How2Day: List of New MMORPGs

The term "MMORPG," which stands for "massively multiplayer online role-playing game," describes a large-scale, online game, which continues even when you are not playing. MMORPGs feature thousands of players interacting via text and voice chat, venturing on quests, and crafting items to be sold or used in combat. There is no shortage of new MMORPGs heading into 2011, each with their own gameplay features and appeal for both casual and hardcore players.

"World of Warcraft: Cataclysm " is the third expansion to the popular "World of Warcraft" MMORPG. "Cataclysm" continues the game's evolving story by introducing the evil dragon Deathwing the Destroyer. Deathwing shifts the geography of Azeroth by rising out of the ground and destroying anyone in its path, regardless of the location or character's strength. Similar to previous expansions, "Cataclysm" will feature new zones, new quests, profession changes and major gear overhauls. The level cap will also be raised from 80 to 85. "World of Warcraft: Cataclysm" is scheduled for release on December 7, 2010.

"Star Wars: The Old Republic" is the second MMORPG set in the Star Wars universe (following 2003's "Star Wars Galaxies"). The game is being developed by Bioware, creators of the popular "Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic" single-player games. "Old Republic" hopes to incorporate quality storytelling and character development into the MMORPG space. The story takes place after the establishment of a peace agreement between the Sith Empire and the Galactic Republic, over 3000 years before the films. As players venture deeper into the game, the peace gradually dissipates and conflict arises. The expansive game world will feature space colonies, various planets and many Star Wars-centric locals. "Star Wars: The Old Republic" is scheduled for release in the summer of 2011.

"DC Universe Online" will be a fast-paced MMORPG that features characters from popular DC comic books, such as Superman and Batman. Although you will create your own unique characters (hero or villain) and shape your own story, expect to fight alongside or against the aforementioned heroes and many more. Many well known DC locations such as Gotham City and Metropolis will be fully detailed, inhabited with civilians, and will often be the battlegrounds for hero and villain standoffs. "DC Universe Online" will be one of the few MMORPG games to support cross-platform play between the PlayStation 3 and PC. The tentative release date for both platforms is spring 2011.

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