Home >> Internet Games >> Computer Games

What Is a Melee Game in 'StarCraft II'?

̶0;StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty,̶1; the sequel to Blizzard's original science fiction real-time strategy game, puts players in the midst of both single-player and multiplayer battles. In the roles of humanoid Terrans, ancient alien Protoss or insect-like Zerg, gamers play both online and offline. Melee games are just one of the many modes of play in ̶0;StarCraft II.̶1;

Melee Play
- In a Melee game, players are divided into teams. Team combinations aren't limited; Melee play allows players to choose custom configurations, such as two against two, three against five or even seven against one. Gamers can partake in Melee battles online via Blizzard's Battle.net service or on local area networks. Players can also use computer-controlled opponents and allies. In contrast, Free for All games don't have teams.
Melee Maps
- Certain maps cater specifically to Melee play in ̶0;StarCraft II.̶1; While the game includes the Galaxy Map Editor for player-created maps, the developers at Blizzard also offer official Melee maps; as of the time of publication, 24 official Melee maps are available, though Blizzard continues to expand upon ̶0;StarCraft II̶1;'s content. Maps include desert-themed areas such as Blistering Sands and Desert Oasis, rocky terrain such as the Steppes of War and Kulas Ravine and structure-focused maps such as the Arakan Citadel and Twilight Fortress. Returning Melee maps for ̶0;StarCraft II̶1; include the Incineration Zone and Shakuras Plateau.
Melee Achievements
- ̶0;StarCraft II̶1; gamers that play on Battle.net can gain achievements, markers of their prowess viewable by other players, by completing certain requirements. Some of these achievements cater specifically to Melee play. For instance, players who destroy 10 cloaked units in a single Melee game earn the ̶0;I See Dead Units̶1; achievement. Dodging a Raven Seeker Missile in Melee yields ̶0;Can't Touch This!̶1; while using Blink to save a Stalker rewards gamers with ̶0;To the Shadows I Run.̶1; Other Melee achievements include ̶0;Just an Illusion̶1; ̵1; gained by controlling 15 hallucinations at once ̵1; and ̶0;Fire Fighter,̶1; earned by saving eight burning Terran structures in a single Melee game.
Melee Attacks
- Each unit in ̶0;StarCraft II̶1; ̵1; whether Terran, Protoss or Zerg ̵1; features different types of attacks. Attacks fall into one of two categories: ranged and melee. While ranged attacks, such as guns and energy weapons, strike from a distance, Melee attacks are hand-to-hand. While Terran units generally focus on ranged attacks, Protoss and Zerg units feature many Melee attacks. For example, the Protoss Zealot uses psionic abilities to create energy blades, while Zerglings use their sharp teeth and sickle-like limbs in close-quarters combat.

Computer Games