Friday September
20, 2002
Blizzard Entertainment
Announces StarCraft: Ghost
Blizzard unveils
plans to bring the legendary franchise to console gamers
During a press conference
today at the Tokyo Game Show, Blizzard Entertainment, a
studio of the games division of Vivendi Universal
Publishing, unveiled StarCraft: Ghost, a tactical-action
console game set in Blizzard’s epic StarCraft
universe. StarCraft: Ghost is currently under
development and is scheduled for a worldwide release on
multiple console systems. The game will be co-published
by Capcom and Blizzard Entertainment in Japan; further
announcements regarding platform/country specifics will
be announced in the months to come.
In StarCraft: Ghost,
players take the role of Nova, a lethal Ghost operative
skillfully trained in the arts of espionage and tactical
combat. Twenty years of ruthless physical conditioning
and techno-psychological instruction have made Nova a
being of terrifying potential. With the help of a
determined group of allies, players follow a series of
story-driven missions, engaging in a deadly mix of
planetary battles and dangerous solo operations. To
complete their mission objectives, players must execute
intelligent tactical decisions while mastering an
advanced arsenal of sophisticated weaponry.
“We’re very
excited about returning to the StarCraft series,”
stated Mike Morhaime, Blizzard Entertainment president
and co-founder. “Our roots are based in console
gaming, and we look forward to developing this universe
for the next-generation console systems.”
Key features in StarCraft:
Ghost include:
Revolutionary new
style of gameplay featuring enhanced physical and
psionic abilities
Hostile
Environment Suit designed to magnify strength,
agility, and speed
Over-the-top
special effects offer stunning visuals and
unparalleled tactical realism
Immersive 3D
environments showcase rich textures and highly
stylized character models
Unique Calldown
abilities allow players to target large-scale
attacks from the ground
A deeply evolving
storyline set in Blizzard’s gritty sci-fi
StarCraft universe
As the story unravels,
players find themselves traversing uncharted terrain and
battling adversaries never before seen by followers of
the series. Bold 3D graphics give players a new, in-depth
perspective on familiar planets and former battlefields
from the legendary universe. A dynamic 3rd-person
camera view displays dramatic lighting, startling detail,
and a blend of realistic and fantastical design.
Co-developed by Blizzard Entertainment and Nihilistic Software, Inc.™, StarCraft:
Ghost is scheduled for release in late 2003.
Since its debut in 1998,
the #1-selling StarCraft series* has won industry
acclaim and has shattered sales records worldwide with
over six million copies shipped.
F.A.Q.
Q:
What is StarCraft: Ghost?
A: StarCraft: Ghost is a tactical-action console
game set in the StarCraft® universe.
Q:
How will StarCraft: Ghost be different from other
tactical-action console games?
A: StarCraft: Ghost will be different from other
tactical-action games in many ways. Taking on the role of
Nova, the game's elite Ghost operative hero, players will
be able to:
Utilize a Wide
Range of Elite Ghost Abilities
Outmaneuver
your enemies at sonic speed
Infiltrate
bases and sneak past guards using the
cloak ability
Lock down
vehicles and electronic devices to
immobilize them
Engage in
both face-to-face firefights and
planet-scale warfare
Leverage the Resources of an Entire Army
Call down
massive Battlecruiser and Siege Tank
strikes
Take
control of familiar StarCraft vehicles
Wield a
variety of familiar weapons, such as the
Gauss Rifle and Perdition Flamethrower
Join your
allies in battle and do your part to
ensure mission success
Experience the World of StarCraft in 3D
See the
world of StarCraft on a personal level
Visit
familiar planetary settings
Explore
3D environments designed for strategic
interaction
Use the
camera to find unique strategic
possibilities
As Nova,
players will be able to scale fences,
hang from wires, climb poles and scale
walls, and negotiate tightropes
Unveil the Next Chapter in the StarCraft Saga
Experience
story-driven missions complete with
multiple plot twists
Play a
crucial role in the rich StarCraft
history
Engage in
combat with a variety of fully rendered
units from the StarCraft universe,
including the Terran, Zerg, and Protoss
Q:
Is this StarCraft II?
A: No.
Q:
Will there be a StarCraft II? When?
A: Although we have not made any announcements and
do not have a development or release timeline, we do
fully intend to revisit the world of StarCraft on PC at
some point in the future.
Q:
Why is Blizzard Entertainment® entering the console
arena?
A: We began our early development efforts in
console gaming, and we have always been excited about
returning to this arena. Additionally, we've wanted to
revisit the StarCraft universe for some time. With
StarCraft: Ghost, we are able to do both. Also, due to
the game's control interface and tactical-action nature,
developing this title for the next-generation console
systems makes the most sense. In addition to expanding
StarCraft's rich storyline, the game gives players a
chance to experience the sci-fi universe from an all-new
perspective.
Q:
Does Blizzard plan to develop any other console games?
A: While we have not made any announcements, we
are considering future console development plans.
Q:
What is the relationship between Blizzard and Nihilistic
Software, Inc.™?
A: Blizzard and Nihilistic are co-developing
StarCraft: Ghost.
Q:
Why did Blizzard choose Nihilistic as a development
partner?
A: Nihilistic Software, Inc. is made up of a
talented group of developers. We chose them because they
share our vision and focus in developing games. Their
team members have worked on several great titles, and we
are very pleased to be expanding the StarCraft universe
with them.
Q:
What is the relationship between Blizzard Entertainment
and Capcom?
A: Blizzard and Capcom are co-publishing
StarCraft: Ghost in Japan.
Q:
Why did Blizzard choose Capcom as a publishing partner in
Japan?
A: Blizzard has a longstanding relationship with
Capcom. We chose them as our publishing partner because
we have a great deal of respect for the company and their
products.
Q:
When will StarCraft: Ghost be released?
A: We expect to ship StarCraft: Ghost in late
2003.
Q:
What rating do you expect for StarCraft: Ghost?
A: We expect StarCraft: Ghost to receive a Teen
rating from the ESRB.
Q:
On what platforms will StarCraft: Ghost be available?
A: We are currently developing the game for
multiple console systems. Further details regarding
platform/country specifics will be released in the months
ahead.
Q:
Will there be a PC and Mac version?
A: No. StarCraft: Ghost is only being developed
for console systems.
Q:
How many copies of StarCraft have been sold?
A: To date, the StarCraft franchise has shipped
over 6 million copies.
Publisher:
Blizzard Entertainment
Developer:
Nihilistic Software, Inc.
In Store :
Late 2003
|
