Species of StarCraft

Species of StarCraft

Blizzard Entertainment's 1998 bestselling real-time strategy game series "StarCraft" revolves around interstellar affairs in a distant sector of the galaxy, with three species and multiple factions all vying for supremacy in the sector. The playable species of "StarCraft" include the Terrans, humans exiled from Earth and adept at adapting to any situation; the Zerg, a race of insectoids obsessed with assimilating other races in pursuit of genetic perfection; and the Protoss, a humanoid species with advanced technology and psionic abilities, attempting to preserve their civilization and strict philosophical way of living from the Zerg. Each of these races has a single campaign in each "StarCraft" real-time strategy game. In addition to these three, other non-playable races have also been part of the lore of the "StarCraft" series; the most notable of these is the Xel'Naga, a race which features prominently in the fictional histories of the Protoss and Zerg races.

The original game has sold over 9.5 million copies internationally,cite web | url=http://www.vivendi.com/ir/download/pdf/VIVGames_EuropeRoadshow_June2006.pdf | title=Introduction to Vivendi games | date=June 2006 | publisher=Vivendi | accessdate=2006-11-26 | format=PDF] and remains one of the most popular games in the world. [cite web|url=http://www.gamepro.com/gamepro/international/games/features/110068.shtml|title=The 52 Most Important Video Games|publisher="GamePro"|accessdate=2008-05-21] cite web | author = Rossignol, Jim| title = Sex, Fame and PC Baangs: How the Orient plays host to PC gaming's strangest culture| publisher=PC Gamer UK|date = 2005-04-01| url = http://rossignol.cream.org/?p=284| accessdate = 2008-08-26] cite web |url=http://www.nytimes.com/2007/05/21/technology/21warcraft.html |title=To the Glee of South Korean Fans, a Game's Sequel Is Announced |accessdate=2008-08-26 |author=Schiesel, Seth |date=2007-05-21 |publisher=The New York Times] One of the main factors responsible for "StarCraft"'s positive reception is the attention paid to the three unique playable races, for each of which Blizzard developed completely different characteristics, graphics, backstories and styles of gameplay, while keeping them balanced in performance against each other.cite web|url=http://uk.gamespot.com/gamespot/features/all/greatestgames/starcraft.html|title=The Greatest Games of All Time|publisher=GameSpot|date=1998|accessdate=2008-09-01] Previously to this, most real-time strategy games consisted of factions and races with the same basic play styles and units with only superficial differences. The use of unique sides in "StarCraft" has been credited with popularizing the concept within the real-time strategy genre.cite web|url=http://uk.gamespot.com/gamespot/features/all/greatestgames/starcraft.html|title=The Greatest Games of All Time|publisher=GameSpot|year=1998|accessdate=2008-09-01] Contemporary reviews of the game have mostly praised the attention to the gameplay balance between the species, as well as for the fictional stories built up around them.

Design

Across the course of the game's development, the races and graphics of "StarCraft" have changed drastically from Chris Metzen's original concept art. In particular, since their initial public debut at E3 1996,cite web|url=http://www.sclegacy.com/content/starcraft-encyclopedia-4/starcraft-evolution-12/#EA|title=Early Alpha|work=The Evolution of StarCraft|publisher="StarCraft" Legacy|accessdate=2008-01-08] the Zerg have seen extensive changes to their visual design. This was primarily due to Blizzard's attempt to steer the game away from the visual appearance, unveiled at the 1996 E3, that had earned the game a derisive label of "Warcraft" in space".cite web|url=http://www.sclegacy.com/content/starcraft-encyclopedia-4/starcraft-evolution-12/#A|title=Alpha|work=The Evolution of StarCraft|publisher="StarCraft" Legacy|accessdate=2008-01-08] The Zerg were originally known as the "nightmarish invaders", later becoming the "Zurg", and then renamed again to its current spelling to avoid any potential copyright conflicts with Pixar's "Toy Story" character of Emperor Zurg. In the early alpha versions built by Bob Fitch, the Zerg still showed their insect-inspired base, but their appearance was heavily dominated by spikes and bright shades of blue and purple. Early Protoss concept art showed a green and blue color scheme in their mechanical armour. Closely hewing to the familiar visual style of "Warcraft II", the build received much criticism from industry press, prompting a redesign of the game engine and an overhaul of the races' respective visual designs.

This new version, unveiled in early 1997, still used the "Warcraft II" engine as its base, but with distinct changes. The Terrans and the Protoss were detailed to a much greater extent than at E3 1996, revealing many of the game's units in forms similar to those of the final product. Blizzard Entertainment also began the careful task of balancing the game's three races. However, in February 1997, Bob Fitch declared that, despite these efforts, the game engine was simply incapable of delivering features requested by the developers: cloaking, burrowing and many other special effectscite web|url=http://www.blizzard.com/blizz-anniversary/bob.shtml|title=Bob: "StarCraft"!|work=10th Anniversary Celebration|publisher=Blizzard Entertainment|accessdate=2008-01-08] . The development team therefore embarked upon a two-month overhaul of the graphics engine. This new beta version was far closer to the release version, as the races took on their now-recognisable graphical styles: the brown insectoid design of the Zerg, the sleek yellow armour of the Protoss, and the grey machinery of the Terrans. Most of the unit designs were stabilised at this point, their graphics only undergoing minor changes. Several game features were also added at this stage in the development that never made it into the final release, such as ships banking as they turned,cite web|url=http://www.sclegacy.com/content/starcraft-encyclopedia-4/starcraft-evolution-12/#EB|title=Early Beta|work=The Evolution of StarCraft|publisher="StarCraft" Legacy|accessdate=2008-01-08] transport ships landing on the ground to pick up and drop off passengers, and efficiency ranks, although Terran units would retain ranks as a purely aesthestic feature. The Terran "Valkyrie"-class missile frigate also appeared in this build of the game,cite web|url=http://www.sclegacy.com/content/starcraft-encyclopedia-4/starcraft-evolution-12/#B|title=Beta|work=The Evolution of StarCraft|publisher="StarCraft" Legacy|accessdate=2008-01-08] although it was removed before the final release, only to be reintroduced the expansion "".

"StarCraft" also launched the Blizzard Entertainment film department. In previous games, cinematic cut scenes were considered simply gap fillers and often diverged widely from the game. However, as "StarCraft" and "Brood War" introduced high quality cinematics integral to the storyline, Blizzard Entertainment is considered to have changed this paradigm, and become one of the first game companies to raise the standards of such cut scenes. [cite web|url=http://www.blizzard.com/blizz-anniversary/joeyray.shtml|title=Joeyray: Blizzard Movie-Making|work=10th Anniversary Celebration|publisher=Blizzard Entertainment|accessdate=2008-01-08|archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20010418022350/http://www.blizzard.com/blizz-anniversary/joeyray.shtml|archivedate=2001-04-18]

Protoss

The Protoss are a fictional race of humanoids in the "StarCraft" series. They are composed of two societies, the conservative Khalai Protoss and the exiled dark templar, the Protoss are depicted as a physically strong species with access to advanced psionic abilities. The Protoss are considered the most technologically advanced race of the series and are the focus of two episodes within "StarCraft" and its expansion "Brood War", as well as featuring in campaigns in the authorised add-ons "Insurrection" and "Retribution". Protoss strategy in-game is usually built around the quality of units the player controls rather than the quantity. Originating from Aiur, a planet on the fringe of the galaxy, the Protoss are normally shown in the games and the novels of the series as the nemesis of the Zerg.

Attributes

ociety

Protoss society is shown in the background of the series to have been tribal with a strong warrior culture, until a planet-wide civil war allowed a mystic, Khas, to access a natural psionic link shared by all Protoss. [cite book| last= Golden| first=Christie| title=|publisher=Simon & Schuster| date=June 2007|chapter=Chapter 25|page=pages 331–336] Khas' discovery and teachings, labelled the Khala, are then used as a base for a new caste-based society. The judicator caste forms the Conclave, the ruling body of the Khalai Protoss, the templar caste consists of the military and the khalai caste includes all other Protoss. [cite book|language=English|chapter=Protoss: History|pages=page 74|author=Underwood, Peter|coauthors=Roper, Bill; Metzen, Chris; Vaughn, Jeffrey|title=StarCraft (manual)|publisher=Blizzard Entertainment|date=1998-04-01] The player controls a templar character in the Protoss campaigns of all the video games to date. Khalai Protoss society is depicted as being stubbornly conservative while maintaining the warrior culture and honour values of the tribal system. [cite book|language=English|chapter=Protoss: Species Overview|pages=page 79|author=Underwood, Peter|coauthors=Roper, Bill; Metzen, Chris; Vaughn, Jeffrey|title=StarCraft (manual)|publisher=Blizzard Entertainment|date=1998-04-01]

The backstory presented in "StarCraft"'s manual and in the novel "" also shows the rise of a second society of Protoss known as the dark templar, a sizeable minority of the Protoss who reject the Khala out of fear of losing their individuality inside the psychic link. The dark templar are treated as heretics by the Khalai Protoss and are forcibly evicted from Aiur. [cite book|language=English|chapter=Protoss: History|pages=page 75|author=Underwood, Peter|coauthors=Roper, Bill; Metzen, Chris; Vaughn, Jeffrey|title=StarCraft (manual)|publisher=Blizzard Entertainment|date=1998-04-01] Despite their persecution, the majority of dark templar do not hold anything against their estranged brethren, seeking to defend Aiur secretly in any way they can. The dark templar are presented as nomadic, only settling on the planet Shakuras to study a Xel'Naga temple there. After the conclusion of "StarCraft", the two groups begin reconciliation but are marred by mutual distrust of each other.cite web|url=http://www.sclegacy.com/content/editorials-8/blizzcon-2007-starcraft-lore-panel-editorial-44/|title=The Story Behind The Legacy| publisher="StarCraft" Legacy|accessdate=2007-08-15|date=2007-08-31]

Depiction

The Protoss are humanoids, around three meters tall with two luminous eyes, typically gold or blue. With two fingers flanked by two opposable thumbs on each hand, two large toes on each foot, digitigrade legs, broad chests and shoulders with narrow waists, Protoss are very agile and physically strong. A bony crest extends back from the crown of the head, with long neural strands sprouting from the back of the head. These strands facilitate the basic psychic communal link all Protoss naturally share.cite book|language=English|chapter=Protoss: History|pages=page 77|author=Underwood, Peter|coauthors=Roper, Bill; Metzen, Chris; Vaughn, Jeffrey|title=StarCraft (manual)|publisher=Blizzard Entertainment|date=1998-04-01] Each Protoss naturally has a different skin shade that corresponds to the tribe from which they are descended. [cite book|language=English|chapter=Protoss: Tribes|pages=page 89|author=Underwood, Peter|coauthors=Roper, Bill; Metzen, Chris; Vaughn, Jeffrey|title=StarCraft (manual)|publisher=Blizzard Entertainment|date=1998-04-01] The Protoss do not possess any visible ears, mouths or noses, but are able to communicate telepathically and possess strong nasal sensitivities. Protoss do not need to eat or drink, but are shown in "" to instead absorb energy from a form of photosynthesis. [cite book| last= Golden| first=Christie| title=|publisher=Simon & Schuster| date=June 2007|chapter=Chapter 14|page=page 184] The average life expectancy for a Protoss is several hundred years. Little is known of the internal anatomy of the Protoss.

In contrast to the other two species, Protoss units and buildings display smooth and elegant designs, usually emphasising yellow and blue colors on armor and vehicles, although dark templar units display gray rather than yellow. Protoss units are generally more expensive to produce in-game than Zerg or Terran units, but conversely are more powerful and efficient in combat. All Protoss units and buildings are covered by a regenerating energy shield, further increasing the amount of damage that they can endure, although units cannot be healed or repaired. [cite web|url=http://uk.gamespot.com/features/starcraft_sg/protoss_units.html|title=The Protoss Conclave – Units and Structures|publisher=GameSpot|work=StarCraft Strategy Guide|first=Greg|last=Kasavin|accessdate=2008-09-17]

Appearances

The Protoss are the focus of the third campaign of "StarCraft". In the events immediately preceding the beginning of the game, the Khalai Protoss have become aware of a Zerg invasion of Terran worlds, and responds by sending a fleet commanded by the high templar Tassadar to destroy infested Terran worlds. Tassadar instead disregards his orders to massacre the Terran populations, attempting to destroy the Zerg by conventional means. Tassadar later meets a dark templar, Zeratul, and embraces the dark templar culture, prompting the Khalai Protoss to brand Tassadar as a traitor. Zeratul accidentally gives the location of the Protoss homeworld Aiur to the Zerg, leading to a Zerg invasion that devastates the planet. At the end of "StarCraft", Tassadar sacrifices himself to save his people and their Terran allies by destroying the Zerg Overmind.cite web|url=http://eu.starcraft2.com/features/storysofar.xml|title=The Story So Far: Part 1:"StarCraft"|publisher=Blizzard Entertainment|date=2007-11-21|accessdate=2007-11-22]

The Protoss return in Episode IV of "", the expansion to "StarCraft". Following immediately on from the conclusion of "StarCraft", Zeratul and a ranking templar Artanis evacuate the surviving Khalai Protoss from Aiur to the dark templar colony world of Shakuras. After the Zerg follow them to Shakuras, Zeratul and Artanis harness the energy of a resident Xel'Naga temple, scouring the planet of all the Zerg. The Protoss attempt to rebuild their lives on Shakuras, but are interrupted by a Zerg raid commanded by Sarah Kerrigan that kidnaps the dark templar leader Raszagal. Using Raszagal as leverage, Kerrigan blackmails Zeratul into killing a new Overmind in incubation. Zeratul complies, but later kills Raszagal after it is revealed she has been brainwashed by the Zerg. Zeratul disappears while Artanis takes leadership and tries to reconstruct his people's civilization.cite web|url=http://eu.starcraft2.com/features/storysofar2.xml|title=The Story So Far: Part 2: The Brood War|publisher=Blizzard Entertainment|date=2008-04-16|accessdate=2008-04-16]

Terrans

The Terrans are a fictional future version of humanity in the "StarCraft" series. The Terrans are the most splintered of the "StarCraft" species, consisting of multiple factions that not only fight the other races but each other as well. Considered an adaptive and mobile species, the Terrans are noted in the lore of the series for their ability to quickly access and drain a planet's resources. The Terrans have been dedicated a campaign in each real-time strategy video game installment to date, and are defined in-game by their specialization of units and tactics of defense and mobility. In the series' storyline, the Terrans are usually displayed as being caught in-between the conflict between the Protoss and Zerg while also dealing with frequent civil wars.

Attributes

ociety

The Terrans are shown to be the most fragmented of the races in "StarCraft", with multiple factions all vying for dominance over each other. Numerous factions are used throughout the series, ranging from national governments and corporations to rebels and criminals, although only four factions exhibit any major influence on the overall story arc. The first faction referred to in the backstory of the series is the United Earth Directorate (UED). A unified government of almost all the nations of Earth and several colonies both within and outside the solar system, the UED operates under a policy of "enlightened socialism" but is noted for its harsh methods of public order and media censorship. [cite book|language=English|chapter=Terran: History|pages=page 27|author=Underwood, Peter|coauthors=Roper, Bill; Metzen, Chris; Vaughn, Jeffrey|title=StarCraft (manual)|publisher=Blizzard Entertainment|date=1998-04-01] It is also seen as an advocate for eugenics, resulting in the mass murder of millions and exile of other unwanted criminals and genetic mutants for colonization of the distant Koprulu Sector of the galaxy in which the series takes place. The UED remains outside the events of the series until "Brood War", where it takes interest in the discovery of the Protoss and Zerg, the first contact between humanity and aliens. The player controls the UED faction in Episode V of "Brood War". [cite book| last= Underwood| first=Peter| coauthors=Roper, Bill; Metzen, Chris| title=StarCraft: Brood War (manual)| location=Irvine, Calif. | publisher=Blizzard Entertainment| year=1998|chapter=Chronicle: The Terminal Agenda|page=9]

The exiled prisoners from Earth form the Confederacy of Man in the Koprulu Sector. A "de facto" oligarchy, [cite book| last= DeCandido| first=Keith| chapter=Chapter 1 | title=| publisher=Simon & Schuster| date=November 2006|page=pages 21–24] the Confederacy's inner workings are elaborated on in the novels ', ' and '. Taking the role of the primary antagonistic faction in "StarCraft"'s Episode I, the Confederacy is shown as the most powerful faction in the sector at the beginning of "StarCraft"; in the novels, it is depicted as being brutal towards the public and corrupt at the highest levels on its capital Tarsonis. [cite book| last= Grubb| first=Jeff| title=|publisher=Simon & Schuster| date=March 2001|chapter=The Press Gang|page="The StarCraft Archive", page 13] The player gets to control a division of the Confederate Security Forces in the prequel shareware campaign for "StarCraft". Due to the brutality of the regime, it is opposed by a variety of rebel groups and is eventually overthrown by the Sons of Korhal. The Sons of Korhal, a rebel group led by Arcturus Mengsk that the player controls during Episode I of "StarCraft", form the Terran Dominion to replace the destroyed Confederacy, with the planet Korhal IV as the capital. The Dominion is an autocracy with Mengsk as its emperor. [cite book| last= Underwood| first=Peter| coauthors=Roper, Bill; Metzen, Chris| title=StarCraft: Brood War (manual)| location=Irvine, Calif. | publisher=Blizzard Entertainment| year=1998|chapter=Chronicle: The Emperor and his Dominion|page=8] The Dominion's operations are built on in ' series of novels. Although Mengsk sees himself as a benevolent dictator, he is shown to be just as harsh as his predecessors. [cite book| last= Mesta| first=Gabriel| title=|publisher=Simon & Schuster| date=July 2001|chapter=Chapter 9|page="The StarCraft Archive", page 258]

Mengsk's actions during his campaign against the Confederacy make an enemy of Jim Raynor, one of the Sons of Korhal commanders. After Mengsk betrays other members of his command staff and reveals his real objectives of obtaining ultimate power, Raynor deserts and forms a resistance movement to the Dominion, labeled Raynor's Raiders. Described in the novels as a small army primarily consisting of members from Raynor's former colonial militia, the Raiders use the hijacked former flagship of the Sons of Korhal, the "Hyperion", as their base of operations. In "", the group is described as being amongst the most wanted fugitives and rebels of the Dominion. The player will assume the role of Raynor in leading the group in "StarCraft II".cite video | people = Blizzard Entertainment | title = [http://www.gamespot.com/video/939643/6176222/ "StarCraft II" Under Construction] | medium = Development commentary | publisher = GameSpot | people=Pardo, Rob | date=August 2007 | location = Blizzcon | date = 2007-08-03 | accessdate = 2007-08-04 ]

Depiction

The Terrans are displayed as standard humans, and are often seen in-game in powered combat suits and with other war machines such as futuristic tanks and space battlecruisers in use by their militaries. Some Terrans are even displayed with cybernetic implants. [cite book|language=English|chapter=Terran: History|pages=page 26|author=Underwood, Peter|coauthors=Roper, Bill; Metzen, Chris; Vaughn, Jeffrey|title=StarCraft (manual)|publisher=Blizzard Entertainment|date=1998-04-01] Human behavior in the fictional history presented in "StarCraft"'s manual also points to the Terrans having the ability to access and deplete a planet's natural resources at an "alarming" rate. The Terrans are also noted in the backstory of the series as having a developing psionic potential. This psionic potential is what entices the Zerg to attack the Terrans, in hope of incorporating these traits into the Zerg gene pool. [cite book|language=English|chapter=Zerg: History|pages=page 54|author=Underwood, Peter|coauthors=Roper, Bill; Metzen, Chris; Vaughn, Jeffrey|title=StarCraft (manual)|publisher=Blizzard Entertainment|date=1998-04-01] This psionic element is mirrored in Terran military technology through the ghost agent. Established as one of the iconic parts of "StarCraft", ghost agents are Terrans who are born with ranging psionic abilities—from simple telepathy to advanced powers such as telekinesis—that are then located by the military and put through an espionage training regime that can cost them their lives. In-game, the unit of a ghost is equipped with a cloaking device and is designed for scouting and designating targets for nuclear strike, [cite web|url=http://www.battle.net/scc/terran/ug.shtml|title=Ghost Espionage/Counter-Intelligence Agent|work=Battle.net|publisher=Blizzard Entertainment|accessdate=2008-04-09] but has been developed further through the lore of the series to the extent that the "" sub-series was created, specifically focusing on the life of a ghost agent.

In-game, Terrans tend to favor traditional modes of warfare, often utilizing combined arms tactics with tanks, aircraft or other combat vehicles in combination with regular infantry. Using light ballistics, large calibre weapons and even tactical nuclear warheads, many Terran units are reminiscent of present-day designs. Terrans are considered to be more adaptive than the other two races and are able to produce units at an average expense. Primary base structures can even lift off and fly to other location, allowing players to move buildings for quicker troop deployments, access to new resource locations or to save the structures from destruction by the enemy. Terran buildings and mechanized units can be repaired if damaged, and combat medics can heal wounded organic units. [cite web|url=http://uk.gamespot.com/features/starcraft_sg/race_overview.html|title=The Terran Dominion – Units and Structures|publisher=GameSpot|work=StarCraft Strategy Guide|first=Greg|last=Kasavin|accessdate=2008-09-17]

Appearances

The player is first fully introduced to the Terrans in Episode I of "StarCraft". For a number of years before the game begins, the Confederacy is shown to be fighting a slowly losing war against the Sons of Korhal. When the Zerg and Protoss make their existence known, the pace of the war quickly changes. The player, accompanied by Jim Raynor, joins up with Arcturus Mengsk and the Sons of Korhal, and helps bring about the fall of the Confederacy by using Confederate technology to lure the Zerg into destroying the Confederate capital Tarsonis. As a result of the brutal tactics used by Mengsk, Raynor abandons Mengsk and his newly formed Dominion, instead searching for Mengsk's second-in-command Sarah Kerrigan, who was captured by the Zerg during the Tarsonis battle. Raynor is unsuccessful in rescuing Kerrigan, but meets Zeratul and Tassadar and consequently becomes an ally to the Protoss. Raynor's forces assist the Protoss in defending their homeworld from the Zerg and in destroying the Zerg Overmind in the game's conclusion.

In "" Episode V, the player takes the role of a captain in a UED expeditionary force, sent to pacify the wartorn sector after the discovery of the Zerg and Protoss makes its way to Earth. The UED force meets success in its initial battles, quickly bringing the Dominion to its knees and taking captive a new Overmind growing to replace the one killed by Tassadar. However the UED fail to capture Mengsk, who allies with Raynor, Kerrigan and the Protoss templar Fenix. The UED is slowly beaten back by this mutual alliance, and although Kerrigan betrays her new allies, her Zerg forces eventually annihilate the UED fleet. Regrouping his surviving forces, Mengsk begins to reconstruct his empire, although he is still opposed by Raynor and his troops.

Zerg

The Zerg Swarm are a race of fictional insectoids and the overriding antagonists of the "StarCraft" series. Operating as a hive mind, the Zerg strive for genetic perfection by assimilating "worthy" races into their own, creating numerous different strains of Zerg. Unlike the Protoss and the Terrans, the Zerg do not use technology, instead using assimilation of other species and directed mutation to develop traits to match such technology. As with the other two primary races, the Zerg are the subject of a full campaign in each of the series' real-time strategy video games. Zerg units are designed to be cheap and fast to produce, encouraging players to overwhelm their opponents with sheer numbers. Since the release of "StarCraft" the Zerg have become a video gaming icon, described by "PC Gamer UK" as "the best race in strategy history". [cite book| last= Edwards| first=Tim| chapter=Preview: "StarCraft II"|title="PC Gamer UK"| date=May 2008|page=page 34] The phrase "zerging" has entered video gaming jargon to describe using many low-cost and weak units to overwhelm an enemy. [cite web|url=http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=zerging|title=Zerging|publisher=Urban Dictionary|date=2003-05-06|accessdate=2008-04-07]

Attributes

ociety

The Zerg are a collective consciousness of a variety of different races assimilated into the Zerg genome. The Zerg are originally commanded by the Zerg Overmind, a manifestation of this hive mind, and under the Overmind's control the Zerg strived for genetic perfection by assimilating the favourable traits of other species.cite book|language=English|chapter=Zerg: History|pages=page 52|author=Underwood, Peter|coauthors=Roper, Bill; Metzen, Chris; Vaughn, Jeffrey|title=StarCraft (manual)|publisher=Blizzard Entertainment|date=1998-04-01] After a species has been assimilated into the Swarm, it is mutated towards a different function within its hierarchy, from being a hive worker to a warrior strain. "StarCraft"'s manual notes that some species bear little resemblance to their original forms after just a short time into assimilation. [cite book|language=English|chapter=Zerg: Units|pages=page 58|author=Underwood, Peter|coauthors=Roper, Bill; Metzen, Chris; Vaughn, Jeffrey|title=StarCraft (manual)|publisher=Blizzard Entertainment|date=1998-04-01] The Overmind controls the Swarm through secondary agents called cerebrates. Cerebrates command an individual brood of Zerg, each with a distinct tactical role within the hierarchy. Cerebrates further devolve power through the use of overlords for battlefield direction and queens for hive overwatch.

The vast majority of the Zerg do not have any free will as they are genetically forced to obey the commands of those further up the Zerg hierarchy, although they are sufficiently intelligent to form strategies and work as a team on the battlefield. Despite this, the average Zerg has no sense of self preservation. [cite book| last= Hickman| first=Tracy| title=|publisher=Simon & Schuster| date=June 2002|chapter=Siege|page="The StarCraft Archive", page 579] Along with the Overmind, the cerebrates are the only Zerg with full sapience, each with its own personality and methods, although they too are genetically incapable of disobeying the Overmind. The Overmind also possesses the ability to reincarnate its cerebrates should their bodies be killed, although Protoss dark templar energies are capable of disrupting this process. If a cerebrate is completely dead and cannot be reincarnated, the Overmind loses control of the cerebrate's brood, causing it to mindlessly rampage and attack anything. As a result of the Overmind's death in "StarCraft" and the subsequent destruction of a new Overmind in "Brood War", Blizzard Entertainment's Chris Metzen revealed that the surviving cerebrates perish as they are genetically incapable of surviving without their master, leaving the infested Terran and prize of the Overmind, Sarah Kerrigan, in complete control over the Swarm.cite web|url=http://www.sclegacy.com/content/interviews-6/scl-metzen-interview---lore-exclusive-28/|title="SC":L Tackles Chris Metzen: Lore Exclusive|publisher="StarCraft" Legacy|accessdate=2007-10-09|date=2007-10-08]

Depiction

The backstory for the series describes the original Zerg as small larvae, the "most insignificant lifeform" on their homeworld Zerus.cite book|language=English|chapter=Zerg: History|pages=page 51|author=Underwood, Peter|coauthors=Roper, Bill; Metzen, Chris; Vaughn, Jeffrey|title=StarCraft (manual)|publisher=Blizzard Entertainment|date=1998-04-01] The Xel'Naga are responsible for manipulating the evolution of the Zerg, allowing the larval Zerg to parasitically merge with other creatures, taking control of their host's nervous systems. From here, the Zerg can mutate the host and add its DNA to the Zerg gene pool for other Zerg larvae to mutate into. This method of assimilation means that there is no distinctly typical Zerg, rather many different strains and breeds of Zerg, each based on the original core genus. However, the style of the Zerg is consistent, with breeds using a carapace for armor, and using spines, claws and acids for attacking enemies.cite book|language=English|chapter=Zerg: Species Overview|pages=page 55|author=Underwood, Peter|coauthors=Roper, Bill; Metzen, Chris; Vaughn, Jeffrey|title=StarCraft (manual)|publisher=Blizzard Entertainment|date=1998-04-01] Each strain serves a distinct role and possesses the traits necessary to fulfil its function. Zerg colonies also exhibit similar roles, with each structure built within a colony essentially making up an organ in a larger lifeform. Zerg colonies produce a carpet of bio-matter referred to as the "creep", which essentially provides nourishment for Zerg structures and creatures. The Zerg are also shown to be highly dependent on their command structure: if a Zerg should lose its connection to the hive mind, it may turn passive and incapable of action, or become completely uncontrollable and attack allies and enemies alike.

Zerg buildings and units are entirely organic in-game, allowing every Zerg to slowly regenerate if they are damaged. Zerg production is far more centralized than with the Terrans and Protoss; a central hatchery must be utilized to create new Zerg, with other structures providing the necessary technology tree assets, whereas the other two races can produce units from several structures. Zerg units tend to be weaker than those of the other two races, but are also cheaper, allowing for rush tactics to be used. Some Zerg units are capable of infesting enemies with various parasites that range from being able see what an enemy unit sees to spawning Zerg inside an enemy unit. In addition, Zerg can infest some Terran buildings, allowing for the production of special infested Terran units. [cite web|url=http://uk.gamespot.com/features/starcraft_sg/zerg_units.html|title=The Zerg Swarm – Units and Structures|publisher=GameSpot|work=StarCraft Strategy Guide|first=Greg|last=Kasavin|accessdate=2008-09-17]

Appearances

In "StarCraft", the Zerg are obsessed with the pursuit of genetic purity, and are the focus of the game's second episode. With the Xel'Naga–empowered Protoss targeted as the ultimate lifeform, the Zerg invade the Terran colonies in the Koprulu Sector to assimilate the Terrans psionic potential and give the Zerg an edge over the Protoss. Through the actions of the Sons of Korhal, the Zerg are lured to the Confederate capital Tarsonis, where they capture the psionic ghost agent Sarah Kerrigan and infest her. Returning to the Zerg base of operations on Char, the Zerg are attacked by the dark templar Zeratul, who accidentally gives the location of the Protoss homeworld Aiur over to the Zerg Overmind. With victory in sight, the Overmind launches an invasion of Aiur and manifests itself on the planet. However, at the end of the game, the Protoss high templar Tassadar sacrifices himself to destroy the Overmind, leaving the Zerg to run rampant and leaderless across the planet.

The Zerg return in "" initially as uncontrolled indiscriminate killers. Through the early portions of "Brood War", Sarah Kerrigan is at odds with the surviving cerebrates, who have formed a new Overmind to restore control of the Swarm. Through allying herself with the Protoss, Kerrigan strikes at the cerebrates, causing disruption of their plans. Eventually, the UED fleet takes control of Char and pacifies the new Overmind with drugs, putting the cerebrates and most of the Zerg under their control. Kerrigan retaliates by allying with the Dominion and the forces of Jim Raynor and Fenix, regaining the ground lost to the UED. However, she later betrays this alliance, dealing long-term damage to her allies' infrastructures. Proceeding to blackmail Zeratul into killing the new Overmind, Kerrigan's forces destroy the remnants of the UED fleet, giving her full control of the Zerg and establishing the Swarm as the most powerful organization in the sector.

Xel'Naga

The Xel'Naga are an ancient race that has to date only been featured in the lore of the "StarCraft" series, their only appearances have been in the form of relics. The Xel'Naga play important roles in the backstories to both the Protoss and Zerg, being responsible for manipulating the evolution of the two races, along with an unknown number of other species. It was speculated that a player could control the Xel'Naga in "StarCraft II" and although this has been firmly denied by Blizzard Entertainment,cite web | title = Official FAQ for "StarCraft II" | url = http://www.starcraft2.com/faq.xml | publisher = Blizzard Entertainment | accessdate = 2007-05-19] they have confirmed the Xel'Naga will be featured "in a rather epic tale".cite web | url = http://www.gamespot.com/news/6171178.html | title = Blizzard talks "StarCraft II" gameplay details | author = Park, Andrew | publisher = GameSpot | date = 2007-05-20 | accessdate = 2007-05-20]

Attributes

The Xel'Naga have not been depicted in any of the video games or novels to date, but play an important part in the backstory of the series in relation to both the Protoss and Zerg. In the manual to "StarCraft", the Xel'Naga are described as a race determined to create the perfect lifeform. The Xel'Naga are also stated to have come from another galaxy and to have "seeded and cultivated thousands of various species" in their time. [cite book|language=English|chapter=Protoss: History|pages=page 71|author=Underwood, Peter|coauthors=Roper, Bill; Metzen, Chris; Vaughn, Jeffrey|title=StarCraft (manual)|publisher=Blizzard Entertainment|date=1998-04-01] It is this pursuit of purity that leads them to the Protoss, whom the Xel'Naga steered the evolution of to achieve the high levels of psionic power and a "purity of form". However, after revealing themselves to their seemingly successful experiment, the Xel'Naga are shunned and eventually attacked by the Protoss. [cite book|language=English|chapter=Protoss: History|pages=page 72|author=Underwood, Peter|coauthors=Roper, Bill; Metzen, Chris; Vaughn, Jeffrey|title=StarCraft (manual)|publisher=Blizzard Entertainment|date=1998-04-01] The Xel'Naga consequently start another experiment on the Zerg, pushing for a "purity of essence". However, the Zerg too attack the Xel'Naga, infesting and destroying the greater whole of the race. [cite book|language=English|chapter=Zerg: History|pages=page 53|author=Underwood, Peter|coauthors=Roper, Bill; Metzen, Chris; Vaughn, Jeffrey|title=StarCraft (manual)|publisher=Blizzard Entertainment|date=1998-04-01]

Appearances

Although the Xel'Naga do not themselves appear during the novels and the video games, various relics left behind from their legacy are scattered throughout the series. One such relic appears in ', a large temple on the planet Shakuras containing the power to wipe the planet clear of other species.cite video game | title = | developer = Blizzard Entertainment | date = 1998 | platform = PC | level = Episode IV, mission 3: "Legacy of the Xel'Naga"| language = English [http://www.sclegacy.com/content/starcraft-encyclopedia-4/starcraft-story-17/#e4_3 Transcript] .] During the course of "Brood War", the Protoss activate the temple and use it to destroy all of the Zerg on Shakuras.cite video game | title = | developer = Blizzard Entertainment | date = 1998 | platform = PC | level = Episode IV, mission 8: "Countdown"| language = English [http://www.sclegacy.com/content/starcraft-encyclopedia-4/starcraft-story-17/#e4_8 Transcript] .] In addition, other structures have been shown in the series. In the novel ', the three main species fight for control of a large Xel'Naga artifact on the planet Bhekar Ro, but accidentally activate it. The artifact releases a creature incubating in the structure, which proceeds to convert the nearby Xel'Naga–empowered Protoss and Zerg forces into energy for nourishment, before disappearing into space.cite book|language=English|author=Mesta, Gabriel|title=|publisher=Simon & Schuster|date=July 2001|chapter=Chapter 42|page="The StarCraft Archive", pages 392–396] After this, the novel "" reveals that numerous other similar artifacts are discovered by the Terran Dominion within its borders. The Dominion heir Valerian Mengsk consequently sends an archaeological team under Jake Ramsey to investigate these relics. [cite book| last= Golden| first=Christie| title=|publisher=Simon & Schuster| date=June 2007|chapter=Chapter 2|page=pages 26–31]

Cultural impact

Merchandise

The species of "StarCraft" have been popular enough to inspire the creation of several collectable statues and toys based on in-game units. The first series of statues was released by ToyCom in 2003 and included the Terran heavy infantry firebatcite web| url=http://www.atamaii.com/starcraft-031108a.html| title=Firebat figure| |publisher = Atamaii | accessdate=2007-07-08] with markings similar to some original "StarCraft" concept art for the firebatcite web| url=http://www.sonsofthestorm.com/viewer_samwise.php?cat=starcraft&art=213&sub=199| title=Concept art of a Terran firebat| author=Didier, Samwise| date=1997| publisher=Sons of the Storm| accessdate=2007-07-08] and a hydralisk, the Zerg medium assault warrior strain.cite web| url=http://www.atamaii.com/starcraft-031108b.html| title=Hydralisk figure | publisher=Atamaii| accessdate=2007-07-08] A series of toys were also made available in 1998,cite web| url=http://uk.pc.ign.com/articles/064/064948p1.html | title=Blizzard tackles toys| publisher=IGN| date=September 1998| accessdate=2007-07-08] featuring two colour variations of the Terran marine, another hydralisk and a Protoss zealot, the basic Protoss infantry ground unit. In addition, 1/30 scale model kits for the marine and hydralisk were released in 1999 by Academy Hobby Model Kits.cite web| url=http://www.starshipmodeler.com/other/cj_star.htm| title="StarCraft"'s Terran Marine and Zerg Hydralisk| publisher=Starship Modeler| accessdate=2008-04-04] A second series of collectable statues, which included one based on the Terran ghost, a Terran espionage agent with psychic powers, was in development but appears to have been cancelled.cite web| url=http://www.atamaii.com/starcraft-031108d.html| title=Ghost figure |publisher=Atamaii| accessdate=2007-07-08]

Critical reception

Before "StarCraft", most real-time strategy games—including Blizzard's previous games in the "Warcraft" series, but Westwood Studios' "Dune II" being a notable exceptioncite web|url=http://www.gamerevolution.com/oldsite/games/pc/strategy/starcraft.htm|title=PC Review "StarCraft"|publisher=Game Revolution|accessdate=2008-04-06] —consisted of factions and races with the same basic play styles and units with only superficial differences. Thus, the uniqueness and variety of the species in the "StarCraft" series has been well received by many of the industry's critics. In their review for "StarCraft", IGN's Tom Chick stated that the balance and difference between the races was "remarkable", continuing to praise the game's "radical" approach to different races and its high degree of success when compared with other games in the genre. IGN was also positive about the unit arrangements for the three races, crediting Blizzard Entertainment for not letting units become obsolete during extended play and for showing an "extraordinary amount of patience in balancing them."cite web|url=http://uk.pc.ign.com/articles/152/152159p1.html|title="StarCraft" Review|publisher=IGN|author=Chick, Tom|accessdate=2008-04-06|date=2000-06-02] GameSpot was complimentary of the species in its review for "StarCraft", describing the races as being full of personality. Stating that the use of distinct races allowed for the game "to avoid the problem [of equal sides] that has plagued every other game in the genre", GameSpot praised Blizzard Entertainment for keeping it "well balanced despite the great diversity."cite web|url=http://uk.gamespot.com/pc/strategy/starcraft/review.html?om_act=convert&om_clk=tabs&tag=tabs;reviews|title="StarCraft" for the PC Review|publisher=GameSpot|author=Dulin, Ron|accessdate=2008-04-06|date=1998-04-15]

Other reviews have echoed much of this positive reception. The site The Gamers' Temple described the species as "very diverse but well-balanced", stating that this allowed for "a challenging and fun gaming experience".cite web|url=http://www.gamerstemple.com/games/000022/000022r01.asp|title="StarCraft" Review|publisher=The Gamers' Temple|accessdate=2008-04-06] Allgame stated that the inclusion of three "dynamic" species "raises the bar" for real-time strategy games, complimenting the game for forcing the player to "learn how [the aliens'] minds work and not think like a human".cite web|url=http://www.allgame.com/cg/agg.dll?p=agg&sql=1:6109~T1|title="StarCraft" Review|publisher=Allgame|author=House, Michael L|accessdate=2008-04-06]

This positive view, however, is not universally held. For example, "Computer and Video Games", while putting the game down as "highly playable," nevertheless described a "slight feeling of déjà vu" between the three races.cite web|url=http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=3468|title=PC Review: "StarCraft"|publisher="Computer and Video Games"|accessdate=2008-04-06|date=2001-08-13]

References

External links

* [http://www.battle.net/scc/ The "StarCraft" Compendium] on Battle.net.


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