Koala says: If you've ever played any of the Warcraft strategy series, then you're already familiar with the world of Azeroth, its history and conflict. Here, for the first time, players get to experience the world frist hand in a massively multiplayer online experience. Now, I have to admit, this was the first real MMORPG I delved into, not because I didn't think I'd like them (I love RPGs!), but because basically I'm cheap, and I had--until now--refused to fork over the $15 per month subscription fee these games require to play. In hindsight, I can only shake my head and wonder what on earth I was thinking! Herein waits a world of adventure and discovery of which you have only dreamed.

When you begin, you must first decide on your faction, whether to join the Alliance (the Humans, Night Elves, Dwarves, and Gnomes) or the Horde (the Orcs, Tauren, Trolls, and Undead). This division creates a whole new aspect to the game with its PvP mode. Once decided, you choose your class (both sides have the same or equivelent) and set about training your character from Level 1. I also like that you can select professions to learn, which, as you proficiency in them grows, allows you to create trade items to sell to other players.

As with any RPG, gaining levels and finding good weapons and armor for your character plays a major role in your travels around Azeroth, but there's so much more than that to suck you in, including hanging out with the new friends you will undoubtedly make while playing. Forming or joining a Guild, while not mandatory, becomes essential by mid-point through. All the dungeons require a group, and being in a Guild means you (theoretically) have someone ready to play with you.

There's not much 'bad' I can say about this game, because Blizzard just did it right. Real life may be where I work, sleep, and eat, but Azeroth has become the place where I now live.

Pros:

• Addictive gamplay. Say goodbye to your life!
• Beautifully rendered and varied 'real time' environments to discover
• Traditional RPG elements from Blizzard that just work
• Big world (2 large continents) to explore
• Regular game updates with new content
• Seasonal content
• Joining/forming a Guild and making new online friends
• Community support with hundreds of fan-made add-ons

Cons:

• Level 60 cap
• Getting the really good loot is difficult and time consuming
• Monthly subscription of $15
• (My) server seem to crash on a pretty regular basis!

Official Site: http://www.worldofwarcraft.com/

Community Mod Site: http://ui.worldofwar.net/

Community Reference Site: http://www.thotbott.com/