Game reviews
Red Dead Redemption
Set in a beautiful open world, this impressive western adventure video game provides players with a truly immersive experience.
James Cameron's Avatar
Not bad if you’re in an undemanding mood and you just can’t shake Avatar fever.
Sherlock Holmes Vs Jack The Ripper
"...for those who like a relaxed pace and a lot of conundrums."
Call Of Jurez
First Person Shooters (FPS) have become so ubiquitous in gaming that it's refreshing when...
search the site
newsletter
Enter your email address below to receive the weekly Filmink newsletter
World Of Warcraft (Game)
Release Date: December 01, 2009
Distributor: Blizzard
"In the fickle world of gaming, WoW is the consistent achiever."
Yes, you read correctly - we're looking at World of Warcraft. Not so much a straight review (being that it was released in 2004 that would be a tad tardy) but more a peek into the biggest MMORPG in the world.
WoW is a true pioneer in the world of online gaming. It took the already popular Warcraft series (first introduced in 1994) and, quite literally, gave it to the world. Well, sold it to the world. Actually rented it to the world. You know what we mean.
At time of print there are more than 11.5 million monthly subscriptions. Even if that figure's been inflated you've still got over 10 million people leveling up their troll, elf or barbarian (to name but three classes) and interacting with other people through the WoW medium.
The question asked a lot about WoW is ‘Does it get boring?' After all, new MMORPGs are popping up: Conan, Aion, why does WoW hold 62% of the MMORPG market?
For a start it's addictive. You begin your adventure as a humble creature and have to grind (gamer speak for doing lots of, often repetitive, missions to power your character up), join quests and battle your way to a decent level.
It's rather daunting being level 13 while level 80s prance around you, but that's half the fun.
With Blizzard's constant monitoring of the game, and two expansion packs with a third on the way it's easy to see why so many people spend their nights and, sometimes, days joining this magical realm.
It's really the sense of inclusiveness - and freedom - that makes WoW impressive. A few hours in you can start going on quests with other people at, or around, your level. You can talk to them, fight them, hell you can buy a cottage with them, settle down and make fancy clothes (seriously) if that's what you desire.
In the fickle world of gaming, WoW is the consistent achiever. If you don't play it, chances are you know someone who does. It got its own South Park episode and is Sam Raimi's next big directorial effort.
The World of Warcraft is looking fine, a lot healthier than the real world, and perhaps that's a factor in its popularity too.
Regardless, if you're curious now's a good time to check it out. Just don't make any plans.