Blizzcon (Day 1) – Breakdown

The first day of Blizzcon 2009 has come and gone and the announcements are very overwhelming. The expansion Cataclysm was confirmed and all the epicness attached was unleashed. Sadly no specific Rogue information was released but we have our hopes up for tomorrow! Huge announcements on the PvP front and also fundamental game mechanics changes which are bound to have a huge impact on class diversification.

PvP and Battlegrounds

• RATED BATTLEGROUNDS! Yielding the same gear as arena!
• New Wintergrasp-like PvP zone called Tol’Barad!
• Battle for Gilneas Battleground: fighting in the streets for control over districts.
• New Arena maps
• 3 Battlegrounds planned for Cataclysm

Stat Changes

• Armor penetration is GONE. Replaced with mastery.
• Haste changed! Now increases the rate of energy gain.
• Attack Power is GONE (don’t panic!). Replaced fully with Agility. (1 agi = 2 ap)
• New profession REFORGING. Reduce a stat to raise another.

Goblin Racials (NEW HORDE RACE)

• Rocket Jump – Activate your rocket belt to jump up to 20 yards, every 2 min
• Rocket Barrage – Fire your belt rockets at an enemy within 30 yards, every 2 min. (Shared cooldown with Rocket Jump)
• Time is money – Cash in on a 1% increase to attack and casting speed.
• Best Deals Anywhere – Best possible gold discount, regardless of reputation.
• Pack Hobgoblin – Calls in your personal servent, allowing you bank access every 30 min.
• Better Living Through Chemistry – Alchemy skill +15, Your potions give more health / mana.

Worgen Racials (NEW ALLIANCE RACE)

• Darkflight – Activate your true form, increasing movement speed by 70% for 6 sec, every 3 min.
• Viciousness – Increase damage by 1%.
• Abberation – Reduced duration on Curses and Diseases used against you by 15%.
• Flayer – Skinning skill +15, you skin creature fast, and you don’t even need a knife.

Misc

• Under-water mounts and zone. Could this mean mean water based PvP and battlegrounds?
• Guild talent tree?! Gives access to perks such as cheaper repair bills! Also guild achievements, possibly the resurrection of PvP guilds?

New Races

Reforgin