Today I was debating with my friend Jeff about why World of Warcraft is a masterpiece not just as a game, but as an experience.  In typical Jeff fashion he took the role of devil’s advocate and in typical me fashion I fell into it vehemently defending my addic-er, passion.  After some consideration, rather than launch into another post about the competition between Nicole and I (which I’m killing by the way), I thought I’d just  list 5 of the reasons I enjoy the game in general and what brought me to it in the beginning.

1. Attention to Detail

On the surface, WoW is very similar to a lot of other RPGs just with an incredible level of polish that puts it head and shoulders above the rest.  I mean, 11 million subscribers can’t be wrong, right?  But what really separates WoW from the rest of the pack is its unwavering attention to the little things.  Little touches here and there from distinct architectures between factions to the dynamic background music that sets the tone for each region really makes WoW shine and that’s something I can appreciate.

2. Unmatched sense of humor

Last night while playing her rogue, Nicole pick-pocketed a mob and received a ‘steamy romance novel’.  Below is what it said-

As Nahni glided up, the grizzled warrior gave her a hard stare. “I suppose you’re here to collect the reward for killing those murlocs?”

Her eyes wandered down to the glowing broadsword at his side. “That depends on what the reward is, Marcus.” She twirled her hair playfully, pretending not to notice how he shifted uncomfortably in her presence. “I may not want it.”

Marcus stepped toward her, bristling with a mixture of fear and anger. “The reward is not negotiable!” He paused for a moment while gathering his nerve, and pressed himself against her diminutive form. Their lips met hotly, melting her frost armor spell in a torrent of sweltering vapor.

“So, is there another step to this quest?” she teased, her eyes glittering with excitement.

<This goes on for several hundred more pages, without advancing the plot>

This completely cracked me up to the point where I had her mail it to me in-game to hold onto.  Not just this though, again, little things like a gun shop named ‘Boomstick Imports’ or cultural references help to give the world a life of its own.

3. It’s something I can play with my dad

I didn’t say I was only going to praise the game itself- I also wanted to talk about why I play in the first place.  My being a geek/gamer/whatever is as much hereditary as it was a personal choice.  My parents are gamers and even my grandparents were no stranger to the original NES, Gamecube and Wii.  In fact, I remember my Dad playing Diablo II online with Grandpa on many nights.  At some point Dad implored me to give WoW a shot.  At the time I was unimpressed and the interface looked confusing and unappealing.  But, under enough pressure I gave in and I’m glad I did.  Not just because it’s an enjoyable game, but because it gives me a way to stay in touch with my Dad who lives 3 hours away.

4. It’s enjoyable for all kinds of different players

Anyone who spends time inundated in gaming culture knows that there’s a wide range of players.  You’ve got completionists, casual, take it slow players, and those somewhere in-between who would call themselves hardcore, but know when to call it a night after a particularly frustrating boss fight.  WoW is great at catering to all of those players, especially with its new achievement system.  Nicole and I are, what a friend termed ‘business players’.  We log in and we like to get to work, furiously fighting for rank and level for better gear, the thrill of exploration, and bragging rights, or course.  However, if you’re the type who likes to take it slow and appreciate every intimate detail the world has to offer, enough care has been put into each area that you could literally just walk around and take it all in for hours or even days on end.  Frankly, Blizzard set the bar for replay value.

5. Murlocs

I think the following says everything you need to know:

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