StarCraft is one of those PC games that helped define an entire genre. Released in 1998, this legendary real-time strategy game still offers a brilliant mix of tactical combat, resource management and a proper sci-fi story.
You get three completely different factions: the Terran, Zerg and Protoss. Each plays in its own way, so switching between them never feels like simply using the same army with different skins. The Terrans rely on versatile technology, the Zerg overwhelm enemies with numbers, while the Protoss bring powerful but expensive units to the battlefield.
The campaign is a particular highlight. It tells a surprisingly engaging story through a series of missions, with plenty of twists and memorable characters along the way. There’s also a great sense of progression as you learn how each faction works.
Then there’s the multiplayer, which is where StarCraft really became legendary. Matches demand quick thinking, careful planning and the ability to adapt when your opponent inevitably throws a spanner in the works.
The graphics obviously look dated now, and the controls can take a little getting used to if you’re coming from modern RTS games. But the core gameplay remains incredibly solid.
Final verdict: 9.5/10
Images via Andy Chalk
