StarCraft II: Heart of the Swarm is a real-time strategy (RTS) video game developed by Blizzard Entertainment. It is published by Activision Blizzard. Heart of the Swarm is an expansion to StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty, which was released in the summer of 2010. Heart of the Swarm is positioned as the second game in the StarCraft II trilogy. The release of StarCraft II: Heart of the Swarm took place on March 12, 2013.
This will not be a revelation, but players have been eagerly waiting for the release of Heart of the Swarm. The development of the expansion took two and a half years, which is quite a long time for an add-on. But let's not forget - this is StarCraft II. This is Blizzard, after all. It's even hard to perceive Heart of the Swarm as something non-independent, while the title of a full-fledged game is much more suitable for Heart of the Swarm.
But what can the product of Blizzard Entertainment boast of? First of all, Heart of the Swarm features a full-fledged campaign for the zergs, consisting of two dozen sequential missions. Cinematic cutscenes and an engaging storyline are included. Secondly, new units have been introduced for each of the races present in the game. Thirdly, the multiplayer mode has been improved, refined, and slightly altered.
Also noteworthy among the innovations are the following points. Some maps (many, but not all) contain objects that can be destroyed and used as tactical elements. For example, they can be used to block certain areas on the map. Accordingly, the maps/locations have acquired new landscapes and sceneries: there are snowy deserts, terran cities, and space stations floating in the cosmos. In Heart of the Swarm, players are allowed to experiment with their controlled units: they can modify old versions of zergs and even create completely new types of military units with unique sets of abilities.
One of the highlights of the online mode is the introduction of clans and groups. Yes, now in StarCraft II, players can come together, as well as train, communicate, climb the ranks, and so on. However, another "treat" from the single-player campaign was overlooked - Sarah Kerrigan, who has lost her typical zerg appearance. In StarCraft II: Heart of the Swarm, she acts as the main character. Kerrigan is capable of leveling up and enhancing her power, and she plays a significant role on the battlefield.
A few words about the plot of StarCraft II: Heart of the Swarm. A short time has passed since the end of the Wings of Liberty story. First, Sarah Kerrigan is located at a base in the Umojan Protectorate, where various experiments are being conducted on her. She was brought to the base by Raynor and Prince Valerian. The purpose of the experiments is to determine whether any part of the Queen of Blades remains in Kerrigan. Then, the forces controlled by Arcturus Mengsk attack the base, and events begin to snowball. Despite the unfortunate situation that Kerrigan finds herself in, she must take vengeance on the Dominion's ruler for once condemning billions of people on Tarsonis to certain death, among whom was Sarah herself. To take revenge, Kerrigan must once again become the Queen of Blades - this is her only chance.