World of Warcraft - A noob's 1st impression

[feelingshorter]

Prelude:
WOW - claims 8 million addicts with billions in profit. THE cocaine, crack, heroine, of computer gamers. Yes, I know.

A quick IM to all my friends, saying that i started playing WOW and their first reply is "NOOOOOOOOOOOO, DONT DO IT!!" or "You've been warned." Even the ones that were playing or played it warned me. I hear them.

The horror stories of students who went from straight A to complete losers who fall too far behind to recover their grades. Many cases well noted.

I've always had the money to play WOW, knew friends who played it, and chose to play other computer games instead. Why now?

I know why I started. Its an insatiable appetite to explore adding the need to also socialize (humans are political creatures). Completely irresistible combination in my situation (when local friends move away).

First impressions:

Created a character as a troll hunter. Played for several hours. Tired of leveling, and quests. But thats what an RPG is about right? I wanted to really explore, not waste my life away.

Too repetitious and long waiting time while doing nothing.

The Uninstall

The game just isn't worth it. When comparing it to other games, yes its a really good game. I love the way you can add addons and customize everything. Its a deep game, and a world within itself. Thats why I quit while I'm ahead (in life).

But when comparing it to other things, such as reading a book, its no comparison. Exploring a game that amounts to nothing in the end? I'd rather just "waste" time reading books.

But I need more books. If you've got a suggestion, please do post it here or links. I need books with a college reading level though (to build up vocabulary). If not, I'm about to reinstall WOW. Maybe give it another shot.

"You have to get to higher levels, then it starts to become fun and more involved," the addicts would tell me. I believe them.......

 

[Ronstang]

I am not sure what kind of mental disorder you have to be suffering from to play such a game but the disorder was alive and well in the 70s and 80s too it was just that these idiots focused on Dungeons & Dragons. Same bunch of whacknuts.

 

[jagec]

Originally posted by: Ronstang
I am not sure what kind of mental disorder you have to be suffering from to play such a game but the disorder was alive and well in the 70s and 80s too it was just that these idiots focused on Dungeons & Dragons. Same bunch of whacknuts.

Yeah, but there were a lot fewer of the classic DnD nerds than there are WoW players today. Barriers to entry, you think?

OP: Any particular genre? Reading level doesn't really matter if you just plain don't like the subject material.

 

[feelingshorter]

I'm open to any genre. Just as long as it has a 12-college reading level.

 

[KaOTiK]

Where's Waldo

 

[Fardringle]

I'm not sure about their vocabulary grade level level, but these are some of my favorite thought-provoking books that are also entertaining to read. My descriptions are somewhat lacking but I can't think of a concise way to describe them without giving away the story lines as well.


"The Eyes of the Dragon" by Stephen King (A kingdom is threatened by an evil sorceror. The younger prince is coerced by the sorceror while the "good" older brother is imprisoned for a crime he didn't commit. The eyes of a dragon killed by the former king haunt the king and the younger prince until they are forced to come to terms with their own actions as well as their own mortality. Classic fantasy by the master of suspense.)

"The Caverns of Socrates" by Dennis L. McKiernan (Combines an entertaining story of a group of role players that enter a fantasy world created by an AI computer with a philosophical discussion of how our own perception determines what we believe is real and what is fantasy.)

"The Archer's Tale" series by Bernard Cornwall (Contains a great deal of historical fact about the Hundred Years War and how people lived during the time period, wrapped around the fictional story of the life of Thomas of Hookton - a young man from England in the 14th century who becomes a professional archer in an army invading France during the Hundred Years War.)

 

[Wuzup101]

Eh... you made the right choice man. I played WoW for quite some time. Eventually quit when I couldn't figure out why the hell I was scheduling my life around a damn game. My grades did drop a bit, but are more than acceptable. It sucked up too much free time. Leveling sucks, and quite honestly, it sucks enough that I never want to play that damn game again. It's fun the first time on either side (horde/alliance)... then alts (for me) get boring as hell. The only reason I played was because of the people I met. I still hop on vent while they are raiding sometimes, just to chat and catch up. However, I sold my account for just under a grand (USD)... used the money to buy a samsung 4065F. Much more fun to play games and watch movies/TV with the GF and roomates... oh and I don't have to schedule that (okay well except for eagles games... they must be watched on the off chance that they may win).

 

[angminas]

The Black Arrow by Robert Louis Stevenson. Set during the wars of the roses. Challenging but very interesting, especially if you like history.

The Worm Ouroboros by E.R. Eddison. Epic fantasy novel. The most difficult book I have ever enjoyed. Archaic style, but fascinating turns of phrase that will keep your mental wheels turning. Very imaginative.

Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad. The vocabulary isn't too tough, but the writing style was, for me. Said to be a great book...YMMV. Less than 80 pages.

The Silmarillion by J.R.R. Tolkien. If you don't already know about this, it's too late to help you.

Sonnets by William Shakespeare. I particularly like "That time of year thou mayst in me behold".

My favorite author is Ursula K. Le Guin. Her style and vocabulary are very accessible, but she gets you thinking. My favorite of hers might be Planet of Exile.

If you're not blown away by WoW yet, just walk away. If you really loved it, it might be ok to spend some time on it, but as just a timesink, it's...well...a timesink.

 

[imported_Section8]

For history and intrigue

Colleen McCullough - First Man in Rome, The Grass Crown, Fortune's Favorites, Ceasar's Women. Great series and definitely college level reading.

If you like scifi then

Isaak Asimov - Foundation series. Foundation, Foundation and Empire, Second Foundation, Foundation's Edge, Prelude to Foundation. Outstanding and you will need a dictionary for some of vocabulary if you didn't pay attention in english.

 

[Xavier434]

First, I really enjoyed reading the Halo books. If you like Sci-fi then check them out. Even if you are not into the game they are quite good.




Now for the rant defending WoW and all hobbies a little (skip if you don't care):

There is very little to say here other that these bullet points:

1. Moderation is key in everything in life. It can turn something which is deemed as unhealthy and addictive into something that is one of life's pleasures. This can happen in a blink of an eye which is why there is so much controversy over things like WoW.

2. A hobby is a hobby. Video games, movies, sports, arts and crafts, reading, World of Warcraft. It's all about doing something that you like to do. One hobby is not "better" than the other. It's all a matter of opinion, but as long as you are having fun then I don't see the point debating it.

3. World of Warcraft is not for everyone. I don't enjoy reading very often. You don't like WoW. Both can be equally addictive for people. That's cool. Freedom is a grand thing.


Those are the general points. There are many others to list which are more defensive on the side of WoW but I don't really see the need to go into them. The point to understand here is that WoW has never done anything wrong to anyone. The game doesn't force anyone to play it. If a person becomes addicted to it to the point of an unhealthy state then I can guarantee you that their lack of willpower is the real problem and it will bite them in the ass with or without WoW throughout their life. Fix the problem at its core I say. Become a stronger person if you are one of these people. Think about the future and prioritize your life based on the future you want. If WoW end up at the top of your list then that is fine. You have the freedom to make that choice, but if you leave little room for anything else then you better be ready to accept the consequences.

 

[pontifex]

Originally posted by: Ronstang
I am not sure what kind of mental disorder you have to be suffering from to play such a game but the disorder was alive and well in the 70s and 80s too it was just that these idiots focused on Dungeons & Dragons. Same bunch of whacknuts.

what kind of mental disorder do you have to have to say something like this?


Op, you said "But when comparing it to other things, such as reading a book, its no comparison. Exploring a game that amounts to nothing in the end? I'd rather just "waste" time reading books. "

Name 1 game that amounts to something in the end.

 

[kef7]

I don't think anyone mentioned these books yet:

A Song of Fire and Ice series by George R.R. Martin

A Game of Thrones (book1)
A Clash of Kings (book2)
A Storm of Swords (book 3)
A Feast for Crows (book 4)

 

[Aikouka]

Why not just read the Warcraft novels? There's some interesting lore in Warcraft.

Also, I love how people find it so bad that you start to play. Wouldn't that be offensive that they don't think you have the willpower to control your own habits?

Also, my grades went up while I played WoW and even before WoW I was a Dean's List student .

 

[Xavier434]

Originally posted by: Aikouka
Why not just read the Warcraft novels? There's some interesting lore in Warcraft.

Also, I love how people find it so bad that you start to play. Wouldn't that be offensive that they don't think you have the willpower to control your own habits?

Also, my grades went up while I played WoW and even before WoW I was a Dean's List student .

:thumbsup:


WoW can actually be very good for college students if they got their priorities straight. It's a fine way to entertain yourself for hours on end and it only costs $15 a month. Sure beats your average bar tab.

 

[Cabages]

I just started. Im not addicted, it just runs really well on my system, and it is christmas break.

 

[Dacalo]

WoW can be enjoyed in moderation. I played casually before and I intend to start again once I am done with the CPA exam in a couple of months. Sure I won't have the best gears and such, but I am not playing for that. It's for the unique experience and social interaction with other players.

To OP: WoW doesn't pick up until around level 20.

 

[Aikouka]

Originally posted by: Xavier434
:thumbsup:

It kind of reminds me of the arguments against pot being considered a gateway drug. Some assumed that if you started with pot, you'd always go for something harder. Yet I bet these same that denounce the gateway drug idea would assume that dabbling in WoW means you will always become an "addict" to the game.

Originally posted by: Dacalo
To OP: WoW doesn't pick up until around level 20.

I don't know about you, but when I first started playing, I had fun since level 1! Seeing all these things, sneaking around like teh ubar ninjaz... oh man, it was so much fun.

 

[thraashman]

Most of the geeky types like us I think would enjoy what I'm currently reading.
Jim Butcher's The Dresden Files series. Currently 9 books with #10 coming out next year.

Basic concept. Current day Chicago is the setting. Magic is real, but very few people are ever exposed to it and many that are fool themselves into believing it was something else. Harry Dresden is Chicago's only professional wizard, he's listed in the yellow pages ... under Wizards. He works as a detective and is a full fledged magical practicioner. He often works as a consultant for the Chicago PD's office of Special Investigations.

Each book focuses on a single case usually with several months in between the books.

It's a great series if you haven't read it. I refuse to get into WoW ... so I enjoy me a good book when I can.

 

[invidia]

WoW helped me through college. It gave me a reason to finish all my schoolwork so I can start doing the things I want to do. After a long day of working and school, it was my relaxation pill. It doesn't work for all and you shouldn't force yourself to like it. If you don't like how the game is played/looked, don't play it. No one is forcing the game down your throat. It is not a WASTE of time when someone else plays the game and enjoys it. And it is true that the game picks up at higher levels.

It isn't so bad if you have real friends to play with. Ever had a drunken SSC raid and heard the shit that happens on vent? Cheap and fun entertainment.

 

[Kur]

You obviously didn't explore very much and didn't read in the details. Talk to NPC's, read quests, get to know the lore better and you might enjoy it more.

The real reason you don't like it is because you have no one else to level with, which is the current state of wow.

 

[Drift3r]

Originally posted by: Ronstang
I am not sure what kind of mental disorder you have to be suffering from to play such a game but the disorder was alive and well in the 70s and 80s too it was just that these idiots focused on Dungeons & Dragons. Same bunch of whacknuts.

LoL - I believe you have to have a touch of OCD or be diagnosed with a form of autism like asperger's syndrome or just have no real social life whatsoever.

OP - If you'd like to read some Gothic/Military Sci-Fi I'd suggest the Warhammer 40k Horus Hersey series of novels and the Gaunt's Ghost series again Warhammer 40k. The first is focused mainly on Warhammer 40k Space Marines and the second is based on the average ( non-genetically enhanced ) army grunts on the front lines. Also if you like cyberpunk Sci-fi I'd suggest William Gibson and his Necromancer and Count Zero books. The Dune series by Frank Herbert is good Sci-Fi as well.

 

[Drift3r]

Originally posted by: Aikouka

Originally posted by: Xavier434
:thumbsup:

It kind of reminds me of the arguments against pot being considered a gateway drug. Some assumed that if you started with pot, you'd always go for something harder. Yet I bet these same that denounce the gateway drug idea would assume that dabbling in WoW means you will always become an "addict" to the game.

Originally posted by: Dacalo
To OP: WoW doesn't pick up until around level 20.

I don't know about you, but when I first started playing, I had fun since level 1! Seeing all these things, sneaking around like teh ubar ninjaz... oh man, it was so much fun.

Meh...To me alcohol is the gateway drug to anything and everything you wouldn't do if you weren't drunk. Pot just made me lazy and want to eat. I certainly never wanted to drop my inhibitions when I smoked pot and do something completely stupid unlike alcohol.

 

[Chaotic42]

I'm reading "Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire" and "The Federalist". They're both... dense.

 

[Throckmorton]

It's a boring game. There's no way around it. Grinding is never fun.

 

[skace]

If you want to adventure without leveling, get an adventure game. I could have saved you the time it took to write this retarded review.