Summary
On December 4, Blizzard releasedWarcraft 2: RemasteredPatch 1.0.1, which brought balance adjustments to the game for the first time in over 20 years. Among the units changed inWarcraft 2: RemasteredPatch 1.0.1, the Ogre Mage’s Bloodlust ability received significant nerfs, while others such as Paladins and Death Knights were slightly buffed.
Warcraft 2: Remasteredwas shadow-dropped during Blizzard’sWarcraft30th Anniversary Direct broadcast on November 13, as part of theWarcraft Battle Chestcollection that included updated versions oftheWarcraftRTS trilogy. The original release ofWarcraft 2: Tides of Darknesswas launched in 1995, with its expansion,Beyond the Dark Portal, arriving a year later. After the survivors of Stormwind fled north to escape the Orcish Horde, they forged the Alliance of Lordaeron, comprising all the Human kingdoms, the high elves of Quel’thalas, and the Dwarves and Gnomes of Khaz Modan. By contrast, the Horde opted to recruit various groups of Goblins, Trolls, and Ogres as they continued their conquest.
Although thenews of Blizzard releasingWarcraft 2: Remasteredwas seen as a surprise, that has not stopped the developers from updating the game afterward. According to aBlizzard forum postby community manager Kaivax,Warcraft 2: RemasteredPatch 1.0.1 is now available to download. With the patch,Warcraft 2received balance changes to several units for the first time in over two decades. The Ogre Mage’s Bloodlust ability, which doubled the damage output of a single unit, had its duration decreased by 25%, its mana cost increased from 50 to 60, and damage applied after armor reduction rather than before it. Both the Paladin and the Death Knight units had their mana costs adjusted to their abilities, and various base upgrades had their gold cost, lumber cost, and research times streamlined. Patch 1.0.1 also adjustedWarcraft 2’s user interface and online multiplayer systems. These included password protection options for online lobbies, regional indicators on the lobby selection menu, and classic victory and defeat animations.
However, the release ofWarcraft 2: RemasteredPatch 1.0.1 came at a somber time for the game’s fans. The original versions ofthe first twoWarcraftgames will soon be delisted from GOG, though the storefront pledged to keep supporting them via its game preservation program. Players have until December 13 to purchaseWarcraft 1andWarcraft 2on GOG, before it becomes solely exclusive to Battle.net.
While reception toWarcraft 2: Remasteredhas been mixed, the original version remains one ofthe best retro RTS titles available. Only time will tell how Patch 1.0.1 will be received by long-timeWarcraftplayers.
