World of Warcraft: Burning Crusade

The global phenomenon known as World of Warcraft is preparing for the game's first expansion, and millions of MMORPG fans are drooling in anticipation. Aside from introducing the new, massive Outland continent, Blood Elves and Draenei races, and the jewel-crafting skill, the game will let characters achieve up to level 70 and will add supercool flying mounts for soaring around the world of Azeroth. A revamped PvP combat system includes arenas where players can form teams to do battle against other crews. The raid dungeons also promise new variability, with quests designed for smaller parties and various levels of experience.

Neverwinter Nights 2

Many hard-core fans of the original Neverwinter Nights claim it's the only RPG (or computer game) they'd ever need to play, and given the dazzling array of user-created content for the Dungeon & Dragons production, it's not such a ridiculous claim. Nonetheless, the sequel for the uberpopular RPG will tempt gamers with the new 3.5 Edition D&D rules, plus an entirely revamped 3D gaming engine. The developers also promise a flexible, living story that will let gamers easily create their own role-playing adventures.

Gothic 3

If you're looking for an epic, open-ended role-playing adventure, this ambitious RPG three-quel might be right up your alley. The orcs have taken control of the human lands, putting your nameless hero in quite a predicament. Whether you work to defeat the orcs or to help them, the game's storyline with change accordingly. Reactive AI will make nonplayer characters much more realistic than those in other role-playing games, and the terrain includes seven-and-a-half square miles of explorable landscapes split into three distinct realms.

Guild Wars Nightfall

With its action-packed gameplay, innovative skill system, and lack of a monthly subscription fee, the Guild Wars has captured many MMORPG gamers in its web. The third chapter in the adventure, Guild Wars Nightfall, looks to add a more cohesive story with heroes who play starring roles in the campaign. Other new features include two more classes, paragons and dervishes, and a variety of PvP options.

Dungeon Siege II: Deluxe

The epic Dungeon Siege II upped the ante for the hack-and-slash gameplay of the original role-playing game with a party-based system that lets you customize the development of your characters. The Broken World expansion continues the storyline with a look at the effects of your explosive showdown with the evil wizard Valdis. This special collection, which packages Dungeon Siege II and the expansion together, will also include a mess of collectibles, such as a behind-the-scenes DVD, maps, portraits, and wallpapers. Dungeon Siege II: Deluxe combines the original Dungeon Siege II and the Broke n World expansion set, along with various collectible items.