How much do we actually know? An estimate

[Shockfrost]

June 03...

Now, the estimates presented here are just that. These figure could be grossly inaccurate.
Blizzard has a strong pattern of "Release the main, Release an expansion"

We will assume that's their plan. Blizzard has consistently said "We will be working with about the same number of units as in Starcraft". I bet that's Starcraft 1, not the Brood War expansion. So how much is missing?

Estimated PROTOSS information: 80%
Estimated knowledge of play style: Very Strong
Secrets left: 2-4

Estimated TERRAN information: 80%
Estimated knowledge of play style: Very Strong
Secrets left: 3-5

Estimated ZERG information: 25%
Estimated knowledge of play style: Mysterious
Secrets left: 8-12

How I came to this:
(Units in brackets are determined to exist by inference, no official sightings yet)

Units of PROTOSS SC1:
Zealot, Dragoon, High Templar, Probe, Shuttle, Reaver, Observer, Scout, Carrier, Arbiter, Archon
11 units

SC2 units Revealed:
Zealot, Immortal, Stalker, Probe, Colossus, Phase Prism, Phoenix, Warp Ray, Mothership
9 units
Suspected information complete: 80%
Suspected Missing unit count: 2-4


Units of TERRAN SC1:
SCV, Marine, Firebat, Ghost, Vulture, Siege Tank, Goliath, Wraith, Dropship, Battlecruiser, Science Vessel
11 units

SC2 units Revealed:
SCV, Marine, Reaper, Ghost, Siege Tank, (Goliath), Dropship, Battlecruiser
8 units
Suspected information complete: 75%
Suspected Missing unit count: 3-5

Units of ZERG SC1:
Larva, Drone, Overlord, Zergling, Hydralisk, Mutalisk, Scourge, Queen, Defiler, Ultralisk, Guardian, (Broodling, Infested Terran)
11 units (+ 2 special units)

SC2 units Revealed:
Zergling, Baneling, (Hydralisk), Mutalisk
4 units

Suspected information complete: 25%
Suspected Missing unit count: 7-12

[reject_666_6]

Nothing's final, but I think we know a bit less for the Terrans. 50-60% is my estimate.

[Gold]

you can almost predict what units are going, there tying the themes closer and closer, so its no suprise that the units that are on the fringes of this are going. like the reavers.
Thinking about it, i dont think the lurker, or the scourge are coming back. but thats jsut my personal opinoiun, thats not based on any facts

[Remy]

Blizzard's track record of releasing expansion packs speaks for itself.Â* However, while I can accept most of what the original post is saying, I kinda see the main/expo a little differently.

I think there is still a chance that Blizzard will try to match apporximate unit count of Broodwar in the SC2 first release to avoid criticism and ridicule from returning fans, because having less units than the last game will undoubtedly bring a big fuss.Â* Then in the expansion for SC2, a few extra units to be added.Â* This way Blizzard really has it best all around.
Â*Â* -They can satisfy returning fans and game reviews with enough units to at least match that of Broodwar.
Â*Â* -They can satisfy eager fans with an earlier intial release.
Â*Â* -This way they also buy some extra time to test and balance the additional expansion units.
I'm hopeful.

Also, Shockfrost, the new Terran unit is the "Reaper" not "Reaver."Â* I'm sure you already know this, just pointing out the minor typo for you.

[Shockfrost]

Blizzard's track record of releasing expansion packs speaks for itself. However, while I can accept most of what the original post is saying, I kinda see the main/expo a little differently.

I think there is still a chance that Blizzard will try to match apporximate unit count of Brood war in the SC2 first release to avoid criticism and ridicule from returning fans, because having less units than the last game will undoubtedly bring a big fuss. Then in the expansion for SC2, a few extra units to be added. This way Blizzard really has it best all around.
-They can satisfy returning fans and game reviews with enough units to at least match that of Broodwar.
-They can satisfy eager fans with an earlier intial release.
-This way they also buy some extra time to test and balance the additional expansion units.
I'm hopeful.

Also, Shockfrost, the new Terran unit is the "Reaper" not "Reaver." I'm sure you already know this, just pointing out the minor typo for you.


Yesindeed, thank you thank you... edited.
I can't say for sure whether they will go with the Brood War number of units or the SC1 number of units.
I tried to factor in for Brood War expansion at the upper cap of unknowns.

But one thing that we definitely don't know... I bet dollars to doughnuts the Zerg and Terran are going to have some great new wildcards in their play style - similar to the Phase Prism wildcards - and we're going to see those wildcards coming back.


From what we've seen of the Terrans:
I think there's still going to be a strong dependence on machines. This reinforces my belief that a Goliath unit will be appearing -- although if we look at the "Zealot" (charge dash and revamped appearance) "Zergling" (Able to morph to Baneling) and "Marine" (Able to sport a shield through an upgrade), odds are the "Goliath" is going to have some sexy new tricks all its own.

The reason I predict machine-heavy terrans... is to allow Terran players to spot-repair 80% of their units and buildings with an SCV, making it not only a miner, but a pro team-critical unit again - just like before.

From what we've seen of the Zerg:
There's no question they'll be using mass numbers, Burrowing and stealth tactics just like before: The Zerg are still looking to be very good at rushing and very good at ambushes.

And it looks like they are getting a transport upgrade... but it's so hard to say much more than that...
Is the Creep returning?
Will Larva be the basis of formatting?
What wild new units or new-style units, will the Zerg wield?
We just don't know ... yet...

[capthavic]

I'd say we know only 1/3 (probably less) of the total game. We got a good taste of the protoss and a few new units for the other two but its a very small piece and all subject to change. I think you're estimates are far too high.

[Ych9]

I'd say we know only 1/3 (probably less) of the total game. We got a good taste of the protoss and a few new units for the other two but its a very small piece and all subject to change. I think you're estimates are far too high.


I think 1/3 is a bit too much. 1/3 means that we know everything from 1 race. We have a pretty clear idea on the Protoss, but we are still lacking some info on their units.
I'm assuming around 1/4 to 1/5. We don't know much about the Zerg and Terran's new units and abilities.

[capthavic]

I'd say we know only 1/3 (probably less) of the total game. We got a good taste of the protoss and a few new units for the other two but its a very small piece and all subject to change. I think you're estimates are far too high.


I think 1/3 is a bit too much. 1/3 means that we know everything from 1 race. We have a pretty clear idea on the Protoss, but we are still lacking some info on their units.
I'm assuming around 1/4 to 1/5. We don't know much about the Zerg and Terran's new units and abilities.


Well I did say probably less and we do know some new things about the other two so I figured that filled (at least a bit) of the gap.