StarCraft, one of the best real-time strategy games of all time, is now available completely for free. Blizzard is giving the classic RTS game away gratis ahead of the release of StarCraft Remastered later this year. So, stop reading this baloney and get your free fix of StarCraft!

In March, Blizzard announced it was preparing to release a remastered version of the original StarCraft game. The remaster, fittingly titled StarCraft Remastered, is due to land this summer. However, PC (and Mac) gamers with no patience can now play the original StarCraft for free.

The Gameplay Remains As Good As Ever

StarCraft was originally released in 1998. The game was a commercial and critical success, and is still widely regarded as one of the best real-time strategy games of all time. The graphics may look dated by modern standards, but the gameplay remains as good as it ever was.

The game is set in a distant part of the Milky Way, and details the struggle for dominance by three species. You play as a military commander organizing your forces to defeat your enemies. Gameplay is fast and frenetic, and is all about employing the right strategy at the right time.

StarCraft was last updated in 2009. However, Blizzard has now released v1.18, which improves compatibility on Windows 7, Windows 8.1, and Windows 10, adds support for UPnP (Universal Plug and Play), and adds an Observer mode, among other things.

Worth the Price of Admission

The original StarCraft won't be for everyone. However, now that it's free to play there's no excuse not to give it a shot. If you hate it then you will have lost nothing but a few hours of your time. And if you love it then you'll have found a new hobby to take over your life.

If you really love it then you may even want to buy StarCraft Remastered when it's released later this year. Which is the outcome Blizzard is obviously hoping for. In the meantime, the newly updated StarCraft is available to download now on PC and Mac.

Have you ever played the original StarCraft? If you're a fan will you be downloading the original? If you're new to the series is this tempting you to try it out? Are you holding out for the remastered version? Please let us know in the comments below!

Image Credit: Taymtaym via Flickr