RELEASE DATE: July 27th

[Arkalis]

Standard gets you the basics: campaign, multiplayer, and map editor. The Collectors Edition gets you some juicy extras. They aren't required to play the game, but they are very juicy. It's stuff like special avatars, special models, a WoW Thor pet, and other stuff. Like I said, not needed in order to play the game, but still — very, very juicy.

This is what the collector's edition feature:

Hidden Content:

STARCRAFT II: WINGS OF LIBERTY PC/MAC GAME
The full version of the StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty game on DVD-ROM.
THE ART OF STARCRAFT II: WINGS OF LIBERTY
Journey into the game’s artistic development from early concepts to final 3D renderings with this 176-page Collector’s Edition art book.
JIM RAYNOR "DOG TAG" USB DRIVE INCLUDING ORIGINAL STARCRAFT ANTHOLOGY
This battle-worn replica of Jim Raynor’s in-game dog tag doubles as a fully functional 2GB USB thumb drive and comes preloaded with the original StarCraft and Brood War Expansion Set.
WINGS OF LIBERTY EXCLUSIVE BEHIND-THE-SCENES DVD:
Over an hour of developer interviews, delving deep into the game’s development from initial design to final gameplay.
All 13+ minutes of pre-rendered cinematics and 32 minutes of in-game ‘story mode’ scenes, including director’s commentary.
A retrospective examining StarCraft’s rich history in gaming.
STARCRAFT COMIC ISSUE #0
Join the War Pigs in their first terrifying encounter with the alien Zerg in this exclusive "Issue #0" of Wildstorm's StarCraft comic.
COLLECTOR’S EDITION SOUNDTRACK
Fourteen orchestral pieces from the Wings of Liberty soundtrack, plus exclusive bonus tracks.
EXCLUSIVE IN-GAME WORLD OF WARCRAFT PET
Hammer of the Gods! Summon a Baby Thor to accompany you on your journeys throughout World of Warcraft.
EXCLUSIVE BATTLE.NET DOWNLOADABLE CONTENT
Unlock special features through Battle.net, including in-game army icons, unique avatar portraits, and an exclusive version of the in-game Thor unit.

I'm really looking to get the Art Book, DVD, Soundtrack, the USB and the Battle.net Content as a plus. The other things are good but not really excited for them.

Finally, it's about time!
Now I should pre-order the collector's edition...
Does anyone know a shop that sells it and offers international shipping?

The Starcraft II preorder site includes some shopping places. Choose what you like best and more than one probably offers international shipping.

[ArcherofAiur]

Mmmmmm juicy

[Kimera757]

I agree with you Kimera...

But Blizz must be very happy with were the beta is at right now to be announcing any kind of release date.

The next three months, I think, are going to be more about minor tweaking and far less about massive patches and changes.

Causes me to wonder... what happens if they fix the problems extra-fast?

[//MavericK\\]

I think Starcraft II might actually go truly mainstream.

Yahoo has the release date notice up as a newsflash...

http://videogames.yahoo.com/events/p...uly-27/1398084

I hope some even more legitimate news agencies than Yahoo post these kinds of SCII-related announcements.

[sandwich_bird]

I think Starcraft II might actually go truly mainstream.

Yahoo has the release date notice up as a newsflash...

http://videogames.yahoo.com/events/p...uly-27/1398084

I hope some even more legitimate news agencies than Yahoo post these kinds of SCII-related announcements.

It's really gonna be awesome if the game goes mainstream. Maybe E-Sport will finally grow here too?

[//MavericK\\]

It's really gonna be awesome if the game goes mainstream. Maybe E-Sport will finally grow here too?

I guess that's the dream...WoW has gone mainstream to the endth degree. It seems like everyone has an account. Can't really televise it though.

With SCII, I can almost see it being somewhat similar to the World Poker Tour...

It would be niche market for sure...but a market nonetheless.

[IvanVankata]

I thought Blizz were aiming for a June release date =/ ... can`t wait

[Dragoonx]

A game like this needs a countdown timer. Big fat sci fi font.

[ArcherofAiur]

A game like this needs a countdown timer. Big fat sci fi font.

LoA does like countdown timers....

[Deathstar]

What am I supposed to do until July 27 after classes end?