Game Review: World of WarCraftThe BasicsThe RequirementsThe Requirements (cont.)The OverviewThe StorylineThe InstallationUser InterfaceSlide 9The ScoringThe FeaturesThe Other FeaturesThe ManualThe BugsThe GoodThe BadThe Appropriate AudienceThe Design MistakesThe SummaryThe Random ScreensThe Random Screens (cont.)Slide 22Game Review: World of WarCraftThe Basics•Produced by Blizzard Entertainment•Released in 2004•A Massively Multiplayer Online Role Playing Game (MMORPG) that continues the storyline (somewhat) of the Real-Time Strategy WarCraft series•In store cost: $49.99•Additional costs: Monthly fee around $14.00The Requirements•Minimum System Requirements (PC)– Intel Pentium III 800 MHz or AMD Athlon 800 MHz–256 MB RAM–32 MB 3D graphics card w/ Hardware Transform and Lighting–DirectX® 9.0c–4.0 GB available hard drive space–4x CD-ROM drive–56k internet connection or betterThe Requirements (cont.)•MY system specifications (which still creates lag on busy day/nights)–Intel Pentium IV 3.0 GHz with HyperThreading–1 GB of RAM–128 MB ATI Radeon 9200 graphics card–Broadband Internet accessThe Overview•Players can choose between eight different races in two different factions–Alliance: Human, Night elf, Dwarf, and Gnome–Horde: Orc, Tauren, Troll, and Undead•Players can then choose between nine different classes to play as (although certain classes are available only to certain races)–Druid, Hunter, Mage, Paladin, Priest, Rogue, Shaman, Warlock, WarriorThe Storyline•Occurs four years after events in WarCraft 3: The Frozen Throne•Has some elements to the continuation of main story•Having no “Final Boss”, does not truly follow a unique storyThe Installation•Four CDs make up the initial installation of World of WarCraft•After initial install, players must set up an account with Blizzard•Players must then update game to current standards (last full update: 220 MB download)User Interface•Simplistic•Use mouse to control camera•W, A, S, D to move character (customizable)•Abilities can be used by either number buttons or mouse clickThe Scoring•Two ways to “score”–Experience (leveling)•Max level of 60•More experience is needed to reach each level•Experience is gained in battle, and by finishing quests–Honor (Player versus Player [PvP] rank)•Tiered system•Honor gained by killing opposing faction player charactersThe Features•Artwork–Cartoonish–Crisp, clean edges–Few pixel “hangings”•Sound and Music–Each area has unique music–Nature sounds prevalent in most areas–Music gets boring as players will spend many hours in same area during gameThe Other Features•Special Features–Auction House•Allows players to sell acquired items to others easily•Provides alternative income to monetary drops by monsters–Battlegrounds•PvP action•Defined goal to win, rewards for winners•Fastest way to gain levels in Honor systemThe Manual•208 page tome•Extremely useful to new players–Teaches basic controls–Provides map of world–Introduction to races/classes•Also provides a “catch-up” on the story through WarCraft 3: The Frozen ThroneThe Bugs•Do appear, especially after a patch has added to world•Blizzard works to repair bugs quickly•Players can report to game masters (GM)•GM also available to assist in problems encountered during gameplayThe Good•Community–Players can meet interesting people through game play–Most players are willing to answer questions asked in general chat•Simplicity•Versatility–Offers character types for everyone–Can be played anytimeThe Bad•Community–While some players are helpful, others can be annoying, stupid or abusive–Thieves crop up in groups occasionally•Size–Early on, players must walk everywhere–Some locations are quite far awayThe Appropriate Audience•Rated T for Teen–Contains violence–Contains alcohol•You can get drunk •It affects your vision•It may also give you bonuses to stats (like strength)The Design Mistakes•None encountered to date, but I am not finished with game by a long shotThe Summary•Entertaining•Enjoyable•Long•Worth purchasing (to me)The Random ScreensMe on my kittyMe fishingThe Random Screens (cont.)A gourp in a dungeonThe
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