With the launch of Cataclysm, players of all level ranges will have plenty of reason to hop on their preferred mount of choice and go out exploring. Not only will the use of flying mounts give an all new perspective on things, but the attention to detail on some of the zone revamps that I was shown easily rivals if not exceeds the most visually stunning areas of Wrath of the Lich King.
First, we'll take a closer look at how some of these changes will no doubt help foster a massive population explosion in the two main factional capital cities of Stormwind and Orgrimmar before moving on to an overview of some of the other redesigned areas of the game.
Stormwind
Stormwind Keep has been fully redesigned so that it's no longer just a façade placed against the surrounding hillside. The interior of the structure has also been given a new layout to make it much easier to navigate, while the fully built exterior certainly helps give the keep a much more commanding presence, especially when viewed from above.
Stormwind Keep has been completely rebuilt and now serves as a major landmark.
Another major landmark that’s undergone a more radical change is the park district which has been completely destroyed by Deathwing. This is actually one of the very first acts of devastation that Deathwing causes leading into the expansion. Whether a direct attack on the Alliance city is proof that he is secretly rooting for the Horde is anyone’s guess, however, we were assured that the druids need not worry – they will still have trainers located in other parts of the city.
Other points of interest include a couple of new lakes as well as a sizable graveyard wrapping around the rear section of the city where a number of new quests can be found. Call it what you will, but it’s some of the interesting details that have been added like this that really help transform the city into a place worth exploring rather than just being used for the necessary evils of auction house and bank access.
Speaking of which, a second trade district has also been added in the Dwarven area so that players will no longer need to pile up in one spot to access things like the bank or auction house.
Orgrimmar
With Garrosh now in charge, Orgrimmar has become much darker and dare I say vastly more visually appealing. The squat stone structures are gone, replaced by taller, meaner looking buildings befitting the overall climate of war and devastation in Azeroth. While the overall layout of the city has remained largely intact, certain new elements have been added to reflect the changes at the top of the orcish food chain.
Orgrimmar now has a much darker, more aggressive visual style
For example, Garrosh now has a massive stronghold placed smack in the middle of the Valley of Strength. In fact, this imposing structure is the first thing players will see when entering the city. As a long time horde player, I previously avoided Org unless something like a seasonal event required me to travel there. The main reason being that I couldn’t step foot through the gates without the theme song from the Flintstones getting stuck in my head for most of the following week. In Cataclysm, however, I fully expect that the redesigned Org will regain much of its former glory as one of the main gathering nexus for horde players, myself included.
Other radical revamps to the city include an all new district for Goblins and Trolls, but as Garrosh isn’t exactly the welcoming type when it comes to non-orcs, this new area is somewhat of a slum, at least when compared to other areas in Org. Also of note, players will now have a direct path between Org and Azshara. While flying mounts will make getting to the zones north of Org a total breeze, this new entrance will no doubt come in incredibly handy for lower level goblin characters.
Taurans also have a much larger presence in the Valley of Wisdom, notably expanding over the spot where Grommash Hold currently stands.
Forsaken on the Move
If you’re a fan of the undead style of architecture found in Wrath like I am, then you’re in for a real treat. From what we were shown, most undead towns and outposts have been fully rebuilt to utilize this same design style. Not only that, but entire areas such as Silverpine Forest have been completely revisited as the Forsaken have begun a full assault on Glineas. In fact, this will play a large role in the starting experience for new worgen players, pitting them against a true enemy rather than killing countless bears and other random creatures commonly associated with newb zones.
The Forsaken have begun a full assault on the Worgen city of Glineas
The effects of this conflict are clearly present throughout the area, so whether you’re an alliance player curious to check out the new Worgen zones or a Horde player eager to get into some pew pew action as an undead Hunter, this is one area you’ll definitely want to check out.
Uldum – WoW Does Egypt
Not only have numerous old world zones been completely reimagined to fit in with the expansion's theme of destructive upheaval, but many new zones are being added as well for those players eager to make the climb up to the increased level cap of 85.
Lead World Designer Alex Afrasiabi prefaced his overview of Uldum by describing the zone as “WoW does Egypt”, and boy was he ever not kidding. This is a massive zone on par with the largest Wrath has to offer and includes plenty of Egyptian themed elements including pyramids and plenty of white sand interspersed with small pockets of vegetation. Two new dungeons will also be found here, as well as the entrance to Sykwall.
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