World of Warcraft: Cataclysm Previews

Blizzard’s World of Warcraft: Cataclysm expansion pack has once again been given the preview treatment, starting with a screenshot-laden look at the cataclysmic changes to Azeroth’s surface over at IGN:

Goblins have had it pretty rough it seems, because along the coast of Tanaris to the south, the little settlement known as Steamwheedle Port has also slipped beneath the sea, and stranded some Goblins in the process.

Finally, at the very bottom of Kalimdor lies the gates of Uldum. Currently, Uldum is off-limits, and invisible walls surround the zone on every side, but with some “clever use of in-game mechanics,” we finagled our way inside. Uldum is impressive, and filled with many very intriguing set pieces.

Of course, much, much more has been changed in Cataclysm, and with the ability to fly in Azeroth, there are loads of little Easter eggs to find throughout the world. Many of the areas between zones house little secrets, but we don’t want to spoil them for you.

And then E4G shares their short beta impressions:

The Goblin starting zone is really amusing its all gimicks, stealing your own vast riches, drinking cola that gives you ideas, a hot-rod… A HOT-ROD. You start out a Goblin who just got a big promotion and depending which gender you are, your boyfriend or girlfriend wants to throw you a party. So you go out get some shades, a new outfit, and some bling. but before your party happens you are called upon to help you Footbomb team win the championship, and guess what you do, and when you score the final goal you hit a mountain, and it explodes. So you are the reason the Goblins must leave the island, you are the reason the Goblins still live after being caught in the crossfire between the Alliance and the Horde, you are the person who saves Thrall, and you are the whole reason why the Goblins join the Horde. Sounds like a pretty productive day doesn’t it, and yes this happens all within the timespan of one day.