The original Starcraft has always been my favorite game ever since I my mom bought it for me in 5th grade. I have great memories of playing against friends online, or if I was lucky enough I could play my friends on Starcraft 64 if they had a copy. It was a bonding experience, because Starcraft created a uniquely competitive environment which boggled our childhood minds.

As I grew older, my younger brother became old enough to truely enjoy an RTS such as Starcraft. He, much like myself, was instantly hooked. As his big brother, I'd coach him in the campaign mode to ready him for the challenges on online mode.

For Christmas, he'd ask for Starcraft novels.

When I got a job, my coworkers and I would sometimes go to a local gaming cafe and play Starcraft all night after a hard day's work. We'd joke and curse and holler and swear, but it was all in good fun. Some of them knew Starcraft almost as well as I did, others could barely get their SCV to the minerals. In the end though, we all enjoyed the distraction from our monotonious work lives.

Like I said, several weeks ago I moved out from my parents' house in order to go to persue my dreams in college. Life is hitting me hard, but it's nothing I can't handle. However, I never would have guessed back in 2007 when Starcraft 2 was announced that at the time of release I wouldn't have the nessarry funds to grab myself a copy. The original Starcraft wasn't just a game, it was part of growing up. Since my morals won't allow me to do so, I will not be pirating Starcraft 2. This guest pass, however, would be an excellent way to experience the sequel to the game I grew up with, and I'm sure it'd help me hold over until I can get the funds to purchase my own copy.

I'll be looking forward to that seven hours of awesome gameplay.