Warcraft 3: Reign of Chaos review

Warcraft 3: Reign of Chaos came out way back in 2002. However, it still holds a spot at the top of the RTS mountain, serving as an inspiration for gamers and developers for the best this genre can become.

So what makes Warcraft 3 so special? And does it have any appeal, beyond nostalgia, for players who have never tried it?

Middle child syndrome

First, it is worth noting that Warcraft 3: Reign of Chaos suffers from “middle child syndrome”. Why? Simply put, it’s sandwiched between two franchise entries that are arguably more legendary.

While the original Warcraft (Orcs and Humans) was a modest success, Warcraft 2: Tides of Darkness has sold millions of copies worldwide. It has fueled not only the hunger for multiplayer games, but also user-created custom maps.

And World of Warcraft, the successor to Warcraft 3, is a success that speaks for itself. It remains the most successful MMORPG in the world, and is what most casual gamers think about when they hear someone say “Warcraft”.

Despite being the “middle child”, however, Warcraft 3 deserves all the credit for its innovations and refinements. In fact, you wouldn’t have World of Warcraft as you know it without Warcraft 3!