Blizzard games are known for some of the most iconic and impressive multiplayer games out there. They are behind the absolute behemoth that Warcraft is in the real-time strategy scene, as well as popular and genre defining games like Overwatch for the competitive FPS scene and the Diablo series for hack-and-slash. Blizzard knows how to make multiplayer games that are polished and easy to get into, so that players can sink hundreds of hours into them.
Blizzard is not, howerver, known for storytelling, character development, or artistic expression through exploring various literary themes. Be that as it may, though some of the games in Blizzard’s impressive library have some great stories on top of the obvious fun gameplay and polished combat. A lot of Blizzard’s best work comes through World of Warcraft and its expansions, which show the staff at Blizzard exploring their creative best.
5 StarCraft: Brood War
StarCraft: Brood War was an expansion to the original StarCraft game. This expansion received critical acclaim through the roof. Not only did it make impressive strides to the gameplay and depth of game, but the story was fleshed out with tons of new characters and even cinematic cutscenes.
Brood War built upon the foundations laid in the original game. The focus around the Zerg and how the political vacuum of no leader shapes up is impressive, particularly when it comes to the scheming Overmind. Brood War features tons of drama and intrigue, and doesn’t shy away from tragic or bloody moments either. Overall the game had a huge impact on how the fanbase for real-time strategy games grew, and that is in part due to the compelling story.
4 Warcraft 3: Reign of Chaos
Warcraft 3 stands out as one of the best storytelling efforts out there. The massive scope, the lovable characters, and the tales full of tragedy, fantasy, and hope continue to draw new players to this day. This was Blizzard games at their best. The focus around the differences between human and orcs, Thrall’s coming of age story, and overall the massive grand fantasy feel were all done so well.
The focus around three main characters from different species and completely different outlooks on life makes for an enticing playthrough. Watching Arthas, Thrall, and Tyrande they tackle their demons as the game unfolds is amazing. The game also focuses on fan favorites such as Jaina Proudmoore and Malfurian. And of course, who can forget the ‘Culling’?
3 World of Warcraft
Warcraft 3 paved the way for World of Warcraft, arguably the greatest MMORPG ever made. Part of the appeal of World of Warcraft lies in its fantastical setting, allowing players to feel like they’re a part of this mystical world where anything can happen. Players are thrust into a massive new world and taught that they essentially forge their own fate.
World of Warcraft’s story was developed through the Warcraft series, featuring most of the main characters and developing them further. Players can embark on different quests and various special events to face off against unique characters and see how their stories develop, be it Rise of the Blood God focused around a vengeful cult and a stalwart tribe, or the story of Azeroth in Blackwing. These stories all had tons of lore behind them and showed how good Blizzard could be at world building.
2 Diablo II
Diablo is the premier hack-and-slash game. Although it focuses heavily on online play and gathering loot, one of the main reasons this formula works so well on is the story. Diablo II immerses players in a dark, dangerous world filled with demons, necromancers, and other supernatural beings.
The game picks up where the original left off. The original hero has been corrupted by the vessel of the Lord of Terror, and it's up to a new band of adventurers to stop him. The game features four different acts and has multiple different cutscenes, many focused on the Dark Wanderer. Diablo II has a rich and captivating story featuring iconic characters like Deckard. Watching the whole quest unfold through the various fights with demons and navigating the Dark Wanderer’s journey all add up to making this one of the best stories Blizzard has made.
1 Warcraft 3: The Frozen Throne
Warcarft 3: The Frozen Throne is easily one of the best games in its genre, and arguably the best game Blizzard has made. The Frozen Throne takes everything from the original Warcraft 3 and amps it up a thousand times, including the story. Arthas’ slow descent from bastion of justice into becoming a lieutenant to the Lich King is portrayed immaculately, particularly the climax of the game where players discover what happens to Arthas. With his tragic journey portrayed over the course of the game, this expansion created one of the most iconic characters in videogames.
Themes of class and race differences, fragile morality, and stoicism are all present in The Frozen Throne. The focus on the Blood Elves, their uneasy alliances with the humans, Jaina’s subplot with her father, and how the Horde finally finds a home is all welcome and makes for excellent storytelling.