Like any good swinger party, what began with only a few parties, is about to erupt into a smorgasbord now that gamers who pre-orderd the Heart of the Swam expansion are set to be included.
According to PCGamesN, anyone who has pre-purchased the expansion before Dec. 18th is now eligible for beta play. While those who ordered the expansion after that date aren't completely excluded, they won't be brought in until sometime next year.
Blizzard recently announced both a Collector's Edition and Digital Deluxe version, offering some nice extras.
Banking on the idea that StarCraft 2 players play other Blizzard titles like Diablo and World of Warcraft, the Digital Deluxe Version offers:
-Three StarCraft II Swarm-themed Battle.net portraits
-StarCraft II Zerg Ultralisk "Torrasque" skin
-World of Warcraft Baneling Battle Pet
-Diablo III "Blade Wings" item - Queen of Blades-styled wings for Diablo III heroes
-Diablo III Zerg banner sigil
A StarCraft 2 pack offering both Heart of the Swarm and Wings of Liberty is also in the works, as well as a Heart of the Swarm Collector's Edition, which, according to a press release, features:
-Behind-the-Scenes DVD and Blu-ray: Immerse yourself in the StarCraft universe with developer commentary, interviews with voice actors, and an in-depth historical retrospective on StarCraft's eSports legacy narrated by key members of the community.
-Collector's Edition Soundtrack CD: Enhance your Heart of the Swarm musical experience with this collection of more than a dozen tracks from the game.
-Heart of the Swarm Hardcover Art Book: This 144-page tome features never-before-seen art from the expansion, including early concept sketches and meticulous 3D renderings.
-Zerg Rush Mousepad: This Collector's Edition mousepad depicts the Terran Dominion holding out desperately under the onslaught of the Swarm.
In the same press release issued by Blizzard, president Mike Morhaime, said:
"With Heart of the Swarm, our goal has been to expand on the multiplayer action and cinematic storytelling of Wings of Liberty. Combined with features like unranked matchmaking and our new leveling system, this expansion elevates the StarCraft II experience for players of all skill levels."
Heart of the Swarm promises to be "the most in-depth look into the zerg that Blizzard has ever carried out."
Heart of the Swarm is out Mar. 12, 2013.
