Defensive Matrix
Mana: 100
Range: 10
The Defensive Matrix will put a powerful shield around the target which absorbs all incoming damage and is available to use by default. This target of the shield will still take damage, but they are very small hits and the rest of damage gets absorbed. The matrix will last for a fairly long time or until roughly 250 damage is absorbed.
This ability is great to save units that are about to die or to use on a unit about to enter combat for extra survivability. Another tactic is to use it on a Ghost performing a nuke, making it much harder to kill. Beware that a Cloaked Ghost with the Defensive Matrix will be visible to the enemy.
Irradiate
Source: Science Facility
Minerals: 200
Vespene Gas: 200
Research Time: 80
Mana: 75
Range: 9
This ability can be cast on any unit, but it will only deal damage to biological units. It creates a toxic cloud that deals continous damage to the target and all nearby units as well. The effect will last as long as the target is alive or until 250 damage has been dealt.
Irradiate has limited uses against the Terran and Protoss, but it has many uses against the Zerg which are all Biological units. Irradiate doesn't use too much mana and is an effective way to harass the enemy, such as killing a wondering Overlord. Most players will also bring their Science Vessel to the enemy resources and kill several harvesters since they tend to be bunched together. A Zerg air strike is also a perfect target since they tend to be composed of many weak units. One Science Vessel is capable of wiping out an entire Zerg swarm with just a few Irradiates.
EMP Shockwave
Source: Science Facility
Minerals: 200
Vespene Gas: 200
Research Time: 120
Mana: 100
Range: 8
The EMP (Electro Magnetic Pulse) Shockwave is a powerful weapon against the Protoss much like Irradiate is against the Zerg. It is most effective against the Protoss because all units caught in the blast will have their Shields reduced to nothing. However, it can still be used on any unit which has a mana bar, because the shockwave also drains their mana.
This ability is effective at canceling out other casters such as a High Templar about to use Psi Storm or a Defiler about to cast Plague. Using this against a group of Protoss air units will make it easier for your units to take them out as well. It is devastating against the Protoss Archon and Dark Archon which have very low health but high Shield values. An EMP followed by a few attacks will earn you a quick kill.
