"Terrible, yet refined..."

With the release of World of Warcraft's latest expansion, Cataclysm, I've cancelled my Aion subscription with Armitage the Cleric having reached level 20. Although the questing has been fairly fun, I've yet to see any group content, which is a pity for an MMO. Regardless, I don't see myself rushing back with the amount of content to see in Cataclysm.

Armitage, Elyos Chanter (Aion)

For those who don't know, Cataclysm has reshaped all the Old World (level 1-60) content, making for a much more enjoyable experience. And with PvP battleground queues and the (relatively new) PvE dungeon finder, joining groups for multiplayer while you level is really easy.

To further tempt one to experience the new leveling content, Cataclysm has introduced two new races, Worgen (werewolves) and Goblins. I've created Jahger, the Worgen Hunter.

Jahger, Worgen Hunter (World of Warcraft)

The Worgen have their own introductory questline that runs along the timeline of the Shattering. As a human in the kingdom of Gilneas, you begin by helping to defend the capital from the constant assault of Worgen, before eventually falling to the Worgen curse yourself. Held prisoner by the humans, you're given a chance to prove that you have control over your bestial nature.

Can a Worgen be trusted?

What begins as a defence against an assault by the Forsaken (the undead of the Horde) becomes a desperate evacuation as the cataclysm sees the land sinking beneath the ocean.

Just this questline tops anything I've seen in Aion with World of Warcraft's phasing tech being used to give a real sense of progression of the timeline. Of course, most quests still boil down to kill X creatures or find Y items, but it is really worthwhile to pay attention to the story here.

I believe Goblins have a similarly excellent introductory questline and look forward to giving that a go, but meanwhile I'm pushing on with Jahger. I've already reached passed level 20, leaving Armitage's accomplishment as just a fading memory.

The title of this post is a reference to an oh-so-relevant Penny Arcade comic about Cataclysm and Worgen.