‘Starcraft II’ expansion ‘Heart of the Swarm,’ to be released next year

“Starcraft II: Heart of the Swarm,” the first expansion pack of “Starcraft II: Wings of Liberty,” will be released in March next year, game developer and publisher Blizzard Entertainment said Tuesday.

“Heart of the Swarm” features new units, including Terran Hellbats, Zerg Swarm Hosts and Protoss Tempests, along with new maps. The expansion set has about 20 campaign missions, and provides an enhanced battle net service, Blizzard said at a “Starcraft” community party held in Seoul.

“With ‘Heart of the Swarm,’ our goal has been to expand on the multiplayer action and cinematic storytelling of ‘Wings of Liberty,’” said Mike Morhaime, chief executive and co-founder of Blizzard Entertainment. 

“Combined with features like unranked matchmaking and our new leveling system, this expansion elevates the ‘StarCraft II’ experience for players of all skill levels,” he said.

The game will introduce a new user interface, multiplayer replays, additional stat tracking and many other features, the creator of the “Starcraft” kingdom said.

Reservation orders for the digital download version and digital deluxe version will be accepted from Nov. 13. Players who make a reservation can play the game instantly upon its release.

“Heart of the Swarm” will go on sale online at www.starcraft2.com or at online stores for 36,000 won ($33) for regular packs. The 75,000 won collector’s edition comes with the soundtrack, behind-story movie clip, “Heart of the Swarm” art book and a mouse pad.

By Chung Joo-won (joowonc@heraldcorp.com)