World of Warcraft: Cataclysm
General Info
| Genres | Massively multiplayer online role-playing |
|---|---|
| Game Name | World of Warcraft: Cataclysm |
| Composers | Russell Brower, Neal Acree, David Arkenstone, Derek Duke |
| Languages | English |
| Playmodes | Multiplayer |
| Developers | Blizzard Entertainment |
| Game Engine | Modified Warcraft engine |
| Release Date | 2010-12-07 |
| Game Platforms | Microsoft Windows, OS X |
| Publisher Name | Blizzard Entertainment |
| Country of Origin | United States |
| Publishers Websites | http://www.blizzard.com |
Screenshots
Overview
In response to the devastating changes in the world, heroes come from all corners to explore new lands, master new crafts and face emerging threats. Among the many new features of this expansion were the introduction of five new playable races, including the cursed Worgen of Gilneas and the enterprising goblins of Kezan. These new races must navigate a world on the brink of apocalypse.
Cataclysm also introduces new zones and challenges, from sunken cities and volcanic lands to elemental plateaus. Players can rise through the ranks with an updated leveling experience that extends to level 85. This massive expansion of World of Warcraft brings not only geographical changes, but also many new gameplay elements. Bound by a shared tragedy, it's time for the heroes to unite, resist the onslaught of Deathwing, and defend their world from total destruction. In truth, Azeroth will never be the same again.
Trailer
Gameplay
The expansion reintroduces two classic races: Goblins for Horde and Worgen for Alliance, each with unique racial abilities. Updated skill trees; each class now has three specializations, changing the way players create and customize their characters. The level cap has been increased from 80 to 85 with numerous quests, dungeons and raids to challenge the skill and intelligence of even the most experienced players.
There is also a new secondary profession: Archaeology, which allows players to discover valuable artifacts and receive unique rewards. The new guild level system provides a variety of skills and bonuses that improve the overall community dynamic. The face of Azeroth has changed forever with new game zones, dungeons, and an innovative player-environment event, Siege of Wyrmrest Temple.
Ultimately, World of Warcraft: Cataclysm builds on an already vast universe, adding depth to your characters, expanding the realm of exploration and conquest, and delivering an immersive gameplay experience like no other. Get ready to explore uncharted territories, engage in epic battles, solve challenging puzzles, and most importantly, survive in a catastrophically changed world.
Gameplay video
Plot
After the Shattering, the races of the world find themselves fighting for survival in a dramatically changed environment. These geological upheavals reveal long and remote areas, revealing new areas such as the sunken city of Vashjir beneath the sea and the volcanic expanse of Mount Hyjal. Two new playable races are introduced: the cursed Worgen of Gilneas for the Alliance and the noble goblin hordes of Kezan. As the war between the Alliance and the Horde escalates after the cataclysm, these two new allies enter the fray, intensifying the conflict between Azeroth's two great powers.
Deathwing Rebirth brings significant changes to Azeroth's dungeons, reinventing classic areas like the Deadmines and Shadowfang Keep, and introducing new dungeons like the elemental plane of Skywall. The challenge of overcoming these dangerous places gives players the means to increase their character's strength and build up the strength to deal with Deathwing and his malevolent intentions.
Ultimately, the journey leads to a shocking confrontation with Deathwing in a decisive battle where the fate of Azeroth hangs in the balance. Players, champions of Azeroth, must appease the destructive fury of the mad dragon aspect and preserve their world for generations to come.
Development
Cataclysm introduced an increased level cap, raised from 80 to 85, allowing players to discover new endgame content. Two new playable races were also introduced, Worgen for the Alliance and Goblins for the Horde, each with their own unique racial abilities and starting zones.
An important aspect of Cataclysm's development was updating old content. The Eastern Kingdom and Kalimdor zones have been redesigned, offering players new quests and storylines. It gave the game's original leveling a breath of fresh air and added a deeper and more coherent narrative.
The core game mechanics have also been changed, such as updated class and profession systems. In addition, Cataclysm introduced the archeology secondary ability and brought flying stands to ancient world locations, allowing players to see Azeroth from a whole new perspective.
Finally, the expansion included challenging new instances of raids and dungeons, offering players even more content. PvP wasn't forgotten when Ranked Battlegrounds were introduced, changing the dynamics of PvP combat.
The development of Cataclysm was an exciting time for the WoW community, with old and new players getting involved in the changes it brought about. He confirmed WoW's ability to bring its game world to life while keeping the game fresh and interesting.
Release
The expansion introduced two new playable races: Worgen for the Alliance and Goblins for the Horde. These additions, along with new cities, Gilneas Worgen, and Kezan Island Goblins, expanded the game's lore and gave players new lands to explore. The implementation of further game improvements marked this expansion. Blizzard improved the existing character classes and added a new secondary ability: archeology. It also increased the level cap to 85 and added new raids and dungeons. Uniquely, Cataclysm has reimagined and revived many of the original areas of Kalimdor and the Eastern Kingdoms, giving these classic areas a new perspective.
The development's commitment to major changes has pushed World of Warcraft to a new level of gaming brilliance. It wasn't just endgame content, it was an acknowledgment of the franchise's roots, a revival of the game's original setup, and bold steps into uncharted territory.
Reception
Many agreed that the introduction of flying mounts in Azeroth was a game changer, providing an unprecedented level of freedom and a new perspective on the now changed world. However, there has been controversy among fans regarding the significantly changed nature of some locations and stories in the latest installment, suggesting that some of the series' nostalgia has been lost.
Cataclysm's new race and class combinations, along with two new races, Goblins and Worgen, were warmly received, but were often seen as well-integrated rather than revolutionary. The new high-level zones and instances, while popular for their creative design and gameplay depth, have also significantly increased the skill requirements, leaving some players with mixed feelings.
Cataclysm was praised for taking the risk of radically changing the familiar terrain of World of Warcraft, adding an element of surprise and revealing a complex story within an established universe. It also successfully tackled a cataclysmic crisis that was immediate and global, reinvigorating the overall narrative that is the cornerstone of massive online multiplayer experiences.
Cultural impact
The introduction of user-created modes also made the game popular as players could customize the game experience to their liking. It revolutionized player choice and creativity in games, inspired the concept of game mods and user-created modes in other games, and became the standard for the gaming industry to follow. In addition, the game has transcended gaming and infiltrated other aspects of pop culture. It has inspired music, literature and visual arts, and many artists call the game their muse. Its influence can also be seen in television shows and movies, often as a backdrop to stories revolving around geek culture.
Cataclysm also fueled the growth of esports, inspiring a generation of professional gamers and streamers, people who play for a living via live streaming. Blizzard's decision to launch its own tournament series opened up opportunities for players to become professionals in the game. A side effect of this was that a whole new job market was created in the games industry.
In terms of its larger cultural footprint, World of Warcraft: Cataclysm pioneered the way content is consumed and influences the way entertainment is viewed in the digital age. With its innovation and cultural impact, it forever shaped the direction of the gaming industry.