StarCraft 2 may replace neural parasite with projectile fungal growth

For Heart of the Swarm, Blizzard is considering shelving StarCraft 2's neural parasite in favour of a return of fungal growth, something it trialled in Wings of Liberty's beta to mixed reception

In an in-depth discussion with Team Liquid, as transcribed by PCGamesN, game director Dustin Browder said Blizzard is "going to explore just chopping neural altogether".

“It doesn’t get used that much anyway, and when it does get used it’s kind of terrible," he said.

"So I think neural is on the chopping block for Swarm, I think that’s a definite possibility. It’s definitely something we could take a look at and see how it goes."

Heart of the Swarm is all about the Zerg, so although the unit-takeover ability isn't every popular, it would be a shame to see the alien species's repertoire diminished. Happily, Browder confirmed Blizzard is testing a return of the fungal growth ability in projectile form, last seen in StarCraft 2's beta.

The switch would introduce an element of risk - and skill - to using the ability, diminishing its potentially deadly effect in the hands of beginners, but making it a powerful tool for veterans.

There's plenty more detail through the link above or the video below. StarCraft 2: Heart of the Swarm is due in March 2013.