Blizzard has released some new in-game action screenshots that definitely bring up more questions than answers. There was a news article on GameMeca.com. that didn't reveal anything new other than the release of these new screenshots which includes a shot of the Firebat in action as well as a structure we know nothing about. To put you at ease now, there are no Jim Raynor's in these screenshots.
Unit Database: Firebat
We've taken snapshots of the Firebat and the mysterious structure which you can see in this image. This Firebat is definitely a step up from original Starcraft, the flames look awesome! We know nothing of this mysterious structure which is visible in the screenshot just to the right of the nomad in the middle. I've got no ideas as to what this could be, we haven't heard anything about any new structures for the Terran, so hopefully Karune will address this in an upcoming Q & A.
In another screenshot there's an excellent capture of the Force Field ability in use blocking the other Protoss player from advancing to melee combat against a group of Templars. This ability is by far an excellent idea for the Protoss, they finally have a way of creating a "wall" of sorts to slow down their opponents. You'll also notice the two domes encasing some stalkers. You can see one of the stalker's shots is frozen in time. This is the Time Bomb ability for the Protoss mothership in action.
Unit Database: Firebat
We've taken snapshots of the Firebat and the mysterious structure which you can see in this image. This Firebat is definitely a step up from original Starcraft, the flames look awesome! We know nothing of this mysterious structure which is visible in the screenshot just to the right of the nomad in the middle. I've got no ideas as to what this could be, we haven't heard anything about any new structures for the Terran, so hopefully Karune will address this in an upcoming Q & A.
In another screenshot there's an excellent capture of the Force Field ability in use blocking the other Protoss player from advancing to melee combat against a group of Templars. This ability is by far an excellent idea for the Protoss, they finally have a way of creating a "wall" of sorts to slow down their opponents. You'll also notice the two domes encasing some stalkers. You can see one of the stalker's shots is frozen in time. This is the Time Bomb ability for the Protoss mothership in action.
Well, it seems Bliz is taking heed to what the fans are saying: first they bring back the Firebat, now they experiment with Terran ground defense. The Terran inability to protect their base without using up psi often comes up on the Bnet forums. While I'm not sure it's such a good idea, I can't help but rejoice at the sight of the new Firebat. Okay, you probably suffered enough... Ladies and gentlemen: the Firebat!
+ Show Spoiler [image-heavy] +
An improvised interview with Karune about the whole thing:
Q. What is the mysterious turret that is in the screenshot that has yet to be revealed? We've seen this before.... can you tell us what's behind this?
Also, does the Firebat have any special abilities for instance one that makes a wall of fire and is channeled? Is there anything fresh that we haven't seen for the firebat?
A. The turrets are dropped by the Nomad (using energy), acting as decent defenses, and even better harassment, if used by a skilled player.
The Firebats are back with the same fire loving attitude, but with added Hit Points to help them get real close to their enemies. Firebats also must be produced from the Factory rather than the Barracks from the original StarCraft, since their suits are larger and able to sustain more enemy fire.
Q. What are the colossus shooting at in screenshot 1???
A. The Protoss Colossi are attempting to destroy the rocks blocking the Protoss forces from advancing up the ramp.
Q. About the force field, it is channeled? if so how long does it last, and what exactly it does, I mean you can't pass through it or it acts as a barrier or something...
A. The Force Field is currently an instant cast, costing energy from the Protoss High Templar. This Force Field prevents all units from passing its perimeter.
Q. Does the time bomb slow attacks like the collosus' thermal lances or warp ray's prismatic beam?
A. Nope.
Q. In pic2, the High Templars (which look awesome, btw) appear to have an attack coming from their hands. Do they now have an attack of their own, or are they channeling the barrier spell?
A. We are currently experimenting with giving the High Templars a standard attack, just enough to keep him out of trouble, but not actually powerful enough where you would want to use them as an offensive attack unit. The High Templar's primary role is still to be a caster of special abilities.
Q. Nice, so we're getting more destructible interaction. So are destructibles attackable by all units or just high damage units like SeigeTank/Colossus? Can you click on the rocks and stuff to see their HP or anything?
A. As I see there is likely to be many questions involving these screenshots, lets try to keep away from questions about answers I give to questions on this thread - or surely this will be a never ending thread! Don't worry we'll have more in the future.
The rocks will have viewable Hit Points and can be destroyed by all units. In some maps, this type of environmental interaction could allow access to both 'secret expansion locations' as well as 'secret paths' to an enemy's base. Knowing the maps well will be crucial to the strategy involved in multiplayer skirmishes.
Q. But... wait, force field wasnt moved from high templar to stasis orb, and hallucination come back to he?
A. Over the past month and coming months, there will be a many ability swaps. From week to week, it could change significantly. Nonetheless, I'll try my best to keep you guys updated. At this very moment, the Twillight Archon is being tested with some of the original StarCraft High Templar abilities.
Q. Is it possible to guide Firebats fire just like Colossus Thermal Lance?
A. The flame attack by the Firebats are currently the same as [in] the original StarCraft.
Q. I surely hope firebats can actually fit in a bunker now...
A. They do nothing like watching those flames from a Bunker...keeping them Zerglings at bay.
Q. What IS the large green thing in screenshot 2?
A. It is our homage to the 'Man of Steel'
Q. Since firebats are now [trained] from the factory, are they still considered as infantry?
Can medics heal them?
Or do SCV's repair them? Or what?
A. Firebats are still healed by Medics. If I was a Firebat, I don't think I'd want it any other way.
Q. What is the building in the second screen shot, bottom right? There seems to be a probe right beside it and it is located just right of a phase prism, and [to the] right of a nexus. Looks kind of [like a] Xel naga [structure], or am I wrong?
A. That is an observation post which you can man, to gain a greater sight range around that post.