Cataclysm: Disaster Movie, Warcraft Style

I'm late to the game in general commentary regarding Cataclysm but here are a few overarching thoughts.

Old World Rebuild
I personally believe the rebuilding of the old world is a fantastic idea. I very much like the idea that the launch of the expansion is a discrete point in the history of the game with a "no going back" feeling. In a way it's a relaunch of WoW and there will be much more meaning when someone says, "I started playing WoW before Cataclysm."

Additionally it's nice to "go back home". The past few years it's felt that a lot of the problems players had to deal with were more existential. While still a threat to the Alliance/Horde players had to engaged the enemy elsewhere. "Home" generally was though of the place that the auction house was at.

Stat Overhaul
I'm very thankful for this. Gearing decisions are becoming a calculus of sorts that unnecessary detract from other aspects of the game. I believe the following blue posts touches on the problem nicely...

While folks on EJ are masters in determining BiS and generating appropriate lists it's a function that should only be necessary to benefit the top 1% of the player population. I'm very supportive of the concept of making gear choice much easier just by looking at the item.

Guild Improvements
Another good idea. I believe this will improve guild cohesion, at least for those guilds whose interest is raid progression or other activity outside of simply being social. Guild banks were a good start in my view, but very tangible benefits (like the guild talents provide) that equally benefit everyone will increase incentive for players to participate more in their guilds development.

New Races & Combinations
I've already expressed my love for Tauren Paladins. Beyond that I have no problem with the combinations so far presented. There is a lot of talk about lore and how it plays into these new combinations. From the little that is out it appears that Blizzard will cover these combinations and explain them in the context of Warcraft lore. I think those that say the lore is no longer driving game development are complaining too early.

As for Worgen/Goblins. Great! More races always makes things interesting. Hopefully people won't complain about their introduction as much as people have about Draenei (whom I have an affinity for as well).

Concluding Thoughts
Overall I think Cataclysm will be a great expansion. I like the direction Blizzard is going and I think the proposed changes are generally positive and will keep the game going strong.