Click to enlarge

Blizzard has released an announcement, finalizing the number of four playable races in Warcraft III. While some fans may be disappointed at the announcement (since it was originally planned to have six, and up until recently five), this is still more than the company has even tried before. Surely the balancing act of so many races was the largest factor in the decision to only have four, as keeping the game fair for all races is a decidedly-difficult matter. Players will now be able to choose between Humans, Orcs, Night Elves, and Undead. Demons, the fifth race previously thought to be playable, will be used mainly to forward the game's plot.

Here's an excerpt from the announcement detailing each of the races:

Humans. The noble defenders of humanity continue to fight for survival in a world plagued by darkness and war. The humans concentrate their skills in the realms of martial discipline and technology. They alter their environment, use armor, weapons and machines; and domesticate animals. Human units include the Footman, Knight, Elven Priest, Elven Sorceress, Dwarven Mortar Team and Dwarven Rifleman. Human heroes include the Paladin, Arch-Mage, Half-Elven Ranger and the Dwarven Mountain King.

Orcs. The savage Orcs have rallied once again and stand ready to face the terrible demons who corrupted their society long ago. The Orcs rely on brute strength and melee combat. Units used by the Horde include the Grunt, Troll Head Hunter, Wyvern Rider, Shaman and Troll Witch Doctor. Examples of Orc heroes are the Farseer, Blade Master, Tauren Chieftain and Shadow Hunter.

Night Elves. These mysterious, shadowy beings are one of the eldest races of the world. They have emerged from their centuries-long seclusion to defend the world from the coming apocalypse. Units include the Ent, Archer, Sentinel, Assassin, Treant and Hippogryph. Elven heroes are comprised on the Keeper of the Grove, Demon Hunter, Priestess of the Moon and Arch-Druid.

Undead. The plague-ridden undead army known as the Scourge has come from the frozen wastelands of the north to topple civilization in its darkest hour. The undead Scourge is renowned for its ability to generate units on the battlefield. Corpses of fallen foes are very important to the Undead. Several abilities and spells rely on corpses as components for their spells. Undead units include Dredge, Ghoul, Banshee, Necromancer, Gargoyle and Frost Wyrm. Heroes include the Death Knight, Lich, Dread Lord and Abomination.

Blizzard Finalizes Warcraft III Races

Blizzard Entertainment (add to watch list)

WarCraft III (add to watch list)

Buy WarCraft III

Search for other Mac games news stories or browse our Mac Games News Archive.