WoW Cataclysm Expansion Will Change Lower Level Areas

Blizzard has confirmed that it plans to introduce significant changes to the lower and mid-level areas of its MMO World of Warcraft when the Cataclysm expansion launches before the end of 2010. Attention will be paid to both gameplay mechanisms and graphical areas, the developers aiming to offer the exact same experience as in the areas completely new to the MMO.

The announcement was made by Mike Morhaime, the president and co-founder of Blizzard. He believes that rendering old areas attractive again is important for the MMO because it will make it more interesting for old fans to return to the game while also offering a more unified experience for those who get into World of Warcraft because of Cataclysm and expect to see the same level of polish all through the game world.

Cataclysm is set to introduce two new races to World of Warcraft. The Goblins will be taking up the fight for the Horde while the Worgen will get a spot on the Alliance side. The MMO will also be getting new high level raid areas, fresh Player vs. Players battlegrounds and a revamp of the skills of all the playable races and classes.

The new level cap will be 85 and those who reach it will gain access to Paths of the Titans, a progression system that will reward those who strive to become as powerful as they can in the game.

Blizzard has already committed to launch StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty on July 27 worldwide, finally delivering the real time strategy title players have been waiting for for the last ten years. This means Cataclysm will likely not arrive before October or November, Blizzard saying a beta stage will be coming soon to a select group of players.