worldwarcraft.comAh, “World of Warcraft;” the hindering force that prevents over eight million people from becoming productive members of society. And yes, I’m one of those eight million people who’s had their life sucked away by this online monster. A few weeks ago this monster got a whole lot bigger with the release of “World of Warcraft”‘s expansion pack, “The Burning Crusade.”
Blizzard Entertainment deserves huge kudos for packing this expansion full of what players wanted. Not only can players now obtain level 70 (the original maximum was 60) and pick from two new races (the Bloodelves and the Draenei), but the continent of Outland has been opened for exploration. Inside Outland are more than a dozen new dungeons, for groups of five to 25 players with tons of new armor and weapons to acquire in each. These new dungeons continue to show the depth and creativity Blizzard Entertainment pours into “World of Warcraft.” From underwater reservoirs like The Underbog to the time traveling Caverns of Time, players will be presented with both gorgeous landscapes and challenging bosses.
Along with this, players that reach the level 70 can buy new mounts that allow them to fly about Outland as they please. Be ready to fork over a thousand gold for normal mounts, thou and six thousand gold for the best of the best. This may be daunting at first, but gold is much easier to acquire in Outland. From my own personal experience, I gained 500 gold just by doing quests from level 60 to 63. Not bad, if I do say so myself.
“Burning Crusade” also introduces new battlegrounds or special areas where players compete in games of war against each other. Included in these are a level 70 specific area and the all new Arena battles. With Arena you can form the ultimate team of two, three or five with your friends and go head-to-head against other teams. Once your team is formed, suit up and prepare for a long “season” of fighting. And when I say long, I mean long. Each “season” is three months.
If you and your team are serious about becoming the Arena masters, wave good-bye to your social life and say hello to the warm glow of your computer screen for the next quarter of a year.
Blizzard Entertainment did drop the ball in one location, though. And it’s a biggie.
There were no new classes added. For some time, a rumor floated about that “Spellbreakers” were going to be a new class.
However, this was quickly dispelled. Personally, I would have much more enjoyed a new class to pick from than two new races.
I’ve played “World of Warcraft” now for quite some time, and this is exactly what it needed. With all this new content, “World of Warcraft” has had some much-needed life breathed into its lungs. Anyone that was a fan of the original definitely needs to pick this one up. As for all of you who want to jump in, this is the perfect time to do so, but be warned: not only will you have to buy the expansion but the original game as well. We’re talking an easy $60 right there. Oh, and did I mention there’s a monthly fee of $12? “World of Warcraft” definitely isn’t for everyone, but Blizzard Entertainment certainly does try to include as many people as possible. It’s worth a try if you don’t have it and definitely worth buying if you own the original.
The bottom line: “World of Warcraft: The Burning Crusade” for the PC 9.5/10