WOW patched to v1.4

Less than a month after Blizzard released a major content patch for its immensely popular massively multiplayer online role-playing game, the Irvine, California-based developer has released another update. The latest update for World of Warcraft, version 1.3.1 to version 1.4, clocks in at 33MB and is now available for download at GameSpot DLX. Gamers needing the universal patch that upgrades any version of World of Warcraft to version 1.4, can grab it here.

The biggest addition to the game is the player-versus-player honor system. Now, players will be ranked based on their exploits in PvP outings. As each rank is achieved, new items, including armor, weapons, and mounts, are awarded. For a full look at the PvP system, check Blizzard's official PvP page.

New events have also been added to the world of Azeroth. The beginning of the month of May will be Children's Week. As the Blizzard site declares: "Children's Week is celebrated in Orgrimmar and Stormwind City… It is a time to give back to the innocents of war: the orphans!"

In Gurubashi Arena in Stranglethorn Vale, a pirate with too much booty will drop off a treasure chest in the middle of the PvP free-for-all arena every three hours. The first player to open the chest will be rewarded with its contents, but other gamers are sure to be after the loot.

Also, new elemental invasions will be occurring in Silithus, Un'Goro Crater, Azshara, and Winterspring every few days.

The World of Warcraft Web site has an official listing of all the patch's effects.

World of Warcraft is rated T for Teen and retails for $49.99. For more information on GameSpot's Game of the Year for 2004, read the full review.