We take a look at Blizzard's soon to be released WoW expansion, Cataclysm
The third expansion for Blizzard’s now (in)famous MMO, World of Warcraft, is just around the corner. Be prepared for everything to change come December 7.
It BUUUUURNNNNS
Okay, so there’s this really pissed-off uber-powerful dragon, AKA Deathwing the Destroyer, who has returned from Deepholm in somewhat of a foul mood. Deathwing sets out to have its way with Azeroth, and Azeroth truly comes off second best.
So Much Goodness
Firstly, Ye Olde Azeroth is being retired for a new apocalypse inspired version, full of change, mayhem, destruction and some lava for good measure.
Any long-time player should easily become nauseated at the thought of leveling, yet again, in the same dull areas, doing those same dull quests (oh Barrens, how I loathe thee!). Luckily, most of that has hit the bin, and the new quests are falling inline with the more varied and interesting quests seen in Wrath of the Lich King.
Also included in Cataclysm for all you level 80s out there, are new expanses to explore on your journey from 80 – 85. The new areas come in many new flavours. From the spanking new Mount Hyjal to Deepholm, the plane of earth where all earth elementals come from. One of the more intriguing new areas has to be Vashj’ir, an underwater zone located at the Maelstrom (time for a refreshing dip!).
Vashj’ir
Deepholm
With new areas come new instances, obviously, with a handful of new raids for the more “hardcore” among us. Deadmines and Shadowfang Keep are also getting a rework for higher level content which should be interesting.
Then, during the downtime, you can get dirty with a new profession; Archeology. Archeology is the new secondary profession which will unlock vanity pets, mounts, weapons and armour. There are other unique aspects to it, such as studying artifacts via a journal, and the ability to confer buffs to members in instances. By unearthing artifacts you unlock lore behind the world and events of World of Warcraft, which should be great for all the lore buffs out there.
Talents have also gone under the knife with total revamps. To match the talents, the stats are becoming more refined and streamlined (only time will tell if that is code for “dumbed down”).
A new advancement system is being introduced by means of the guild advancement system. Guilds can now level up to 25 with certain benefits. There are numerous guild related achievements. Guild-members participating will gain access to some great guild-bound items and gear.
Lastly, the two new races, Goblins and the Worgen (Werewolves, oh yeah!).
Goblin
Worgen
The classes available for the Worgen include – Druid, Mage, Warlock, Priest, Rogue, Warrior, Hunter and Death Knight.
Worgen Racial Abilities
- Darkflight (3min cooldown): Activates your true form increasing movement speed by 40% for 10 secs.
- Viciousness (passive): Increases critical strike by 1%.
- Aberration (passive): Increases resistance to both Nature and Shadow damage.
- Flayer (passive): Skinning increased by 15 and allows you to skin 0.5secs faster,
- Two Forms (1.5sec cooldown): Transforms you between Human and Worgen forms. You will revert to Worgen form in combat.
- Running Wild (1.5sec cooldown): Drop to all fours to run as fast as a wild tiger. Serves as their mount.
While the Goblins have access to – Hunter, Mage, Warlock, Priest, Rogue, Shaman, Warrior and Death Knight.
Goblin Racial Abilities
- Rocket Jump (2min cooldown, shared with Rocket Barrage): Activates your rocket belt to jump forward.
- Rocket Barrage (2min cooldown, shared with Rocket Jump): Launches your belt rockets at an enemy dealing damage depending on level.
- Time is Money (passive): Cash in on a 1% increase to attack and casting speed.
- Best Deals Anywhere (passive): Always receive the best discount regardless of faction standing.
- Pack Hobgoblin (30min cooldown): Calls in your personal servant, allowing you bank access for 1min.
- Better Living through Chemistry (passive): Alchemy skill increased by 15.
Oh – I almost forgot something important! Flying mounts are going to grace the skies of Azeroth. This will allow for faster easier access, as well gaining access to some new areas. I am sure many of you have been waiting for this change since they introduced flying mounts, and it is finally here.
So, Join the Cult
Phew. That was quite a lot! And there are more changes afoot. Sure, I would have liked a new class, but Cataclysm seems substantial enough as it is. So for all the salivating fans out there, get down to a midnight event near you. They include:
While World of Warcraft has its issues, it offers arguably the best all around MMORPG experience around, and I can’t for the next chapter I plan to sink my fangs (making a Worgen) into Cataclysm, along with 12 million others.
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