World of Warcraft Preview

ComputerAndVideoGames.com has written up a one-page preview of Blizzard’s World of Warcraft, citing some of the game’s features and how fans have responded. A snippet:

So far, the game has been in a closed, invitation-only beta test state across North America, and the response from the fans has been overwhelmingly positive. The Warcraft universe is one of such depth that being able to enter it first-hand is proving an almost irresistible attraction for most. However, it’s also causing the development team the most problems with regards to keeping people happy.

Just days before E3, for instance, the team added a new feature to the beta that received mixed responses at best. Characters now get experience point bonuses for being fully rested, as well as penalties for adventuring while tired. While this doesn’t sound too radical on the face of things, what rankled most players was that you could only be fully rested at specific inns – meaning that it actually punished the hardcore crowd who put in hours of questing and adventuring time. Luckily, the demonstrations at the show seem to indicate that player-built camps will now also allow ‘full’ resting bonuses, which should hopefully calm a few hackles.