A great RPG, lots to do, not enough time to do them.
Clearly the best MMORPG to date. Even if you don't like this genre, you will like this. Warning: this game is VERY addicting! Please, play responsibly.
Gameplay:
Just like in any MMORPG the objective is level up, get stuff, and become more powerful. Pretty much like real life. To do this you go around kill stuff and do quests. That's what an MMORPG is in a nutshell. What makes WoW better is the way it "dresses" these somewhat monotonous tasks and makes the game fun rather than make it seem like a job (a problem that other MMORPG's do). Killing stuff and doing quest actually seem like they have a purpose. Even though the game isn't linear, the way the quests are set up and the way the world is laid out it seems like you're willingly following a storyline on your own. Speaking of the game world, it is HUGE! Each zone is unique and big despite there being only 2 continents. The game is easy to pickup even if you are not famiar with MMORPG's. The interface is easy and very customizable. There are even some mods that make it even easier. The combat is very easy and exciting. unlike other MMORPG's there seems to be more skill involved like an action game. this aspect becomes important in the PvP part of this game. All the problems like corpse runs, losing xp when dying, kill stealing, and "training" are eliminated from this game. things like the auction house and in game email system make trading and buying items a whole lot easier. no more shouting forever in the West Commons of Everquest. the PvP (battlegrounds) in this game is INCREDIBLE! currently, the level cap is at 60 and it is relatively easy to get to. However, it's the PvP that keeps level 60 players busy for a LONG time. Blizzard revealed that the level cap will be increased in the next expansion set. All these things make this game stand out among all the other MMORPG's out there.
Graphics:
The graphics are not as jaw dropping as other MMORPG's like everquest, city of heroes, or guild wars. They are still good nonetheless. The graphics are similar to Warcraft 3. However, when you make improvements on your equipment, it is clearly reflected on your character. this makes it easier to tell which characters are high level. My favorite is "fiery enchanting" my weapons to give it a fire glow! There is some customizability to your character but it's not as versatile as City of Heroes. All in all, the graphics are solid and can run on even lower end systems.
Sound:
Excellent sound! The sounds of battle are very detailed from the clanging of the swords to the casting of spells. The speech is limited with voices pretty much sounding the same as others of the same race. Then again, it's pretty much understandable since this is an MMORPG. The music is AMAZING! the music fits every zone and town that you enter. example, when entering the human city, the music is very ominous and noble. when going into horde territory, the music is rough and barbaric. The music is perfect!