Blizzard talks Starcraft 2 Wings of Liberty, New images

I don't cover Starcraft 2 too much thanks to Lipton’s excellent coverage over at Starfeeder.  Every now and then I like to bring some content over this way as well or things he may have missed.

1UP’s excellent “Games of 2009” piece covers the best games of next year (see my list here).  Starcraft 2 was on today’s docket and they talked with lead designer Dustin Browder.
The screenshot headlining the blog is brand new though it may not be final.  The game is still a work progress so don’t read too much in to it. 

While Starcraft 2 isn't necessarily due out in 2009 I find it hard to believe that the Terran campaign doesn't make it out next year as Blizzard doesn't really have a game set for the 2009 time frame yet.

The Protoss and Zerg campaigns are still in the concept and planning stages so any hopes of seeing those next year are probably highly unlikely.  The Terran campaign is playable at this point as the crew is focusing all their design and production effort into the core game and first of three editions. 

Story wise all three campaigns are complete and laid out yet the later two only in concept. 

The question came up on why 10 versus 30 missions per race and how will Blizzard keep the game fresh.  It seems the added missions will allow for much more exploration and a "choose your own path" so to speak when it comes to level progression.  Added characters and varied missions are going to help the cause keeping things fresh instead of constant skirmish missions. 

Characters like Kerrigan and Zeratul will make appearances in the Terran campaign.  Blizzard reminds us that this is the same universe and these characters will certainly have an impact in what they call an "epic story". 

Starcraft 2 is a must buy, even for someone like me who only plays for the single player.  It may be time for me to load up some Brood War and snag a refresh on the storyline.  Definitely excited for this game's release as it i made my most anticipated games of 2009 list.

They wrap with the question "Jim Raynor: why so sad?".  Be sure to check out the interview for that and many more answers.