Blizzard Entertainment today unveiled several new features for its upcoming tactical-action console game, StarCraft: Ghost, at the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3). The hands-on demonstration featured StarCraft: Ghost’s newly designed multiplayer component and was presented by members of Blizzard’s new console development team, which now includes the former Swingin’ Ape Studios. Since joining the project in 2004, the Swingin’ Ape team has added a number of new levels and features to StarCraft: Ghost, including the ability to play online on the Xbox over Xbox Live and on Battle.net for the PlayStation 2. On display for show attendees was StarCraft: Ghost’s unique Capture the Base mode, an entirely new multiplayer game type where two teams of four players each can play as different StarCraft characters and battle for control of a flying Terran base. Also shown for the first time were the game’s controllable vehicles — many of which will be familiar to players of the StarCraft real-time strategy (RTS) game — providing additional levels of strategy and depth to the fast-paced multiplayer gameplay. “Because the multiplayer elements of the original StarCraft proved to be so popular with players, we felt it was important for StarCraft: Ghost to have a strong multiplayer component as well,” said Mike Morhaime, president and co-founder of Blizzard Entertainment. “We’ve been excited about the work that the team has put into StarCraft: Ghost’s multiplayer and single-player modes so far, and we look forward to working together on the remainder of the game.” StarCraft: Ghost will feature highly stylized character models, over-the-top special effects, and immersive 3D environments that reward creative exploration. The game’s deeply evolving story line and unique blend of stealth- and action-based gameplay will take full advantage of Blizzard’s StarCraft universe and refine the epic experience to the level of the individual soldier. Blizzard announced the acquisition of Swingin’ Ape Studios on May 16, 2005. The newly acquired studio establishes the foundation for Blizzard’s new console development team, led by former Swingin’ Ape president, Steve Ranck. Plans for future Blizzard console titles developed by the team will be announced at a later date.
Look for in-depth hands on impressions of both the singleplayer and multiplayer of this incredibly impressive title.
