I’ve been playing primarily strategy games, be it Ages of Mythology, StarCraft, or the WarCraft series, just to name a few. The thought of playing an MMORPG never really crossed my mind as something I would consider. RPG games in general never really tickled the fancy, so to speak. Having a younger brother who was avidly involved in the Final Fantasy series, I figured I had seen enough to know that those types of games were just not for me.
I began hearing from other gamers about the hype Blizzard was setting on a new type of Medieval/Fantasy MMORPG game in the works. That time frame for games always intrigued me. The WarCraft RTS series combined intense game play with a killer storyline. It was only natural to be curious about an addition to such a chaotic and dark world. I managed to sign up approximately three weeks before the beta testing ended. Three weeks to give me the answers I needed to know if I was going to decide to delve into these "MMORPG" games ever again. Oh man was I impressed. I was finding myself having troubles taking a break, stopping to eat or going to the bathroom. There was just so much to do in the game!
The Adventure Begins
After cautiously going through all the races and classes available to both Alliance and Horde factions (Alliance - human, night elf, gnome, dwarf and Horde - undead, orc, tauren and trolls), I decided on a Troll mage. The game starts off with a little intro video specific to your chosen race. A little history lesson to start you on your way. After watching the video, you start your adventures in a "newbie" zone. In this area the NPCs or monsters do not attack you unless you decide to attack first. Because initially there is so much to figure out, such as the interface, icons, quest log, and inventory, the last thing you need is for the monsters to start attacking you when you’re not ready.
"Ah yes, professions. Another great example of how well defined Blizzard has set up the world of Azeroth"
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The quests are easy to find - select the NPCs with ! marks over their heads and accept the quest(s). The quests you pick up give you a good idea of what to expect throughout your travels in Azeroth. Kill 10 of these over-populating critters. Find "insert incredibly difficult name here," as he’s been missing for the last day or two. Your quest log holds a total of 20 quests, but there were times I really wished I could have accepted more; however, you usually end up completing 2-3 quests in one go, just to get your next upgrade or level. If you need help, the answers to your questions are always found in the quest log. If you’re lost or unsure of what is needed to complete the quest, just re-read it, and you will find the answer.
The interface, though intimidating at first, is very user-friendly. For example, spells have a cool down feature that requires them to fully refresh before you can use them again. When engaged in combat [and are within range of your spells], they will light up to indicate they are ready for use. Though initially the interface was severely lacking in icon space, one of the more recent patches from Blizzard has addressed this issue and added four more action bars. If that is still insufficient, Blizzard has left the UI open to customization and add-ons. With the mods available for this game, you will never find yourself without room (except, perhaps, if you are playing the game on a small screen!).
"One problem that seems to be a constant in game is Blizzard’s pressing server issues and increase in load lag "
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Like most games of this genre, you will find what they term "grinding." [This means continually killing monsters to gain items, money or quest items.] Now, unfortunately I cannot personally compare the "grind" of WoW to other MMORPG games, but I have been told that it is much more tolerable than others, which is great to hear! Unless we are talking about end game content (level 60 items), you will find it very easy to "grind" for upgrades and materials needed in the many available professions in the game.
Ah yes, professions. Another great example of how well defined Blizzard has set up the world of Azeroth. You have the choice of two primary professions and as many secondary professions you wish to increase your skill in. Most of the professions have been set up to coincide with each other. There are those that fit well into leveling up the skill of another. Skinning for example, is usually combined with leatherworking, mining combined with blacksmithing, and alchemy combined with herbalism. The gathering professions will allow you to collect the materials needed to level up the skill in your crafting professions. This adds for another exciting area to spend your time in. Many of the items you will create are very unique, and with certain trades such as engineering, the items created can only be used by yourself or other engineers. With the countless recipes available, you will always find something you just must have. The secondary professions such as first aid, cooking, and fishing are little professions in game to help make your questing that much more engrossing.
One problem that seems to be a constant in game is Blizzard’s pressing server issues and increase in load lag when approaching key populated areas in the game. Despite the fact that they have compensated their players with extra time to play, Blizzard has not been nearly as efficient in ensuring this is taken care of. Some of the servers are so overpopulated that major instability issues surface. Blizzard has tried to minimize the load by putting a whole series of new servers online. New players joining the throng of WoW elitists should have no problems.
There is just so much to talk about when it comes to this game that I haven’t even touched on. When you first select your server, you are given the choice to pick either a PVP (player vs. player) server, PVE (player vs. environment server), or a RP (role-playing server). I myself chose to play on a PVP server. On the PVP servers, you will find the storyline of the initial WarCraft series to continue on. The tension between the Alliance and Horde players is rampant. Don’t be surprised when you’re thrown into heated battles between the two factions, when you have to stand your ground alongside your comrades. If you’re the type of gamer that prefers to play solo, I don’t recommend you roll a character on a PVP server. Your enemy’s blood will boil over with hatred at seeing a lone enemy, and he will not hesitate to take you out. If this kind of tension excites you, and you have always relished in the thrill of the kill, join your brethren and help rid your lands of the enemy!
The first battlegrounds, located in the snowy peaks of the Alterac mountains, are set up like most other zones you come across in the game. You will find quests, monsters, and both Alliance and Horde towns housing elite NPC defenders to fight alongside you. Two teams of 40 struggles in an all-out domination, much like you remember in the previous series, and as it should be. Key factors are implemented in the game strategy, which add to the honor points rewarded. Be it holding an enemy cemetery or summoning allied monsters to battle alongside you, these undertakings provide players with a front row seat to some truly epic battles.
The second battlegrounds, which can be found on the border of Ashenvale and the Barrens, is a more fast-paced scenario. Teams of ten strive to capture the enemy’s flag and return it to their base, at the same time ensuring theirs is kept safe from opposing forces. The honor points received is dependant on how many flags are captured and returned from enemy lands. The honor points earned within the World of Warcraft is another means by which players can gain rank, and in turn purchase prodigious in-game items.
Talk about eye candy!
Blizzard is always known for their intense intro videos; World of WarCraft’s is spectacular! I recommend seeing it. I was very impressed with WoW’s in-game graphics. Many have stated the graphics were a little too "cartoonish," but Blizzard maintained a very consistent level of artwork direction. Every zone in the game provided a distinct mood, and I found that when entering a new zone, I was either at ease and relaxed, or tense and just wished to be rid of the place. The mood of each zone was also themed with similar colors; you always know when you are approaching a new area of adventure.
The environments were breathtaking; the constant small details just showed that Blizzard left no rock over-turned. Towns and faction camps were given incredible detail. A low poly-count ensured that load times of these spectacular environments were fast.
"I mean, really, who wouldn’t want a two-handed battle axe that even puts the size of the mighty Orcs to shame?"
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The player models, however, could have had an increase in poly-count, as well as more customization when creating your character at the beginning. Weapons and armor in the game help with that customization, however, and though some of the items you come across are outrageously exaggerated, they fit the theme of the game quite well. I mean, really, who wouldn’t want a two-handed battle axe that even puts the size of the mighty Orcs to shame?
Turn up your volume!
The background music was never too loud or obnoxious; some thought that it could have used a few more ticks on the sound meter, but I thought it worked well. It provided that extra little punch to help put you at ease, or have you constantly looking over your shoulder. The battle and spell sounds were very well done. You become dependant on the noises and sounds around you, such as to know what’s going on, who joined in on a battle, and from where. The emotion voiceovers were lacking. There wasn’t enough "virtual" communication in the game; to be honest, the set few that everyone seemed to remember became quite annoying to hear. More interaction with the quest-givers was needed. There was quite a bit of reading involved, be it completing a large chain quest, or starting up a new one. It would have been nice to see Blizzard’s action at work with fully interacting in-game characters. However, it isn’t something I will lose any sleep over.
World of WarCraft is a must-buy for any Blizzard enthusiast, regardless of whether you’ve ever played a MMORPG-style game or not. It’s definitely worth trying out. With one month’s free game play when you purchase the game, how can you say no?
