{{Short description|1995 video game}} {{Use mdy dates|date=December 2024}} {{Infobox video game | title = Warcraft II: Tides of Darkness | image = Warcraft-2-Tides-Of-Darkness-Pc.jpg | developer = Blizzard Entertainment | publisher = {{vgrelease|NA|Davidson & Associates|EU|Zablac Entertainment}}{{Citation needed|reason=A look at box scans on MobyGames shows that WC2 was published by a number of companies in Europe e.g. Ubisoft in France or Leader in Italy. Maybe ZE was a publisher as well, but not necessarily the publisher.|date=May 2026}} | director = | producer = {{ubl|Samwise Didier|Michael Morhaime|Patrick Wyatt}} | designer = Ron Millar | programmer = {{ubl|Bob Fitch|Jesse McReynolds|Michael Morhaime}} | writer = Chris Metzen | artist = | composer = Glenn Stafford | series = ''Warcraft'' | released = '''MS-DOS, Mac OS'''<br>{{vgrelease|NA|December 5, 1995|AU|December 1995|EU|January 1996}}'''Saturn, PlayStation'''<br>{{vgrelease|EU|July 1997|NA|August 20, 1997<ref>{{Cite web |date=February 7, 1998 |title=Electronic Arts – News Room, Electronic Arts to Ship Warcraft II: The Dark Saga for the PlayStation and Sega Saturn |url=http://www.ea.com/companyinfo/press/warcraftII.html |access-date=2023-04-15 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19980207170113/http://www.ea.com/companyinfo/press/warcraftII.html |archive-date=February 7, 1998 }}</ref>}} | genre = Real-time strategy | modes = Single-player, multiplayer | platforms = MS-DOS, Classic Mac OS, Saturn, PlayStation, Windows }} '''''Warcraft II: Tides of Darkness''''' is a fantasy real-time strategy (RTS) computer game developed by Blizzard Entertainment and released for MS-DOS and Microsoft Windows in 1995 and Mac OS in 1996 by Blizzard's parent, Davidson & Associates. A sequel to ''Warcraft: Orcs & Humans'', the game was met with positive reviews and won most of the major PC gaming awards in 1996. In 1996, Blizzard released an expansion pack, ''Warcraft II: Beyond the Dark Portal'', for DOS and Mac OS, and a compilation, ''Warcraft II: The Dark Saga'', for the PlayStation and Sega Saturn. The Battle.net edition, released in 1999, included ''Warcraft II: Beyond the Dark Portal'', provided Blizzard's online gaming service, and replaced the MS-DOS version with a Windows one.

In ''Warcraft II'', as in many RTS games, players collect ''resources'' to produce buildings and units to defeat an opponent in combat. Players gain access to more advanced units upon construction of ''tech'' buildings and research. The majority of the display screen shows the part of the territory on which the player is currently operating, and, using the small mini-map, the player can select another location to view and operate on. The ''fog of war'' completely hides all territory (appears black) which the player has not explored: terrain that has been explored is always visible in gray tones, but enemy units remain visible only so long as they stay within a friendly unit's visual radius. Buildings remain displayed as the player last saw them, and do not register unobserved changes such as being built, damaged, or repaired, etc.

''Warcraft II'' was a commercial hit, with global sales above 3 million units by 2001; roughly two-thirds were sold in the United States. The game strongly influenced the company's next successful RTS, the futuristic ''StarCraft'' (1998) in gameplay, and in attention to personality<!-- this term needs to be explained --> and storyline. In 1996, Blizzard announced ''Warcraft Adventures: Lord of the Clans'', an adventure game in the ''Warcraft'' universe, but canceled the project in 1998. ''Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos'', released in 2002, used parts of ''Warcraft Adventures''' characters and storyline, but extended the gameplay used in ''Warcraft II''.

==Gameplay== ''Warcraft II'' is a real-time strategy game.<ref name=GerykHistoryOfRTSSequels /> In ''Warcraft II'' one side represents the human inhabitants of Lordaeron and allied races, and the other controls the invading orcs and their allied races.<ref name=IGNHistOfWarcWestwood /><ref name=WC2TidesUnits/> Each side tries to destroy the other by collecting resources and creating an army.<ref name=GerykHistoryOfRTSWHaO/> The game is played in a medieval setting with fantasy elements, where both sides have melee, ranged, naval and aerial units, and spellcasters.<ref name=GerykHistoryOfRTSSequels/><ref name=Csoon1996WC2Review /><ref name=WC2TidesSpells>WC2 Tides: Manual Alliance & Orc Units, pp. 48–50, 75–77</ref>

===Modes=== ''Warcraft II'' allows players to play AI opponents in separate Human and Orc campaigns, and in stand-alone scenarios.<ref name=Csoon1996WC2Review/> Most of the campaign missions follow the pattern "collect resources, build buildings and units, destroy opponents". However, some have other objectives, such as rescuing troops or forts, or escorting important characters through enemy territory.<ref name=Fielder1997DarkSaga/>

The game's map editor allows players to develop scenarios for use in multiplayer contests and against AI opponents. The editor runs under the Mac and also under either Windows 95 or, if the WinG library was installed, under Windows 3.0.<ref name=Csoon1996WC2Review/><ref name=WC2TidesMapEd/>

The scenarios can be played against the AI or in multiplayer games with up to eight players participating. The DOS version initially provided multiplayer games by null modem cable, modem or IPX, and Mac players could also play via TCP/IP or AppleTalk.<ref name=WC2TidesMultiPlay/> Blizzard quickly released a facility to connect with Kali, which allows programs to access the Web by means of IPX.<ref name=GerykHistoryOfRTSSequels/>

===Economy and war=== ''Warcraft II'' requires players to collect resources and to produce buildings and units to defeat an opponent in combat. The Human Town Hall and Orc Great Hall produce basic workers that dig gold from mines and chop wood from forests and then deliver them to their halls.<ref name=WC2TidesUnits/> Both buildings can be upgraded twice, each increasing usable resources per load from the workers.<ref name=WC2TidesBuildings/> Players can also construct shipyards, which can produce both combat ships and oil tankers. These tankers build construction offshore oil platforms and then deliver the oil to buildings on the shoreline. As all three resources are non-renewable, players must use them efficiently.<ref name=WC2TidesBuildings/><ref name=AvaultWC2Review/> This can lead to creative thinking regarding forests as both a source of lumber and a means of forcing the enemy to go around it.<ref name=BlizzBNetGenStratWall/>

Workers can also construct farms, each of which provides food for up to four units, and additional units cannot be produced until enough farms are built.<ref name=WC2TidesBuildings/> Farms, being very tough for their cost, are also employed as defensive walls.<ref name=BlizzBNetGenStratWall/>

Humans and Orcs have sets of buildings with similar functions, but different names and graphics, for producing ground, naval, and air units.<ref name=GerykHistoryOfRTSSequels/> All but basic combat units require the assistance of other buildings or must be produced at buildings that have prerequisite buildings, or both.<ref name=WC2TidesBuildings/><ref name=WC2TidesDeps/> Many buildings can upgrade combat units.<ref name=Fielder1997DarkSaga/> When advanced units appear, the Orcs have a strong advantage in ground combat, while the Humans have the more powerful fleet and spellcasters.<ref name=BlizzardStratWC2OrcVsHum/> The most advanced ground combatants on each side can be upgraded and taught some spells, which are different for the two sides.<ref name=WC2TidesPalAndOgMage/> Some campaign missions feature hero units, which are more powerful than normal units of the same type, have unique pictures and names, and must not die, as that causes the failure of the mission.<ref name=GameSpotRevDarkPortalPC/>

===User interface=== thumb|right|In the largest area of the screen, to the right, the Orcs (the player's, in blue) attack a Human town and its defenders (red). The flaming buildings are close to collapse, and the burnt ground to their right is the remains of a razed building. This is a winter map, and the ice enables ground units to walk over the shallow part of the sea. The main screen has five areas:<ref name=WC2TidesUserInt/> * Along the top are the menu button and counts of the player's resources: gold from gold mines, wood from trees, oil from oil patches and food from farms * The largest area of the screen, to the right, shows the part of the territory on which the player is currently operating. This enables the player to select friendly units and buildings. * The top left is the mini-map, which shows the whole territory at smaller scale and highlights the part on which the player is currently operating. By clicking or dragging in the mini-map, the player can select another location to appear in the larger display. * The unit descriptions in the area in middle on the left shows the units and/or buildings. If units of the same type are selected, this area have an icon for each unit, showing the unit's vital statistics including the unit's health. * If a single unit or building is selected, the area at the bottom left shows the actions the object can perform and all completed upgrades that apply to this type of unit or building.

Initially most of the main map and mini-map are blacked out, but the visible area expands as the player's units explore the map. The fog of war completely hides all territory which the player has not explored and shows only terrain but hides opponents units and buildings if none of the player's units are present there.<ref name=WC2TidesUserInt/>

All functions can be invoked by both the mouse and shortcut keys, including game setup, the menu options and some gameplay functions, including scrolling and pausing the game. Units and buildings can be selected by clicking or bandboxing (i.e. using the mouse to draw a box around the units to be selected), and then their actions can be controlled by the mouse or keys.<ref name=WC2TidesUserInt/>

==Storyline== ===The Second War=== The First War brought the Fall of Azeroth, following the Orc campaign in ''Warcraft: Orcs & Humans''. The survivors of Azeroth have fled by sea to the Human kingdom of Lordaeron, and the Orcs have decided to conquer Lordaeron, in what is known as the Second War. Both sides have acquired allies and new capabilities, including naval and air units, and more powerful spellcasters.<ref name=WC2TidesUnits/>

In the Second War, the Orcs are successful at first, but the Humans and their allies take the initiative,<ref name=WC3ReignDarkPortal/> partly thanks to an Orc rebellion initiated by the warlock Gul'dan, who seeks to raise the sunken Tomb of Sargeras.<ref name=WC2TidesAftermath/> Eventually, the Alliance forces push the Horde to Blackrock Spire, but Anduin Lothar, commander of the Alliance, is slain there.<ref>{{cite video game | title = WarCraft II: Tides of Darkness | developer = Blizzard Entertainment | year = 1995 | platform = PC | level = Human Campaign, mission 13: "Assault on Blackrock Spire"}}</ref> At the final battle around the Dark Portal in Azeroth,<ref name=WC3ReignDarkPortal/> the Alliance exterminates one Orc clan and captures the Orc supreme commander and the remnants of his forces. Hoping to avoid further invasions, the Alliance destroys the Dark Portal.<ref name=WC2TidesAftermath/>

The game's narrative is continued in the expansion pack ''Warcraft II: Beyond the Dark Portal''.

==Development== {{See also|Warcraft II: Beyond the Dark Portal#Development}} After seeing the excellent response to ''Warcraft: Orcs & Humans'', released in November 1994, Blizzard Entertainment started working on ''Warcraft II: Tides of Darkness''. Development began in February 1995,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespot.com/gamespot/features/pc/blizzard/p2_07.html |title=GameSpot Presents: Eye of the Storm – A Million Orcs |last=Keighley |first=Geoffrey |work=GameSpot |publisher=CNET Networks, Inc. |access-date=May 11, 2010}}</ref> and the game was released in North America and Australia on December&nbsp;5, 1995,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wooley |first=Susan |date=December 5, 1995 |title='Warcraft II: Tides of Darkness' Now Available |url=https://www.blizzardarchive.com/pub/index.php?id=press951205 |access-date=April 20, 2024 |website=Blizzard Archive}}</ref> and by Zablac Entertainment in Europe in January 1996 for MS-DOS, with a port for Mac&nbsp;OS releasing in August 1996.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Roca Jr. |first=Michael |title=Review – Warcraft 2: Tides of Darkness |url=http://www.macgamer.com/features/?id=627 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20021101180721/http://www.macgamer.com/features/?id=627 |archive-date=November 1, 2002 |access-date=June 17, 2010 |website=MacGamer}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=December 21, 1995 |title=Latest Hot Titles! |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/122842102 |access-date=April 20, 2024 |work=The Age |pages=46 |quote=''Warcraft II''//$89.95}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=April 16, 1996 |title=Games |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/752011190 |access-date=April 20, 2024 |work=The Daily Telegraph |pages=50 |quote=''Warcraft 2'' (Zablac, £39.99), which appeared in January, is in my view the best example yet, mainly for its delightful graphics and fantastic creatures.}}</ref> <!-- Industry commentators found this "astounding",{{Citation needed|date=May 2010}} and **** could not re-find the source **** --> Blizzard later explained that the small budgets of the time allowed short development times.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespot.com/gamespot/features/pc/blizzard/p2_07.html |title=GameSpot Presents: Eye of the Storm – Ogre Entertainment |last=Keighley |first=Geoffrey |work=GameSpot |publisher=CNET Networks, Inc. |access-date=May 11, 2010}}</ref> The response to ''Warcraft: Orcs & Humans'' also allowed Blizzard to recruit additional top-class developers.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespot.com/gamespot/features/pc/blizzard/p2_05.html |title=GameSpot Presents: Eye of the Storm – Passing Muster |last=Keighley |first=Geoffrey |work=GameSpot |publisher=CNET Networks, Inc. |access-date=May 10, 2010 |archive-date=February 13, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100213213558/http://www.gamespot.com/gamespot/features/pc/blizzard/p2_05.html |url-status=dead}}</ref> The company's initial design combined modern and fantasy elements, such as fighter pilots ambushed by a fire-breathing dragon. However, they found that this was unsatisfactory, and that there was plenty of content for a fantasy RTS.<ref name=FahsHistWCWestwood/> The initial release of ''Warcraft&nbsp;II: Tides of Darkness'' ran over a local area network using IPX but not over the Internet communications protocol TCP/IP. Kali, which used the Internet as if it was a local area network, became very popular and Blizzard quickly provided to players a program that made it easy to set up multiplayer ''Warcraft&nbsp;II'' games using Kali.<ref name=GerykHistoryOfRTSSequels/>

In 1996 Blizzard published ''Warcraft II: Beyond the Dark Portal'', an expansion pack initially contracted out to Cyberlore Studios. This contract was cancelled, as Blizzard, unhappy after a milestone check-in, moved development in-house.<ref>{{cite web |last=Craddock |first=David L. |title=How a Diablo Expansion Led to Behind the Scenes Trouble |url=https://www.polygon.com/features/2018/6/29/17517376/diablo-hellfire-expansion-behind-the-scenes-trouble |website=Polygon |access-date=November 5, 2019 |date=June 29, 2018}}</ref> The expansion introduced new Human and Orc campaigns, featuring new and much more powerful heroes.<ref name=GameSpotRevDarkPortalPC/> Later that year the company released ''Warcraft&nbsp;II: Battle Chest'', a compilation of ''Tides of Darkness'' and ''Beyond the Dark Portal'', for DOS and Windows&nbsp;3.<ref name=IGNWC2BatCh/>

Several non-canon expansion packs were released; these expansion packs are not a part of the human and orc campaign story. In 1996 WizardWorks published ''W!Zone'', an expansion pack developed by Sunstorm Interactive, Inc. and authorized by Blizzard Entertainment. It was followed by ''W!Zone&nbsp;II: Retribution'', an expansion pack published by WizardWorks and authorized by Blizzard Entertainment.{{citation needed|date=May 2021}} In 1997 Maverick Software published ''The Next 70 Levels'', an expansion pack developed by Maverick Software and authorized by Blizzard Entertainment. It was followed by ''The Next 350 Levels'', an expansion pack published by Maverick Software and authorized by Blizzard Entertainment{{citation needed|date=May 2021}}

Blizzard sold exclusive worldwide rights to develop, publish, and distribute console versions of the game to Electronic Arts.<ref>{{cite magazine |title=In the Studio |magazine=Next Generation |issue=23 |publisher=Imagine Media |date=November 1996 |page=17}}</ref> In 1997 Electronic Arts published ''Warcraft&nbsp;II: The Dark Saga'' for the Sony PlayStation and Sega Saturn, which combined the campaigns of ''Warcraft&nbsp;II: Tides of Darkness'' and ''Warcraft&nbsp;II: Beyond the Dark Portal''. This port was developed by Climax. ''The Dark Saga'' also allowed players to automate upgrade of buildings and production of units and to select more troops at once, facilities that were not extended to the DOS and Mac versions.<ref name=Fielder1997DarkSaga/><ref name=GameSpotRevBattle.net/> Early betas of ''The Dark Saga'' included a working two-player mode, which used the consoles' respective link cable peripherals, but Electronic Arts eliminated this feature before the final release.<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Warcraft II: The Dark Saga: The Best Strategy Game Ever? |magazine=Electronic Gaming Monthly |issue=96 |publisher=Ziff Davis |date=July 1997 |pages=102–103}}</ref>

In 1999 Blizzard published the ''Warcraft II: Battle.net Edition'' for Windows and Mac, which combined the original game and the expansion pack, retained the Macintosh facilities and replaced the DOS version with a Windows version that included Blizzard's online service, Battle.net, for multiplayer games.<ref name="IGN-WC2-Battlenet" /> After considering new content, Blizzard preferred to make it easy for new and older fans to play each other. ''Battle.net Edition'' included some user interface enhancements from ''StarCraft''&nbsp;– a hot key to center on events, assigning numbers to groups of units, and double-clicking to select all units of a type. However, they excluded production queues and waypoints.<ref name="GameSpotRevBattle.net" /><!-- GameSpot said "because they would affect the dynamic of the original game", whatever that meant -->

The game, including ''Beyond the Dark Portal'', was remastered along with ''Warcraft: Orc and Humans'' in November 2024.<ref>{{Cite news |author1=Wes Fenlon |date=November 13, 2024 |title=Blizzard surprise launches Warcraft 2 and Warcraft 1 remasters today with 'hand-drawn visuals, UI improvements', and more |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/games/rts/warcraft-1-2-remastered-announced-release-date/ |access-date=2024-11-23 |work=PC Gamer |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Reporter |first=Matt Wales News |date=November 13, 2024 |title=Blizzard's Warcraft 1 & 2 remasters are official and out now on PC |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/blizzards-warcraft-1-2-remasters-are-official-and-out-now-on-pc |access-date=2024-11-23 |website=Eurogamer |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Valentine |first=Rebekah |date=November 13, 2024 |title=Warcraft 1 and 2 Remasters Shadow-Dropped With Improved Graphics, Quality-of-Life Improvements, and Other New Features |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/warcraft-1-and-2-remasters-shadow-dropped-with-improved-graphics-quality-of-life-improvements-and-other-new-features |access-date=2024-11-23 |website=IGN |language=en}}</ref>

==Reception== ===Sales=== ''Warcraft II'' debuted at No. 2 on PC Data's monthly computer game sales chart for December 1995, behind ''Myst''.<ref>{{cite journal | author=Staff | title=Leaderboard | journal=PC Entertainment | date=April 1996 | issue=28 | page=20 }}</ref> It held the spot in January 1996, but dropped to No. 3 in its third month.<ref>{{cite news | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180402042226/http://articles.courant.com/1996-04-01/news/9604010023_1_computer-game-game-phenomenon-francisco-based-game-developer/3 | url=https://www.courant.com/1996/04/01/computer-games-no-longer-just-for-children/ | title=Computer Games No Longer Just For Children | date=April 1, 1996 | archive-date=April 2, 2018 | page=3 | newspaper=Hartford Courant | author=Moran, John M. | url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180402042704/http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/1996-05-04/lifestyle/9605021498_1_ms-dos-cd-rom-cd-mpc | url=https://www.orlandosentinel.com/1996/05/04/best-selling-titles-games-ms-doswindows-3/ | title=Best-selling Titles: Games MS-DOS/Windows | author=Staff | newspaper=Orlando Sentinel | archive-date=April 2, 2018 | date=May 4, 1994 | url-status=live }}</ref> The game stayed in PC Data's top 3 from April through October,<ref name=apr1996>{{cite news | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180402211056/http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/1996-06-29/lifestyle/9606270660_1_ms-dos-cd-rom-cd-win95 | url=https://www.orlandosentinel.com/1996/06/29/top-software-best-selling-titles-games/ | title=Top Software Best-selling Titles: Games | date=June 29, 1996 | author=Staff | archive-date=April 2, 2018 | newspaper=Hartford Courant | url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19970205063051/http://www.gamecenter.com/News/Item/0,3,140,00.html | url=http://www.gamecenter.com:80/News/Item/0,3,140,00.html | title=June's top 30 games | author=GamerX | date=August 8, 1996 | work=CNET Gamecenter | archive-date=February 5, 1997 | url-status=dead | access-date=November 11, 2018 | df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref name=aug1996>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19970205061646/http://www.gamecenter.com/News/Item/0,3,137,00.html | url=http://www.gamecenter.com:80/News/Item/0,3,137,00.html | title=August's top 30 games | author=GamerX | date=September 27, 1996 | work=CNET Gamecenter | archive-date=February 5, 1997 | url-status=dead | access-date=November 11, 2018 | df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref name=oct1996>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19970205055806/http://www.gamecenter.com/News/Item/0,3,348,00.html | url=http://www.gamecenter.com:80/News/Item/0,3,348,00.html | title=October's top 30 games | author=GamerX | date=November 27, 1996 | archive-date=February 5, 1997 | work=CNET Gamecenter | url-status=dead | access-date=November 11, 2018 | df=mdy-all}}</ref> securing first place in April, August and September.<ref name=apr1996 /><ref name=aug1996 /><ref name=oct1996 /> After falling to No. 5 in November, it exited the top 10 the following month.<ref>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19970205054929/http://www.gamecenter.com/News/Item/0,3,444,00.html | url=http://www.gamecenter.com:80/News/Item/0,3,444,00.html | title=November's 30 best-sellers | author=GamerX | date=January 10, 1997 | archive-date=February 5, 1997 | work=CNET Gamecenter | url-status=dead | access-date=November 11, 2018 | df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine | author=Staff | magazine=Computer Gaming World | title=PC Data Best-Sellers |date=April 1997 | issue=153 | pages=32}}</ref> ''Warcraft II'' achieved worldwide sales of 500,000 units within three months of release,<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://blizzard.com/library/docs/96-03-18.htm |title=Media Alert |access-date=November 11, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19961030103504/http://blizzard.com/library/docs/96-03-18.htm |archive-date=October 30, 1996 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name=timeline>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020402064219/http://www.blizzard.com/blizz-anniversary/ | url=http://www.blizzard.com:80/blizz-anniversary/ | title=Blizzard Entertainment – 10th Anniversary Feature | at=Blizzard Timeline | publisher=Blizzard Entertainment | date=February 5, 2001 | archive-date=April 2, 2002 | access-date=November 11, 2018 | url-status=live | df=mdy-all }}</ref> and of over 1.2&nbsp;million by November.<ref>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19970205055937/http://www.gamecenter.com/News/Item/0,3,308,00.html | url=http://www.gamecenter.com:80/News/Item/0,3,308,00.html | title=The ''Warcraft'' treasure chest | author=Mooney, Shane | date=November 20, 1996 | archive-date=February 5, 1997 | work=CNET Gamecenter | url-status=dead | access-date=November 11, 2018 | df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.blizzard.com/library/docs/961030w2.htm |title=Media Alert |access-date=November 11, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19961220071733/http://www.blizzard.com/library/docs/961030w2.htm |archive-date=December 20, 1996 |url-status=dead }}</ref> This made it the world's most commercially successful computer game of the year as of November, according to PC Data.<ref>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19970606042715/http://www.next-generation.com/news/110996d.chtml | url=http://www.next-generation.com:80/news/110996d.chtml | title=''WarCraft II'' Number One in '96 | date=November 9, 1996 | author=Staff | work=Next Generation | archive-date=June 6, 1997 | url-status=dead | access-date=November 11, 2018 | df=mdy-all }}</ref> In the United States, it was the second-best-selling computer game of 1996, again behind ''Myst''.<ref>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180402225434/https://www.csmonitor.com/1997/0227/022797.news.news.1.html | url=https://www.csmonitor.com/1997/0227/022797.news.news.1.html | title=News In Brief | author=Kilborn, Robert; Hanson, Cynthia; Hodges, Debbie | date=February 27, 1997 | archive-date=April 2, 2018 | work=Christian Science Monitor | url-status=live }}</ref> The game sold 835,680 copies and earned $34.5&nbsp;million in the region for the year.<ref>{{cite news | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160518142834/http://articles.latimes.com/1997-03-03/business/fi-34360_1_pc-game | url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1997-03-03-fi-34360-story.html | title=''Myst'' Opportunities: Game Makers Narrow Their Focus to Search for the Next Blockbuster | date=March 3, 1997 | author=Miller, Greg | newspaper=Los Angeles Times | archive-date=May 18, 2016 | url-status=live}}</ref> To capitalize on this success, Blizzard released the ''Warcraft Battlechest'' on November 11,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.blizzard.com/library/docs/961111bc.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19961220071721/http://www.blizzard.com/library/docs/961111bc.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=December 20, 1996|title=Media Alert|date=December 20, 1996|access-date=May 31, 2018}}</ref> which bundled ''Warcraft: Orcs & Humans'' with ''Warcraft II'' and the ''Beyond the Dark Portal'' add-on.<ref>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19970606042632/http://www.next-generation.com/news/111296d.chtml | url=http://www.next-generation.com:80/news/111296d.chtml | title=Blizzard Unleashes Battle Chest | date=November 12, 1996 | work=Next Generation | archive-date=June 6, 1997 | url-status=dead | access-date=November 11, 2018 | df=mdy-all }}</ref>

''Warcraft II'' claimed position 13 in PC Data's monthly sales rankings for January 1997, while the ''Warcraft Battlechest'' SKU took sixth place.<ref name=feb1997>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19970720063036/http://www.gamecenter.com/News/Item/0,3,760,00.html | url=http://www.gamecenter.com:80/News/Item/0,3,760,00.html | title=February's 30 best-sellers | author=GamerX | date=April 15, 1997 | archive-date=July 20, 1997 | work=CNET Gamecenter | url-status=dead | access-date=November 11, 2018 | df=mdy-all }}</ref> The original game exited the top 20 after a 16th-place finish in February.<ref name=feb1997 /><ref name=mar1997>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20000306101157/http://headline.gamespot.com/news/97_05/01_pcdatamar/index.html | url=http://headline.gamespot.com:80/news/97_05/01_pcdatamar/index.html | title=PC Data Releases Monthly Numbers | work=GameSpot | author=Lee, Helen | date=May 1, 1997 | archive-date=March 6, 2000 | url-status=dead | access-date=November 11, 2018 | df=mdy-all }}</ref> However, the ''Battlechest'' consistently continued to chart through May,<ref name=feb1997 /><ref name=mar1997 /><ref>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19970720040931/http://www.gamecenter.com/News/Item/0,3,973,00.html | url=http://www.gamecenter.com:80/News/Item/0,3,973,00.html | title=May's 30 best-sellers | date=July 10, 1997 | author=GamerX | archive-date=July 20, 1997 | work=CNET Gamecenter | url-status=live | access-date=November 11, 2018 | df=mdy-all }}</ref> peaking at ninth in February.<ref name=feb1997 /> After an absence in June, it returned to the top 10 for two months,<ref>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19990223210755/http://www.gamecenter.com/News/Item/0,3,1091,00.html | url=http://www.gamecenter.com:80/News/Item/0,3,1091,00.html | title=July's 30 Best-Sellers | date=August 29, 1997 | author=GamerX | archive-date=February 23, 1999 | work=CNET Gamecenter | url-status=dead | access-date=November 11, 2018 | df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref name=sept1997>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19990117030359/http://www.gamecenter.com/News/Item/0,3,1278,00.html | url=http://www.gamecenter.com:80/News/Item/0,3,1278,00.html | title=September's 30 Best-Sellers | author=GamerX | date=November 6, 1997 | archive-date=January 17, 1999 | work=CNET Gamecenter | url-status=dead | access-date=November 11, 2018 | df=mdy-all }}</ref> before falling to No. 16 in September and exiting PC Data's top 20 in October.<ref name=sept1997 /><ref>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19990210083600/http://www.gamecenter.com/News/Item/0,3,1331,00.html | url=http://www.gamecenter.com:80/News/Item/0,3,1331,00.html | title=October's Best-Sellers | date=November 26, 1997 | author=GamerX | work=CNET Gamecenter | archive-date=February 10, 1999 | url-status=dead | access-date=November 11, 2018 | df=mdy-all }}</ref> The ''Warcraft Battlechest'' was the United States' 17th-highest computer game seller of the year, with sales of 262,911 units.<ref>{{cite journal |author=Staff |date=April 1998 |volume=5 |issue=4 |title=The Best-Selling Games of 1997 |journal=PC Gamer US |page=44}}</ref>

By April 1998, ''Warcraft II''{{'}}s basic SKU had sold 1.02&nbsp;million units and earned $39.8&nbsp;million in revenue in the United States. This led PC Data to declare it the country's sixth-best-selling computer game for the period between January 1993 and April 1998.<ref name=1993-1998>{{cite magazine | author=Staff | title=Player Stats: Top 10 Best-Selling Games, 1993 – Present | date=September 1998 | issue=170 | magazine=Computer Gaming World | page=52 }}</ref> ''Warcraft II'' as a whole reached 2 million global sales by July 1998,<ref>{{cite press release | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19990127120623/http://www.blizzard.com/press/980713wp.htm | url=http://www.blizzard.com:80/press/980713wp.htm | title=''Warcraft II'' Comes to Battle.net with New Platinum Edition |date=July 10, 1998 |archive-date=January 27, 1999 |publisher=Blizzard Entertainment |location=Irvine, California |url-status=dead |access-date=November 11, 2018 }}</ref> and passed 2.5&nbsp;million by year's end.<ref name=timeline /> By September 1999, it had sold 1,250,675 units in the United States alone, which led PC Data to declare it the country's sixth-best-selling computer game since January 1993.<ref>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20000302112243/http://pc.ign.com/news/11728.html | url=http://pc.ign.com:80/news/11728.html | title=PC Data Top Games of All Time | date=November 1, 1999 | author=IGN Staff | work=IGN | archive-date=March 2, 2000 | url-status=dead | access-date=November 11, 2018 | df=mdy-all }}</ref> Sales continued the following month, when the ''Warcraft II Battle.net Edition'' SKU finished 20th for October in the country.<ref>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20000310025359/http://headline.gamespot.com/news/99_11/19_pc_pcdata/index.html | url=http://headline.gamespot.com:80/news/99_11/19_pc_pcdata/index.html |title=''Age II'' Takes October by Storm |date=November 19, 1999 | author=Mullen, Micheal | work=GameSpot | archive-date=March 10, 2000 | url-status=dead | access-date=November 11, 2018 | df=mdy-all }}</ref> As of 2001, worldwide sales of ''Warcraft II'' had surpassed 3 million units, with two-thirds derived from the United States.<ref>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020402064219/http://www.blizzard.com/blizz-anniversary/ | url=http://www.blizzard.com:80/blizz-anniversary/ | title=Blizzard Entertainment – 10th Anniversary Feature |at=Frank: ''Warcraft''! |publisher=Blizzard Entertainment |date=February 5, 2001 |archive-date=April 2, 2002 | access-date=November 11, 2018 |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Critical reviews=== {{Video game reviews | title = Warcraft II: Tides of Darkness (1995–96) <!-- Aggregators --> | GR = 95%<ref name=GameRankingsWC2Ranking/> <!-- Reviews --> | CGW = 4.5/5<ref name=cgwrev>{{cite magazine | author=Cirulis, Martin E. | title=More Orcs and Humans | date=March 1996 | issue=140 | magazine=Computer Gaming World | pages=206, 208 }}</ref> | GameRev = 91%<ref name=GameRevolutionWC2RevPC/> | GSpot = 93% <!-- (''Warcraft II: Tides of Darkness'') --><ref name=Dulin1996WC2Review/> | NGen = 5/5 (PC)<ref name=NGen15/> | rev1 = ''The Adrenaline Vault'' | rev1Score = 91<ref name=AvaultWC2Review/> | rev2 = ''Computer Games Magazine'' | rev2Score = 4.5/5<ref name=cgm/> | rev3 = ''Entertainment Weekly'' | rev3Score = A<ref name=EWcom1996WC2Review/> | rev4 = ''Arcane'' | rev4Score = 8/10<ref name=Arcane3/> | rev5 = ''Macworld'' | rev5Score = 4/5<ref name=macworldreviews /> | rev6 = ''MacUser'' | rev6Score = 4.5/5<ref name=top50-2>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20000605071936/http://macuser.zdnet.com/mu_1296/features/cdrom/feature.html | url=http://macuser.zdnet.com:80/mu_1296/features/cdrom/feature.html | title=''MacUser''{{'}}s 1996 Top 50 CD-ROMs | author=((The Editors of ''MacUser'')) | date=December 1996 | archive-date=June 5, 2000 | at=Games | url-status=dead | access-date=November 11, 2018 | df=mdy-all }}</ref> }}

''Warcraft II: Tides of Darkness'' earned enthusiastic reviews, elevating Blizzard to the elite along with Westwood Studios, id Software and LucasArts.<ref name=IGNWC2Review/> The rivalry between Blizzard's series and Westwood Studios' ''Command & Conquer'' series fueled the RTS boom of the late 1990s.<ref name=FahsHistWCWestwood/><ref name=IGNWC2Review/>

In 1996 ''GameSpot'', ''Next Generation'', and ''Computer Games Magazine'' regarded the AI as better than in ''Warcraft: Orcs & Humans'',<ref name=Dulin1996WC2Review/><ref name=NGen15/> and ''Computer Games Magazine'' also said that ''Warcraft II'' "surpasses the original game in almost every way".<ref name=cgm/> ''GameSpot'' approved how the innovative fog of war forced players to scout continuously,<ref name=Dulin1996WC2Review/> and IGN's retroview agreed.<ref name=IGNWC2Review/> ''Next Generation'' said that the new units and resources open up a multitude of strategic possibilities, but that the game's greatest improvement over the original ''Warcraft'' is its intuitive new control system, which allows players to select multiple units at once and access command menus by right-clicking.<ref name=NGen15>{{cite magazine |title=Tsunami |magazine=Next Generation |issue=15 |publisher=Imagine Media |date=March 1996 |page=91}}</ref> ''The Adrenaline Vault'' noted that players must manage their resources, as all resources run out.<ref name=AvaultWC2Review/> ''GameSpot''{{'}}s retrospective review was enthusiastic about the variety of strategies that players with different styles can use,<ref name=GameSpotWC2OneOfAllTime/> and The Adrenaline Vault noted that maps set in winter often allow ground units to walk on the ice.<ref name=AvaultWC2Review/> ''Macworld''{{'}}s Michael Gowen wrote: "This game set the standard for the genre and still represents one of the best titles available. If you haven't played it, you have missed something."<ref name=macworldreviews>{{cite web |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010810062339/http://www.macworld.com/1999/02/games/games.html |url=http://www.macworld.com:80/1999/02/games/games.html |title=Name Your Game; From Goofy to Gory, ''Macworld'' Reviews 48 Ways to Play |author=Gowan, Michael |work=Macworld |date=February 1999 |archive-date=August 10, 2001 |url-status=dead |access-date=November 11, 2018 }}</ref>

Andy Butcher reviewed ''Warcraft 2: Tides of Darkness'' for ''Arcane'' magazine, commenting that "''Warcraft&nbsp;2'' is a great game. Despite its limitations, it's challenging, fun, easy to get into, and very addictive. The ability to play either side means that there are a vast number of missions on offer, and a level designer gives yet more longevity."<ref name=Arcane3>{{cite journal |last=Butcher |first=Andy |date=February 1996 |title=Games Reviews |journal=Arcane |publisher=Future Publishing |issue=3 |pages=77}}</ref>

''PC Gamer US'' named ''Warcraft II'' the best game of 1995. The editors called it an "easy" choice, and wrote that "''Warcraft&nbsp;II'' stand[s] out&nbsp;— way out&nbsp;— as the most impressive, most entertaining, game of 1995". The magazine also presented ''Warcraft&nbsp;II'' with the award for 1995's "Best Multi-Player Game".<ref>{{cite journal |date=March 1996 | title=The Year's Best Games | pages=64, 65, 67, 68, 71, 73–75 | journal=PC Gamer US | author=((Editors of ''PC Gamer'')) | volume=3 | issue=3 }}</ref> The editors of ''Macworld'' gave the game their 1996 "Best Strategy Game" award.<ref>{{cite web |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030108183053/http://www.macworld.com/1997/01/features/3158.html |url=http://www.macworld.com:80/1997/01/features/3158.html |title=1997 Macintosh Game Hall of Fame |author=Levy, Steven |author-link=Steven Levy |work=Macworld |date=January 1997 |archive-date=January 8, 2003 |url-status=dead |access-date=November 11, 2018 }}</ref> It also won ''Computer Game Review''{{'}}s 1995 "Military Sim of the Year" award, tied with ''Steel Panthers''.<ref>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19961018151714/http://www.nuke.com/cgr/features/9604/yir1995.htm | url=http://www.nuke.com:80/cgr/features/9604/yir1995.htm |title=''CGR''{{'}}s Year in Review |date=April 1996 |archive-date=October 18, 1996 |author=Staff |work=Computer Game Review |url-status=dead |access-date=November 11, 2018 }}</ref> The same year, ''Next Generation'' listed it as number&nbsp;10 on their "Top 100 Games of All Time", explaining that "The strategy is complex, the classy SVGA graphics keep the player in touch with everything that's going on, and ''WarCraft&nbsp;II'' features the best use of sampled speech we've ever experienced."<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Top 100 Games of All Time |magazine=Next Generation |issue=21 |publisher=Imagine Media |date=September 1996 |page=68}}</ref> ''Warcraft&nbsp;II'' was a runner-up for ''Computer Gaming World''{{'}}s 1995 "Strategy Game of the Year" award, which ultimately went to ''Command & Conquer'' and ''Heroes of Might and Magic'' (tie). The editors wrote that ''Warcraft&nbsp;II'' "will keep you glued to the computer for hours on end" and noted that it "could have won had the competition not been so strong".<ref>{{cite magazine |author=Staff |title=The Computer Gaming World 1996 Premier Awards |magazine=Computer Gaming World |issue=143 |date=June 1996 |pages=55, 56, 58, 60, 62, 64, 66, 67}}</ref> ''MacUser'' declared ''Warcraft&nbsp;II'' one of 1996's top 50 CD-ROMs.<ref name=top50-2/> In 1996, ''Computer Gaming World'' declared ''Warcraft&nbsp;II'' the 28th-best computer game ever released.<ref>{{cite magazine | author=Staff |title=150 Best (and 50 Worst) Games of All Time |magazine=Computer Gaming World |date=November 1996 |issue=148 |pages=63–65, 68, 72, 74, 76, 78, 80, 84, 88, 90, 94, 98 }}</ref> In 1996, GamesMaster ranked the game 38th on their "Top 100 Games of All Time".<ref>{{Cite journal |date=July 1996 |title=Top 100 Games of All Time |url=https://retrocdn.net/images/c/cf/GamesMaster_UK_044.pdf |journal=GamesMaster |issue=44 |pages=77}}</ref>

The IGN review considered ''WarCraft II'' in general a well-balanced game,<ref name=IGNWC2Review/> but ''GameSpot''{{'}}s retrospective review regarded Ogre-Mages with the Bloodlust spell as too powerful.<ref name=WC2TidesPalAndOgMage/><ref name=GameSpotWC2OneOfAllTime/> IGN found that searching for the survivors of a defeated opponent could be tedious, and that the first few missions were very easy, although the final ones were challenging.<ref name=IGNWC2Review/>

In 1996 ''GameSpot'', ''Computer Games Magazine'' and ''Entertainment Weekly'' praised the SVGA graphics.<ref name=cgm/><ref name=EWcom1996WC2Review/><ref name=Dulin1996WC2Review/> The retrospective reviews by IGN and ''GameSpot'' enjoyed smaller details, such as the increasingly humorous responses when a player's units were repeatedly clicked,<ref name=IGNWC2Review/><ref name=GameSpotWC2OneOfAllTime/> the "critters" that wandered around, and the detonating of sappers/bombers.<ref name=IGNWC2Review/> ''WarCraft&nbsp;II'' won most of the major PC gaming awards in 1996 and sold millions of copies. Players were still playing in 2002, on DOS or using the Battle.net edition.<ref name=IGNWC2Review/>

''Pyramid'' magazine reviewed ''Warcraft II: Tides of Darkness'' and stated that "In this real-time fantasy wargame, Orcs and humans vie for control over the land of Azeroth. This time the battle wages not only on the ground, but in the sea and air as well. The first ''Warcraft'' game was a great game in its own right, and the sequel is even better."<ref name="Pyramid19">{{cite journal | last = |first = | title = Pyramid: Pyramid Pick: Warcraft II: Tides of Darkness | journal = Pyramid | issue = 19 | pages = |date=May 1996}}</ref>

In 1998, ''PC Gamer'' declared it the 9th-best computer game ever released, and the editors called it "a sequel that isn't just more of the same; it's bigger and better in every way".<ref>{{Cite magazine |editor-first=Jim| editor-last=Flynn |date=October 1998 |title=The 50 Best Games Ever |magazine=PC Gamer US |volume=5 |pages=86, 87, 89, 90, 92, 98, 101, 102, 109, 110, 113, 114, 117, 118, 125, 126, 129, 130 |number=10}}</ref>

Retrospective reviews by IGN and ''GameSpot'' emphasized the ability to join multiplayer games on local networks or using Kali, and the simple but effective map editor, with which some users published maps on the Web.<ref name=IGNWC2Review/><ref name=GameSpotWC2OneOfAllTime/> Another ''GameSpot'' review in 1996 commented that the campaigns are rather short, but the scenario builder and multiplayer options were ample compensation.<ref name=Dulin1996WC2Review/>

In 2006, ''Warcraft II'' was inducted into GameSpot's list of the greatest games of all time.<ref name="Gamespot">{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespot.com/pc/strategy/warcraft2tidesofdarkness/index.html |title=The Greatest Games of All Time: ''Warcraft II: Tides of Darkness'' |website=GameSpot |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071014041238/http://www.gamespot.com/pc/strategy/warcraft2tidesofdarkness/index.html |archive-date=October 14, 2007}}</ref>

===''The Dark Saga''=== {{Video game reviews | title = Warcraft II: The Dark Saga | EGM = 8.5/10 (SAT)<ref name=EGM98>{{cite magazine |title=Review Crew: Warcraft II |magazine=Electronic Gaming Monthly |issue=98|publisher=Ziff Davis|date=September 1997|page=48}}</ref> | GSpot = 7/10 (PS1, SAT)<ref name=GameSpotRevWC2PS /><ref name=GamespotRevWC2Saturn /> | rev1 = ''Sega Saturn Magazine'' | rev1Score = 91% (SAT)<ref name=SatMag>{{cite magazine|last=Nutter|first=Lee|title=Review: Warcraft II|magazine=Sega Saturn Magazine|issue=23|publisher=Emap International Limited|date=September 1997|pages=76–77}}</ref> }} ''GameSpot'' described the ports of the consoles Sony PlayStation and Sega Saturn, combining ''Warcraft II: Tides of Darkness'' and ''Warcraft II: Beyond the Dark Portal'', as practically identical to the PC version.<ref name=GameSpotRevWC2PS>{{cite web|url=https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/warcraft-ii-the-dark-saga-review/1900-2550146/|title=Warcraft II: The Dark Saga Review for PlayStation – GameSpot|last=Fielder|first=Joe|date=September 30, 1997|work=GameSpot |publisher=CBS Interactive Inc.|access-date=February 14, 2018}}</ref> ''Electronic Gaming Monthly'' and ''GamePro'', however, asserted that the graphics are significantly downgraded,<ref name=EGM98/><ref name=GProSat/><ref name=GProPS>{{cite magazine |author=Air Hendrix |title=PlayStation ProReview: Warcraft II: The Dark Saga |magazine=GamePro |issue=109|publisher=IDG |date=October 1997|page=145}}</ref> and the interface, though somewhat simplified with the additions of auto-upgrading, auto-building, and the ability to select more than nine units at once, is still more cumbersome and difficult to learn than the PC version's.<ref name=EGM98/><ref name=GProSat/><ref name=GProPS/> ''Absolute PlayStation'', in contrast, regarded the graphics as impressive and the console buttons as easy to use.<ref name=AbsolutePSRevWC2 />

''Absolute PlayStation'', ''Sega Saturn Magazine'', ''Electronic Gaming Monthly'', and ''GamePro'' commented that the console versions have no multiplayer capability, but were impressed with the number of campaign and skirmish maps.<ref name=AbsolutePSRevWC2 /><ref name=EGM98/><ref name=SatMag/><ref name=GProSat/> Most reviews of the Saturn version criticized the lack of support for the Sega NetLink peripheral, which could have enabled online multiplayer.<ref name=EGM98/><ref name=SatMag/><ref name=GProSat/> The two ''GameSpot'' reviews noted that, while most campaign missions follow the "resource, build, destroy" pattern, some have other objectives.<ref name=GameSpotRevWC2PS /><ref name=GamespotRevWC2Saturn />

Most reviews for the PlayStation and Saturn versions suggested that players with PCs should not buy the console versions, but recommended the game to those who use only consoles.<ref name=EGM98/><ref name=GameSpotRevWC2PS /><ref name=GamespotRevWC2Saturn /><ref name=GProSat>{{cite magazine|author=Air Hendrix |title=Saturn ProReview: Warcraft II: The Dark Saga|magazine=GamePro|issue=108|publisher=IDG|date=September 1997|page=100}}</ref><ref name=GProPS/> ''Electronic Gaming Monthly'' gave the Saturn version their "Game of the Month" award<ref name=EGM98/> and later named both console versions a runner-up for "Strategy Game of the Year".<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Editors' Choice Awards |magazine=Electronic Gaming Monthly |publisher=Ziff Davis |issue=104 |date=March 1998 |page=90}}</ref> ''Absolute PlayStation'' omitted comparisons with the PC and praised the console versions.<ref name=AbsolutePSRevWC2 /> ''Sega Saturn Magazine'' called it "a highly enjoyable and compelling strategy warfare game" and praised the Saturn version as superior to the PC original.<ref name=SatMag/>

===Battle.net Edition=== ''GameSpot'' thought the AI was predictable but very efficient and the multiplayer facilities, while four years old, made it more enjoyable than at least half the new RTS games released in 1999. The Battle.net service was already reliable after being refined through experience on Diablo and ''StarCraft'', and the fact that it was free would be attractive both to new users and those of earlier editions. While the production values were those of 1995, the cartoonish graphics and excellent sound effects and musical score were still enjoyable in 1999.<ref name=GameSpotRevBattle.net/>

==Notes== {{Reflist|refs= <ref name=AbsolutePSRevWC2>{{cite web|url=http://www.absolute-playstation.com/api_review/rwar2.htm|title=Warcraft 2 – Review – Absolute Playstation|work=Absolute PlayStation|access-date=February 12, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080915090034/http://www.absolute-playstation.com/api_review/rwar2.htm|archive-date=September 15, 2008|url-status=dead}}</ref>

<ref name=AvaultWC2Review>{{cite web|url=http://www.avault.com/reviews/review_temp.asp?game=warcraft2&page=1|title=The Adrenaline Vault – Review – Warcraft 2|publisher=NewWorld.com, Inc|access-date=November 30, 2009 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19991125175944/http://www.avault.com/reviews/review_temp.asp?game=warcraft2&page=1 |archive-date=November 25, 1999}}</ref>

<ref name=BlizzardStratWC2OrcVsHum>{{cite web|url=http://classic.battle.net/war2/ovh/index.shtml|title=Warcraft II Strategy: Orcs vs Humans!|work=Battle.net|publisher=Blizzard Entertainment|access-date=March 16, 2010}}</ref>

<ref name=BlizzBNetGenStratWall>{{cite web|url=http://classic.battle.net/war2/gs/wallin.shtml|title=Warcraft II Strategy: General Strategy|work=Battle.net|publisher=Blizzard Entertainment|access-date=March 16, 2010}}</ref>

<ref name=cgm>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030130180010/http://www.cdmag.com/articles/004/046/warcraft_2_review.html | url=http://www.cdmag.com/articles/004/046/warcraft_2_review.html | archive-date=January 30, 2003 | title=We're under attack! | last=Keating | first=Tim | work=Computer Games Magazine | year=1996 | access-date=April 14, 2010 | url-status=live | df=mdy-all }}</ref>

<ref name=Csoon1996WC2Review>{{cite web|url=http://www.csoon.com/issue11/war2.htm|title=Warcraft II: Tides of Darkness – PC Review – Coming Soon Magazine|year=1996|publisher=Coming Soon Magazine!|access-date=November 30, 2009}}</ref>

<ref name=Dulin1996WC2Review>{{cite web|url=http://uk.gamespot.com/pc/strategy/warcraft2tidesofdarkness/review.html?om_act=convert&om_clk=gssummary&tag=summary;read-review|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130124034725/http://uk.gamespot.com/pc/strategy/warcraft2tidesofdarkness/review.html?om_act=convert&om_clk=gssummary&tag=summary;read-review|url-status=dead|archive-date=January 24, 2013|title=Warcraft II: Tides of Darkness Review for PC – GameSpot|last=Dulin|first=Ron|date=May 1, 1996|work=GameSpot|publisher=CBS Interactive Inc.|access-date=November 30, 2009}}</ref>

<ref name=EWcom1996WC2Review>{{cite web|url=http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,291765,00.html|title=Warcraft II – News – EW.com|last=Kim|first=Albert|date=March 22, 1996|work=EW.com|access-date=November 30, 2009|archive-date=April 27, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090427114546/http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,291765,00.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>

<ref name=FahsHistWCWestwood>{{cite web|url=http://uk.retro.ign.com/articles/101/1014622p2.html|title= IGN Presents the History of Warcraft – War with Westwood |last=Fahs|first=Travis|date=August 18, 2009|publisher=IGN|access-date=February 9, 2010}}</ref>

<ref name=Fielder1997DarkSaga>{{cite web|url=http://uk.gamespot.com/ps/strategy/warcraft2thedarksaga/review.html?om_act=convert&om_clk=gssummary&tag=summary;read-review|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130123175331/http://uk.gamespot.com/ps/strategy/warcraft2thedarksaga/review.html?om_act=convert&om_clk=gssummary&tag=summary;read-review|url-status=dead|archive-date=January 23, 2013|title=Warcraft II: The Dark Saga Review for PlayStation – GameSpot|last=Fielder|first=Joe|date=September 30, 1997|work=GameSpot|publisher=CBS Interactive Inc|access-date=November 30, 2009}}</ref>

<ref name=GameRankingsWC2Ranking>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamerankings.com/pc/199259-warcraft-ii-tides-of-darkness/index.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090402010639/http://www.gamerankings.com/pc/199259-warcraft-ii-tides-of-darkness/index.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=April 2, 2009|title=Warcraft II: Tides of Darkness for PC – GameRankings|work=Game Rankings|publisher=CBS Interactive Inc|access-date=February 1, 2021}}<!--Review moved within website, does not appear to reference 95% as an aggregate review.--></ref>

<ref name=GameRevolutionWC2RevPC>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamerevolution.com/review/pc/warcraft-ii|title=Warcraft II: Tides of Darkness review for the PC|last=Ferris|first=Duke|date=June 5, 1996|work=GameRevolution|publisher=AtomicOnline, LLC.|access-date=November 30, 2009}}</ref>

<ref name=GameSpotRevBattle.net>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/warcraft-ii-battlenet-edition-review/1900-2531805/|title= Warcraft II: Battle.net Edition Review – GameSpot|last=Kasavin|first=Greg|date=November 10, 1999|publisher=CBS Interactive Inc|access-date=June 6, 2015}}</ref>

<ref name=GamespotRevWC2Saturn>{{cite web|url=http://uk.gamespot.com/saturn/strategy/warcraft2thedarksaga/review.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130124001155/http://uk.gamespot.com/saturn/strategy/warcraft2thedarksaga/review.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=January 24, 2013|title=Warcraft II: The Dark Saga Review for Saturn |work=GameSpot|last=Fielder|first=Joe|date=September 30, 1997|access-date=February 12, 2010}}</ref>

<ref name=GameSpotWC2OneOfAllTime>{{cite web|url=http://uk.gamespot.com/features/6144203/index.html|title=The Greatest Games of All Time: Warcraft II: Tides of Darkness – Features at GameSpot|last=Colayco|first=Bob|work=GameSpot|publisher=CBS Interactive Inc|access-date=November 30, 2009|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130124031525/http://uk.gamespot.com/features/6144203/index.html|archive-date=January 24, 2013|url-status=dead}} The full list is at {{cite web|url=http://uk.gamespot.com/gamespot/features/all/greatestgames/|title=The Greatest Games of All Time|last=GameSpot Editorial Team|work=GameSpot|publisher=CBS Interactive Inc|access-date=November 30, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090208111719/http://uk.gamespot.com/gamespot/features/all/greatestgames/|archive-date=February 8, 2009|url-status=dead}}</ref>

<ref name=GameSpotRevDarkPortalPC>{{cite web|url=http://uk.gamespot.com/pc/strategy/warcraft2beyondthedp/review.html|title=Warcraft II: Beyond the Dark Portal Review|last=Dulin|first=Ron|date=May 21, 1996|work=GameSpot|publisher=CBS Interactive Inc|access-date=February 11, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091202124620/http://uk.gamespot.com/pc/strategy/warcraft2beyondthedp/review.html|archive-date=December 2, 2009|url-status=dead}}</ref>

<ref name=GerykHistoryOfRTSWHaO>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/gamespot/features/all/real_time/p3_01.html|title=GameSpot Presents: A History of Real-Time Strategy Games – The First Wave |last=Geryk|first=Bruce|access-date=November 17, 2009}}</ref>

<ref name=GerykHistoryOfRTSSequels>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/gamespot/features/all/real_time/p4_01.html|title=GameSpot Presents: A History of Real-Time Strategy Games – The Sequels |last=Geryk|first=Bruce|access-date=February 5, 2010}}</ref>

<ref name=IGNHistOfWarcWestwood>{{cite web|url=http://uk.retro.ign.com/articles/101/1014622p2.html|title=IGN Presents the History of Warcraft – War with Westwood |last=Fahs|first=Travis|date=August 18, 2009|publisher=IGN|access-date=February 5, 2010}}</ref>

<ref name=IGNWC2Review>{{cite web|url=http://uk.pc.ign.com/articles/101/101379p1.html |title=IGN: PC Retroview: WarCraft II|date=January 31, 2002|work=IGN.com|publisher=IGN Entertainment, Inc|access-date=November 30, 2009|last=Bates|first=Jason}}</ref>

<ref name=IGNWC2BatCh>{{cite web|url=http://uk.pc.ign.com/objects/767/767548.html |title=Warcraft II: Battle Chest|publisher=IGN|access-date=February 3, 2012}}</ref>

<ref name="IGN-WC2-Battlenet">{{cite web|url=http://uk.pc.ign.com/objects/490/490915.html |title=Warcraft II: Battle.net Edition|publisher=IGN|access-date=February 3, 2012}}</ref>

<ref name=WC2TidesAftermath>WC2 Tides: Manual Aftermath, pp. 85–86</ref>

<ref name=WC2TidesBuildings>WC2 Tides: Manual Alliance & Orc Buildings, pp. 51–54, 78–81</ref>

<ref name=WC2TidesDeps>WC2 Tides: Manual Alliance & Orc Dependencies, pp. 55–56, 82–83</ref>

<ref name=WC2TidesMapEd>WC2 Tides: Manual Map Editor, pp. 24–27</ref>

<ref name=WC2TidesMultiPlay>WC2 Tides: Manual Multiplay, pp. 17–20</ref>

<ref name=WC2TidesPalAndOgMage>WC2 Tides: Manual Paladin & Ogre-Mage Spells, pp. 48, 75</ref>

<ref name=WC2TidesUnits>WC2 Tides: Manual Alliance & Orc Units, pp. 42–47, 69–74</ref>

<ref name=WC2TidesUserInt>WC2 Tides: Manual Tutorial, pp. 6–16</ref>

<ref name=WC3ReignDarkPortal>WC3 Reign: Manual pp. 2–3</ref>

}}

==References== {{Refbegin}} * {{cite book | ref=bibWC2ManTides |title=Warcraft II: Tides of Darkness | editor1-first=Peter|editor1-last=Underwood | publisher=Blizzard Entertainment |location=Irvine, California, USA|year=1995 }} * {{cite book | ref=bibWC3ManBattleNet |title=Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos | url=https://archive.org/details/warcraftiiireign00bliz | url-access=registration |publisher=Blizzard Entertainment|year=2002}} {{Refend}}

==External links== * [http://us.blizzard.com/en-us/games/legacy/ ''Warcraft II: Tides of Darkness'' entry at developer Blizzard's website] * {{wowpedia|Warcraft II|''Warcraft II: Tides of Darkness''}}

{{Warcraft universe|state=expanded}} {{Blizzard games}} {{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Warcraft 02}} Category:1995 video games Category:Blizzard games Category:Classic Mac OS games Category:Climax Group games Category:Davidson & Associates games Category:DOS games ported to Windows Category:DOS games Category:Multiplayer and single-player video games Category:PlayStation (console) games Category:Real-time strategy video games Category:Sega Saturn games Category:Sequel video games Category:Video games about demons Category:Video games developed in the United States Category:Video games scored by Matthew Simmonds Category:Video games written by Chris Metzen Category:Warcraft games Category:Windows games Category:Video games about orcs Category:Video game remasters Category:Video games with user-generated gameplay content