGalle was ordered to take control of the Zerg Broods and use them to pacify Protoss activity in the Sector. In so doing, he would assure the survival and prosperity of Humanity throughout the galaxy.

BROOD WAR NEW UPGRADES

Evolution is a constantly changing process. Objects, given time, will consistently improve upon themselves. This holds true for both natural and technological evolution.

Terran Upgrades
The arrival of the UED to the Outer Rim brought about the development of new technologies, allowing startling improvements to be made to existing ordnance.

Upgrade: Charon Boosters
Unit Upgraded: Goliath
Improved propulsion technologies combined with upgrades to its existing targeting system software allow for impressive increases to the range of the Hellfire-AA Scatter Missiles.

Zerg Upgrades
Prolonged exposure to raw Vespene gas has produced some unanticipated enhancements in the physical characteristics of certain prominent Zerg strains.

Upgrade: Chitinous Plating
Unit Upgraded: Ultralisk
This evolution imbues the Ultralisk strain with a hardened exoskeletal shell, enhancing the already impressive natural defenses of the Ultralisk.

Upgrade: Anabolic Synthesis
Unit Upgraded: Ultralisk
This alteration of the glands that produce endorphins and adrenal fluids serves to increase the reflexes and rate of movement of the Ultralisk.

BROOD WAR NEW HEROES

Artanis
Protoss, Age 262
High Templar
Praetor of the Protoss Defense Forces

Artanis is the youngest Protoss to achieve the coveted rank of Praetor. Despite his youth and relative lack of experience, he is a bold and dynamic leader. Although Artanis was a strong believer of the former Conclave and the destiny of the Protoss, he still harbors a deep respect and admiration for Tassadar and the Tribal unification for which he fought. Artanis hopes to become as great a hero as Tassadar, a hope that may lead the young warrior to forsake his better judgment in his search for glory.

Raszagal
Female Protoss, Age 1045
Dark Templar
Matriarch of the Dark Templar Tribes of Shakuras

As one of the eldest living Protoss, Raszagal has ruled over her Dark Templar Tribes for nearly five hundred years. Imbued with tremendous psychic powers, she was once believed to possess one of the most powerful minds in the galaxy. But now, after selflessly shepherding her Tribe for so many long centuries, Raszagal's control over her powers has begun to slip. Though Raszagal has kept her Tribes secluded upon the planet Shakuras, she has always sought to help the Protoss of Aiur in whatever secret ways she could. Despite her antipathy for the Protoss Conclave, Raszagal still fervently hopes that all of the progeny of her distinguished species will one day be reunited.

Gerard DuGalle
Male Terran, Age 64
Admiral of the United Earth Directorate's Expeditionary Force

Gerard DuGalle has spent the greater part of his sixty-four years defending the Earth from its enemies. With countless victories to his credit, DuGalle is possibly the greatest military leader within the UED. It was no surprise that, due to the extreme nature of the Koprulu expedition, the UED Council decided unanimously to send DuGalle. Although DuGalle is the consummate soldier, he is uncomfortable with the prospect of 'using' the Zerg to achieve victory. He feels that the Zerg represent an unnecessary risk and he would rather employ more conventional tactics in pacifying the war-torn sector.

Alexei Stukov
Male Terran. Age 52
Vice Admiral of the United Earth Directorate's Expeditionary Force

Alexei Stukov is a brilliant tactician who has spent most of his military career in top-secret research rather than in actual combat. Stukov is constantly striving to push the limit of conventional technology and physical theory to increase the effectiveness of UED troops in warfare. Though Stukov has been a life long friend of Admiral DuGalle, he was chosen to be second in command of the Koprulu expedition because of his somewhat unconventional vision. There is a strong bond between Stukov and DuGalle. Both men were competitive throughout their youths and still play at getting the best of one another. However, Stukov bows to DuGalle's rank and position as Admiral and will serve his friend unquestioningly in the face of danger.

Samir Duran
Male Terran, Age 33
Former Confederate Operative
Special Advisor to the UED

Little is known about the enigmatic man who calls himself Samir Duran. By his own account, Duran served as part of the Confederate Alpha Squadron before the terrorist Arcturus Mengsk brought down the Confederate establishment. Duran, sensing a shift in the balance of power within the sector, has assumed command of a small commando squad that is dedicated to striking at "Emperor" Mengsk and his new Terran Dominion. Though most of his comrades regard Duran as a sly and cunning leader, few would believe the truth about his mysterious nature.

Half-Life Review
I can't say enough about this game it seems. No I don't have it yet but from all accounts it awesome! Check out this GamePen review and see what all the hype is about. I think this one might go on my Christmas list :)

How To Tell You Been Really Bad
And I mean bad! Thanks to Phreekbird for this one :) I still want your Christmas jokes, pics, whatever... Send them to me and I'll post them :)

Brood War Hero Stats
Camelot Systems has all the stats for the new Brood War heroes, complete with animated gif portraits! I guess they've been posted for awhile but I never saw them! :\ Click to view.

Season 3 Playoffs
Correction - [HoK]Hi~Se_Ri defeated [HoK]newhohoman in 3 games, it was posted incorrectly the first time. Yesterday Kain-The-Feared eliminated LegendaryKyo in 2 games and goes on to the Quarterfinals. Blizz has added the battle report for the game betweeen Honest'[sg] and larry-the-weird played on Monday. Honest'[sg] took the crown in that match and moved on to the Semifinals. For a complete list of matches click here.

Starcraft News for Dec. 8th

Thrustmaster Adds Speech
Thrustmaster has developed it's own in-game voice communications prog for online gaming, called Talk n' Play. It should sell for around $30 and includes a headset and microphone. Download a pre-release version here. System requirements: Pentium 90, 32 MB of RAM, and a 16-bit SoundBlaster or 100% compatible sound card. Get more info on Talk n' Play at their home page.

Windows 98 Y2K Patch
The Windows 98 Year 2000 update is now available for download at the Windows Update Website. For info on the update or to order it on a free CD go here.

Gamers Xmas List
The Avault has their Holiday Shopping Guide up. Take a look at which games they think our worthy of filling your stocking.

Brood War Info Straight From Blizz
Here's part of an email I recieved from Tony at Blizzard. It's a document that will be included with Brood War when it ships. Enjoy :)

STARCRAFT: BROOD WAR
FINAL NEW UNITS DESCRIPTIONS

TERRAN UNITS

MEDIC
The medic is an infantry unit designed to provide support for the Terran military with two special abilities, Heal and Cure. HEAL quickly repairs any damage done to biologically based units (Marines, Ghosts and the like, but not Battlecruisers or Tanks) and is an automatic function of the Medic. Basically, a Medic cannot heal anything that can be repaired by an SCV. The exception to this is the SCV, which can be repaired by another SCV, and healed by a Medic. RESTORATION is the Medic's ability to remove the effects of any infecting or damaging biological attack, such as Parasite, Plague or Ensnare. The Medic also removes any negative spell effects, including Lockdown. The sole defensive armament of the Medic is the A-13 Flash Grenade Launcher.

VALKYRIE
This heavy support ship is designed to deliver damage across a large area and are a powerful addition to the UED's Expeditionary Fleet. The Valkyries' H.A.L.O. missiles are capable of reducing most conventional star fighters and airborne structures to rubble. The missiles are fired in volleys of multiple projectiles, and impact within a large area of effect. The dispersal radius of its targeting system is designed to achieve maximum damage to not only its intended target, but also adjacent targets within the blast area. Valkyries are heavily armored, and can take substantial punishment from enemy fire before they suffer any core systems failures.

ZERG UNITS

LURKER
The Lurker is a new genetic strain that mutates from the Hydralisk, much in the same way that the Guardian is created after a gestation period after the Mutalisk has cocooned itself. Although the Lurker has no above-ground attack skill, it has the unique ability to attack enemy units while burrowed. Shooting lethal spines that can tear into flesh, steel, and even reinforced armor plating up through the ground at unsuspecting enemies, the Lurker is an excellent defensive unit.

DEVOURER
Mutated from the Mutalisk, Devourers are large, flying behemoths that break down the genetic structure of those who are unfortunate enough to get in their way. The Devourer are capable of spewing their vile acid at any airborne ships or creatures, causing significant corrosive damage. The venom of the Devourer consists of toxins that can eat through any known substance, including the reinforced armor plating of the Terran and Protoss capital ships. Acid Spores splashing off on impact, also impair adjacent units.

PROTOSS UNITS

CORSAIR
The Corsair is a fast, medium-sized air assault warship. This vessel's air-to-air attack ability is very effective against all tactical fighters, such as Scouts, Wraiths, and Mutalisks. It also employs a Disruption Web generator that is designed to temporarily shut down all ground attacks. While a Disruption Web will jam the guns of Terran infantry, the affected units can simply move out of the influence of the field and resume firing. A better use of the Disrupter would be on stationary, defensive targets such as Bunkers, Missile Turrets or even Photon Cannons.

DARK TEMPLAR
After Tassadar made contact with Zeratul, a small group of Dark Templar were made available to assist with the destruction of the Zerg Overmind. Now that Auir has been decimated by this conflict, both the light and dark sides of the Protoss must work together to ensure the survival of their species. The Dark Templar have come out of their self-imposed exile and are now standing together with the rest of the Protoss armies. These mighty warriors, drawing secret powers from the cold void of the cosmos, are able to bend light around themselves which renders them virtually invisible. Armed with modified Psi-blade technology, the Dark Templar relentlessly strive to protect their race and the ancient secrets of their Tribes.

DARK ARCHON
When two Dark Templar combine their life energies, they can transform into a Dark Archon. Unlike the Archon, this creation will have no physical attack, but will use their massive Psionic energies to combat the enemies of Auir. The names of these three abilities are Mind Control, Feedback and Maelstrom. FEEDBACK is the ability of the Dark Archon to turn the power of its enemies against themselves. MIND CONTROL is the ultimate weapon in the arsenal of the Dark Archon in which it projects a portion of its psychic essence into any material being, absorbing both the knowledge and powers of its target. MAELSTROM is a powerful surge of mental energy that the Dark Archon use to stun a group of attackers for a short period of time. While this maelstrom of psychic force only affects organic units, the area of its effect makes it a powerful weapon to employ.

A New Bot
I saw at SCLegacy that there's a new bot out there. I'm not going to try and explain all the features it has, lets just say it can do more than greet people. If your interested in more info or downloading the bot, check out this page.

More on Season 3 Playoffs
Here's how the latest matches stacked up :

Honest'[sg] beat larry-the-weird in three games, advancing to the Semifinals.
X'Ds~Insane:( defeated He'sJuno in three games and advances to the Quarterfinals.
[HoK]newhohoman ho ho'd over [HoK]Hi~Se_Ri in three games and advances on to the Quarterfinals.

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