The Game:
This game has the same basic concept as Warcraft 1, but it expands on the original
to the point where Warcraft 1 pales in comparison. Superior graphics, new soldiers,
and spells have been added, as well as new ground units such as goblins, dwarves,
Ogres, Elves, and Trolls. There are spell casters such as Mages, Paladins,
Ogre-Mages, and Death Knights. There
is also a variety of naval units and Air
units. And get this: your peasants can
actually fight. Excellent 3D rendered
movie sequences in between single
player levels also add a cool flavor to the
game. The demo of Warcraft 2 doesn't
do the game justice at all.

The multiplayer aspect of Warcraft 2 is
really the best part of the game. It is well
balanced and designed specifically for
multiplayer battles. Both Orcs and Humans have advantages, but they are both
well-balanced. A common problem in Warcraft 1 was that in order to keep a well
balanced game, you had to disable certain units, such as Mages. This isn't a
problem anymore. Blizzard has designed the game so that you can't win quickly
unless you happen to be an expert playing against a novice. You actually have to
use good strategy instead of a fixed pattern of play.

Warcraft 2 is networkable up to eight players. Unique spawning technology allows
the CD to be copied on to numerous computers, but only the computer with the
CD can host a game or play a single player level. All spawned copies can only be
used to join network games. There are a variety of multiplayer maps to choose
from, ranging from small two-player maps to large eight-player maps. Each map
offers a unique environment and strategic fortification. Some maps are focused on
sea battles, others are focused on land conflict, and some offer a combination of
both. If that isn't enough, Warcraft 2 also comes with a map editor where you can
make your own single player and multiplayer maps.

Warcraft 2 features 3D sound if you have
external speakers or headphones, so it's
easier to tell from which direction your
troops are being attacked if you have
external speakers or headphones. It also
features speech recognition, although it can
only be used to verbally enter cheat codes.
A sound editor that allows you to edit the
human and orc voices or other sounds to
any sound clip that you wish. Warcraft 2
also offers many improvements over the
PC version, such as higher quality sound,
built in TCP/IP play, and compatibility
over more types of networks.

The built-in Internet play using TCP/IP
adds a cool twist to the game. If you don't know anyone who owns Warcraft 2, or
you've gotten so good that people are afraid to play you, then TCP/IP will come in
handy. TCP/IP is simple and easy to use. You need an Internet provider (which
you most likely already have if you're reading this) and an Internet Relay Chat
program. Blizzard provides specific and easy to read instructions about obtaining
an IRC program. From that point Internet play is self explanatory. TCP/IP play is
completely free of charge. You can also play against PC players by using the
TCP/IP over the Kali option. The last I heard, the PC version of Kali costs $15 to
register since it is a third-party product. I guess you're lucky you own a Mac.