Let's predict what SC2 expansions will bring us

[Asfastasican]

What do you guys expect out of the Zerg and Protoss expansions? I'm expecting one new unit per race with a couple of different unit upgrades thrown in when each expansion is released.

We can also talk about possible story outcomes or any mechanic changes they might add to the game to accommodate for extra units and content as it's added.

[Arkalis]

Blizzard talked about expanding the battle.net experience by adding new features per expansion. Also, if the Marketplace isn't added to WoL "on the go", as they stated, they will include it in HotS.

[Crazy_Jonny]

Multiplayer wise - 1 unit per race, with some extra abilities added in.

Maybe a decent infestation ability can be added into the HotS expansion.
I also think the Protoss will get either another Air Caster (a more offensive one) OR an AOE air unit. Maybe we'll see the 'Purifier' return in some way too.
For the Terrans, I can see them getting another caster or a factory unit - or both.

For single player, HotS is kinda hard to imagine, as far as what the briefing room will look like. Will it be inside a Zerg base? Will we get to see the innerds of a Zerg cavern of some sort? It's hard to imagine how the layout for the Zerg will work, but it has many possibilities. I can see the missions revolving more around upgrading your queens or Kerrigan, rather than purchasing upgrades for your army. They could do something unique with the "Star Map", where it would show you your progress on what % of the K-sector you've infested. It needs to feel different from the Terran Campaign. They also mention adding RPG elements, so we'll see how that works.

For the Protoss, I think it would be cool if they introduced co-op single player in this one. The whole theme is suppose to be diplomacy, and I think that co-op style fits in with the theme. By doing certain missions, you don't immediately earn upgrades, but gain the trust of your fellow tribes. And when you gain enough trust, you unlock a certain ability. So its sort of similar to the Terran campaign, but with twists.

[Islandsnake]

A bit early for this since we don't even know what the game will bring us at this point lol

I predict they will give some of the cut units and some of the old ones back

[Krikkitone]

Well what I Don't expect
1. A New unit per race per expansion

Protoss have 15 units in WoL
Terrans have 13 units in WoL
Zerg have 13 units in WoL

in BW
Protoss had 14 (11 in SC1)
Terrans had 13 (11 in SC1)
Zerg had 12 (10 in SC1)

So there is less room to 'expand' without units begining to duplicate

I could see

1. New Abilities/upgrades
2. Unit gets Revamped/Replaced


I wouldn't be surprised if the High Templar and Dark Templar get replaced with a Single Templar unit for Protoss, bringing their total unit count down to 14.


So High Templar+Dark Templar eliminated, replaced by new "Gray Templar" unit

Reaper eliminated, Marauder gets stats change and upgrade allowing it to go to "Rocket mode"... other revamps
in same expansion: Terran gets new Factory unit

BCs and Thors get "Weapon Upgrade" ability

Archons get abilities (possibly renamed to Gray Archon)

Overseer gets significant abilities

Phoenix gains secondary abilities

[Arkalis]

For single player, HotS is kinda hard to imagine, as far as what the briefing room will look like. Will it be inside a Zerg base? Will we get to see the innerds of a Zerg cavern of some sort? It's hard to imagine how the layout for the Zerg will work, but it has many possibilities. I can see the missions revolving more around upgrading your queens or Kerrigan, rather than purchasing upgrades for your army. They could do something unique with the "Star Map", where it would show you your progress on what % of the K-sector you've infested. It needs to feel different from the Terran Campaign. They also mention adding RPG elements, so we'll see how that works.

For the Protoss, I think it would be cool if they introduced co-op single player in this one. The whole theme is suppose to be diplomacy, and I think that co-op style fits in with the theme. By doing certain missions, you don't immediately earn upgrades, but gain the trust of your fellow tribes. And when you gain enough trust, you unlock a certain ability. So its sort of similar to the Terran campaign, but with twists.

HotS, since being an RPG-style campaign, probably will introduce game features and mechanics relative to it. I don't mean inventory or items precisely, maybe an Infestation % like you said.

And LotV...what you say really intrigues me....co-op campaign, makes sense for the game style and would love if they put it...maybe its possible...

One question: do you need HotS to use LotV?

@Krikk: this is not Starcraft in 3D .... don't compare each game...

[ArcherofAiur]

LotV
Co-op
Diplomacy gameplay

[Crazy_Jonny]

Well what I Don't expect
1. A New unit per race per expansion

Protoss have 15 units in WoL
Terrans have 13 units in WoL
Zerg have 13 units in WoL

in BW
Protoss had 14 (11 in SC1)
Terrans had 13 (11 in SC1)
Zerg had 12 (10 in SC1)

So there is less room to 'expand' without units begining to duplicate

I could see

1. New Abilities/upgrades
2. Unit gets Revamped/Replaced


I wouldn't be surprised if the High Templar and Dark Templar get replaced with a Single Templar unit for Protoss, bringing their total unit count down to 14.


So High Templar+Dark Templar eliminated, replaced by new "Gray Templar" unit

Reaper eliminated, Marauder gets stats change and upgrade allowing it to go to "Rocket mode"... other revamps
in same expansion: Terran gets new Factory unit

BCs and Thors get "Weapon Upgrade" ability

Archons get abilities (possibly renamed to Gray Archon)

Overseer gets significant abilities

Phoenix gains secondary abilities

I'm not sure about cutting units altogether. Its like having another SC2 floating around. I think it would create more work for them in balance, and wouldn't be good for e-sports. Its not so much about the unit number, but if there's a role in the race that can still be filled. I don't see the Protoss airforce as 'complete' yet. I think there's still room in there. But I will admit they're probably the hardest race to add onto. The Zerg are the easiest, they can have 2 more units easily. Terrans are in the middle.

I agree with adding upgrades though. I'd like to see the Carrier get another kind of ability in one expansion. Or giving the infestor an actual infestation ability.

One question: do you need HotS to use LotV?

Yes.

[KadajSouba]

New abilities, new unit for zerg once they realize they are boring as hell, the REAL Battlecruiser weapon refit.

[Krikkitone]

LotV
Co-op
Diplomacy gameplay

Hoping that LotV is more like Civ/Risk/Master of Orion.

Your "empire" has a certain number of Carriers/Zealots, etc. (that slowly goes up based on the planets you control)

In an individual mission, you actually warp those units from your imperial supply onto the field. (so if you only have 3 Carriers in your empire, that is the total number you can put on the field... and if you lose 1 of them, it doesn't go back into your imperial supply. Every zealot killed on the field goes to your imperial supply of 'damaged' zealots.. they recover in a few turns.)