Introduction.
I discovered World of Warcraft in December, 2005, and have spent a good deal of free time playing the game since then. This is my first blog, too, so please don't expect anything too remarkable. :-)
For those who aren't familiar with World of Warcraft or WoW for short, it's a MMOG or massively multiplayer online game. At last count there are 5,500,000+ accounts. At any given time, the server I play on has somewhere between hundreds and thousands of players. Other than playing some chess online, this is my first online game.
A primary distinction in this game is PvE versus PvP. PvE means player versus environment; PvP, player versus player. I'm on a PvE server. While I can play against other players, I don't have to. Personally, I much prefer PvE over PvP.
Once the decision of PvE versus PvP server has been made, a player's next decision is what 'toon' he or she will play and for which faction. To make PvP more 'real' this game has two opposing factions named the Horde and Alliance. You have to choose one of these factions, and that's done by chosing a "race". The Horde has what are to me most unappealing races such as Orcs, Taurens, Trolls, and Undead (yuk! -smile-) . The Alliance has Humans, Dwarfs, Gnomes, and Night Elfs. Obviously, I chose an Alliance race, a Gnome, for their high intelligence.
The next step is choosing a 'class'. There are nine total; although, some are restricted to certain races. I picked a Warlock class, because I read it soloed well, and was complicated to play. I like complicated because that can mean less boring during the long grind these games sometimes require to 'level up'. The Warlock has magically summoned 'pets' (each have special abilities), and some rather unique magic spells. The focus of the class is on 'debuffing', which makes an opponent weaker (or less buff); although, the class has plenty of spells that will do damage, and a good deal of it.
My initial reaction to the game was that it has great graphics; although, the characters themselves are somewhat cartoony. That's necessary for smooth game play on moderately powered equipment. The 'world' is highly detailed and vast, and often beautiful to look at. Although, some areas, which were once beautiful, have been destroyed either due to war or environmental damage. Some of the quests in the game focus on correcting this destruction and proper management of the land, especially quests given to Night Elf players.
Some of the fun of the game is grouping with other players. These are often PUG's or pick up groups. The reason for grouping is simple, it often makes getting things done easier, and sometimes makes the impossible, possible. The game supports "guilds", too. These are formal groups of players with leaders, ranks, and a private guild chat channel. Some portions of a game require teams of players up to as many as 40. Guilds can provide a social environment, too, and allow players to share their skills. I'm blessed to be part of a guild called the "Knights of the Sacred". It's a highly experienced group that has been a lot of fun to play with, and has been very helpful.
All players can learn cooking, fishing, and first aid. They can also pick two professions from a list of nine. I chose herbalism and alchemy mostly because the game website suggested that as two good professions for a warlock. Herbalism is one of three 'gathering' professions. Alchemy is one of six 'production' professions.
Many goods either gathered or produced can be bought and sold at the auction house found in major cities in the games. It's a lot like ebay. Many items that are 'looted' or awarded through quests can be bought and sold at the auction house, too.
Some of the goals of the game are to 'level up' by defeating opponents and/or completing quests. As one gains higher levels, one's 'toon' becomes more powerful and often learns more skills, too. This allows players to take on progressively tougher challenges in the game, which are fun in and of themselves, and often yield nice 'loot' which can either be used to improve one's 'toon' or sold or given away.
Overall, I find the game fun. My biggest complaint is lack of story, and too many of the quests are a repetitive grind of some basic themes.
For more information see www.worldofwarcraft.com
I discovered World of Warcraft in December, 2005, and have spent a good deal of free time playing the game since then. This is my first blog, too, so please don't expect anything too remarkable. :-)
For those who aren't familiar with World of Warcraft or WoW for short, it's a MMOG or massively multiplayer online game. At last count there are 5,500,000+ accounts. At any given time, the server I play on has somewhere between hundreds and thousands of players. Other than playing some chess online, this is my first online game.
A primary distinction in this game is PvE versus PvP. PvE means player versus environment; PvP, player versus player. I'm on a PvE server. While I can play against other players, I don't have to. Personally, I much prefer PvE over PvP.
Once the decision of PvE versus PvP server has been made, a player's next decision is what 'toon' he or she will play and for which faction. To make PvP more 'real' this game has two opposing factions named the Horde and Alliance. You have to choose one of these factions, and that's done by chosing a "race". The Horde has what are to me most unappealing races such as Orcs, Taurens, Trolls, and Undead (yuk! -smile-) . The Alliance has Humans, Dwarfs, Gnomes, and Night Elfs. Obviously, I chose an Alliance race, a Gnome, for their high intelligence.
The next step is choosing a 'class'. There are nine total; although, some are restricted to certain races. I picked a Warlock class, because I read it soloed well, and was complicated to play. I like complicated because that can mean less boring during the long grind these games sometimes require to 'level up'. The Warlock has magically summoned 'pets' (each have special abilities), and some rather unique magic spells. The focus of the class is on 'debuffing', which makes an opponent weaker (or less buff); although, the class has plenty of spells that will do damage, and a good deal of it.
My initial reaction to the game was that it has great graphics; although, the characters themselves are somewhat cartoony. That's necessary for smooth game play on moderately powered equipment. The 'world' is highly detailed and vast, and often beautiful to look at. Although, some areas, which were once beautiful, have been destroyed either due to war or environmental damage. Some of the quests in the game focus on correcting this destruction and proper management of the land, especially quests given to Night Elf players.
Some of the fun of the game is grouping with other players. These are often PUG's or pick up groups. The reason for grouping is simple, it often makes getting things done easier, and sometimes makes the impossible, possible. The game supports "guilds", too. These are formal groups of players with leaders, ranks, and a private guild chat channel. Some portions of a game require teams of players up to as many as 40. Guilds can provide a social environment, too, and allow players to share their skills. I'm blessed to be part of a guild called the "Knights of the Sacred". It's a highly experienced group that has been a lot of fun to play with, and has been very helpful.
All players can learn cooking, fishing, and first aid. They can also pick two professions from a list of nine. I chose herbalism and alchemy mostly because the game website suggested that as two good professions for a warlock. Herbalism is one of three 'gathering' professions. Alchemy is one of six 'production' professions.
Many goods either gathered or produced can be bought and sold at the auction house found in major cities in the games. It's a lot like ebay. Many items that are 'looted' or awarded through quests can be bought and sold at the auction house, too.
Some of the goals of the game are to 'level up' by defeating opponents and/or completing quests. As one gains higher levels, one's 'toon' becomes more powerful and often learns more skills, too. This allows players to take on progressively tougher challenges in the game, which are fun in and of themselves, and often yield nice 'loot' which can either be used to improve one's 'toon' or sold or given away.
Overall, I find the game fun. My biggest complaint is lack of story, and too many of the quests are a repetitive grind of some basic themes.
For more information see www.worldofwarcraft.com
posted by George | 12:56 PM
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