Some statistics for the curious. During the four years of existence, World of Warcraft have been sold out for more than 11 million copies of the game. 40-50% of the players, going to other MMORPG (from the last - Age of Conan, Warhammer Online), returning to Azeroth maximum in a month. In the first 24 hours after admission to the sale of Wrath of the Lich King has sold 2.8 million copies, becoming one of the fastest-selling game in history.
The reasons for the popularity of the fantastic World of Warcraft can be analyzed - detailed understanding of the game, put all on the shelves and try to understand why the world of Azeroth from the magnetic force attracts more and more new players. However, to repeat its success so far, no one turns out. Same Age of Conan has taken a great start, showing high sales, but keep the audience of its authors have failed. People look at an unusual boevki, ride on a mammoth, and returned to his native WoW. In other high-profile project online, Warhammer Online, things are getting better. But this game fever - sales did not even reach a million, and nobody can say how many people who bought the game out of curiosity, will become its loyal fans, regularly contributing a monthly fee.
Magicians from Blizzard found a gold mine, which now dreams of nearly every publisher and developer. And their Wrath of the Lich King, sold with a fantastic rate, excellent confirmation of this.
 | |  | Tank raid on the undead - one of the most fun job in the appendix. (One can not help recall a similar scene from the cult film Army of Darkness. - Ed.) | | Scourge troops consist mainly of a terrible kind of spiders and beetles. |
The key is to start Following the already run-in in the previous supplement scheme, Blizzard started to prepare the players to launch the "supplements" ahead of time. And we're not talking about PR-hype, which simply required in such cases, but the mighty patch, released a month before the release of Wrath of the Lich King.
Patches were prepared for a long time, and it turned out, to put it mildly, rather big - just over three gigabytes. So it had to download three equal portions, the first was available for a couple of weeks before the update installed on the server.
The patch contains half the Wrath of the Lich King. Addition as it consists of two equal parts - the one on the DVD-ROM in the stores, and one that will have to download from the Internet.
The role of the patch was obvious - to pave the way for additions. A new continent, Northrend (Northrend), has already appeared on the map, although not open to study.But the main thing - Update markedly changed the mechanics of gameplay, confining her to new possibilities heroes eightieth levels.
 | |  | As promised the developers, the game has a new race, reminiscent of two-legged walrus | | "Catching fish big and small ..." - thought our hero, now the third day of standing knee-deep in water |
So, have been seriously reworked skill characters. And, surprisingly, almost all the characters have become much stronger. For example, a soldier in the thread "weapon", but a formidable ability to "fatal blow", which has long received the deserved recognition of the players in PvP, appeared "a storm of blades, and he performance can compete with the" fatal blow ". Ability for a few seconds turns into a killer warrior's whirlwind, that not only does a dozen crushing blows to the enemy, but also removes any effects from the character slowing or gangs. As the experience of combat - is an essential thing. And, for example, the branch of "Fury" rooted ability to Titan's Grip, which allows a soldier to take a two-handed weapon in each hand. Of course, the foe is considerable damage, although the haste decreases significantly.
But the easiest way to exit the patch was live paladin. Through the efforts of developers of the champions of justice suddenly found themselves the most powerful class in PvP, they literally tore the other characters. The situation got out of control, and the Blizzard forums inundated with complaints - the players did not want to tolerate this state of affairs. What is surprising! When you see how the lonely paladin almost effortlessly dealt with three of his opponents the same level as in the soul of rage boils. In the end, of course, paladins have weakened, but the tough times will be remembered for a long time.
Patch added a number of other innovations. For example, there was a hitherto unknown profession "Nachertatel. Players who choose this path, can create special scrolls that will improve certain abilities. For the character made a special window where you can insert a six such rolls - three large, substantially improve the ability and the three small, action is much weaker. Use of the mark, we note considerable.
 | |  | Then we go on a tank, then fly on dragons. Bored is not necessary | | Plot scenes in addition paid much more attention |
From optional, but nice things - slightly modified interface. For example, each character has appeared a sort of mobile zoo, where you can place any number of pets that great saves space in your inventory. Plus debuted a convenient calendar, and was added to the system of rewards, is very similar to that used on the Xbox 360.For all sorts of heroic deeds you get points accomplishments, which, however, can only boast in front of other players. Nothing, except for moral satisfaction, the local achivmentov not give.
But no matter how important or a patch, the main event was held on the thirteenth of November, when the light came a welcome addition Wrath of the Lich King. And if our country is the emergence of add-on has not caused more noise in the West people are defending the huge queues and almost camped out at the doors of shops just to get the coveted first box.
 | The main record |
Probably one of the most unpleasant news for Blizzard is that all raid content additions was quickly opened two strong united Guild - Nihilum and SK-Gaming. It happened this wonderful event just four days after the game. Another record set Frenchman Nymph, who first reached the maximum level of the eightieth. To accomplish the feat, he spent 27 hours (!) Drakil'Dzhina in ruins, killing monsters. This is the only location where the monsters spawn in just 30 seconds after death. Helped him achieve the record a healer.
 | |  | Once we even give a ride on a huge kodo | | Flight on a magic carpet ride, believe me, you will not soon forget |
Blizzard Complement consists of thousands of little things, one way or another affect the gameplay. If you talk about everything, even the whole magazine is not enough, so we select the most important.
First and foremost, of course, a new continent - Northrend. On the world map it is located between Kalimdor and Eastern Kingdoms, and can get there only on an airship. Near each of the capital is "air terminal", where travelers and deliver a stern ice edge.
A new continent, as well as it meets the brave heroes of the cold creepy and dangerous adventures. The storyline is familiar to those who at one time was Warcraft III: The Frozen Throne. The fallen prince Arthas, who became the Lich King, settled in the heart of the icy continent. Now he gathers an army of Scourge to destroy Azeroth.
In principle, the global problem of each player - to go to a new instance and kill Arthas raging there, saved the world from the threat of destruction. However, so far to perform the feat does not work, as the main villain stories appear only in the next patch. At the same time, we note that starting a new season of the Arena, the last phase of which ended exactly before exiting additions. In the meantime, players will engage in commonplace - to pump up the cherished character level 80.
And so long to find something to do in Wrath of the Lich King, will not have to. It offers thousands of new quests, and many of them are very original. Developers have added at least two completely new types of tasks. The first includes managing some of the vehicle. Once, for instance, will have to sit behind the controls of wooden tank and go on it to destroy evil. The tank can shoot a gun, cut enemies sharpest saws and so on. By itself, the quest easy, but take it much more fun than a hundred times to kill any birds with anything. In addition to the tank will also ride a horse, a giant kodo and so on. The second type of quests - escort prisoners. Then we charge chained mage and get him in jail (prisoner, wrapped in a chain, humbly as scared of you), then the noose dragon and bring it to be. Such missions are many, and they are much diversified game.
In general, notice that this time the developers paid most attention to the plot. If the earlier scenario of the quests are usually exhausted by a short briefing, but now, like in the book, almost every event is described in detail, and many tasks are complete stories.
| SECRET! |
If a soldier to develop in the branch "rage" and rehearse the appropriate skills, armed with two swords, and then "zero" points, the character and will run with two blades. True, the trick works only in the original lands of World of Warcraft. If you fly in Northrend, or go to Outland, all, unfortunately, comes back to normal.
Heroic campaign Numerous new dungeons have also become much more elaborate than before, both in terms of plot, and with the design point of view. For example, even the first instance, Nexus, really amazing. In company with four friends, you will visit the ice maze, but in the end to fight the dragon. Since reptiles are regularly spits out ice, all players of the group must constantly jump or run around to stay warm. It is necessary to linger - and life melts like an icicle in the spring. And such "pleasant" surprises are found practically everywhere.
In this case, Blizzard is clearly shifting its focus to the hardcore audience, so to speak, ordinary players. Passage of the same dungeons will not take much time and effort. Of course, location, calculated on the raids in 25 people are complicated, but here's the usual dungeons are unlikely to cause difficulties for the more or less prepared for the group.
Bright Future Of course, beyond the reviews remain much. One could make out the new items of equipment, of which appeared very much to tell about why we need a new skill "flying in bad weather, to dwell on siege techniques, which appeared in the PvP-zones, and so on. Details are too numerous to about them can be told in one article. Blizzard once again managed to imbue his creation a new life. Wrath of the Lich King like in the first place those who get pleasure from the game rather than trying to set records, giving it the long hours. Meanwhile at Blizzard are already preparing the next big patch, which again would not only be a dozen changes, but will welcome Arthas as one of the main bosses.
| Underground Life |
Presenting your attention the tourist photos of the four dungeons where you are, for sure, will visit in the first place (their total number in the Wrath of the Lich King added more than a dozen).
Nexus - Amazingly crafted dungeon with a strong storyline. Intricacies of the labyrinth of ice pose considerable danger, but in the end you will find a poor dragon who must be killed. Why unhappy? Learn.
Ahn'kahet: The Old Kingdom - Trying to avoid a meeting with the army of the Scourge Nerub Ahn'kahet so deeply dug into the ground that the accident was awakened an ancient blood god. All who were in the cave, crazy, and now the dark labyrinths teeming with deadly enemies.
Azjol-Nerub - The once glorious kingdom of Azjol-Nerub now in the hands of the king, the traitor Anub'arak. Once upon a land of plenty turned into a horrible place to govern Nerub - Undead, faithfully serving the Lich King Arthas.
Fortress Drak'Taron - Proud Drak'Taron fortress was once a bastion of tribal Drakkari. Now this is just a staging post for the Lich King, who is trying to crush Zul'Drak. In the dark corridors of the castle is full of undead and enslaved trolls, so that there will be dangerous adventure.
How to find out in a crowd of Death Knight
Perhaps the most important innovation in the Wrath of the Lich King - appearance of the first hero class. Every player who has at least one character, pumped up to level 55 may create a death knight - but only one.
As it turned out, this is an interesting and very unusual class, the world's first WoW combines the power of magic and powerful attacks with knives with impenetrable protection warrior and paladin healing skills. Plus, a new hero can raise the dead, which makes it almost invincible.
The magic of the death knight based on the power of runes, which rises in battle, as fury warrior. In addition, many require the ability to use the rune. There are three types - Blood, Frost and Unholy. After using the spell rune "recharged".
To date, the death knight is objectively the most powerful character. In PvP, it is no problem destroying almost any other class of enemy. And in PvE alone crushes thick skin with elite monsters.
Introduction to the death knight, to honor the developers, furnished beautifully. Before heading into free travel, you will be trained in the Dark Fortress. And this, we note a fairly large membership, where you will meet Arthas, defeat the Scarlet Order and burn the city of Alliance. In this sort of prologue, a lot of talk, a few spots on the engine and really unusual quests.
 | |  | After graduating from training at the fortress, our hero has been faithful horse and went to the exploits. Although the horse was eerie and awful skinny, he moved very quickly | | Many great deeds done, our hero. Unfortunate captives rescued from the deadly fog, defeated the evil giant |
 | |  | But, despite all the good deeds, he was very lonely. Only animated corpses were him company. But they were stupid, and they were bored | | In the end, the death knight has saved fifteen hundred gold and bought myself a flying dragon. But now he felt wronged. All round nice Griffins, and his gaunt monster |
| Evolution |
Blood One of the strongest branches, developing in which you can truly live and in PvP, in PvE. Firstly, there you are waiting for truly powerful abilities, allowing cause serious damage to the enemy. Second, several skills designed for self-medication. Refer to the capture of the Runes "and" enhanced grip, you can at any time to restore 43% health. And the spell is recharged only 30 seconds. Immediately have the skill "blood worms". He was a three-percent probability of causing worms that attack the enemy while treating your character.
Cold The branch is intended primarily for those who prefer to keep enemies at bay.Most of the skills or significantly reduce the rate of movement of the enemy, or does it freeze. Plus a lot of spells that act at a distance. But, unlike the "blood", there is not much needed healing abilities, so I have to take a goodly skill, not allowing the enemy is near.
Unrighteousness Also a very strong thread, designed for those who like quick to put a lot of damage. The emphasis is mainly placed on a variety of diseases that affect the enemy. Some slow down, while others cause damage within a few seconds. In addition, rocking in this thread, you can always rely on assistants. If a lively corpse can last Death Knight only two minutes, then learn the skills, "Mr Ghoul, you shoot this restriction. Now the dead will be with you until he or you die.
|
