Game Time: 'World of Warcraft: Cataclysm'

World of Warcraft: Cataclysm PC/$39.99/Dec. 7

Deathwing the Destroyer is coming to Azeroth, and destruction is coming with him. As the world burns and quakes, the remaining heroes, both Horde and Alliance, must rise up and defend the beaten and battered landscape. It is the most desperate and dangerous situation that has fallen on the shoulders of Azeroth's champions, a situation that can be summed up in a single word: cataclysm.

"World of Warcraft: Cataclysm" is not your typical expansion pack. This update changes just about every aspect of the game, from its expansive environments to its character creation. The most obvious change comes in the form of the cataclysm itself. Deathwing's rampage across the terrain has caused vast changes in the landscape, where larger zones such the Barrens have been cut in two, and the beautiful forests of Darkshore have been burned and trampled. The gameplay, encounters and content within these updated zones have all been revamped, creating a new experience for anyone who journeys there.

Two new playable races have entered the fray, adding a bit more variety in your character creation. The greedy little Goblins have joined the Horde, while the noble yet fierce Worgen have aligned with the Alliance. Both races come complete with epic introductory zones that help tell their stories and offer a training ground for the less-experienced adventurer. Character creation has also been changed by offering new race/class combinations such as the Undead Hunter and the Gnome Priest. With these added combinations, players are sure to spend hours in the character creation screen, attempting to design the perfect champion.

Other updates include the use of flying mounts in the original Eastern Kingdoms and Kalimdor, the new secondary talent of archaeology, and the increased level cap of 85. Guilds have also been given the opportunity to grow, since guild-leveling and achievements will find their way into the game. New raids, new battlegrounds and new Player Versus Player zones will be included as well, giving the accomplished veteran something to look forward to. These many changes will give the game a fresh feeling that long-term players have been begging for.

"World of Warcraft" is a powerhouse. Despite what the naysayers may think, it's a game that has brought millions of players together for six years, creating a beloved online experience. Thanks to the folks at Blizzard, that experience is about to get a whole lot better.

Media Link: Earl Boen, the narrator of "World of Warcraft," stars in "Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines" Monday on FX.