StarCraft 2: Heart of the Swarm release date officially confirmed. Collector’s Edition and Digital Deluxe Edition detailed

Blizzard has officially announced that StarCraft 2: Heart of the Swarm will be available from March 12, 2013.

It has also detailed Deluxe and Collector’s editions of the game. Heart of the Swarm Collector’s Edition will be available at retail stores for $79.99, while a download-only Digital Deluxe Edition will be purchasable from Blizzard’s own store for $59.99.Those that purchase the standard edition digitally or at retail will have the option to upgrade to the Digital Deluxe version at a cost of $20 for as long as the standalone Digital Deluxe version remains available.Here are the full details on both packages:

Digital Deluxe

• The Digital Deluxe version of Heart of the Swarm includes a full digital copy of the expansion along with the following in-game bonus items:
  • StarCraft II Torrasque: Crush the enemies of the Swarm with the indomitable Torrasque, a fearsome new look for your zerg Ultralisks.
  • StarCraft II Battle.net Portraits and Decals: New Swarm-infested Battle.net portraits and decals help you customize the look of your online profile and in-game army.
  • World of Warcraft In-Game Pet: The Baneling companion pet is bursting with enthusiasm and ready to explode onto the Pet Battles scene.
  • Diablo III Blade Wings and Banner Sigil: Grow zerg-like wings in honor of the Queen of Blades, and unfurl an exclusive banner sigil to mark your allegiance to the Swarm in Sanctuary.
• The Collector’s Edition of Heart of the Swarm includes the full version of the game on DVD-ROM and contains the following exclusive bonus items, in addition to the content from the Digital Deluxe version:
  • Behind-the-Scenes DVD and Blu-ray: Immerse yourself in the StarCraft universe with developer commentary, interviews with voice actors, and an in-depth historical retrospective on StarCraft’s eSports legacy narrated by key members of the community.
  • Collector’s Edition Soundtrack CD: Enhance your Heart of the Swarm musical experience with this collection of more than a dozen tracks from the game.
  • Heart of the Swarm Hardcover Art Book: This 144-page tome features never-before-seen art from the expansion, including early concept sketches and meticulous 3D renderings.
  • Zerg Rush Mousepad: This Collector’s Edition mousepad depicts the Terran Dominion holding out desperately under the onslaught of the Swarm.

Here’s the official blurb:”Heart of the Swarm features a new campaign continuing the epic story of Sarah Kerrigan, Queen of Blades, as she gathers the remnants of the zerg Swarm and plots her revenge against the treacherous dictator of the Koprulu sector, Arcturus Mengsk. It also introduces several new multiplayer units and features that enhance the acclaimed StarCraft II online experience.”

Earlier this month Blizzard released details on Heart of the Swarm’s clan system.

CVG UK

StarCraft II: Heart of the Swarm Will Miss 2012

The first StarCraft II expansion is currently in beta, and many hoped that it would be out by the end of this year, but Blizzard shot down those hopes during an investors call today.

Blizzard CEO Mike Morhaime says they’re shooting for the first half of 2013. Heart of the Swarm will bring with it some big changes for the game as an eSport, including a player progression system, clans, resumable replays, and a whole lot of other features.

 

Source: Kotaku

Mists Of Pandaria: Box Contents

 

 

Well it’s finally here! How many are already playing World of Warcraft’s new expansion                 Mists of Pandaria ? What are your first impressions? I bought my copy today and will be giving a review after I play a through a few levels. Since this is WOW’s first neutral character, it will be a tough choice to make since I have characters on both factions and it is always fun to see alternate quests etc.. I’ll probably go with Alliance first just because I’m most familiar with that faction.

On to the contents. I purchased the regular box version but the digital purchase comes with a flying mount. I just like to hold the physical box in my hand, it’s just me.

 

Inside the box you will find 2 DVD disks, 3 Guest pass codes, 1 for Starcraft 2 and the other 2 for World of Warcraft. I do not know if this arrangement differs from box to box. You will also find a quick-start guide instead of the regular instruction booklet we are used to getting. This guide generally tells you what you need to do to add the game to your battle.net account, how to open a new account if you do not already have one and basically how to install the game and join the WOW community. It also contains a Mists of Pandaria notepad so you can write down all those important things you want to remember when you go shopping I guess, but it is nice to have as a collector.

Half Open Box                                                             Back of Box