It’s a shame really, there I was with good rep with Booty Bay and the other Goblin strongholds, and it seems it may have all been for nothing. With the new Warcraft expansion, Cataclysm, the Goblins become a playable race for the horde.

Nothing… is the answer. The Horde Goblins are a schism of the main Goblin race. You will still find your favourite wide grinned cheeky chappies haggling and offering you a lift at all your favourite locations. Personally, I’m glad about this. I have grown to like the Goblin style. It reminds me of ”CMOT Dibbler” from Discworld.

So the reasoning behind this split is that a faction of Goblins has been made homeless by attacks from Deathwing (I knew he’d be back). They have been driven to the Lost Isles and into the waiting and welcoming hands of the Horde.

The good news is that in keeping with the opening up of race restrictions, there are plenty of choices for Goblins. Warrior, Warlock, Shaman, Rogue, Priest, Mage and Hunter. The two spiritual classes of Paladin and Shaman are not included. A good choice here I think.

The Goblins though have been given a total rehaul. More detail, new animations, better textures, you name it. So although they will be recognisable as the Goblins we all know and love, they will be very much sharper in appearance.

As for racial abilities, the list reads;

Better Living Through Chemistry – 15 point Alchemy boost. Alchemy is the best crafting profession for gold making – mainly because what it makes is consumables. So this fits well with Goblin lore.

Pack Hobgoblin – Amazingly, this perk is the ability to call up a mobile bank and Auction house GUI in the field. To wheel and deal from wherever you are. For gold makers this is an absolutely great perk.

Rocket Barrage – Damage nearby opponents with a barrage of rockets (see, the clue is in the title) No news on cooldown or threat.

Rocket Jump – Akin to a Warriors charge, but as a racial talent. Useful for tanking

Time is Money – A pre calc 1% bonus to attack speed, both casting and melee. Pre cal in good, this means it benefits with every buff you add on top of it

It’s hard to pigeon-hole Goblin stats as they stand. The alchemy boost (for potions) and Rocket Jump combined seem like tanking abilities. If the Rocket Barrage ability has a quick cooldown and generates threat then that is probably the best deal.

Goblins look great. They add real personality to the game, and with a wealth of new and exciting talents, it’s a class I’m really looking forward to playing.

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