This is my 3rd or 4th playthrough of Wings Of Liberty. It's likely my favourite real time strategy campaigns of all time. You play as the terran Jim Raynor, from the original Starcraft, whose rebel force is out to topple the corrupt political regime of Arcturus Mensck, which Jim helped install in the original game. To complicate matters, the Zerg (a horrific, rapidly evolving alien species) after many years of quiescence, have suddenly launched a large scale attack on Terran worlds.
The campaign spans around 26 missions. One of the many things Blizzard has done well is to keep introducing new mechanics. Despite the fact that most levels involve developing your economy, building an army and destroying the enemy, these mechanical changes keep the gameplay remarkably fresh. In one mission you might be escorting fleeing colonists, while in another, you might be quickly fighting through enemy bases as the planet, in the range of a star going supernova, burns behind you.
The Terrans specialise in defensive play, and are great at fortifying points with bunkers and siege tanks. Over the course of the campaign, you'll get to play with over a dozen units. One thing I really enjoyed was the upgrade system: each mission grants you money and research, which allows you to purchase upgrades for units, hire more powerful mercenary variants of these units and research new technology. Though some upgrades are distinctly better than others, the option to customise your army to your playstyle really adds to the game.
The story doesn't go for subtle, but it is engaging, stylish and well put together. RTS fans who haven't tried this out will almost certainly find something to like.
