::@:: Reality of Dreams ::@::

Yeah, so as many of you probably know (or at least if I think you can put up with any of my geeky ways) I have started playing “World of Warcraft” (wiki, official site) a MMORPG so huge that the number of players worldwide outnumbers many countries (I think its around 6million players).

Firstly some background. Basically WoW (to use its short name) is a computer game which you have to pay a monthly fee to play (around £8-10 per month) and you play online in a “world” populated by other players. If you have ever played Balders Gate, Neverwinter Nights, and even Final Fantasy you have an idea of what a computer RPG (role playing game) is and the concept of “levels” and the such. In short you create a character of a particular race (10 to choose from), split between two factions, the Alliance (goody goody… ish), and the Horde (not so goody goody, but not quite evil) each with 5 races. You then select a “class” for that character from the list for that race. I mainly play a “Blood Elf” “Mage”… which really means nothing unless you know more and to be frank going into the subtlety between races and character types is for another time.

Anyway, you play the game taking on quests and getting stronger and so on. WoW has suffered from its not that great quest system which took a long time to get between the higher levels and forced group play, which isn’t a bad thing but its not for everyone. However, recently they have sped up advancement which means that you can take a character to level 60 (out of a current maximum of 70) by yourself, it will be tough and a bit slower but is now actually something you can do.

I was dubious of this new claim when I started a month ago, but was quickly proved wrong and have rocketed through the levels with my old character, who now proudly stands on the cusp of level 55 and will soon be able to venture into the “Outlands” (part of an expansion that came out a while ago but is for level 58+). I have to admit Blizzard (who make WoW) have made a good change with this accelerated progress as it feels more fun, it just makes it more enjoyable.

The release of the “2.4 patch” which was not only one of the semi-regular fix patches where they fix problems and what are called “balance issues” this one also introduced a whole new island and advanced the plot of the game. While this addition is really for those who have reached the maximum level it shows a commitment to the game and the continuation of the plot arc of the game world.

I have to admit that if you have ever considered looking at playing a MMORPG you could do worse than choosing WoW as your first experiment (Guild Wars is probably just a bit better). That being said the experience of playing online with thousands of other people is an odd one and can take some while to get used to especially with all the game specific jargon, the wider online jargon, and the dreaded “lol-speak”. Which is no less prevalent the “RP Realm” I am on (which is a server where everyone is actually meant to role-play their characters).

Anyway, my point is I am quite glad I was persuaded to restart playing, its still a firm second in the all time favourite MMORPG’s . First is “Neocron”, which blended 3 of my favourite things, first person shooters, science fiction, and psionics! If there is anyone in the game world listening to this please make a new sci-fi MMORPG that is not: based on a franchise, not anime, and aimed at adults… please. Wither WoW will remain where it is depends on the two upcoming contenders, “Age of Conan” and “Warhammer Online”… both are again fantasy but both seem to the more mature player (well Conan is going to be at the least a 15 if not 18). Of course wither either of them has WoW’s modify-ability (is that a word), or spark that keeps you wanting to play, remains to be seen but I can’t wait to find out.

Now, if you excuse me I’m going to log on and check the Auction House and see if I can’t grind my Jewelcrafting up abit

Laters