Blizzard Entertainment unveiled at the 2008 Blizzard Worldwide Invitationals the Tidings of Doom cinematic that thrilled fans of the epic galactic-struggle storyline. However, that sneak peek was a placeholder. In April 19, 2010 — during the Press Invite Event in their Irvine headquarters, Blizzard provided us the revamped version of the Tidings of Doom cinematic with improved graphics, textures and a different dialogue between Jim Raynor and Zeratul.
We finally see what that intriguing concept art was about. It’s an “Ihan Crystal” that serves as some kind of memory database with a holographic projector. It locks within the fate of creation. Information that Zeratul risked his life to attain, and forwarded it to Jim Raynor. Zeratul thinks only Jim Raynor will be able to complete this mission. The fate of creation lies in Jim Raynor’s hands, and it seems the only spark of hope for the universe is Kerrigan the Queen of Blades. Say whoa? Our worst enemy shall be the key to victory?
Zeratul: James Raynor. I bring tidings of doom.
Raynor: Zeratul!?
Zeratul: I’ve pierced the veil of the future, and beheld only oblivion. Yet, one spark of hope remains. You will hold her life in your hands, and though justice demands that she dies for her crimes, only she can save us.
Raynor: Wait a second. You are talking about Kerrigan. It’s been four years. You show up out of nowhere and —
(Zeratul grabs Raynor’s arm, and places his right hand upon Raynor’s)
Zeratul: Time is short. You must understand. The answers you seek, lie within. Study it well. The fate of creation hangs in the balance.
(Zeratul steps back and fades away into the shadows, leaving behind an astonished Raynor)
Raynor: … nice to see you too.
The novel written by Christie Golden in 2008 plays a very important role in the StarCraft II Single Player episodes as a prologue to the game. StarCraft: The Dark Templar revealed the Xel’Naga did not abandon the Protoss. For Aeons, the Protoss thought they were imperfect. A failure. So unworthy, their creators departed and left them. In reality, the novel explains the Xel’Naga were creating their mean to return. Their life cycle is to be reborn in the body of their children, as their new host. The creation of the hybrids breaks this natural cycle blueprinted by the Xel’Naga, nullifying their rebirth. In the wake of the upcoming conflict against the Hybrids and a greater evil, it seems Kerrigan — a zerg/human creature — is important to save the universe.
The StarCraft: The Dark Templar trilogy ended with Zeratul chasing a creature through outer space. He witnessed the birth of this phoenix-like creature as it shed away from within a Xel’Naga Temple. Astonished, Zeratul beheld how the creature reunited with hundreds of similar beings, and followed them through a wormhole. That was the last time Zeratul was seen before BlizzCon 2009.
Zeratul has finally appeared once more fighting Kerrigan at a Xel’Naga temple, and now at the Hyperion — bringing Jim Raynor this mysterious device with a Tidings of Doom warning.
With 29 missions, and two upcoming episodes, StarCraft II presents fans an epic saga of great proportions worth of a few Oscars.
Medievaldragon, out of curiosity which of the two terms regarding to the protoss device that Zeratul handed Raynor is correct: “Ihan Crystal” or the “Xeon Crystal”? Yours is understandable coming from the firstborn name for the “Ihan-rii” aka Xel’naga, and as for “Xeon” used at SCLegacy, beats-me.
Beside the crystal device this new sweet cinematic Tidings of Doom was simply just amazing in the lore department of StarCraft. (Must say I’m jealous at those who also manage to see extended Zeratul vs. Kerrigan vid.)
Q: Although did Blizzard make any comment about the change dialogue of the older version of the scene back in 08 to this revamped one?