World of Warcraft: The Burning Crusade Expansion

Reviewed by Angie Quidim
Co-written by Norman Canseco & Mikah Canseco
August 18, 2007

Developer: Blizzard Entertainment Publisher: Blizzard Entertainment Platform(s): PC, Mac Website: Click Here ESRB Rating: T for Teen (may change due to Online play environment) Review Rating: 8 out of 10

A beginner Draenei shaman. Click image to enlarge.

A mysterious dark portal has opened in the Blasted Lands of Azeroth. Illidan awaits those who dare to venture forth.  The popular online game “World of Warcraft” has released an expansion to enhance its existing content. Those who venture forth will experience the might of the armies of the Burning Legion and the demons within.

New quest content is added for different levels for gamers who have had their fill of the original game.  For those who have reached level 58, Outland is the new area for high levels which includes more solo and group questing content, and 5 man instances.   This is a great addition for those who are not interested in massive 20/40 man raid parties.  For those tired of the original game starting areas, The Eversong Woods and Azuremyst Isle branch off to the main cities of the new races.

Two new races were created to add to the gaming experience.  The Draenei, an alien race from space, crash lands on Azeroth to introduce the shaman class to the Alliance Faction.  Their racial ability includes Gift of the Naaru, which is essentially a heal over time.  The Blood Elves are no longer outcasts and are now embraced by the Horde.  They bring the Paladin class to the Horde Faction and have two dangerous racial abilities: Arcane Torrent, which silences a spell casting class for some time, and Mana Tap, which drains some mana from any spell casting classes.

Items have also been enhanced with better abilities.  With the addition of a new trade profession, jewel crafting, new items can be forged and gems can be included into special socketed armor and weaponry to increase attack power, run speed, stats, etc.  Also introduced in the expansion is a flying mount.  Players can move with ease over the new continent at faster speeds. The only drawbacks are that it costs quite a bit of gold, and they can only be used in Outlands.

This game is a great introduction to players who have not experienced the Massively Multiplayer Online Gaming world, and a fantastic expansion to the game many of us already love. The game play is very user friendly and (for the most part) other players are willing to lend a helping hand.  The added content gives players more areas to explore and new goals to strive for.  There are weekly patches to fix bugs and add even more content.

The only drawback is a monthly fee of $14.99 to play; or you can do prepaid 60 day game cards for $29.99.  Those starting out an account will get a free 30 days.  Blizzard justifies these fees as payment for maintenance to keep their numerous servers running.

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