Wrath of the Lich King

August 3, 2007 9:48 AM

Well, it's official. After numerous rumors, leaks, and even someone with a sharp eye for trademark searches, it was revealed this morning with the first entrants to BlizzCon in Anaheim, California that the next World of Warcraft expansion will be called Wrath of the Lich King, complete with new areas to explore, new hairstyles and character customizations, level 80, and the first new class to be introduced to the game since it opened.
posted by thanotopsis (76 comments total)

And I'm there, your man on the street. Just about to go take photographs of the Trolls and Gnomes. Best goodie bag item so far? Blizzard branded hand sanitizer.

If you're at the con too and want to meet, email me. Address is on my blog.
posted by Nelson at 9:51 AM on August 3, 2007

Shit. And I just hit level 70 on my main. =(
posted by kableh at 9:55 AM on August 3, 2007

Man, I wish that game was a bit friendlier to the casual player. I bet the new expansion will be a ton of fun. The last one was, but the fact is that I can't accomplish anything when I only have a few hours a week to give to it. Enjoy it, though, guys.
posted by shmegegge at 9:56 AM on August 3, 2007

Question for players - how friendly is the game to newbies? I've been tempted to sign up to try it out, but I found the last multiplayer game I was on rather frustrating because there was nothing to prevent more experienced/stronger players from coming along and wiping you out in about three seconds. And while I'm sure I'd find a way to play regularly if I got into it, I just don't have several hours a day to build up skills/points that quickly.
posted by Zinger at 10:00 AM on August 3, 2007

Will this run on my Commodore 64?

I played Wow as a free-trial guest of my friend's account.

Like shmegegge says, it's not friendly to the casual player. It's a hobby, an alternate life. I'd rather crank up the Xbox and play Ghost Recon for a while, and walk away.

I just couldn't get into WoW, but I tried. My friend even led me around and gave me stuff to get started. It felt too much like work, and I already have 2 jobs.

Yay for anyone who like the game though.
posted by The Deej at 10:01 AM on August 3, 2007

More shots from WowInsider. They don't appear to have seen the program yet, but they've got some artwork that we haven't seen yet.
posted by thanotopsis at 10:01 AM on August 3, 2007

Question for players - how friendly is the game to newbies? I've been tempted to sign up to try it out, but I found the last multiplayer game I was on rather frustrating because there was nothing to prevent more experienced/stronger players from coming along and wiping you out in about three seconds. And while I'm sure I'd find a way to play regularly if I got into it, I just don't have several hours a day to build up skills/points that quickly.

If you play on a PvE (player vs. environment) rather than a PvP (player vs. player) server, you shouldn't have any of those problems. Since you're tasking yourself against NPCs, you're free to go at your own pace, and only face those challenges you wish to face.
posted by thanotopsis at 10:03 AM on August 3, 2007

Well, I guess I won't be seeing my flatmate for a few weeks.
posted by kisch mokusch at 10:06 AM on August 3, 2007

Great... I already have teeth marks on my knuckles trying to resist reactivating my account, and this won't make things any easier.
posted by Riki tiki at 10:09 AM on August 3, 2007

Pepsi Wow.
posted by Goofyy at 10:13 AM on August 3, 2007 [3 favorites]

If you play on a PvE (player vs. environment) rather than a PvP (player vs. player) server, you shouldn't have any of those problems. Since you're tasking yourself against NPCs, you're free to go at your own pace, and only face those challenges you wish to face.

Agreed. One of the nice things about the current expansion, are the new quest types at lower levels. Sure, there will always be the mindless grinding of specific mobs, but they have added a new level of solo ability, that makes it possible to play at your own pace.

The days of spending 8 hours a night raiding molten core are done. At least for me, and it's the best MMO out there right now, IMO.

Awesome news.
posted by Benway at 10:13 AM on August 3, 2007

Things like this make me regret ever getting married and having children.
posted by ColdChef at 10:19 AM on August 3, 2007 [15 favorites]

I play on an RP server, PvE, and have had a) no problem solo'ing my way to the top, and b) met some really nice people.

I gave this crack up back in 2005, then Blizz sent me a trial disc for The Burning Crusade, and I got sucked back in. I'M NOT READY FOR THIS.

Hopefully, Blizz will release this much later than Starcraft II so I have time to check myself into the Richard Garriott Rehabilitation Center.
posted by WolfDaddy at 10:20 AM on August 3, 2007

Hopefully, Blizz will release this much later than Starcraft II so I have time to check myself into the Richard Garriott Rehabilitation Center

That's the Richard Garriott Memorial Rehabilitation Center.
posted by thanotopsis at 10:25 AM on August 3, 2007 [2 favorites]

Blizzard's really created an amazing universe with World of Warcraft. The amount of detail and historical background given to the various factions is astonishing.

It would be a great setting for a Real Time Strategy game.
posted by Faint of Butt at 10:29 AM on August 3, 2007 [3 favorites]

I know that Blizzard is making money hand over fist here with WoW - but man, I wish they would put some more effort into games that didn't require me to purchase a damn subscription. If they release another non-online game, I'd buy it. I already own Starcraft and Brood War, Diablo I and II, and Warcraft III... I like them because (a) they will never cost me money to play now that I own them; (b) my player files are on my computer and I know they will remain usable so long as I back them up; and (c) I can play when I want to, with no penalty, rather than having to log on, play for three years just to get to the point where I won't be immediately p0wned by some goddamn level 70 pker with no real life every time I sign on.

That is the primary reason I never bought into WoW. It looks like a blast, but goddamn, I don't have time for that kind of a game. Not if I want to stay employed and married, anyway.
posted by caution live frogs at 10:29 AM on August 3, 2007

but man, I wish they would put some more effort into games that didn't require me to purchase a damn subscription.

One thing I didn't note in the FPP is that this year's Blizzcon also incorporates free play time with Starcraft II for attendees.
posted by thanotopsis at 10:32 AM on August 3, 2007

My accounts on hold for now. I think i'll start playing again in the winter, when it is too damn cold outsite to do much else. The game is a lot of fun. The expansion sounds like more of the same, but who knows.
posted by chunking express at 10:33 AM on August 3, 2007

WoW is actually really good for casual players, given the amount of solo-playable content even at the highest levels. I haven't raided at 70 at all, but have had a blast just doing the smaller instances and playing with the crafting skills. (Crafting skills tend to be my favorite part of games like this, though, so YMMV.)

I wonder what they'll end up doing with the Death Knight class...
posted by voltairemodern at 10:48 AM on August 3, 2007

To be fair, it was confirmed that the next expansion will be titled "Wrath of the Lich King". To my knowledge all the details regarding the new level cap, Death Knight hero class, new hairstyles and etc. come from a purported "leaked" FAQ from a day or two ago and have not yet been confirmed.

Here's to hoping that there's more than just one new class...
posted by splice at 10:57 AM on August 3, 2007

To my knowledge all the details regarding the new level cap, Death Knight hero class, new hairstyles and etc. come from a purported "leaked" FAQ from a day or two ago and have not yet been confirmed.

Hey, thanks for visiting the link in the FPP, splice. If you had, you'd notice that the information is pulled from the program at Blizzcon. How much more confirmation do you need?
posted by thanotopsis at 10:58 AM on August 3, 2007

Seconds after posting, the badly hammered page at mmo-champion loaded. Seems like the leaked FAQ was real.

Color me disappointed with yet another 10 levels and a new class. I was really hoping for more.
posted by splice at 10:58 AM on August 3, 2007

thanotopsis, I've been following this on various sites for a bit. Every other "announcement" of the expansion I have seen was based on the same information. Sorry for jumping the gun, but this didn't seem like anything new, and I have to say, I was really, really hoping that there was more and more interesting changes than what has been passed around so far.
posted by splice at 11:00 AM on August 3, 2007

I'm not sure what else you'd look for. A new class, 10 more levels of quests, a new profession, and new dungeons/raids. That basically touches every part of the game except the interface, which they've been improving incrementally since 2.0.

Seriously, what else would you want from an expansion to WoW?
posted by voltairemodern at 11:04 AM on August 3, 2007

Expect a lot more details as the day unfolds... the Opening Ceremony is occurring as we snark, and the first zone is supposedly available for play.

As an aside... is the game friendly to newbies? The game is insanely friendly to newbies... it's really go-at-your-own pace, if you enjoy a good hack-and-slash like Diablo 2 you'll get addicted quick.
posted by mek at 11:09 AM on August 3, 2007

Seriously, what else would you want from an expansion to WoW?

Hero classes instead of just 1 new class, or perhaps some kind of specialization system. Some love for alchemists. New races. Player housing. The return of the enhancement shaman.

Seriously, doesn't it feel like just more of the same? I'm not saying it's not good, but I don't think it's great. I'll still end up playing it, but like burning crusade, I fully expect I will stop after a month or three.

The next LOTRO update will have player housing, new areas, new quests, a new class for monster play, a bartering system for NPCs, the so-strange-it-can't-be-made-up chicken play, a reputation system, and probably lots more. The kicker? This is just a regular update and I don't have to pay a cent for it. That's pretty kick-ass in my book.
posted by splice at 11:12 AM on August 3, 2007

Oh and so you can't accuse me of content-free snarking: follow the wow-insider liveblog of the conference.
posted by splice at 11:14 AM on August 3, 2007

To be fair, Blizz releases updates like that all the time, and you don't pay any extra for them.

The 1 new class is a hero class, and would certainly set the stage for new hero classes in the future. I'm certain that they're trying to make something special out of each hero class, so if the Death Knight is any sort of metric, then you can expect new content to be released around each hero class as it gets introduced to the game. If that's the case, I'm eagerly awaiting whatever they offer for Warlocks.
posted by thanotopsis at 11:17 AM on August 3, 2007

Question for players - how friendly is the game to newbies?

In my experience, the game is really only openly hostile to the folks between "casual" and "fanatic".

Newbies and very casual players are practically guaranteed new stuff to explore and tinker with for the entire lifetime within the game. Fanatics have enormous time and resource sinks to slow down their efforts to *complete the game.

It's tough to find a comfortable spot in between, when you've seen most everything but don't have the time (or desire) to devote to the sinks. Gear you've worked days or weeks to accumulate grows obsolete more quickly than you can replace it. You spend a work week's worth of eight hour shifts on high-end instances that you will fail many, many times before being able to even entertain the idea of completing. The PvP system is in place to overcome this, but I can't recall playing any of the PvP instances and not wondering why I wasn't playing Battlefield or some Half Life mod. I'd also add that new features that appeal to mid-upper tier players are the first to be delayed or go MIA.

That said, it's a spectacular game for a lot of people, and the newbie levels are among the most fun (they feel strangely pure when going back from a tricked out toon).
posted by pokermonk at 11:23 AM on August 3, 2007 [1 favorite]

Damn, I was really hoping that the next expansion would open up The Undermine and would be "seafaring" based with lots of murlocs, nagas and pirates. The new expansion will probably be pretty cool, but on it's face I'm not too excited about grinding walrus faction rep in some tundra. Also, I'd really like to see some of the legacy content finished: Uldum, Grim'Batol, Dalaran.
posted by greasy_skillet at 11:25 AM on August 3, 2007 [1 favorite]

Blizz never released a new class or race through an update. Nor have they ever released another zone through an update (only instances). Player housing isn't here and won't be coming any time soon.

With WoW the big changes come with the expansions, or at least so it seems so far (and I've been playing since open beta). We did get talent reviews once upon a time, but I was a shaman, so it's better not to dwell too much on that.

Like I said, it's not like I won't play it. But really, I was hoping for more, or at least more innovative stuff. Knowing blizzard, they might have something up their sleeve, and I am still watching all this unfold. I'm sure it'll be fun to play either way, and the death knight might be an interesting change.
posted by splice at 11:29 AM on August 3, 2007

So everyone who's telling me that there's soloable content at the high levels, I'd appreciate some enlightenment.

What, precisely, can I do? I'm a level 52 priest (or I was before I let my account go on hiatus.) and the last I checked (played again for about a month after burning crusade came out. i bought the expansion) my duder is pretty much fuxxored for leveling, because his choices are either to grind in the plaugelands (which for a priest (even shadow spec (or perhaps especially after they got nerfed to hell) is impossibly slow and not fun.) or join raids which isn't an option since I don't have the time to devote to keeping up with a guild. especially since most guilds are raiding top level dungeons.

If the solution is to create a better more soloable character, I'm game, but really I'm clueless as to what soloable content there is for high level characters. At low levels there's a ton, obviously, and the game's still fun for that, but I'd really like to be able to achieve something more than level 35 and the very crappiest armor.
posted by shmegegge at 11:32 AM on August 3, 2007

shmegegge: I managed to solo my hunter from 1-70 without raiding once. It was necessary for me to do it that way, as I typically play while I work, and spend my nights with the family. Otherwise, I'd be divorced and my children would hate me.

Certainly, there doesn't appear to be a wide range of quests available to you at 52, but there are some decent repeatable quests, as well as some locations that are interesting enough that it doesn't feel like a grind.

Have you tried the Blasted Lands? Silithus? I'm assuming you've already done everything in Un'Goro...right?
posted by thanotopsis at 11:42 AM on August 3, 2007

I can imagine a time in the future, where the MMO interface becomes how many people access the internet. Ever since reading Neuromancer and Snow Crash, everyone seems to want that cyberspace/ metaverse experience. I know that Second Life is making efforts towards this, but WoW has made much deeper inroads.

One day you will log on, and go wandering down the street past Fark Cafe, and the Boing Boingitarium into Metafilter Central. There will be many rooms and people will gather around and debate under the blue ceiling.

The best part? When we get angry with one another, we can take up our weapons and do battle, the engine will already support it.

Hit points will be based on favorites, natch.
posted by quin at 11:43 AM on August 3, 2007 [1 favorite]

shmegegge, hard for me to say. Never played priest but heard shadow-spec was the way to solo.

I know I never really had any problems solo grinding with an enhancement shaman, all the way up to 70. It's not so hard when you figure out how to grind without too much down time. Hopefully someone who plays a priest instead of a wannabe like me can help you out with your build and strategy. You might find some good information on wow-wiki, specifically on the Priest builds and Priest tactics pages.
posted by splice at 11:44 AM on August 3, 2007

Like many others, I just simply don't have the time it would take to play this game. I've played a few 10day trials, even purchases a month or two, but I would play a LOT more if they made some additions to their subscriptions. Like if I could pay by the hour, instead of having to pay for a month at a time. Some months I don't play, so I won't subscribe, but I would like to be able to log on and play with friends for a couple of hours every once in a while. But sadly, they don't want my money (if they can't have all of it).

As for what would I like from the expansions? Drop-ships.
posted by blue_beetle at 11:44 AM on August 3, 2007

Yeah, at 52 you should finish Un'goro and Searing Gorge, then check out Burning Steppes, then Winterspring and Silithus... though admittedly you can outright skip Silithus, it's a PITA. Once you get to 58 run directly to Hellfire Peninsula and enjoy the Burning Crusade.

You can absolutely solo 1-70, in fact it's generally the most efficient way to level.
posted by mek at 11:47 AM on August 3, 2007

thanks guys. although my wallet and spare time probably won't thank you after not too long.
posted by shmegegge at 11:54 AM on August 3, 2007

When will it actually be out though? 2010?

They missed the first expansion by a year and a half, as I recall.

WoW is very newbie friendly, just pick a PvE server. You will still be able to participate in all the PvP you want via Battlegrounds.

It is certainly possible to solo all the way to 70. Maybe not efficient, but certainly possible.
posted by Ynoxas at 12:05 PM on August 3, 2007

blue_beetle: "Like many others, I just simply don't have the time it would take to play this game. I've played a few 10day trials, even purchases a month or two, but I would play a LOT more if they made some additions to their subscriptions. Like if I could pay by the hour, instead of having to pay for a month at a time. Some months I don't play, so I won't subscribe, but I would like to be able to log on and play with friends for a couple of hours every once in a while. But sadly, they don't want my money (if they can't have all of it).
"

You know I was just thinking that the other day. I'm pretty casual. I stopped subscribing for a few months earlier in the year because I was burnt out. I wasn't even sure if I'd return. I did, but I still don't play that much. It would definitely be nice to have a graded scale, like 5, 10, 15 bucks, and x hours for each until the top which gives you unlimited time. I'm worried about how spammers might pick up on that, though.

Anyways, not a bad idea, I think, and one way Blizz could keep players who are/want to be casual.
posted by symbioid at 12:08 PM on August 3, 2007

You can absolutely solo 1-70, in fact it's generally the most efficient way to level.
posted by mek at 1:47 PM on August 3

It is certainly possible to solo all the way to 70. Maybe not efficient, but certainly possible.
posted by Ynoxas at 2:05 PM on August 3

I think the answer is "it depends". For say, a hunter, it would be much more efficient to solo. For a priest, I think they would benefit greatly from partying, even if it is just 1-2 other players.

Also, don't be afraid of pick-up groups. You can sometimes tag up with someone, play an hour, and get a lot done.
posted by Ynoxas at 12:10 PM on August 3, 2007

1UP.com's got a great breakdown of the new features. Looks like "Games for Windows: The Official Magazine" (possibly the worst name for a magazine I've ever heard) will have a lot more information in their upcoming issue.
posted by thanotopsis at 12:14 PM on August 3, 2007

What, precisely, can I do? I'm a level 52 priest

Un'Goro, Winterspring, Silithus, Burning Steepes, Searing Gorge, and Eastern plaguelands i think covers it. Remember that there was a lvl 60 cap for a few years, so Blizz made a decent amount of content for higher levels.

BC is incredibly easy to solo to 70.

I had raided at 60 and was going to with BC. But, hell if the steps to Karazan aren't a total pain in the ass and I petty much gave up. I hope it's easier to go raiding in the new expansion, like MC or BWL which feels like a cakewalk in comparison to BC req's.


And I had always though the Warlock as WoW's "necromatic Death Night." Oh well, more classes to pwn.
posted by jmd82 at 12:19 PM on August 3, 2007

I'm really hoping those new hairstyles turn out to be more than just a rumor. I played the game a few time, but couldn't deal with the mullets.
posted by davejay at 12:21 PM on August 3, 2007

shmegegge: "smite spec"

...I don't personally know what that means; a coworker just asked me to post it. So, uh, hope it helps?
posted by aramaic at 12:58 PM on August 3, 2007

Can somebody explain, for a total novice, what the deal is with the hairstyles?
posted by newdaddy at 1:07 PM on August 3, 2007

Official expansion subsite is now up, along with the trailer. I wasn't particularly impressed with the trailer -- all in-game stuff, none of the typical Blizzard rendered movies.
posted by thanotopsis at 1:07 PM on August 3, 2007

Smite spec is awful for levelling-- put 41 points into shadow, picking up shadow form, spirit tap and vampiric touch. Put the rest of your points into Disc, picking up wand spec first. When killing do VT, SW:Pain, mindflay until the mob is at 40% health, then wand until dead. You will have ZERO downtime. Shadow priests level faster than hunters.
posted by greasy_skillet at 1:08 PM on August 3, 2007 [1 favorite]

I would like some wrath of the licking.
posted by dirigibleman at 1:19 PM on August 3, 2007

Smite spec is great for levelling, as long as you have tons of +spirit gear (available via the AH). Spec to 5/5 reflective shield in disc, spirit tap in shadow, and then put the rest wherever you like. Cast sequence is PW:Shield -> Holy Fire -> SW:P -> Mind Blast -> Smite until mob is ~40% -> Wand -> next.

Three benefits over Shadow, IMO: mana regen during combat is great; you can react faster to damage/gank attempts because you're in healing form already; and you're a bit better healer in groups.
posted by felix at 1:19 PM on August 3, 2007 [1 favorite]

The subsite is cool and all, but come on. They ripped the Lich King's armour (especially helmet) from Sauron in the LOTR movies. Tsk, tsk.
posted by dirtynumbangelboy at 1:31 PM on August 3, 2007

Zinger
I should probably post this over at Metatalk, but a quick answer here...
Starting out is pretty easy, you can choose a server where the opposing faction (Horde VS Alliance) can't attack you unless you "flag" yourself as in the mood to beat someone up. If you go PvP server, you'll start in lands that are strictly your faction's territory and the opposing faction can't kick your butt.

I am not ready for another expansion!
posted by idiotfactory at 1:36 PM on August 3, 2007

Christ I got Burning Crusade when it cam out but then took two breaks since (plus I played my alts a lot). I just now got to 66 on my main. :(
posted by WerewolvesRancheros at 1:53 PM on August 3, 2007

I've been out of the game since March, after 2 years as a raider.

...can anyone tell me if they nerfed warlocks?

I can still feel the dots ticking away...
posted by cowbellemoo at 1:58 PM on August 3, 2007 [1 favorite]

Blizzard REALLY needs to come up with a new plot. Every new dungeon is explained by:

"The evil X has set in motion his plan to invade and kill all of Azeroth, but he hasn't invaded QUITE YET so you can still go to his base and kick his ass".

Where X =
Kel'Thuzard, C'Thun, Prince Kaelthas, Illidan, The Burning Crusade demon guys, and now Arthas. BORRRRING.
posted by Spacelegoman at 2:00 PM on August 3, 2007

shmeggage, Smite spec has not been useful since BC's release. If you're holy, I strongly suggest you just heal instances till 58 and then cross the portal. Do finish Un'Goro, and check out Winterspring, 'cause it's pretty and neat, but seriously, get to 58 ASAP and cross the Dark Portal. Avoid Silithus like the plague, it's a strong counterproof to the existence of God.

And seriously, go Shadow. Ever since BC, pallies and druids are filling the healing roles, with shadow priests in high demand due to their ability to put out loads of damage per second while simultaneously healing the party and, as a unique ability, providing extra mana to the party. Healers love grouping with my main because Vampiric Embrace and Vampiric Touch mean that not only does their mana pool last longer, they have to do less healing in the first place. Shadow used to be the redheaded stepchild of Priest specs, but nowadays it's the spec to have, whether you're soloing, grouping, or raiding. (And of course having a DPS/offhealing/manabattery that can, when needed, drop out of Shadowform and make with the heals is handy as hell.)

Also: new expansion! Squee!
posted by Pope Guilty at 2:05 PM on August 3, 2007

Shmeggae - weird. We have the exact same build and bad soloing 52 priest experience.

To those telling me how easy it is to solo a shadow priest: PvP server means I'm target number one for any passing party with factional differences and I spend a lot of weeknights dead.

Sure, I started on various PvE servers but was convinced to go PvP because all my work buddies would be there. Well, they're all 70 now and alog plunks Shepherdbook, the little priest that couldn't.

It's so seldom I get to whine about WoW on the blue. Consider it therapy.

All said, I have something like 15 toons up to the mid 20's, which is when Blizzard seems to run out of stories and I run out of patience. C'mon - "kill me 20 of those, erm, whatever. Just kill until I say stop."

Frankly, like some others here, I would like to see new content, not just higher levels of the same spells. I am so tired of the Left, Right, Left, Right, A, B, A, B, Select, Start descriptions of "how to play" because they work pretty well, which means I'm not doing anything more than punching the same keys and running through a very pretty landscape.

WoW is best when playing with friends, we just spend all our time trying to Harrison Bergeron our levels within stone's throw of one another, which isn't much fun for the enumployed... er, higher level player.
posted by abulafa at 2:16 PM on August 3, 2007

WoW is for girls.
posted by dopamine at 2:24 PM on August 3, 2007

"The evil X has set in motion his plan to invade and kill all of Azeroth, but he hasn't invaded QUITE YET so you can still go to his base and kick his ass".

It's really sad that reading this makes me think of how our country goes to war.
posted by uri at 2:34 PM on August 3, 2007 [5 favorites]

Apologies to non-USian mefites,

our country the United States
posted by uri at 2:40 PM on August 3, 2007

I wish Blizzard would take the time to make a decent single player RPG. These trailers are always way more hype than the actual game.
posted by chunking express at 2:40 PM on August 3, 2007

WoW is for girls.
posted by dopamine

There's girls on the internet now????
posted by bangalla at 2:49 PM on August 3, 2007

Real men play Eve Online.
posted by BitterOldPunk at 2:57 PM on August 3, 2007

Man, I wish that game was a bit friendlier to the casual player.

Yeah. I let my account lapse when I realized that there was nothing for me to do once I'd gotten all of the decent drops from the 5-man instances. Never even killed the first boss in Karazhan, much less any of the other raids. I'm not gonna put in 70 hours a week, thanks.
posted by solid-one-love at 3:27 PM on August 3, 2007

Color me disappointed with yet another 10 levels and a new class. I was really hoping for more.

Two words for that: Dragon graveyard. That should be worth the price of admission alone, though I am not at all keen on grinding rep with yet another faction.

But if the Death Knight ends up being to 'locks what pallies are to priests... that should be awesome.

I'd also rather see Grim Batol, Gilneas, and some other areas in Azeroth finished, but something tells me it'll be a year to 18 months before we see this in any way shape or form anyway, I'm sure there will be plenty of content patches between then and now. We're only on 2.2, wasn't 1.12 the last before BC?

Also, after Northrend? What that leaves the Maelstrom or something right? And that's about it for established lore areas in Warcraft... Dear Gods, they might actually have to come up with something new or different!!!!
posted by davros42 at 4:52 PM on August 3, 2007

"The evil X has set in motion his plan to invade and kill all of Azeroth, but he hasn't invaded QUITE YET so you can still go to his base and kick his ass".

It's really sad that reading this makes me think of how our country goes to war.

I just wanted to reiterate this because it is so, so true.
posted by voltairemodern at 5:24 PM on August 3, 2007

Man, I wish that game was a bit friendlier to the casual player.

Yeah. I let my account lapse when I realized that there was nothing for me to do once I'd gotten all of the decent drops from the 5-man instances. Never even killed the first boss in Karazhan, much less any of the other raids.

This has to be one of the funniest things I've ever heard.
posted by shmegegge at 5:42 PM on August 3, 2007

Nor have they ever released another zone through an update (only instances).

Silithus.

Level 50 Shadow priest grinding build should look like this.
posted by spiderwire at 5:57 PM on August 3, 2007

So which servers are all the MeFites on anyway? :) Last I checked it was Dark Iron or something?
posted by spiderwire at 5:59 PM on August 3, 2007

It just seems disappointing, is all.
I'm glad I quit ages ago.
I believe a lot of people were hoping for Hero classes to be something your character turns into as a form of alternate advancement.
Very very very few people who play WoW want to start all over again from level 1 with a "Hero" class. This concept is exactly the same as the Epic ATs in City of Heroes, but it actually works in that game because the game is so solo-friendly and much less of a grind than WoW. Not to mention WoW has the whole loot-grind on top of the level grind.
posted by nightchrome at 7:08 PM on August 3, 2007

Firetree here, but not for the hot mefite action.

I thought Dark Iron was the Penny Arcade hangout. Maybe there was a crossover.
posted by abulafa at 7:20 PM on August 3, 2007

I thought Dark Iron was the Penny Arcade hangout. Maybe there was a crossover.

That's right. Penny Arcade and PvP have their guilds there. I have to admit that the concept of dueling webcomic guilds is pretty hilarious.
posted by spiderwire at 8:39 PM on August 3, 2007

This has to be one of the funniest things I've ever heard.

How so? I'm only talking about two or three runs of each 5-man instance. That's a total of about 90 hours of play over a three-month period. That's an hour a day. That's pretty much the textbook definition of casual gaming.
posted by solid-one-love at 8:46 PM on August 3, 2007

I only think it's funny because it reminds me of how different one person's definition of "casual" is from another's.

For instance, where WOW is concerned, I don't think of anyone who has accomplished all the 5 man instances of having been casual in any sense of the word. Not that my idea of casual is the gospel definition, but since I think of how I used to pay as casual (and I never completed any 5 man instance except for scarlet monestary) when someone says they accomplished all of ANYTHING it cracks me up to think that that's casual. that, to my mind, takes time and dedication.

but that's just my reference point. it cracked me up, but it's not a judgement on you or anyone else.
posted by shmegegge at 12:27 AM on August 4, 2007

To all those who regret getting married and having children, I only play to keep my 11 year old company, but its way fun as an old geezer to watch how kids play this. Total parental-kid role reversal: I'm shy and unlikely to approach strangers. My 11 year old runs a guild and picks up groups on the fly all the time. Of course he's lvl 69 and I'm 32, which may not be a coincidence. Hang on a few years guys, and you'll be killing mottled boars again.
posted by fcummins at 4:06 AM on August 4, 2007

Also? If you're going to be a priest, be a Draenei priest. Their racial bonuses kick ASS. I don't think I used an actual priest class healing spell until level 25.
posted by WolfDaddy at 4:55 AM on August 4, 2007