World of Warcraft: The Burning Crusade Preview

Though he is the undisputed ruler of the ravaged land, Illidan lives in fear that he will be discovered by his powerful enemies - most notably Arthas, the new Lich King, and the remaining Lords of the Burning Legion. Currently, Outland is home to a number of scattered draenei tribes, primitive orcs and the powerful, arcane creatures of the Nether itself. Agents of the Burning Legion have also targeted the region as a vital strategic location in their unending Burning Crusade to scour all life from the universe.

Holiday Inn?

Speak softly and carry a magic stick with you.

The Warcraft lore naturally plays a crucial part in this game, but what's even more interesting are the many gameplay changes that Blizzard plans to introduce. One of the most interesting aspects, and one which sort of fuses gameplay innovation with the lore of the past Warcraft games, is the introduction of a new dungeon which will finally unlock the Caverns of Time in Tanaris.
Once the Caverns have been unlocked, players will be able to travel back through time, into the age before or during the Third War, and witness some of the most memorable scenes from Warcraft III as they unfold. The infamous unofficial battlegrounds at Tarren Mill and Southshore will be cast into an entirely different light, before the Horde ravaged the once tranquil town of Tarren Mill. You'll even witness scenes like the mayors of Tarren Mill and Southshore meeting up and exchanging friendly words and promises of loyalty. This particular quest line will reach its climax with the discovery of a high-level raid where you rescue Thrall himself from the internment camp in Durnholde Keep. Awesome stuff if you are a long-time Warcraft fan.
Furthermore, you will be able to travel back to Black Morass and actually witness Medivh opening the Portal, though you will be powerless to stop the chain of events that unfolds next.

Messing with time travel is risky business, especially when considering the integrity of the events that are going to take place in the future, but then, Blizzard has shown they are more than capable of tackling some very tough design issues.

Getting back to specific gameplay issues, it's worth noting that since Blood Elves are magic junkies, their class tree will include all the caster classes (except the Druid class). In addition, they are likely to have the Warrior, Rogue and Hunter classes as melee options. Blizzard doesn't intend to introduce any new classes into the expansion, as that would create too many problems as far as gameplay balancing is concerned.

The Blood Elves will have very powerful racial abilities. In line with their obsession with magic, they will have Mana Tap, an instant cast that drains 50 mana from an enemy with a mana pool. Mana Tap's cooldown is currently set at 10 seconds and you'll be able to stack mana by tapping up to three creatures. The other is Arcane Torrent, which silences casters within 8 yards for 2 seconds, and will convert 12-140 mana per one stack of tapped mana. Arcane Torrent is an instant cast ability with a 2-minute cooldown. If you are wondering how the Mana Tap relates to Blood Elf Warriors and Rogues, the answer is simple. The mana they tap will be converted into rage/energy. Of course, Blood Elf melee classes are likely to be in heaven with the Arcane Torrent ability, using it as another trick for interrupting heals or powerful destructive spells.

A bunch more of great new content is planned for the expansion pack. For starters, a myriad of new dungeons - lots of them in the Outland and of course, some back in the old areas. Players can also get new transportation in Outland; a flying Nether Dragon mount, which you'll acquire after finishing a grueling quest at lvl 70. You'll only be able to mount your dragon in the Outland (they have no laws against such practices there -Mo), and as ever, you won't be able to fight while on it. Another very interesting extra to the game will be the Jewelcrafting profession, and the addition of Diablo-esque socketed items. Needless to say, this change will greatly enhance the customizability of the equipment, letting the players busy themselves even more with the best possible stats they can squeeze out of their precious gear.

The list of the many additions that Blizzard plans to introduce in World of Warcraft: The Burning Crusade, doesn't stop with what I have mentioned in this article. It would take me another two pages to simply list all of the ones I am familiar with right now. Still, this is pretty much the most important information that was released on the game so far. The expansion is slated to appear in stores some time next year (likely in the third or fourth quarter). Blizzard is in fact planning to make it a worldwide release, which would be great if you are living outside of the US.

As I said, just when you thought you have gotten out, Blizzard has found a way to pull you back in. Now be a good little boy and go farm for some larval acid in Eastern Plaguelands. If you manage to collect 50 by the time the expansion pack beta is under way, and send it to me, I promise to make you one "Hide of the Wild" and strip my Night Elf Druid for you at the Ironforge bridge. How can you say "no" to such a tantalizing offer? (Don't listen to him. It's time for his meds. -Mo)