Adventures in World of Warcraft

In the past couple weeks, I've joined the ranks of 11 million + people playing World or Warcraft (Wow) for short. Highly addicting, vastly entertaining, full of adventure, and some very pretty simulated landscapes.

Before we go any further, I'm sure some of you are thinking "Get a life, get some sun, live in the now, come back to reality, etc." I offer you a more relatable perspective on this Massively Multiplayer Online Role Playing Game (MMO RPG or just MMO). If you've ever read a REALLY good book that you just couldn't put down, full of plot twists, technical thinking, and the like, you'd be more inclined to play WoW than you might realize. There's really not that much difference between the two, other than WoW is a "book" of sorts visualized in 3D, complete with fantasy characters of all descriptions. As you read on, if you so choose, keep this frame of reference in mind.

The name of the game here is questing. You pick a race, a faction, and a class, and then you're given a backstory and some guidence after being tossed into the UBER-MASSIVE world...that is almost on it's fourth expansion. My character, for example, is a Night Elf, of The Alliance, and a Druid. Doesn't mean a hill of beans to you does it? Well, it will, because this is what defines you in the world and helps you become part of the ongoing story that has more heads than a Hydra. It also helps you relate to and quest with other users.

As you might guess, there are large quests and small ones, humerous ones, and some just really random weird ones. One of my faves thus far involved killing giant crabs on a beach and bringing back the meat for gumbo. The reward was the recipe, some coinage, and several bowls of said gumbo. Another classic was having to warn three groups of an inpending attack in under 12 minutes. The quest was called "The Kessel Run". You Star Wars fans will get a chuckle out of that just as I did.

Yes, there's a lot to like in this game. There are tons of quests, tons of various achievements that can be earned (join the Brew of the Month Club?!), lots of crazy weapons and armor, and, as said before, the landscapes. The realms truly have a beauty and creativity all their own. Large, Greek inspired cities like Darnassas and Stormwind will leave you standing in awe the first time you enter. You're greeted with epic giant statues and huge white marble columns among other things. Equally large tree creatures stand guard and lumber about. (Think Godzilla as city security here). Areas like The Burning Steppes are charred and desolate. The underground city of Iron Forge, complete with it's own tram system, is a jaw dropping monument to Dwarven engineering, (Stone and Steel, Stone and Steel...). Yes, my hearty old Dwarven comrades Gomar and Orar would be pleased, right down to their REALLY bad Scottish brogues. ;)

Since people are variable, you will have good and bad, just like with any group. I've experienced rude people who will walk right up in front of you while you're having a conversation with a shop keeper, instead of standing beside you and patiently waiting their turn. Others will find dumb reasons to laugh at you, or pester you about joining their guild so they can go buy some armor they just have to have. Others will be coming the opposite way and just run straight in to you instead of going around. Would these people walk square into someone in real life? No, because it would get them a beating and it's rude. So why do it in a game?

Now, on the flip side, I've also encountered some VERY COOL and GOOD people. Case in point, I was about to get the ultimate beat down in a fight, when I was suddenly healed. Back in the distance a Draenei Paladin had sent me a random blessing. Other passing Druids have also doled out boosters and help in not only good spirit, but in good gamership. I particularly like this tradition of random good will blessings, and have also done the same. Sometimes, in return, I've been given a boost, or a thank you. It's these kinds of moments that really make the WoW adventure that much more special.

There are also just some random funny things too. For example, I've seen a Druid, in Feral (bear) form, start dancing on a ship. There's a skittering turtle named Crusty Bob on the Azuremyst isle. I gave a saytr creature some pine cones and he turned into a frog. The other Night Elf looking on, got a laugh of that too. Then there are the VERY perky Gnomes, who'll say "My! You're a tall one!" while you converse with them.

Oh there's more. Much much more. Suffice to say, if you enjoy fantasy, adventure, good stories or intrigue, and the occasion pop culture reference, World of Warcraft truly is a fun experience. Have a look if you're so inclined. You might even bump into me (Grizzlyriver) somewhere along the way.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a big cat mount named Rampage to save for. :)