World of Warcraft: Wrath of the Lich King – Initial Impressions
Take a look into the recently released World of Warcraft expansion, Wrath of the Lich King.
Before I begin, let me give you a bit of background on my World of Warcraft playing habits making it easier to grasp what perspective I’m giving this overview from.
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Throughout my entire WoW career, I’ve only leveled one Blood Elf Warlock to 70 with breaks ranging from weeks to months in the process. Not to mention the several alts I have created only to be neglected soon after. I could be classified as a casual gamer(in regards to this particular game)that played the game mostly to hit the level cap and take in all of the content, with a little PvP on the side, not really focusing on end game raids and all that jazz. I have a bit over 20 days played and I started roughly a week after the Burning Crusade expansion was released, if that puts it a bit more into perspective.
Some could say I don’t exactly have extensive knowledge of the game as compared to those with more than one level 70, but anyone who has taken a character from level 1 all the way to the cap knows what it’s like. Countless quests, instance grinds, zone change, more quests, more instances, etc, etc. So to say you get a feeling for the game would be an understatement.
Getting to Northrend
After logging on you will be met with the dilemma of actually getting to the newly added continent of Northrend. For the Horde there is a Zepplin just outside Orgrimmar that will take you to Borean Tundra and one outside Undercity that will take you to the Howling Fjord. However for Alliance players, a boat from Stormwind will take you to Borean Tundra while a boat from Menethil Harbor will take you to Howling Fjord. This is all fine and dandy, yes, but once upon entering the icy continent, whatever is there to do?
Starting Instances
Other than picking up every quest on your mini-map (Questhelper anyone?), I suggest joining the queue for instance runs, as from the time I’m writing this several days after the game’s release, the queues for both The Nexus and Utgarde Keep are still flooded with all sorts of classes. Both instances are more on the shorter side with Utgarde Keep running about 30 minutes with a decent group. I’ve circled on the included maps where you can expect to find the portals for both of the above mentioned instances.
Deathknights
Deathknights are, without a doubt, my favorite addition to the game. Runes, runic power, and all different kinds of whoop ass. While I don’t want to give away the lore of this epic class, I could tell you that the quests from levels 55-58 were probably the most fun I’ve ever had playing this game. Fun play WoW, unheard of, right? Maybe not. Tanking and DPS classes better watch out, Deathknights are a force to be reckoned with.
Initial Impression
I’m not going to give Wrath of the Lich King a number score, because it really is based on whether or not you like World of Warcraft to begin with. However, the beautiful scenery of Northrend mixed with the exciting new Deathknight class makes Wrath of the Lich King a must have for those looking to respark their interest in the game or just take their character through new adventures. A word of wisdom to those who are considering picking up MMORPG’s for the first time. You will get addicted, there is no way around. If you’ve had an addictive personality in the past your best bet is probably to stay away from World of Warcraft and Wrath of the Lich King. Don’t say I didn’t warn ya’! See you in Northrend everyone.