The Burning Crusades is the first expansion pack of the World of Warcraft.  Even if you’re new to WoW, you can easily learn this expansion set by playing the game and reading more about it.

Burning Crusades

If you enjoyed playing the original World of Warcraft and gained a lot of experience, you will find The Burning Crusades a lot more exciting.  This expansion pack adds more featured content in the already exhilarating World of Warcraft.  This includes the entire new continent of Outland which you can reach through the Dark Portal.  You can visit the 3 new Cities: The Exodar in Azuremyst Isle for the Alliance, Shattrath in Terokkar Forest a Neutral City and Silvermoon in Quel Thalas for the Horde.

In World of Warcraft: The Burning Crusades, you can choose from the 2 additional playable Races: the Blood Elves for the Horde faction or The Draenei for the Alliance.  Before this release, you can only play the Paladin and Shaman classes for the Alliance and Horde sides respectively.  The 2 new Races allows you to play a Shaman as a Draenei and a Paladin as a Blood Elf.

There are seven new zones available for your exploration: Hellfire Peninsula, Nagrand, Blades Edge Mountains, Zangarmarsh, Terokkar Forest, Netherstorm and Shadowmoon Valley.  Six new high-level dungeons: Hellfire Citadel, Coilfang Reservoir, Auchindoun, Tempest Keep, Caverns of Time and Karazhan.  Three more dungeons followed shortly. You can explore these dungeons in Azeroth, Outland and elsewhere. Each Dungeon have selectable difficulty settings to suit your skills.

In the Burning Crusades, you can ride the new player-controlled flying mounts in Outland.  You can increase your level up to 70.  There are also new spells that you can use for each class.  You have hundreds of new and dangerous monsters, epic world bosses, quests, and items to experience.  Socketed items are also added.  Plus, you can take up a new profession: Jewelcrafting.

A new Battleground, the Eye of the Storm, was brought in with 2 new brackets: one for characters with levels between 61-69 and another for level 70 characters.  Even though this new Battleground was designed for level 70 avatars, you cannot summon flying mounts in this zone.  You can only play in the Eye of the Storm battleground if you have the expansion.  Don’t worry, purchasing the expansion set is much cheaper if you buy it as a bundle with other World of Warcraft packages.  If you haven’t gotten past level 60 yet, you eventually will with sufficient guidance, practice and experience.

In the additional Player versus Player (PvP) Arena System, you can fight in the 2 vs. 2, 3 vs. 3 and 5 vs. 5 “Arena” battles.  If you don’t have the expansion pack, you can not participate in the rated skirmish matches, but you can in the unrated ones.  You may also join the Ladder Matches only if you have reached Level 70.

The 3 new Arena Stages of The Burning Crusade expansion are also available for you.  This include The Ruins of Lordaeron, which you can find in the Undercity, The Circle of Blood in Blades Edge Mountains and The Ring of Trials in Nagrand.  These arena matches took a leading role in terms of WoW’s PvP content and later on developed into an electronic sports competition.  You can join this games too once you develop your skills and experience.  Remember, the best way to learn by experience.  So set out and join the Burning Crusade!

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FIFA 10

When it comes to soccer video games, FIFA is the name that people look for. With 16 prior games in the series dating all way back to 1993, Electronic Arts’ FIFA games have a long history. FIFA 10 puts those years of knowledge of soccer simulation to good use to deliver the ultimate experience.

FIFA 10 isn’t the sort of game that seeks to reinvent the wheel, but rather tries to refine and improve on what’s come before. Fans of previous games in the series will find new and improved versions of many of their favorite features returning in the newest FIFA, such as the revamped Manager mode, the Virtual Pro mode, and more.

Of course, the most important element of a soccer simulation is the actual gameplay itself. FIFA games are known for their realistic graphics and animations and pinpoint control, and FIFA 10 doesn’t disappoint. With a revamped graphics engine, FIFA 10 delivers the most photorealistic graphics and smooth animations, making it feel as though you’re watching a real game. The game also introduces the new 360 degree control system, allowing players greater flexibility in how their players move. While FIFA 10 gives players access to some new skills, it also provides them with much more adept opponents. The AI of computer controlled players has been significantly reworked, making opposing computer players act much more realistically – and making them significantly more difficult to outplay.

FIFA 10 also introduces the new Virtual Pro mode, an enhanced version of the old Be a Pro feature. In this mode, players can create a virtual version of themselves and live the life of a pro footballer for four seasons. Players can customize their avatar’s appearance and skillset, and even put their own face into the game. Playing through this mode will unlock new player attributes and skills, and even new celebration animations.

Another big feature for FIFA 10 is the improved Manager mode, which allows the player to take total control over a football club as its manager. This mode is perfect for true soccer buffs who are as interested in player stats and transfers as they are in kicking the ball around the field.

FIFA 10 also brings quality multiplayer content to the table. Players can play with friends locally or through the Internet, and can even form full 10 player teams that can compete against each other for the regional and world championships.

Key Features:

• 360 degree player control revolutionizes the way that players move on the virtual soccer field

• Battles for ball control are played out more realistically and skillfully than ever before

• New animation technology results in a much more realistic looking game, with players that move and handle the ball just like real soccer players would

• Recruit your friends and other online players and engage in 10 v. 10 multiplayer championship games

• Take complete managerial control over a football club and guide it to victory season after season in a totally revamped Manager mode

• Insert yourself directly into the game by creating a virtual avatar with your face who gains more skills and other rewards as you play

• Purchase special powerups and other fun extras at the FIFA Store

• Hone your skills to perfection in a new, customizable practice arena that lets you set up authentic game situations however you like

• Play in 50 different faithfully recreated stadium from all over the world

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Fallout fans had to wait almost 10 years for the next true entry in the series – but that wait has paid off with Fallout 3. The classic open-world RPG series is brought to new life with fully 3D next-generation graphics and fresh new gameplay.

Fallout 3, like its predecessors, takes place in a post-apocalyptic world that has been all but annihilated by nuclear warfare. It’s been over two hundred years since the event, but society is still struggling to reestablish itself. Those people that are still living on the surface have huddled together in small communities for mutual protection against violent gangs, irradiated animals, and deadly super mutants. However, many others found their ways into safeguarded vaults prior to the nuclear destruction – and they’ve remained there ever since in small, insular communities.

FallOut 3

The player takes on the role of one such Vault Dweller. The player controls the character’s growth through his or her formative years, starting as a baby and then taking part in vignettes of the character’s adolescence and teenage years. When the character turns 18, the plot takes off in earnest. The character’s father, a noted scientist, breaks the cardinal rule of life in a vault – he leaves it. The overseer of the vault deems the character a threat that must be eliminated, forcing the player to escape into the unwelcoming wasteland of what was once Washington D.C. From there, the player searches for his father and unravels a greater mystery.

How exactly to go about finding the main character’s father is a left up to the player. As soon as the player leaves the vault, they are free to go anywhere in the Capital Wasteland. Of course, the area is far from friendly, and is crawling with all kinds of threats. Throughout the adventure, the player will visit a variety of locations. These include: Megaton, a makeshift city built around an undetonated atomic bomb, Little Lamplight, a town full of children that kick out anyone who reaches the age of majority, and Rivet City, a beached aircraft carrier now serving as a home for hundreds – and that’s just to name a few.

How the player interacts with characters around the game world is also totally open. The player can aid people and make friends, or they can simply walk into town and start shooting everyone and rob them blind. Even most key characters don’t have “plot immunity” and can be killed – although it’s probably not a good idea, as you will need allies in this quest.
As in most traditional RPGs, the player will gain levels by killing enemies, completing quests and exploring the world. Those who have played previous Fallout games will be happy to see the series’ trademark “S.P.E.C.I.A.L.” advancement system. In addition to increasing base attributes, players can choose from a variety of “perks” that have a wide range of different gameplay effects.

On the surface, Fallout 3 plays like first person shooter. However, the player won’t reach maximum combat effectiveness without using the Vault-Assisted Targeting System, or V.A.T.S. This ability allows the player to target specific body parts of his enemies, allowing them to pinpoint weak spots, disarm (literally) or disable enemies. V.A.T.S. takes time to recharge after use, giving the game’s combat a light turn-based feel.

Key Features:

• Fallout goes next gen – last seen in an isometric 2D game, the world of Fallout is brought to life in all its grimness in full 3D with advanced graphics

• Go anywhere, do anything – from the moment you leave the vault, you’re free to go anywhere in the Capital Wasteland and interact with its inhabitants however you see fit

• No easy decisions – the world of Fallout is a dark one, and sometimes the only choice is between two horrific evils

• The S.P.E.C.I.A.L. system and perks both make a return, allowing you to customize your character and gameplay experience to your liking

• First-person shooter meets strategic turn-based combat through with the help of the pinpoint-targeting V.A.T.S. system

• The series trademark kitschy post-WWII paranoia humor and style remains intact for this newest entry

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Although World of Warcraft is a high-fantasy virtual universe, it has realistic elements to enhance its gaming experience. You can choose a profession that will suit your personality, interests and curiosity.  Blacksmithing can forge your Destiny.

Your character in World of Warcraft have several traits that can be personalized to distinguish it from other game participants.  This added feature simply makes the game more exciting.  A Profession is a good example.  Imagine practicing Engineering and building machines.  You can also try Tailoring to fabricate beautiful garments.

There are 2 kinds of Professions in World of Warcraft.  Primary Professions are your main source of living and is like a job where you have to perform work and get paid afterwards.  Your character can only have 2 Primary Professions which could belong to any of the 3 categories: gathering, production and service.

A very important trade in this medieval universe is metallurgy and the profession related to it is called Blacksmithing.  Blacksmithing is a Primary Profession and your tasks include obtaining bars of metals from miners and turning them into unique and finely crafted weapons or armor. Many types of armaments are rare and hard to find.  It is your job as a Blacksmith to create this custom-made items which you can sell to earn a living.

As a Blacksmith, you can make weapons and armors for Paladins or Warriors and later mail the items to them.  You may also want to trade some of your items for things that you like.  Blacksmiths can produce special weight and sharpening stones that will temporarily improve weapon damage.

Like in the real world, Professions in WoW are interrelated.  This means that your products can be used as starting materials in other industries.  Blacksmiths can make special regents that are used in the Enchanting profession.  As you improve your craftsmanship, you can manufacture special tools that are useful for Quests and place them in an Auction House to generate some income.

Similar to reality, some Professions will require a previous skill to make you more qualified and competent.  Before becoming a Blacksmith, it would greatly help if you had mining experience.  Miners gather ores and melt them into metal bars that can later be used to produce different blacksmithing products.

As a craft, Blacksmithing may also use jewels as ornaments to add value and beauty to their products.  Leather can also improve the presentation of your metal items.  To do those things, you need to trade with another professionals – Jewelers and Skinners.

If you belong to the Class of Paladins or Warriors, a Blacksmithing profession will help and enable you to make your own tools, weapons and armor.  Plus, you can sell them to other characters and profit from your skills.

As in the old days, you will first look for a Blacksmith Trainer who will teach you the craft.  Do not be intimidated.  Once you get to know more about how things are performed, you will become more confident.  After learning the basics of the job, you can verify this new knowledge by pressing “p” and you will find that the “Blacksmithing” icon is added into your list of acquired abilities.

After possessing the skill, you may now buy yourself a blacksmithing hammer that you will use in your trade.  This hammer is usually sold by a “Trade Merchant” or other merchants nearby.  You need the blacksmithing hammer with you when making an item, although some items do note require being close to an anvil during forging.

In performing your job, you will need certain recipes, ingredients, plans and increasing your reputation will unlock more possibilities.  This is why trading, exploring and questing are important. Like in a real workplace and community, you need to get out of your way in order to reach your goals.

To undergo Master Training and become a master blacksmith with a skill level of 300-375 you need to head to Outland and look for the trainer depending on your faction.  To undertake Grand Master Training and become a Grand Master blacksmith with a skill level 375-450 you will need to train in Northrend.  Other Professions will also require a similar and special process in order to become proficient.  Good luck in your profession and enjoy the your career!

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Bioware is a development studio that is well known for its sprawling single player role-playing games, including many set in the Star Wars and Dungeons & Dragons universes. Now, Bioware has made a bold move and released Dragon Age: Origins, an epic dark fantasy RPG set in a freshly created world known as Thedas.

Dragon Age Origins

Dragon Age: Origins is described by Bioware as being a “spiritual successor” to Baldur’s Gate II, one of the most revered fantasy RPGs ever created. It features a fully realized world with a complete detailed history, an expansive and immersive storyline, and a multitude of colorful characters. While Dragon Age has many typical fantasy elements, such as magic, elves and dwarves, it is also described as “dark fantasy” – it is not a story about goody-two-shoes heroes overcoming all evil. It is story full of treachery, political machinations, and immoral characters. On more than one occasion, the player has little to do but choose the least of two evils.

The reason that the game is subtitled “Origins” is because player characters have access to 6 unique origin stories, determined by their race and class. The origin stories serve as an introduction to the game world and the background of the character and his or her community. Some characters that appear in the origin stories can reappear throughout the game, either as friend or foe. Some characters are exclusive to specific origins, and can have major effects on the plotline. The origin stories include Human Noble, Dalish Elf, City Elf, Dwarf Noble, Dwarf Commoner, and Mage.

All of the origin stories culminate in the main character joining an order of warriors known as the Grey Wardens. The Wardens are tasked with battling the Darkspawn, a malevolent group of monstrous humanoids who, every few centuries, swell into a “Blight” that threatens to overrun the world. A Blight is brewing as the player joins the Wardens – but it’s not long before a power play by a noble lord threatens the order and plunges the country into civil war. In the aftermath of a crippling betrayal, the player must unite the peoples of Thedas against the Blight and depose the upstart tyrant.

It’s no small order, but you don’t have to go it alone. Along the way, the player will meet a number of deep and compelling characters. There’s Alistair, the wise-cracking warrior with an important secret. Then there’s Morrigan, a sardonic and amoral sorceress who seems to value power above all else. You’ll also meet Leliana, a disciple of the religion known as the Chantry who has a somewhat suspect past. These are just a few examples. You can even recruit a faithful wardog companion.

The player will be faced with a lot of difficult decisions in the course of this quest – and those decisions can all affect how the other party members feel about the main character. If you clash too many times with one of your party members, they may even leave for good. However, if you warm up to one of your party enough, you can enter a romantic relationship with them.

As with most RPGs, combat plays a key role in Dragon Age: Origins. The combat is real-time, but players can pause the action with a button press in order to issue new orders to party members. You can have up to four members in your party at a time, and you’ll have to use each members’ abilities to the fullest to survive some of the game’s deadliest encounters. Preparation also plays an important role, and characters can learn to craft poisons, traps and herbal remedies to help them gain an edge in combat.

Key Features:

• Create your character from among 3 races and 3 classes, then choose from one of six unique origin stories to start your grand adventure
• Advance into 4 unique class specializations per class to further hone your party’s combat abilities
• Battle a variety of enemies in a deep real-time combat featuring hundreds of unique powers, then pause the action for pinpoint strategic control
• Become a part of an epic dark fantasy that will determine the fate of Thedas
• Make meaningful choices that have no easy answers and watch as the consequences play out before your eyes
• Forge relationships with your party members and potentially enter into intimate relationships with one – or more – of them
• Play through well over 60 hours of content with dozens of unique locations and hundreds of fully voice-acted characters

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World of Warcraft has been around for at least five years, but do you know how it all began? Read on to uncover the Dark History behind Warcraft.

If you were born anytime in the 80’s, you probably know and have played any or all of the 3 original Warcraft computer games in your teenage years.  That’s because they belong to a category called Real-Time Strategy (RTS) games, a variety which was just getting popular during the time.  I remember playing the first one, Warcraft: Orcs and Humans.  It’s an MS-DOS game made by Blizzard Entertainment which ran in color VGA graphics plus 16-bit music and sound.

Beginners World of Warcraft

The game is set in the kingdom of Azeroth where monstrous Orcs passed through a portal to invade and massacre Human settlements and conquer the land. You can imagine a period similar to a Medieval Europe where peasants, knights and kings flourish.  As a player, you can choose either side of this virtual war.  The objective of the game is for you to harvest resources, build structures, raise an army and invade the enemy.  Sometimes, missions are involved where you just direct a few units to accomplish a set of tasks.

This game kept me hooked up on my Dad’s 486SX computer for hours at a time.  My brothers and I took turns playing the campaigns or the skirmishes against those demonic Orcs.  I remember typing “corwin of amber” in the text prompt to enable the cheat mode.  Entering “pot of gold” gives free gold and lumber, “sally shears” shows the entire map, “hurry up guys” speeds up the game and a few other cheats.

I do admit that this game is extremely addictive because it requires you to be alert all the time.  Just when you weren’t expecting, you suddenly need more farms or gold or lumber – you need to efficiently delegate tasks to your peasants.  When you just finished harvesting, an a band of hostiles are attacking your base and you’re out of soldiers to defend your town.  Back then, the trick without cheating was to be alert, decisive, pre-emptive and most of all efficient with your resources.

If you encountered Warcraft II: Tides of Darkness, you’ll remember that Elves, Dwarves and Gnomes joined the Humans to form the Alliance and oil became a new resource to manage.  While the Ogres, Trolls and Goblins sided with the Orcs to compose the Horde.  You can also experience seasonal changes and build structures that produce air and water-based units.  These events were followed by a game expansion pack called Warcraft II: Beyond the Dark Portal where some human forces were trapped in the Orcish world of Draenor when the portal was prematurely closed.  With these expansion packs, you can enjoy playing additional campaigns together with the unfolding of new events that go with it.

In Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos, you can play any of the 2 new races of Night Elves and the Undead. In this version, each Race offered new and unique set of units, structures, technologies, and base-building methods.  If you look closely enough, you will realize that the storyline of the expansion pack Warcraft III: Frozen Throne eventually set the stage for the World of Warcraft.

In the second and third editions of Warcraft, both minor and major modifications were made but they still followed the same RTS game format.  An important new concept introduced was the inclusion of Heroes – characters with special skills and play pivotal roles in later fights against the enemy.  Another was the fulfillment of Quests or “light-weight” operations with specific objectives without the duties of personally managing a base.  These two elements set the stage to finally bring Warcraft to the on-line gaming community – particularly MMORPG or Massively Multi-Player Online Role-Playing Game.

In this gaming format, you can play the Warcraft storyline simultaneously and continuously with other gamers through the Internet in on-line servers.  The game data are still installed in your computer but you have to be logged-in to play your chosen character.  Because of this, it is now called the World of Warcraft (WoW).  As a role playing game, you will be controlling a single hero character that you will design before playing.

World of Warcraft is set four years after the incidents Warcraft III, an immense turmoil covered the lands of Azeroth.  Old and new threats begin to surface and disrupt the well being of the different Races who were still rebuilding their societies from the ashes of the previous war.

In World of Warcraft, you can choose the background of your Character.  You must decide to join one of the 2 opposing factions: the Alliance or the Horde.  Then you will select from the 10 playable Races each having 10 social Classes.  You also need to identify 2 primary Profession and a few minor ones from the 14 available.

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