I like World of Warcraft again. I rediscovered my obsession this weekend and have been playing in marathon sessions once again. And no, that’s not why I haven’t posted in a week. That’s because I’ve been sick. I swear!
I had gotten my main character up to level 33 and my interest had faded. Part of the problem is that I’m a big fan of linear gameplay. I know, that’s crazy talk, PC RPGs are all about open ended, go anywhere do anything experiences. But truthfully, I’m more of a console RPG fan. I like a game on rails where you always know exactly where you should be and are given limited choices. You have options for character customization, you have side quests you can or cannot choose to do, but you don’t have this unlimited world just gaping at you.
My problem is an obsessive nature. I have to do everything. So if you give me an unlimited world where you cannot possibly do everything I am left in a panic. Where do I go? What do I do? Which is the better choice?
Up to a certain level in World of Warcraft, it’s very clear where you should go. You are given quests, you accomplish them, then they give you a quest that brings you to the next logical area. But then I hit level 30. And all of a sudden, there were about five different places I could go. And once you go to one of them, it’s no easy thing to get back to one of the other areas. You can spend a good hour trying to get from one part of the world to another. So choose your direction wisely.
This weekend, I started another character, Nhevya the Human Paladin. And I remembered why I liked the game in the first place. Seeing new things is fun. Leveling up is fun. Getting new items, new spells, new skills - all fun! For some reason, this new character gave me refound energy for playing my primary one (Kaeta, the Night Elf Hunter). So now I find myself loading up WoW and staring at the character selection screen. Do I take me (now level) 34 Hunter or my level 12 Paladin? Yesterday I even played for a few hours with one, then switched to the other.
I think I’m in real trouble now. The fates have decreed doom upon me for doubting the addictive power that is Warcraft and have smote me with their fury. I won’t doubt again, I promise. Please, don’t make the expansion pack too good!
2 Responses to “Warcraft Reinvigorated”
What do you think of the newly released Fable?
I haven’t had a chance to play it. Been too single-mindedly playing WoW. I would like to give it a try, as well as the new Bard’s Tale and Dungeon Siege 2. But who knows when I’ll find the time?