Strategy/Sim

"After Dark" is our new, experimental podcast series. By "experimental," we mean "shorter than the normal podcast." In the premiere, you'll hear Tim and Richard talk about StarCraft II, a clever little indie game from the makers of "Blackthorne." Parents beware: One of these men is shirtless.

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Topics discussed:

• StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty

Please send feedback and mailbag questions to podcast (at) gamecritics (dot) com.

On the Wings of Love

HIGH: Swarming marines with carriers and watching them go crazy trying to shoot all the interceptors.

LOW: The cringe-inducing "happily ever after" ending.

WTF: Zeratul: "I don't have time to explain.....so stare at this crystal for like four hours...."

Game Description: Continue the epic saga of the Protoss, Terran, and Zerg. These three distinct and powerful races will clash once again in the fast-paced real-time strategy sequel to the original, StarCraft. Legions of veteran, upgraded, and new unit types will do battle across the galaxy, as each faction struggles for survival. Featuring a single-player campaign that picks up where StarCraft: Brood War left off, StarCraft II presents a cast of new heroes and familiar faces in a sci-fi story filled with adventure and intrigue. In addition, Blizzard offers online play through Battle.net with several enhancements and features to make StarCraft II even better.

Magically Delicious

HIGH: Getting a good card that I know is going to wreak havoc on the next turn.

LOW: Having that card taken away by an opponent's insta-removal card.

WTF: No real deck customization options.

Game Description: The hit strategy game Magic: The Gathering - Duels of the Planeswalkers is now available on your PC. Unleash an arsenal of fantastic creatures and devastating spells as you battle your way through a series of iconic Planeswalkers, diabolic puzzles, and online challengers.

Pretty Girls and Mechs? Not as Awesome as it Sounds

HIGH: The dating simulation "Adventure Mode."

LOW: Long battles, followed by even longer boss fights, without a break. (Or a save point).

WTF: The dating simulation is the high point. In a game about giant mech fighting.

Game Description: Sakura Wars: So Long My Love is a single player strategy role-playing game (SRPG) and the first game in the popular Japanese Sakura Wars franchise to be released in North America. The game features both an exciting and fast-paced mech/air battle system and a unique, sim-based storyline. This in-depth storyline allows for character interaction that plays a major role in the progression of game action as interactions with various characters in the game can ultimately change the story content and even the final outcome.

You may as well ask, Poor Overlord

High: Ha! You walked right into my den of Lizardmen! In your mauled face, hero!

Low: I got a Game Over in stage 3-3. I have to retry from stage 3-1. Again.

WTF?: I'm not sure if the cannibalism is a good thing or a bad thing.

Game Description: What Did I Do to Deserve This, My Lord!? 2 is the single player strategy game for PlayStation Portable that drops players in the unlikely position of both monster farmer and dungeon creator. Protect Overlord Badman from the hordes of heroes that are compelled to attack as you excavate dungeons filled with monsters, grown, mutated and arranged to create maximum problems for pesky heroes and the traps they bring with them.

David and Goliath: The Collectible Card Game

HIGH Overcoming (seemingly) impossible opponents with superior strategy.

LOW Rebuilding my deck from scratch to pass one particular battle.

WTF So I'm earning "earn"?