Blizzard recently updated starcraft2.com with updated information on the Terran Thor unit. It's a ridiculously large, slow-walking mech packing a serious punch. The update gives us insight on this new unit, but raises questions about the future shape of the Terran race.

Here's a quick breakdown of what we know so far:

* Built by an SCV like you would build a structure.
* Has roughly 700 Health and its arm cannons hit for 50.
* Costs 400 minerals, 300 gas as of BlizzCon.
* Has to stop moving forward to pivot/turn, and it turns slowly.
* Has a barrage ability that requires it to 'siege' like a tank. This does devastating area of effect damage at a long range.

Terrans already have a number of ways to deal AOE damage to ground targets with Siege Tanks, Banshee gunships, Reaper Mines and Battlecruisers individually upgraded with Plasma Turrets. Science Vessels with Irradiate may still make an appearance as well.

The Barrage ability could easily be overkill when added to this lineup. In the released game play footage, several 'sieged' Thors devastate a Terran defensive position in seconds, even firing uphill.

In BlizzCon's Terran Walkthrough presentation an SCV builds a Thor in a surprisingly short 8 seconds, though this could be a sped up building time for the sake of the show. It then slowly follows a group of marines to tear down an enemy base where both the arm cannons and Barrage ability are seen. The narrator explains Thor's weakness, a slow turning speed, and a group of fast moving Cobra vehicles circle around it while firing until it dies.

You can check it out midway through this YouTube clip here.

Despite being 'countered' by this fast flanking movement, Thor is still able to bring down several of the Cobras, firing continuously the entire time. It wouldn't be surprising if its turning speed is reduced even more to play up this dynamic.

The viability of strafing around a Thor will also have to be considered, given that a Thor will probably be built at your doorstep, surrounded by a large number of other Terran troops. Constantly moving to avoid the Thor won't help you much if Marines and Tanks are punishing you in the meantime with their considerable range.

How long until we're treated to the sight of a pack of JulyZerg Mutalisks working a helpless stranded Thor, firing while moving around him at top speed thanks to July's incredible micro?

Thor's role is listed as "Heavy Assault Mech" and ideally it will function as a giant damage sponge for the Terran army on offense. It seems immediately similar to the Siege Tank with its stationary mode and long-range damage role, but is significantly beefier with an anti-air punch to boot.

Hopefully Thor provides new tactical elements to the game, allowing it to be a regular sight in end-game battles rather then a coup-de-grace humiliation unit. If it can manage that without supplanting the Siege Tank, all the better for Starcraft 2's Terrans.