For my first post here, I feel that a big game title would be appropriate. So, I chose one that I am personally excited about, and that would be the new World of Warcraft expansion, Mists of Pandaria.
For those of you who haven't seen the trailer, I will provide this link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nyeZ8khSEC0
Blizzard announced this new expansion at Blizzcon. It will feature a level cap of 90, a new race (Pandarian), a new class (monk), a new continent, and a new talent system. There has also been talk of overhauling the graphics and improving the models. Apparently, the story is that the war between the Horde and the Alliance has escalated, and Pandaria has emerged from its protective mists. As a Pandarian, one can choose between Horde and Alliance.
Pandaria looks to be based upon ancient China, which is appropriate, since the Pandarians are, well, pandas. The Pandarian have increased cooking skill and gain more benefits from eating. They also will have a passive ability called "Bouncy" that will make them take less fall damage.
The monk class is yet another that can be all three roles: tank, healer, and DPS. Screenshots of the game seem to suggest (to me, at least) that monks will learn abilities from various animals for various positions, however, as far as I know, that's just speculation on my part.
Blizzard has also announced a new talent system. For those used to to the Cataclysm methods, this is more likely than not bad news. Instead of getting a talent point to spend as you wish every other level starting at 10, you get one choice every 15 levels. You may choose one of three talents for each level. If you're interested in seeing the specific talents for your class, take a look at the talent calculator that WowHead has released for Mists:http://www.wowhead.com/mists-of-pandaria-talent-calculator
I am particularly upset at the mage tree. My main is a blood elf mage, and right now she is specced fire. Blast Wave and Dragon's Breath are essential to my rotation as a fire mage, and according to the new talent tree, you get to choose between those two and Slow at level 90. Unless they plan on re-working every class again, this is going to break some things. My boyfriend also has a druid bear tank, and he was distraught when he saw Demoralizing Roar was moved to level 75. I also have a priest, and I'm not too happy with that tree, either.
Besides that, however, I'm actually looking forward to Mists. I want to create a Pandarin Monk and have my fun. I only worry that Blizzard will either take the references outside of WoW too far and that they may be rushing. Cata seems like it just came out not too long ago, and the Deathwing raid hasn't even been released yet. It seems like they definitely could have waited longer. I did sign the contract to pay for WoW for 12 months so that I can get into the beta for Mists, though, so we'll see.
So, what are your thoughts and opinions? Do you like or dislike the talent system? Are you excited to be a bouncy panda? Say so in the comments below. :)
