Blizzard Entertainment’s World of Warcraft is Still Counted Amongst the Best MMO Games. Here’s Why.
About the game
World of Warcraft is an MMORPG, a massively multiplayer online role-playing game. If any list of MMO games is made, there is no doubt that World of Warcraft will feature at the top. This epic game is fourth in the Warcraft series of games. It was released in 2004 by developer Blizzard Entertainment. Since its release, there have been eight expansion packs that added more content to the game. World of Warcraft Classic is a plain version of the game without the expansion packs and was released in 2019 for those who want to play the original game.
With sales of more than $9 billion and a registered customer base of more than ten million, there is no doubting the fact that this is one of the all-time great games. The game is a blend of strategy, fantasy, and science fiction. The game works on a subscription model, collecting a fee from users to allow them access. The latest expansion pack released is the Battle of Azeroth. The next expansion, Shadowlands, is expected in 2020.
The game plot, characters, and storyline
The game is set in the fictional world of Azeroth. Kalimdor, the Eastern Kingdoms, Outland, Draenor, Northrend, and Pandaria are the areas in the game where players get to play. The game involves missions or quests, where players need to complete certain tasks. Each player has the option to choose the realm or area where he/she wants to play. Players can select a character or create one of their own. There are two factions at war in the game- the Alliance and the Horde. Players can choose either of them.
The player has to choose the race and then select up to eight of the thirteen character classes. The character classes determine how the player can fight opponents. The game involves dungeon hunts and raids, which is its hallmark. The story of the game involves fights between the horde and the alliance. There are different quests, which define how the game progresses. Each of the quests award points, which can be used to upgrade skills and weapons.
The gameplay
Quests are the main gameplay elements. There are different types of quests. Killing quests task you to kill your opponents. Gathering quests are where you need to collect specific resources. Exploration quests allow you to explore new areas in the world. Rescue quests are where you need to save a non-playing character from your enemies. Quests help you to build your reputation. They give you points and money, which you can use to upgrade your skills, weapons, and be more powerful while playing the game.
Raids are another common element of the game. Teams of 10 to 25 members can go on a raid. The raids usually occur towards the end of a game and are intense fights to the finish. Like in all MMO games, there is player vs. player fights. You can participate in these combats at any instance in the game. Arena matches are also available that offer a specific area for combats to take place. This is not just a game but offers a social gaming experience. Like social platforms, the game allows you to be friends with fellow players and takes gaming to the next level.
While the expansions made the games richer, it didn’t allow new players to enjoy the original game. This is why the developers brought out WoW Classic, which is a plain version of the game without the expansions. It uses the new engine and is great not only for new players but even for old-timers. It helps gamers understand what the World of Warcraft is all about and enjoy its unique experience.
The game features
World of Warcraft’s features makes it such a popular game. These features include:
- The game is a role-playing strategy game that can be played with thousands of players in the world.
- Players can choose their characters, character class, and be part of either the Horde or the alliance.
- The original version of the game without the expansions is available as World of Warcraft Classic. Eight expansions in the game have added new content, characters, and gameplay elements.
- The game involves fighting enemies from the opposite camp in dungeons and other backgrounds. There are many quests to be completed to earn points.
- Players can compete with each other in different battlegrounds.
- The game is available in a subscription model for players to play.
