StarCraft 2: Heart of the Swarm video discusses newb, pro play modes
StarCraft 2: Heart of the Swarm is designed to offer accessibility to players attampting to mount the RTS's daunting learning curve, while at the complete opposite end of the spectrum, offer more options for high-level pros. It's a big ask, but this video shows Blizzard's solutions.
The video begins by showing off the training mode and versus AI, both designed to help players gradually learn and improve.
Towards the end, veterans get a look in with unranked play. While you might think hardcore players would want to play ranked matches, real pros don't want to see their ladder ranking slip while they're experimenting with new tactics or having a friendly. Unranked play supports this.
Beyond these options is the fiercely-contested world of ranked play, which is the same hardcore realm you're used to. But even here is a small change, as a new levelling system means players can unlock rewards like unit skins and dance animations by mastering all races. Levelling is calculated across all modes, but you can bet ranked match players have pretty high scores.
This is the second in a series of preview videos; the first covered social features. The third will be about eSports. StarCraft 2: Heart of the Swarm is due on March 12.
