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The best of WoW.com: October 20-27, 2009

It's a great time to be a WoW player -- Hallow's End is in the air, patch 3.3 is being tested, and the Cataclysm expansion is slowly revealing its secrets to us. Heck, Eliza Dushku is playing World of Warcraft, why aren't you? After the break, ten of the most popular stories from Joystiq's Azeroth-obsessed sister site, WoW.com. If you haven't ever visited the biggest MMO around yet, now might be the time to finally take the leap.
The Best of Big Download: October 19 - 25
Windows 7 is now out and about, but what will it mean for PC gaming? That was our main theme this week at Big Download. Let's look at the features, downloads and news items from PC gaming for the past seven days:
Exclusive features
Exclusive features
- The launch of Windows 7: On the occasion of Microsoft's launch of its latest OS, we examined if PC gamers should upgrade to Windows 7, gave some advice to Microsoft on how they can help PC gaming with their new OS, and chatted with a number of game developers on their opinons of Windows 7.
- Lucidity Review: We give our final verdict to LucasArts' recent downloadable puzzle-platformer.
- Mac Monday: This week's Mac gaming column checks out two games: Bullet Candy Perfect and Avenue Flo.
- Boot Disk: Our regular look at retro games checks out the classic Dungeon Keeper.
- Big Ideas: Our look at game themes this week examines why game developers should set more games in modern times.
- All You Need To Know: Just in time for the game's demo release, we examine all we know at the moment about Left 4 Dead 2.
- Freeware Friday: Our popular column this week looks at this mix of retro and rogue game in DoomRL
- Contest: You still have some time to enter our Order of War giveaway contest.
The Best of Big Download: October 12-18
We are just a few days away from the official launch of Windows 7. Will it create the push that gets more console gamers into PC gaming? Only time will tell. While we wait to find out, Big Download takes a look at the previous seven days of news for the already converted:
Exclusive Features
Exclusive Features
- A Brief History of Windows Gaming: We look back at the various versions of Windows as they related to PC gaming history.
- Black Ops Games Redux Part 1: In the first installment of this multi-part series, we look back at some former games that were unannounced last year that finally were officially announced.
- Hands-On with Torchlight: We got to play the upcoming downloadable fantasy action-RPG from Runic Games before its release on October 27 and wrote up our impressions!
- Big Versus: City of Heroes Vs Champions Online: Our Versus feature returns as we compare the new super hero MMO with the first one.
- All You Need To Know: This week our game info feature looks at Bioware's upcoming RPG Dragon Age: Origins.
- Mac Monday: Our weekly Mac column takes a look at two titles this time out: Machinarium and QuantZ.
- Boot Disk: Our weekly retro game feature looks at the classic Shiny Entertainment-developed title, Earthworm Jim.
- Playing For Free: Our weekly look at free-to-play online games checks out the space-based title DarkSpace.
- Freeware Friday: Our always popular free PC games column checks out a game with the unusual title RRRRRPG.
The Best of Big Download: October 5-11
Another busy week for news, downloads, and exclusive features at the PC game-oriented Big Download. As we always do around this time of the week, we look back at the highlights of the last seven days:
Exclusive features
Exclusive features
- Reviews: We give our final verdict for Operation Flashpoint: Dragon Rising and also our first impressions of Aion.
- What PC Gamers Need To Know About Windows 7: Some tips and info on Microsoft's Windows 7 and how it will affect PC gaming.
- Left 4 Dead Guide: Crashing and Burning: It's our guide to the recent free mini-campaign for Valve's zombie shooter.
- Mac Monday: Our weekly look at Mac games checks out Miriel's Enchanted Mystery.
- Boot Disk: Our look at retro games checks out LucasArts' classic Dark Forces II: Jedi Knight.
- All You Need To Know: We take a look at all the info currently known about the upcoming RPG Alpha Protocol.
- Big Ideas: Our weekly look at game themes examines how realism really works in games.
- Playing For Free: Our weekly examination at free-to-play online games checks out Nexon's latest Dungeon Fighter Online.
- Freeware Friday: Our regular look at free PC games checks out the platformer RunMan: Race Around the World.
The best of WoW.com: September 29 - October 6, 2009

News
- World of Warcraft Patch 3.3 PTR patch notes
Here's what Blizzard has put in the new patch so far. - Blizzard releases details on Icecrown Citadel
Official details on what the new raids and instances will be like. - Cataclysm starting zone lore and other new details revealed
Hints on what we'll find in the starting zones of the new races. And boy do they sound fun. - Patch 3.3 PTR: New Tauren skins found
A new look for the cow people in patch 3.3. - Patch 3.3 PTR: New weekly quests to do while raiding
The new patch will bring with it more rewards for raiders who go after certain bosses.
Features
- Patch 3.3 PTR: Pit of Saron first impressions
Our bloggers headed into the new instance, and survived long enough to come back with these impressions. - Patch 3.3 PTR: Undocumented paladin changes
Pally changes on the PTR so far. - Scattered Shots: Patch 3.3, what's on the horizon for hunters
Looking ahead to what's in store for ranged DPS. - Arcane Brilliance: Patch 3.3 PTR changes for mages
Blink is fixed? Go figure! - Patch 3.3 PTR: Undocumented druid changes
Updates for shapeshifters from the latest public test realm.
The Best of Big Download: September 28-October 4
Once again there was a lot to report on and talk about in the world of PC gaming last week. Big Download has all the highlights for the past seven days:
Exclusive features
Exclusive features
- Five PC games console players would love to play: There are still some big PC-exclusive games that console players have never played. We take a look at five of them.
- The Top 10 PC Game News Stories for September 2009: We look back and give our picks for the news that was the most important for PC gaming in September.
- Left 4 Dead Crash Course Quick Impressions: We give our first impressions on the new (and free for PC owners) mini-campaign for Valve's zombie shooter.
- Second Skin Review: We review the recent MMO-themed documentary.
- Mac Monday: We check out two more games for the Mac: Zuma's Revenge and Creeper World.
- Boot Disk: Our weekly look at retro games checks out the original Majesty.
- Big Ideas: Our weekly thoughts on game ideas examines if having-game specific features actually takes you out of the game.
- All You Need To Know: Our regular look at upcoming games gives you all the info we know about Modern Warfare 2.
- Playing For Free: Our weekly look at online free-to-play games checks out the browser based MMO Ikariam.
- Freeware Friday: Our always popular look at free PC games checks out the newly free indie title Strange Adventures in Infinite Space.
The best of WoW.com: September 22-29, 2009

The World of Warcraft is a strange and savage place: not only is there continually some Orc or Murloc or crazed cult attacking whatever various settlement you choose to spend your time in, but you've also got to deal with patch releases, forum trolls and the occasional crazed developer too! That's why you should be reading WoW.com -- we're your own personal sherpa for the biggest MMO around.
Peep our roundup of ten popular posts from the past week after the break.
Peep our roundup of ten popular posts from the past week after the break.
The Best of Big Download: September 21-27
We had a very busy week for original features on Big Download in the past seven days. Let's take a look at our output for the past week:
Exclusive features
Exclusive features
- Reviews: As the fall season hits, we give our final verdicts to a ton of new PC games, including Batman: Arkham Asylum, Majesty 2, Resident Evil 5, Red Faction Guerrilla and Section 8.
- Alienware's new look and features: We go over the four new desktops and the new laptop from Alienware that was announced this week.
- Mac Monday: Our weekly Mac gaming column looks at two games this time, BOH and Cuba Letra
- Boot Disk: Our weekly retro game feature has two entries this week as we look at the Planet Moon Studios action game Giants: Citizen Kabuto and the original Red Faction.
- Big Ideas: Our weekly look at game themes and ideas examines if playing games is actually good for you.
- All You Need To Know: Our regular look at upcoming games gives you an idea of what to expect from Borderlands.
- Playing For Free: Our weekly look at free-to-play online games checks out Nexon's first person shooter Combat Arms.
- Freeware Friday: Our weekly look at free PC games checks out the sandbox-themed game Clonk Endeavour
The best of WoW.com: September 15-22, 2009

It's a special time of year in the World of Warcraft -- the leaves are a'changing and the brews are a'flowing. Brewfest is upon us! Time to go imbibing the finest in Dwarven ales (and deliver some, too, on those crazy rams). If you need a guide to all of the festivities, you know Joystiq's WoW-obssessed sister site WoW.com has you covered -- here's our top ten posts from the past week.
News
- Brewfest 2009: Coren Direbrew's new level 80 loot revealed
Same boss for the Brewfest ingame holiday, but there is some new loot. - Blizzard is tracking 180,000 bugs in WoW
That includes fixed bugs, but still -- that's a lot of edited code. - WoW.com's guide to Patch 3.2.2
A brand new patch in the game, with some special anniversary fun included. - High-rated PvPers do the robot
A little bit of sneakiness on the part of PvPers. - Tips for taking down Coren Direbrew
Want to bring down the Brewfest boss? We've got you covered.
- The Overachiever: Guide to Brewfest 2009 achievements
Get all the points you can during the holiday celebration. - Insider Trader: Patch 3.2.2 madness
How to make some money in the newest patch. - Raid Rx: 14 Patch 3.2 trinkets to check out
Get some of the best raid healing trinkets around. - Ask a Faction Leader: Garrosh Hellscream
Everyone's least favorite Horde fanatic answers our readers' questions. - AGDC09: Blizzard talks about the world behind Warcraft
Interesting info from Blizzard's presentation at this years Austin Game Developers' Conference.
The Best of Big Download: September 14-20
It was an especially busy week for demos at Big Download, but we also had our usual allotment of features and news as well. As we do every Sunday, let's look back at the past week with fondness and delight (or something like that):
Exclusive Features:
Exclusive Features:
- Nvidia 3D Vision Discover: Want a way to experience 3D gaming without spending a lot of money? Nvidia has a solution that works.
- AaaaaAAaaaAAAaaAAAAaAAAAA!!! - A Reckless Disregard for Gravity Review: We give our verdict on this indie action game with a super-long title.
- Mac Monday: Our weekly look at Mac games takes a look at two titles: Crystal Cave Classic by Rake In Grass, and Awem Studio's Romance of Rome.
- Boot Disk: Our regular look at classic games checks out the Shiny Entertainment RTS title Sacrifice.
- Big Ideas: Our regular column that looks at game themes examines how a good game sequel is made.
- All You Need To Know: Our new regular feature on one particular (and recent) game gives you the 411 on Section 8.
- Playing For Free: Our column on online free-to-play games examines the NCsoft mech action title Exteel.
- Freeware Friday: Our explosive column on free PC games looks at BaboViolent2, the free predecessor to the recent downloadable commercial game Madballs in Babo: Invasion.
The Best of Big Download: September 7-13
Another seven days has gone by and Big Download had yet another busy week of features, news, and downloads. Let's look and see all we did, shall we?
Exclusive features
Exclusive features
- PAX 2009: We still have some Penny Arcade Expo 2009 features, including impressions of Borderlands, Elemental, Supreme Commander 2, Global Agenda, All Points Bulletin, Mass Effect 2, and The Secret World.
- Champions Online review: We give our final verdict to Cryptic Studios' latest super hero MMO. Also we examine what you need to know about the game.
- Looking back: Prepare for the release of Red Faction Guerrilla with a retrospective of the first two Red Faction games. Also we look back at the Dark Forces/Jedi Knight series on the eve of their digital download re-release.
- Mac Monday: Our Macintosh gaming column this weeks looks at two games: Mad Skills Motocross and Monopoly Build-a-lot Edition.
- Boot Disk: Our retro games feature looks at the historical strategy title Conquest of the New World.
- Big Ideas: Our weekly game theme column looks at making games for different age groups.
- Playing for Free: Our weekly look at free-to-play online games looks at the recently released MMO Runes of Magic.
- Freeware Friday: Our always popular column on free PC games looks at the action-puzzle game Solar Plexus.
The best of WoW.com: September 1-8, 2009

News
- Faction change service now available
For the first time in the game's history, players can switch from Horde to Alliance or vice versa. - Patch 3.2.2: 5-man Coliseum jousting woes addressed
The next patch will smooth out some issues folks have been having with the new 5-man instance. - Play safe, because a trojan can get you banned
Blizzard's Warden isn't just working for you: if it finds some malware, you might be asked to leave the game for good. - Garrosh is not well-liked
There are rumors going around (spoiler) about Garrosh Hellscream, and players aren't real happy about it. - Yogg-Saron in blues
Think you need epic gear to be great? Think again.
Features
- Spiritual Guidance: 12 reasons you don't want to play a Priest
Our Priest columnist looks at the bad side of the clothy healing class. - Officers' Quarters: Loot rage
And how to deal with it. - WoW Rookie: How not to be a noob
Just imagine if this was required reading when you first started playing games. No more noobs! - Ask a Faction Leader: Genn Greymane
It's an advice column and a lore story all in one! - Survey: Figuring out the faction transfer numbers
Breaking down who's transferring where.
The Best of Big Download: August 31-September 6
First QuakeCon, then BlizzCon and now PAX 2009 - It's been a packed month for Big Download. Let's look at the past seven days before things calm down ... a little:
Exclusive Features
Exclusive Features
- PAX 2009: We've been all over this year's Penny Arcade Expo in Seattle. Check out our primer for the show, a chat with show organizer Mike Fehlauer, pictures from the show floor and pictures of the cosplayers and booth models. Plus hands-on and eyes-on PAX 2009 impressions of games like Star Trek Online, Left 4 Dead 2, James Cameron's Avatar The Game, Serious Sam HD The First Encounter, InstantAction Tribes, Split/Second, Torchlight, Divinity 2 and Deathspank.
- F.E.A.R 2 Reborn Review: We give our final word on this week's new single player expansion to Monolith's first person shooter.
- Hearts of Iron 3 Review: We let you know what we think of Paradox's latest historical strategy game.
- The Top 10 PC Game News Stories for August 2009: We look back at the big PC game news events for last month.
- Steam's new hardware survey before Windows 7: What does Steam's hardware survey show we have in our rigs before next month's launch of Microsoft's next OS? We have the info.
- Other PC Games Due In Fall 2009: We look at a lot of upcoming downloadable PC game titles due out in fall 2009.
- Quick Hit Football: We chat with the head of a PC game developer planning to launch a web browser based pro foootball game with current and former NFL players and coaches.
- Mac Monday: Our weekly Mac game column looks at two more games: Heileen and Burgertime Deluxe
- Big Ideas: Our weekly look at game themes looks at villains in games.
- Boot Disk: Our weekly retro games column looks at the classic strategy Heroes of Might and Magic 3.
- All You Need To Know: A new feature at Big Download, we look at what you need to know about the upcoming PC port of Batman: Arkham Asylum.
- Playing For Free: Our new column on free-to-play online games continues with a look at Battlefield Heroes.
- Freeware Friday: Our weekly look at free PC games checks out the open-source shooter OpenLieroX.
The best of WoW.com: August 25 - September 1, 2009

We're still reeling from everything we saw at BlizzCon a few weeks ago over at WoW.com, from all the news we heard about the next expansion, Cataclysm, to everything else about Icecrown and the anniversary celebration in the upcoming patch 3.2.2. There's a ton of big news lately over on the site, but here's our most popular posts for you to browse through. Don't forget to hit the costume galleries -- we've got tons more pictures like the gem above.
News
- Patch 3.2.2 Onyxia achievements
Achievements from the second go-round of the big bad dragon fight for the game's 5th anniversary. - BlizzCon 2009: First impressions of Cataclysm races
Our staff breaks down their first impressions of the new races announced in the next expansion. - BlizzCon 2009: The Guild's Michele Boyd and Jeff Lewis hands-on with the Worgen
Two stars of The Guild webseries take on the playable Worgen demo available at BlizzCon. - BlizzCon 2009: The Cataclysm trailer
This is where it all began -- the expansion trailer revealed at BlizzCon's opening ceremony. - Battle.net conversion to become mandatory soon
With the onset of the new Battle.net, everyone's going to have to move over eventually.
Features
- BlizzCon 2009 Insider Trader: Cataclysmic professions
This big feature (here's part two and part three) takes a look at what's new with professions in Cataclysm. - BlizzCon 2009: Bingo fail
Our bingo card for BlizzCon fails again. We need to stop making these so hard. - BlizzCon 2009: Costumes, part two
Here's a roundup of all the costumes we saw on the show floor. - What does Blizzard have planned for an ingame launch event?
We know there's going to be a launch event for the new expansion, but what will it look like? - Guildwatch: "ur name is remembered"
Here's our weekly look at guild drama, downed, and recruiting news from around the realms.
The Best of Big Download: August 24-30
The last full week of August has news and downloads take something of a breather compared to the past few weeks, but there was still plenty to report on in the PC gaming world. As usual we break down the last seven days on our site for you.
Exclusive Features
Exclusive Features
- Fall 2009 For PC Games: We are on the edge of the biggest part of the year for new PC games. Check out Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3 of our feature that looks at the entire list of games and also check out our top 10 most anticipated PC games on our list.
- Reviews: Check our our verdicts on the second chapter of Tales of Monkey Island along with the indie game Osmos.
- Team Fortress 2 Hats Checklist: Want to know what hats are available in Valve's multiplayer shooter? We got you covered (so to speak).
- Mac Monday: This week Mac gamers have two games to check out: Big Kahuna Words and Mega Brickbash 3000.
- Boot Disk: Our retro games column this week looks at a true PC game classic: Outcast.
- Big Ideas: Our weekly look at game themes takes on the question on how old can you be to get into playing PC games.
- Playing For Free: It's the debut of a new column that looks at the growing genre of free-to-play online games. This week we look at Quake Live.
- Freeware Friday: Our weekly look at conventional free games takes a look at a classic title: Starsiege Tribes.













