Polls
Loading ...Goblin: Level 1-13
I started a Goblin hunter earlier this week and after totally completing the starter zone I have to say I’m pretty happy with what Blizzard has developed for The Horde’s newest allies. You start out in Kezan, a colorful area which is chaotic as only a goblin zone can be. Architecture is very similar to what you see in the current Venture Company areas or in the Shimmering Flats, and mishaps by the residents is not an uncommon occurrence. Goblins start out with two very nice racial skills; Rocket Jump (activates your rocket belt to jump forward) and Rocket Barrage (launches belt rockets at an enemy, dealing fire damage). Those who choose Alchemy as a profession will start with a 15 point skill advantage, and the Time is Money skill gives you a 1% increase in attack and casting speed. Perhaps the best racials though are Best Deals Anywhere, which gives you the best discount regardless of faction, and the parting gift you get as you exit the zone, a “pack hobgoblin” which allows you to call your very own banker, no matter where you are! He’s good for 1 minute and has a 30 minute cooldown.
Progression is managed though a pretty standard series of quests which will seem all too familiar to veteran players. First you get an introduction from the guy standing directly in front of you, who then sends you off to the next quest giver, located very close by. The sequence continues, with quests being a mix of kill, collect, deliver, and report, all designed to allow you to enlarge your realm of familiar territory without getting totally lost. I didn’t find any of it terribly challenging, but neither was it boring. “Cute” is the word that keeps coming to mind.
One very cool thing that makes this experience different than any of the previous starter areas is that after the first half dozen quests you’re given a Hot Rod to jet around in. It makes exploring the starter area much more fun and the comments you get from citizens when you accidentally run over them are classic. The fact that you’re given a quest in which the task at hand is to run over a series of “bad guys” makes it even more fun. You keep the Hot Rod for the rest of the time you’re in the “noob” area, which mean for some two dozen quests. The down side is that when you move to the next zone level, you lose your wheels and are back to walking.
Moving from the starter area to the full Lost Isles experience involves being teleported to the beach at Shipwreck Shore, which is on the second largest island. After a cut-scene plays through you start the first of another two dozen quests which include bomb-throwing monkeys, a gyrochoppa bombing run, and a couple of missions to help Thrall, as well as an escort quest through a cavern. Once done with these you’re sent off to Town-In-A-Box in a most goblin-esque way – launched through the air to land in your next new home, the largest of the three islands. The center of this island is a volcano and there are just over 50 more quests that can be obtained before you’re finally sent by boat to the newly constructed docks outside of Orgrimmar (on the beach, near Skull Rock).
A few things I noticed that are different from all the starter areas in the pre-Cataclysm races:
- There are a lot of phased quests, meaning you can’t get future quests until you’ve done the quests which come before. Anyone who’s completed Icecrown will recognize the pattern, and it works well in such a high level zone. How this will play out with veteran players who’ve already completed other starter zones numerous times, or even those who’ve completed the entire Goblin experience once or twice and don’t want to do it again remains to be seen.
- Rather than quests frequently being clustered, most of them were sequential. There were times when you could pick up three or four quests all together, but for the most part you obtained a quest, completed it, and turned it in before the next quest giver showed that she had quests available. Power players who rush through content by doing quests in clusters will find this frustrating.
- It doesn’t appear to me that you can leave Lost Isles until you’ve completed most of the quests. The NPC who gives you the exit quest is phased and there’s no way off the island except by boat…a boat which won’t leave the dock until you’ve got the exit quest. I’ll play through this at least once more to insure that this is actually a fact.
So, in a nutshell that’s Kezan and the Goblin race. It’s fun, colorful, and zany and should appeal to Horde-minded players who need a bit of change. I’ve tried during the week to think of the downsides to the Goblin race and all I’ve come up with is — they’re short!
Cross realm grouping is probably one of the best ideas that Blizzard ever came up with for WoW. When Wrath first came out, and people were hitting level cap within the first month or so, getting a dungeon group together to run even 5 mans could be catastrophically annoying. Even in guild there was always someone who couldn’t fill that last spot, a tank who didn’t feel up to it, or even a healer who wasn’t up to par.
The introduction of cross-realm grouping was an attempt by Blizzard to remedy these problems, and for the most part, I would agree that they were successful. But with any solution of this nature there is always a rather large margin for error. Every single WoW player has dealt with some jerk who thinks he knows everything about the game, or perhaps a player who doesn’t work as hard as other members in the group. I have come up with a list of what I believe to be the top 5 most annoying things about the random dungeon system, and possible solutions to these problems.
5. Players who skip bosses.
This is more of a personal annoyance of mine, which is why I have put it as the least most annoying of the five. As it stands right now, random dungeon running is one of the most effective ways to level your toons, and part of the reason for this is the gear you attain from killing bosses. The only time where I believe it’s acceptable to skip bosses is when you’re at level cap, and your only reason for running random heroics is for your daily 2 frost badges. I’ve been in that boat myself.
- Possible Solution: If you do not wish to skip any bosses during a run, make it known to the rest of the group as soon as you start the run. Also, if there are specific pieces of gear you require, research where it drops and off of what boss. After that, politely let your party know which bosses you do not wish to skip.
- Possible Solution: Another solution to this problem is to run with people you know. Try and get a group together who will help you kill the bosses you require.
4. The wait as DPS.
Let’s face it – DPS is a dime a dozen when it comes to random dungeons. If you play on a decently populated server, the wait for a random dungeon group as a DPS may take anywhere from 10-30 minutes. The wait can be an annoyance, so much in fact that it may even discourage players from queing up altogether. But never fear! There are ways to make the wait a little more tolerable.
- Possible Solution: If you’re lucky enough to play a class that can re-spec to a tank or a healer, you can bite the proverbial bullet and at least get into random’s much quicker. This may not be preferable for a player who loves to DPS, but at least said player can attain badges much quicker for their DPS set, or if they aren’t at level cap, gain XP at a faster rate.
- Possible Solution: If, for any reason you hate either tanking or healing, or perhaps you play a class that is unable to do anything else but DPS – here’s another idea. If you have yet to reach level cap, you can quest while you wait, or perhaps work on your professions. If questing is out of the question, then there is always farming if you have a gathering profession. Low on gold? Do some dailies! The fact that a lot of WoW players tend to overlook is the vastness of the game they have grown to love. WoW is huge! There is always something to do while you wait.
3. Players who drop group during the run.
There are very few things more annoying than waiting to get into a random dungeon (especially as a DPS), and having someone drop group. I can understand if it’s a valid reason, but most of the time players will leave without even saying a word. Not only is that rude, but it’s bloody annoying.
- Possible Solution: The only real way to ensure that this doesn’t happen is to group up with people that you know and trust. Not only does this make for a smoother, less complicated run, but it avoids players randomly dropping group and leaving you hanging. Apart from that, there really isn’t much you can do other than que up for a random, and pray to God that it goes smoothly.
2. Players who don’t carry their weight.
This, unfortunately, is a very common annoyance when it comes to random dungeons. A lot of players (especially DPS) are notorious for joining a random dungeon, and not pulling their weight. I can’t count how many times I have run dungeons where the hunter is only right-clicking the mob and letting the auto fire do its job, or a tank who refuses to hold decent agro on multiple mobs. I think the most annoying thing for me is a healer who refuses to heal anyone else except himself and the tank.
I can understand if a player is new to the game and doesn’t really know what he/she is doing. WoW, like anything else, has quite the learning curve and it takes a while to fall into your own no matter what the class you play. But there is no excuse for people who join a random heroic, and don’t pull their weight. By then you should know how to play your class, and how to work as a team. Too many times have I seen people who are under-geared enter heroics and expect everyone else to carry them through.
- Possible Solution: There really isn’t much that can be done about this. My only advice is to do the level best you can and let the chips fall where they may. Either that or try to run with people you know can hold their own. The sad reality is that one bad apple can spoil the whole bushel when it comes to this game. Ask any serious raider and I’m sure they will agree.
1. The know-it-all/rude players.
This, by far, is the most trying thing when it comes to random dungeons. If you’re an experienced player you can almost sense when someone like this is in your group, even before they open their mouth. I can understand when the rest of the group is doing something foolish and screwing around, resulting in a wipe. I’m a patient man but even that would upset me. But unfortunately most times, that’s not the case. Too many times have I been in a group where for no reason someone is insulting other players, or ordering people around like everyone else is stupid. People need to realize that this is a game, not a job, and most certainly not the be all and end all of human existence.
- Possible Solution: Sorry, there’s no cure for being an asshole.
- Prince Achilles
What would you do for a pair of Blizzcon 2010 TIX??
blizzcon tix
So you wanna go to Blizzcon huh? Well get in line and line up early! These tix go so fast it will make your pet murlock’s hat spin…
There should be some great cool new gaming stuff on top of the costumes and cool gear that sponsors bring every year… As their press release says … “In addition to serving as a gathering place for Blizzard Entertainment gaming communities, BlizzCon will offer attendees a chance to enjoy:
-Hands-on play time with upcoming Blizzard Entertainment games
-Discussion panels with Blizzard Entertainment developers
-Competitive and casual tournaments for players to showcase their talents
-Community contests with great prizes
-Commemorative merchandise based on Blizzard Entertainment’s game universes
-More exciting activities and attractions to be announced ”
Here are the Deets for attendees off the Blizzcon website:
When and where is BlizzCon 2010? BlizzCon 2010 will take place on Friday, October 22, 2010 and Saturday, October 23, 2010 at the Anaheim Convention Center, located at 800 West Katella Avenue, Anaheim, CA 92802. The hours of operation are 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Pacific Time on both days (Friday and Saturday).
How much does a BlizzCon 2010 ticket cost? Details about BlizzCon 2010 ticket availability and pricing will be announced on the official BlizzCon website, www.blizzcon.com, as the event draws closer.
Where and when can I buy BlizzCon 2010 tickets? To attend BlizzCon, you must purchase tickets in advance through the online Blizzard Store once they go on sale. Details about BlizzCon 2010 ticket availability and pricing will be announced on the official BlizzCon website, www.blizzcon.com, as the event draws closer.
What activities will be at BlizzCon 2010? In addition to serving as a gathering place for Blizzard Entertainment gaming communities, BlizzCon will offer attendees a chance to enjoy discussion panels with Blizzard Entertainment developers, competitive and casual tournaments for players to showcase their talents, hands-on gameplay featuring your favorite Blizzard Entertainment games, community contests with great prizes, commemorative merchandise based on Blizzard Entertainment’s game universes, and more. We’ll share more details about these and other events and activities on www.blizzcon.com as the event draws closer.
ride em' turtle girl?
How will ticket sales operate this year? The ticket-sales process for BlizzCon 2010 will be conducted through the online Blizzard Store, and will function similarly to the ticket-queue system used for BlizzCon 2009 ticket sales. We’ll have more details to share about BlizzCon 2010 ticket availability and the purchasing process in the near future, so please keep an eye on www.blizzcon.com for updates.
Can I order BlizzCon tickets over the phone? You will only be able to place BlizzCon ticket orders online through the Blizzard Store. We will not be accepting BlizzCon ticket orders over the phone.
What can I do ahead of time? Purchasing tickets requires a Battle.net account. If you do not have a Battle.net account and wish to create one in advance of ticket sales, click here to get started. Prior to ticket sales beginning, you may wish to visit Battle.net Account Management to ensure your contact and stored credit-card information are up-to-date, and to verify your e-mail address.
What do I get for the cost of a ticket? Each BlizzCon ticket includes a BlizzCon badge that grants access to BlizzCon. Attendees will also get a BlizzCon goody bag containing exclusive swag. More details on the contents of the goody bag will be revealed in the weeks ahead. Please be aware that transportation and hotel accommodations are not included with the cost of any BlizzCon ticket.
For the Board!!
Is BlizzCon open to attendees outside the United States and Canada? Yes. International attendees will be able to purchase tickets at the same time as domestic attendees. We have not yet announced when tickets for BlizzCon 2010 will go on sale, so please keep an eye on BlizzCon.com for more information.
What should I do about hotel accommodations and transportation? Several hotels within walking distance of the Anaheim Convention Center will be providing guest rooms at a special BlizzCon group rates. Transportation to the event will be up to you. Please check the Travel Info page on www.blizzcon.com in the coming weeks for further information on nearby hotels and how to take advantage of the special group rates, as well as information about car rentals and shuttle buses from nearby airports. If you plan to drive to the Convention Center for the event, we suggest you carpool. Please visit our parking page in the coming weeks more information.
Is there an age restriction for attendees? Some content at BlizzCon may not be suitable for children. Anyone under 13 must be accompanied by an adult. Absolutely no children 5 years of age or under will be permitted to enter. Tickets are required for all attendees, and the child ticket price is the same as the adult ticket price. Please note that no strollers will be allowed in the Anaheim Convention Center.
Whom should I contact if I have a question about accommodations for people with disabilities at BlizzCon? If you are disabled and require special services, please contact blizzconsupport@blizzard.com to identify your special needs. All requests should be received by August 20, 2010 in order to ensure the availability of services. Please include your contact information in your email.
I am planning on carrying my costume and some water in a backpack to BlizzCon. Is this OK? Any bags being brought into BlizzCon should be smaller than 20 inches x 10 inches (roughly the size of two sheets of paper side by side). Anyone with a bag larger than this may be refused entry. If you are taking part in the costume competition and require a larger bag to store your costume, please check with the information kiosk in the lobby on your arrival. Blizzard Entertainment reserves the right to search any bags being brought into BlizzCon and to refuse entry if they are found to contain prohibited items (see below).
the mighty shall strike victory
Will there be a place to store a costume and/or bag at any time during the event? There will be no general storage space available to show attendees. Please leave anything you don’t wish to carry in your car, at home, or at your hotel. If you are taking part in the costume competition, please check with the information kiosk in the lobby on your arrival.
Can I bring my video camera/camcorder into BlizzCon? Video cameras are permitted for use in the BlizzCon exhibit halls. However, you may not record gameplay from any of the screens (with the exception of tournament gameplay), and recording the BlizzCon closing concert on Saturday evening is strictly prohibited.
Can I bring my iPod? MP3 players are permitted in the BlizzCon exhibit halls. However, personal equipment may not be connected to any computer for any reason at any time.
Can I bring my computer/laptop to BlizzCon? General attendees will not be able to bring desktop computers, laptops, and electronic storage devices into the BlizzCon exhibit halls. Please leave these devices in your car, at home, or at your hotel. Members of the media who have a press badge will be able to bring a laptop onto the show floor.
I’m planning on wearing a costume to BlizzCon. Are there any items I cannot bring into the event? Costumes may not include or otherwise utilize any edged weapons (such as knives, daggers, and swords); actual clubs, maces, or other crushing weapons; or projectile weapons of any kind, even if unloaded or nonfunctional (this includes firearms of any kind including air guns, longbows, crossbows, etc.). Acceptable costume weapon props are limited to air-filled or soft plastic melee weapons (swords, daggers, maces, clubs, etc.) and wooden staves that are not shod with metal.
Is there anything else that I can’t bring? Attendees will not be allowed to bring weapons, alcohol, fireworks, glass bottles, cans, or large containers into BlizzCon. **Any attendee found to have violated the prohibited items list may be removed from BlizzCon.**
Will BlizzCon be broadcast on TV or available to view on the Internet this year? We haven’t announced any plans for television or Internet broadcasts of BlizzCon 2010. Keep an eye on the official BlizzCon website, www.blizzcon.com, for any event-related announcements as the convention draws closer.
So now we can get a World of Warcraft magazine?? This should be great for several reasons: I can get access to some more of their cool artwork; I enjoy printed format of artwork vs. LCD; Now I can get strategy assembled into one doc instead of searching all over the web (jsut like TW!); Upcoming patch detail is outlines; interviews, special online events; more about Blizzard games… so many more reasons….
Here is how Blizzard describes it:
Here are some examples or previews of the wow mag:
PETS: http://cde.cerosmedia.com/1M4b2f964fedde4303.cde/page/9
COMMUNITY: http://cde.cerosmedia.com/1M4b2f964fedde4303.cde/page/33
5th ANNIVERSARY DETAIL: http://cde.cerosmedia.com/1M4b2f964fedde4303.cde/page/23
BATTLE OF SYLVANAS AND ARTHAS AND THE SIEGE OF ICECROWN CITADEL: http://cde.cerosmedia.com/1M4b2f964fedde4303.cde/page/15
The votes are in and a whopping 15 out of 24 contestants won prizing. Congrats to all who brought both excitting and sometimes heart wrentching stories to the Tales of Azeroth Contest!
1st Place - Lost but will never be forgotten (animeguru08)
“A beautiful story of friendship. A tale that shows that real honor is still left in the world…”
2nd Place - Priest killing Gruul (emancipator)
“Brilliant! Just goes to show how even squishies can dish it out in a time of crisis!”
3rd Place - How I got ganked IRL… (GankedIRL)
“This was a riot to read. Tip her well! For the alliance!”
4th Place - A Simple Paradise (Jdumoulin)
“Beautifully written! Really a moving story.”
5th Place - One morning on my way to work… (barf)
“Short but sweet! Where can I get one one of those stickers! *grin*”
Honorable Mention-The tale of Darkened Felstar (Darkened)
-diseased hunter (mross)
-Retaking the Undericty (Scythe8911)
-The amazing Leroy run! IRL (bigmanXX)
-The epic struggle (Zhek)
-Khasha (narsyn)
-Life,Love and World of Warcraft (Eclipsknight)
-Snow, Explosions, and Love (cursedseishi)
-Dedication to test the game (calis)
-Which would you choose? (webslider)
Read all the tales here. Continue to post your stories on TotallyWarcraft, we will be awarding random prizes ongoing….
~The TotallyWarcraft Guild~
What other game can you think of that is so epic, it needs trailers just for a new patch. The only one I can muster up is none other then World of Warcraft. Yesterday marked the launch of Blizzards 3.3 patch for World of Warcraft. Some of the change log included big changes to the game such as.
- Icecrown Citadel: The Frozen Throne
- Icecrown Citadel: The Forzen Halls
- Tier 10 Armour Sets
- Cross-Realm Dungeon Finder
- Quest Tracker
To look at the newest patch notes check out Blizzards official patch notes. Here We’ll leave you with the newly released Trailer for Patch 3.3. Enjoy