Geekologists, I'm happy to report that on July 27th, I was one of the many, many gamers who turned out for the StarCraft II midnight launch. I got my hands on Wings of Liberty right at midnight and rushed home to start hurling my Marines into the online meat grinder. The experience has been delightfully old-school, with just enough new features to keep players on their toes (or claws, or robot-boots, or whatever). One of my favorite additions to the classic StarCraft formula is the set of achievements and rewards available to commanders who complete specific challenges. The one that most caught my eye is an unlockable portrait of still-human Sarah Kerrigan. To gain access, a player must complete the entire Terran campaign on "Brutal" difficulty. I'm on the third mission. It's...not going well.

To take the edge off my latest crushing defeat (those Roaches are murder!) I've been watching this adorable video of a StarCraft game translated into colorful Lego bricks. Stick around to the end to see my favorite creation: A fleet of Protoss Carriers, complete with free-flying Interceptors.

Kudos to artist Kooberz, who plays better StarCraft than I do without even needing a computer. I'll have more for you from the galactic front as I fight my way further into the game.