'StarCraft 2: Heart of the Swarm' Invades March 12

Game Rant

By John Jacques

Published Nov 13, 2012

Blizzard sets the release date for 'Heart of the Swarm', which will bring a Zerg-centered campaign, all-new units and a massively updated multiplayer system.

StarCraft 2 Heart of the Swarm Release Date

Gamers can finally stop making guesses about the the release date of StarCraft 2: Heart of the Swarm, as Blizzard has not only revealed the date, but also announced the limited edition collector's editions fans will be able to find on shelves worldwide. While production certainly wasn't Zerg-rushed, Blizzard seems to have balanced out the gameplay to a level they're very happy with - and in just four short months, players will be bringing all those new units into combat.

Heart of the Swarm releases March 12th, 2013 - meaning it will fight alongside other tempting new titles like Gears of War: Judgement Day, Tomb Raider and God of War: Ascension.

While we predicted a 2013 release date back in July, most fans will simply be happy that Blizzard has set the release date in stone for the second of three campaigns, a date which has left fans guessing wildly at potential release windows as news trickled out about new features being developed. With the first game now over two years old, the time is perfect to freshen the online scene and bring players back to the fight.

The standard edition of Heart of the Swarm will run a cool $40, which predictably nets you the game disc and, well, the box it came in. The Collector's Edition is $80, and comes in a huge box of Zerg-inspired packing (much akin to the Terran-themed Wings of Liberty box). Inside, there's plenty of solid content that may sway the dedicated into spending that extra $40:

Torrasque Ultralisk Skin, 3 Portraits, and 3 Decals in Starcraft® II
Baneling Pet in World of Warcraft
Blade Wings & Banner Sigil in Diablo III
Official Art Book
Zerg-Rush Mousepad
Behind-The-Scenes Blu-Ray/DVD Set
Collector's Edition Soundtrack

Those who can share the spoils in Blizzard's other titles should know that there's also an optional Digital Deluxe Pack, which contains the bonus portraits and decals, Ultralisk skin, Baneling pet and the Blade Wings & Banner Sigil. This online-only version of sale will be priced at $60, and is available for pre-order now with a valid Battle.net account.

[HTML1]Preview the Heart of the Swarm trailer above.

It's no secret that the multiplayer experience will add massive updates in comparison to Wings of Liberty, and we here at Game Rant are excited to delve into the expanded multiplayer and new campaign of the second title. With the first campaign providing a very satisfying experience, it's expected that Heart of the Swarm will bring the same caliber of entertainment. With the Zerg swarm reeling, the Overminds plotting, and the mental state of Sarah Kerrigan still unknown, the chips are in place for an intense campaign (and, likely, more heartbreak for fan-favorite Terran Jim Raynor).

We'll keep you posted as more news becomes available. With only four months to go, Blizzard has ample time to prepare some tasty trailers.

Once again, Heart of the Swarm launches into action on March 12, 2013 for PC and Mac.

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Source: Blizzard