Normally I would be itching to go out on the weekends, but seeing as I need to give my liver a break from my trip around Europe, WarCraft III will be a great alternative for me. If the game stays as engaging as it has so far, all of us are in for a real treat. It may not be the big break from the genre that some may have wanted, but it sure seems to be a damn solid game with the polish that we've come to expect from Blizzard.

Read the rest over here.

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Thanks again, Absolve!

We at Infoceptor would like to dispel this rumor once and for all. What you're shown is not a trailer of Starcraft 2, but simply a Easter Egg Blizzard decided to put in the game after playing around with a few Starcraft models in Warcraft 3. The models themselves can activated and used in the World Editor should a person wished to.

Kudos to Billy Perry and ^UrsDiablo for the news. Infoceptor currently knows a number of other such Easter Eggs, but we cannot yet disclose them due to the request by Blizzard. You can however discuss them on the forums should you wish.

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• Wallpaper's Archive

If you're a talented artist. We'd love to see your work, be sure to send it in.

We've really enjoyed what we've seen of Warcraft III's story so far. It uses effective expository sequences to introduce a number of key characters, who all seem interesting. One of these characters, a young paladin named Arthas, plays a central role in the human campaign, along with his mentor, Uther the Lightbringer--a character whose name Warcraft II players are sure to remember. The story isn't predictable, yet it doesn't seem to make twists merely for the sake of it. That is, it is genuinely intriguing, and this makes the entire campaign game very addictive. You'll want to keep playing just one more mission to see how the plot continues to unravel.

If you need more convincing that Warcraft 3 is a game that's not to be missed, read it.

While, you shouldn't have any use for the cheats just yet, they're still good for a laugh. We can trust Blizzard to put humor in everything:

• Warcraft 3 Cheat Codes

They were provided courtesy of Maraxus. For an interesting discussion on other possible codes, check this out. It looks like Blizzard loves The Matrix. Oh yeah, for newbies out there, cheat codes do not work in multiplayer, and are not meant to work. Don't cheat in multiplayer, ever!

Warcraft III has gone gold! What is the maximum price your willing to pay for the game (in US dollars)?
$40	260	26%
$50	263	26%
$60	220	22%
$80	107	11%
$100	40	4%
Even more!	106	11%
TOTAL	996	100 %	..

Hmm, the results are surprising, and I would have thought that the majority of people would be willing to dish out more than $50 for the game. However, it looks like the other around, with over half of you willing to pay no more than $50. Well bad news then, According to EB Games, Warcraft 3 is selling for a standard price of $59.99. Of course, cheaper deals are most likely available.

The Highs:
Fantastic story and characterization; outstanding graphics and unit balance; accessible.
The Lows:
Upkeep is annoying, minor pathfinding issues; it eventually came to an end.
Bottom Line:
Not just a classic RTS, but a classic PC game, period. It's a must buy.

If you still had hesitations about buying this game, here's more reason to get it. It is, as they say, a must buy.

• Hydralisk, Space Orc Screenshot

Woa, that Hydralisk sure does some mean damage. I wouldn't mind trading a few knights for that! Also, the Hydralisk does appear in a single mission for Warcraft 3, but I'll leave it as a surprise for you to find out where. When the full version is released, keep an eye out for our strategy guides that'll reveal just where.

A screenshot of this huge mofo is available for download. Caution: There may is minor spoilers within (but nothing major).

Type in the exact code for the corresponding colors in the BNet chat screen, game, or in the waiting thing:

The format is like this: "||||code {space} message" (w/out quotes)

Blue - ||||c000000ff
Red - ||||c00ff0000
Yellow - ||||c00ffff00
Green - ||||c0000ad00
Teal - ||||c0000f0f0
Pink / Purple - ||||c00ff00ff

Very interesting. Note that the colors only appear on screens other than your own. For more information, be sure to check out his thread.

• Battle of Wills: Chapter 2

For other Fan Fiction, check out the Stories Archive. Publish your own via the guidelines.

*UPDATE*: The 1v1 bracket has been updated with the people who will be duking it out in the finals on Monday.  They are Freemason (TillerMaN) and ISuckUSuckMor.  Let's get ready to rumble.

There has been an ongoing problem with a few players using hacks while playing Diablo II closed Battle.net games. In order to provide quality gameplay for everyone, players found using hacks will now find that their ability to join open games has been restricted.

This new measure will prevent players with a history of using hacks from joining open, non-passworded games on Battle.net. The only games these players will now be able to join will be games with other players identified using hack programs. This modification will affect all accounts associated with the CD-Key that has been identified utilizing hack programs.

If you have any questions or observe hacking activity, please let us know by writing to us at hacks@blizzard.com.

Like Blizzard says, be sure to report any hacking activity that you observe.

We all got on Blizzard's case when they announced they will stick to the "more conventional" RTS methods, instead of implementing a full-blown RPG/RTS experience where fewer units and their skills would be the crucial portion of the gameplay experience.

Luckily, from looking at the final product, it seems that Blizzard kept more of the original idea that many have expected. It turns out that our fears were unfounded, as Warcraft III in many ways represents a critical leap for Blizzard in terms of their design approach.

To say the very least, it seems we won't be disappointed. Read it here.

*UPDATE*: Also the the tournament, Blizzard has now put up the 1v1 bracket.  Check that out here.

• Orc Juggernaut

Browsing through the MPQ always yields interesting surprises.

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It looks like Blizzard did add Pandaren into the game for the April Fool's joke, and have played around with some other units as well. Giving us a quick start with the Starcraft Total Conversion maybe?

• Space Orc, Hydralisk and Zergling
• Pandaaren

Kudos to Skull for the news. More information is available in this thread.

Be sure to give them a look!

Blizzard states that Warcraft 3 will be out by the end of June. When do you think Warcraft 3 will actually be released by? June    174    18%  July    432    45%  August    104    11%  Christmas    126    13%  Who Knows?    132    14%  TOTAL 968 100 % ..

While this poll was in process, Blizzard announced that Warcraft III has gone gold, and set the official release date to early July. As such, it was not surprise that July was the most popular choice. Still, a good number of you have no faith in Blizzard. In fact a quarter of us wouldn't be surprised if in the game won't arrive by Christmas!

• Dark Nagoss Conversion (460kb)

For other fan fiction, check out the stories archive. A talented writer yourself? Publish your own via the guidelines.

-Fixed Ladder Page Updating - Ladder site should now be updating properly
-Profiles! Simply click on a person's name on the ladder listings to see their profile. You can also reach profiles by searching for them. You can even link to your profile or bookmark it. Just like we have done with Pillars.
-Improved Ladder Listings. The ladder pages have been improved with better formatting.
-Improved Searching

These are some very welcome updates.  Be sure to check it out if you have time.

A network issue is currently affecting connections to the USWest Battle.net, Diablo II and WarCraft III servers. The problem is being worked on by the Battle.net Team and a resolution is expected by 3:00 P.M. today.

The 3 P.M. will mean 6 P.M. for EST people.  We'll update you when USWest comes back online.

*UPDATE*: The connectivity issue affecting USWest has been resolved.

- BETA PATCH 1.34
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BALANCE CHANGES
- Altars no longer require a Barracks be built first.
- Meat Wagons can now benefit from the Unholy Strength damage upgrade.
- Steam Tanks can now benefit from the Gunpowder damage upgrade.
- Huntress attack starts with an extra bounce.
- Haunted Gold Mine hit points increase from 800 to 950.
- Water Elementals are now medium armor.
- Summon Water Elemental mana cost decreased.
- Gryphon Riders hit points increase from 650 to 750.
- Divine Shield mana cost decreased.
- Far Sight mana costs per level now 75, 60, 50.
- Death Pact, per level, now gives 100%, 200%, and 300% life back.
- Sentry Ward mana cost decreased.
- Detonate now burns 100 mana.
- Thunderclap mana cost decreased.
- Goblin Sapper explosion damage decreased.
- Riflemen cooldown lowered.
- Gryphon Rider cooldown lowered.

This should be one of the last patches due to Warcraft III's impending release.  Thanks to AlienInfection for the news.

• Diablo II: The Chosen

For other fan fiction, check out the stories archive. A talented writer yourself? Publish your own via the guidelines.

Maintenance scheduled to begin at 12:00 P.M. PST / UTC-8 on Wednesday, June 12th has been rescheduled.

All USWest servers (Battle.net, Diablo II, and WarCraft III) will be unavailable from 11:00 A.M. PST / UTC-8 until as late as 5:00 P.M. PST / UTC-8 on Thursday, June 13th for network upgrades. Please check the Battle.net Status forum for updates regarding the completion of this maintenance, as work may be completed earlier than stated above.

There might be some more maintenance done on USEast.  We'll have to wait and see.

In addition, the FAQ has been updated with one new question. The reason why players are not instantly dropped when you press the drop player button is that there's a hidden voting system. A player can only be dropped in the majority of players wish it.

While online retailer EB Games has posted an announcement that Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos has gone gold, a representative for Blizzard Entertainment clarified that the announcement was posted "without any information" from Blizzard. The representative would not comment on whether the game has actually gone gold, but said that there would be an official announcement concerning the game soon.

We note that this is most likely a rumor, as the Warcraft 3 Beta still has a little while to go. Most players would agree that a number of balance changes still need to be made. However... who knows? For Warcraft III to come out at it's currently planned time, it'll pretty much need to go gold within a week.

An increasing number of customers are reporting that their computers have been exposed to viruses by running programs they downloaded from web sites claiming to offer hacks, item-duping programs, and non Diablo II related video files (movies). We have found that many of the programs these sites are distributing are actually designed to give hackers access to the Diablo II user’s Battle.net accounts and to other personal information stored on the user’s computer. Please exercise extreme caution when visiting Web sites that offer such programs for download.

As always, please report Web sites that distribute hacks for any Blizzard game to hacks@blizzard.com

-Blizzard Entertainment

Like Blizzard says, be sure to watch what you download and be sure to report any of your hacker findings to Blizzard.

All USEast servers (Battle.net and Diablo II) will be unavailable from 1:00 P.M. EST / UTC-5 until as late as 5:00 P.M. EST / UTC-5 on Tuesday, June 11th for network upgrades. Please check the Battle.net Status forum for updates regarding the completion of this maintenance, as maintenance may be completed earlier than stated above.

This will probably be one of the last maintenances done for a little while.

• Dark Templar Traveler II

A talented artist yourself? Be sure to submit your work. Be sure to check out my stunning visuals in the Fan Art Gallery.

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How Long after Warcraft 3's release will you get the game?
Pre-ordered it	189	23%
On the Same Day	207	25%
A few Days	192	24%
A few Weeks	114	14%
Months	61	7%
Don't Plan to Buy It	53	6%
TOTAL	816	100 %	..

It looks like Warcraft 3 is certainly going to be popular, in fact, around three quarters of you plan to buy it within a few days of its release. It looks like Blizzard has gain sucha  reputation that very few people bother to read reviews of their games before spending their money, and well, I'm one among them.

• Wallpapers Archive

Got a desktop yourself? Or fan art any sort? We love to see creations from our viewers, so be sure send them in.

Due to unforseen circumstances, the maintenance at USWest has been delayed indefinitely. Please check back for a new time later today (Friday, June 7th) for this maintenance.

-The Battle.net Team

We'll be sure to update you when the new time is released.

*UPDATE*: Here is the new time for the maintenance and what Blizzard had to say:

All USWest servers (Battle.net, Diablo II, and WarCraft III) will be unavailable from 4:00 P.M. PST / UTC-8 until as late as 6:00 P.M. PST / UTC-8 on Friday, June 7th for network upgrades. Please check the Battle.net Status forum for updates regarding the completion of this maintenance, as maintenance may be completed earlier than stated above.

-The Battle.net Team

The maintenance should be done by early tomorrow.

Well written, this is definitely a fiction that Starcraft fans would very much enjoy:

• Guarded Thoughts: Part 1

For other fan fiction, check out the stories archive. A talented writer yourself? Publish your own via the guidelines.

Comment

All USEast Battle.net servers and the Diablo II realm will be unavailable on Thursday, June 6th from 10:00 A.M. until 11:00 A.M. PST/UTC-8 (1:00 P.M. until 2:00 P.M. EST/UTC-5) for network upgrades.

-The Battle.net Team

There will probably also be more USWest maintenance soon.

The finals judgement will take place June 14th. We wish them luck.

All USWest Battle.net, Diablo II Realms and the WarCraft III beta will be unavailable on Thursday, June 6th from 10:00 A.M. until as late as 8:00 P.M. for network upgrades. Please check the Battle.net Status Forums for possible announcements regarding early completion of the maintenance.

-The Battle.net Team

There will probably be more maintenance soon on USWest.  However, the outcome is always for the best.

• Terran War Structures

For other customs, check out our huge archive. You can submit your own via the guidelines. Remember, Stardraft is required to run the patch.

1) I'm hoping to host a best of 16 beta tournament in the next few weeks. Probably toward the end of this month. More details to come, but I would like to do a 1v1 and 2v2 tourney. These tournaments are mostly for fun and balance testing, so don't expect big prizes :)

2) You should see another small balance patch shortly with some
minor changes including the fix to the starfall crash and the
techtree being reverted (no altar req). Sometime the following week should be a major patch with lots of small improvements, including things like a formation on/off button

3) After lots of testing and feedback, I think we are going to stay with random items on maps. Obviously, not everyone likes this aspect, but most people do enjoy it. However, I would like everyone's feedback on item relative power.

He also states that the single player campaign is now basically complete, and they'll be focusing on balance.

The second chapter begins with a planetary assault on an outlying system controlled by the swarm. It's a good read:

• The Renaissance: Chapter 1

For other fan fiction, check out the stories archive. A talented writer yourself? Publish your own via the guidelines.

Blizzard has teamed up with one of the largest names in fantasy art to bring the dark and gothic world of Diablo to life. In “Final Stand”, Keith Parkinson has meticulously depicted five mortal heroes in a desperate struggle against the Lord of Terror, Diablo. The mortal heroes of Sanctuary will need to pool all of their tremendous powers to defeat the raging demon in his own realm. Will they be victorious - or will this be their 'Final Stand' against the shadow? This image has been carefully reproduced in a limited quantity, with each high-quality print signed and numbered by Parkinson.

The price of $60.00 is kind of steep but if you are interested, be sure to head over here.

1) Make creeps harder - nope, this would change the balance of the
entire single player campaign. We would potentially change the
power of an entire camp to hold more creeps, but that wouldn't fix
things -- see #2

2) Make the last creep in a camp drop the item - great idea, but
we have no technology the supports the concept of a "group"
of creeps. Perhaps this is something we can look at in the future.

3) If the barracks/altar solution does not work to our (and your)
satisfaction, then we will probably just do some cost and build
time adjustments on both the barracks and altar to mitigate the
effects of solo heroes.

He also stresses that this is a beta, and that the current change is very likely to be temporary. So every.. take a deep breath.

• Terran Tesla Battle Tower (50 kb)

In light of the recent E3 Expo, are you looking forward to the Singleplayer or Multiplayer component of War3 the most? Singleplayer    519    63%  Multiplayer    222    27%  Don't Care    82    10%  TOTAL 823 100

The results are certainly surprising, as most of the time, people enjoy multiplayer the most, especially when the poll came from a sample of frequent internet users. It certainly looks like Blizzard has done an awesome job in hyping up singleplayer, with nearly two thirds of you anticipating it the most.