This review is for gamers who are new to the game genre.
As a first timer at starcraft, and pc-gaming in general, Sc2 is very good at easing a noob, such as myself, into the game. A very simple tutorial is given and early campaign missions settle you into the strategy. At first, the game may seem a bit overwhelming and is necessary for players to ease their way into the game.
Starcraft 2 has a multitude of layers that allow each player to find what style is right for them. New players may want to stick with a simple, giant army plan, while more seasoned vets will try their luck with scouting, early expansion etc. allowing each player to have a good time.
Story: The story behind starcraft 2 may seem a little confusing if the player had not played starcraft 1, but facts are slowly learned and the game doesn't hint too much at the past. Great cinematics are nice resting points in the game, that show you are making progress through the universe towards your ultimate destination. Their are also a couple of "decisions" throughout the game that Raynor must make, which impact how later missions will turn out. Players are also awarded "research points" and credits which allow more powerful units and buildings.
The ending seems a bit abrupt and doesn't seem to fit the tenseness the final mission leaves the player and many players may seem a little upset at the ending for being almost obvious.
Graphics: With the x factor of what graphics card your computer is running not included, Sc2 has a great cinematic and character design, but at times the game may lull if multiple players are moving large amounts of units and certain parts of a character may seem a little less well-designed than the rest of the environment. However, the overall graphics are pretty nice and fluid as long as the graphics card holds up.
Gameplay: Strategy may not be my forte, but starcraft 2 gave me enough tools and thinking power to allow me to enjoy the game. Even though story mode mainly follows the terrran race, there are some minor missions as the protoss. Outside of campaign, players can earn achievements, play against the AI, play online with players against other players and the computer, and there are even custom maps and modes. Needless to say, there is plenty to do in sc2, with the only let down in only one race in the story.
Sound: As far as sound quality goes, Sc2 is fairly good. While amassing a giant army to flank your foe's main force, ominous music is perfect for the tenseness during a game, but the repitive one liners of each unit make for an annoyance. Voice actors in the campaign could have worked a tiny bit harder in their attempt to sound anxious as their entire race faces total annihilation if their attempt at defending a key point fails, but other sounds such as guns, screeching, and explosions seem top notch.
Overall: Out of ten, I would give Starcraft 2 a 9. Strategy games are usually pretty difficult to get new players a good chance at taking on a veteran, but Sc2 succeeded. With multiple layers of strategy, anyone can find their perfect race and strategy. With many different modes and games, sc2 takes a long time to finally feel stale, though some minor annoyances may add up.
In the end, Blizzard has did it again