Once you have completed the game on both easy and hard, there are several other options to keep you busy. It is possible to play online and over a LAN. Those wishing to continue to play alone will be kept amused by the random maps in the game. As with multiplay, all sorts of options are available ranging from the size of the map to the type of races in the game. The maps vary in difficulty and terrain as well. They make an excellent training ground for multiplayer and can be challenging. Those of you who own both a Mac (X & 9.1) and a PC will be pleased to note that the game is cross-platform in one box. Frequently it is possible to find the game with the PC games at a cheaper price than in the Mac section.

I would be amiss if I did not mention the credits to the game. They include "outtakes" and "deleted scenes" from the game as if it were a movie. They are worth watching for all the subtle gags in them as well as certain teasers. Should you become really bored there is a world editor as well, with a high level of customization allowed.

Blizzard has once again made a genre-defining game. One that combines RTS with RPG in a compelling storyline that will keep the gamer occupied for hours on end. Blizzard may not be the most prolific of game designers but they certainly make their output worth the wait. WCIII is a highly recommended title that deserves a place in every Mac gamers collection. I am sure this will keep the most avid gamer busy until the release of their next title, World of Warcraft.

(***** out of *****)