Im looking into purchasing some games off Steam for my Mac, i was looking into Civilization V, but i also see everyone speak about Starcraft and Warcraft - I've never ever played either of those games. What exactly are they about? Do i need to play the first games in the series before i play lets say warcaft 3 or starcraft 3? Are they along the same lines as Civilization/Age of Empire games but only more with monsters and things like that? and also if anyone has opinions on Civ 5 let me know about that too! Thanks guys
Got a tip for us?
Let us know
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
Difference between Warcraft And Starcraft
- Thread starter Jae Hokes
- Start date
- Sort by reaction score
Warcraft and Starcraft are Real-Time Strategy game series by Blizzard. I didn't play Starcraft before Starcraft 2 and I could easily jump into the story. From those games I have only played SC2 and a bit of Civ IV but there are a ton of differences between SC and Civ or even with SC and Warcraft.
To my knowledge Civ is totally turn-based where SC (and all the other RTS games) are in real-time. Starcraft is also more battle-oriented, I would say, and it's the #1 game in eSports right now.
Watching Starcraft will teach you a lot about the game. Here's a stream from Dreamhack tournament that's live right now.
To my knowledge Civ is totally turn-based where SC (and all the other RTS games) are in real-time. Starcraft is also more battle-oriented, I would say, and it's the #1 game in eSports right now.
Watching Starcraft will teach you a lot about the game. Here's a stream from Dreamhack tournament that's live right now.
Well based on my experience playing both games before, i tend to prefer starcraft 2 because i find the gameplay more enjoyable and its more futuristic than warcraft 3. But if you like role playing games instead of strategic, then you could try world of warcraft.
I have both games and I have to say that Warcraft 3 is a much better strategy game.
Starcraft 2 is way too easy/simple ( online multiplayer ).
With Starcraft 2, you can even win a game if you mass the wrong units, you can't do the same in warcraft 3
I have all of SC and Warcraft franchise. Warcraft II was horrible, don't buy that (if it even exists anymore). Warcraft III and its expansion are a pretty good game, and share many similarities with Starcraft II. They are strategy games with several 'races' to choose from. Each race has their own pros and cons. The games bring a single player and multi player mode, with warcraft's being the longest of the two (significantly, SC2 campaign lasted me 3 days).
The main feature about these games are their multiplayer options, having custom maps and playing against people, teaming up etc. If you are into these games for this option, I would recommend you get SC2 as it's a much newer game and has a much wider user base to play with/against, as WC3 has quite some years now and might not be as active as it once was.
In a nutshell, both games require strategic play with a race of your choice, and are mostly played online. They are fantasy as well, so it has little to do with Age of Empires, although they are based on the same concepts.
I'm guessing you play in diamond league within every ladder then?
The main feature about these games are their multiplayer options, having custom maps and playing against people, teaming up etc. If you are into these games for this option, I would recommend you get SC2 as it's a much newer game and has a much wider user base to play with/against, as WC3 has quite some years now and might not be as active as it once was.
In a nutshell, both games require strategic play with a race of your choice, and are mostly played online. They are fantasy as well, so it has little to do with Age of Empires, although they are based on the same concepts.
I'm guessing you play in diamond league within every ladder then?
There is a large difference between Civilization and Warcraft/Starcraft in game mechanics. Both are strategy, but Civilization is turn based, Warcraft/Starcraft are dynamic. Both Warcraft and Starcraft feel very similar, just different settings and technology. Personally I prefer the Warcraft terra firma environment and it's technology vs higher technology and being in space, but it's a personal preference. I believe you can find Battle Chest versions (dual platform Mac/PC) of both Warcraft and Starcraft at retailers like Target.
I believe you can find Battle Chest versions (dual platform Mac/PC) of both Warcraft and Starcraft at retailers like Target.I'm no pro player, not in Master league. But it gets boring, just scout --> counter his army = win.
With Warcraft 3 you have much more things to think about then just massing your army.
That's my opinion.
You'd be suprised how good a quick void harassment can do early in the game, even if he has anti air units like stalkers and air defenses.
I loved Warcraft II. Granted, Warcraft III surpasses it by leaps and bounds, and its not a game worth going back and playing today, but I killed a ton of hours playing Warcarft II when it first came out.
Civ IV is cheaper, and much easier to get in to than V IMO.
If you're going to buy a Starcraft game may as well buy the second one.
Civ vs War/Starcraft are VERY different. In Civilization you build your civilization from scratch through the long course of the game with turn based moves. Stack up a bunch of units, launch an attack and it happens automatically. City development (slower paced) and diplomacy is a huge aspect of the game.
Warcraft/Starcraft require hands on micromanaging units as (faster paced) dynamic (but smaller) scenarios, where you must react as the battle unfolds.
Yes and Yes. As far as which one is better, once Civilization hit v2 or 3 (don't remember exactly), it hit it's grove. You are going to get a good experience no matter which one you play. From there on, it's mostly graphic improvements and tweaks to game mechanics, nothing that I am aware of that drastically effects game play. Dislcaimer: the last Civilization I seriously played was v3.
Civilization on Steam. More than one version available.
Download Mac demo.
Last edited:
In civilization IV you have to run a nation - you decide your government type, what you'll research, what troops to build etc. It's turn based and can be slooow, but it's a lot of fun. Your goal is to win through a variety of different ways - from diplomatic to conquering the world.
Civilization V is the same thing pretty much, but a little dumbed down.
Starcraft/SC2/Warcraft3 are kind of the same thing on a smaller scale - you're building troops & researching improvements, but it's all in real time, with a goal to destroy your enemy's bases.
Warcraft 3 is my favorite out of all the craft games, the hero system is nice and I really like all of the factions & units, but its graphics are a little dated now, Starcraft 2 would probably best your best bet if you don't want to play anything older.