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Best Expansion Pack

Perhaps because postrelease patches and premium downloads have become increasingly prevalent this year, full-on expansion packs were few and far between. Nevertheless, they remain a great way for developers and publishers to support fans of their games by adding new content for months or even years after an original game's release. The best expansion packs, such as this year's nominees, not only add to the previously existing games but also go the extra mile to enhance them with new features that can both grow and hold the interest of their respective player communities. All three of this year's nominees deserve kudos in this regard, but ultimately there was only ever going to be one winner.

Voting Results:

Best Expansion Pack
World of Warcraft: Wrath of the Lich King
81%
 
11,168
Europa Universalis III: In Nomine
5%
 
741
Galactic Civilizations II: Twilight of the Arnor
13%
 
1,847

Readers' Choice Winner

World of Warcraft: Wrath of the Lich King

World of Warcraft: Wrath of the Lich King GameSpot's Best Games of 2008 Readers' Choice Winner

Players last visited Northrend in "Warcraft III: The Frozen Throne," when Arthas Menethil fused with the spirit of Ner'zhul to become the Lich King, one of the most powerful beings in the Warcraft universe. He now broods atop the Frozen Throne deep in Icecrown Citadel, clutching the rune blade Frostmourne and marshaling the undead armies of the Scourge. In Wrath of the Lich King, the forces of the Alliance and the Horde venture into battle against the Scourge amid Northrend's howling winds and fields of jagged ice. Wrath of the Lich King adds a rich variety of content to an already massive game. New features in the game's second expansion include: Death Knight Hero Class: Create a high-level Death Knight character -- the game's first hero class -- once certain challenges have been met. Increased Level Cap: Advance to level 80 and gain potent new talents and abilities along the way. Northrend: Explore the harsh new continent of Northrend, packed with new zones, quests, dungeons, monsters, and items -- and do battle with the undead armies of the Lich King. "Inscription" Profession: Learn this exciting new profession and gain unique ways to permanently enhance spells and abilities in the game. Siege Weapons and Destructible Buildings: Take the battle to another level with new player-vs.-player game mechanics and new battlefields to wage war on. New Character Customization: Change how characters look and express themselves, with different hairstyles and dance animations.

Best Expansion Pack

248 Comments

  • jbstark720

    Posted Feb 17, 2009 5:47 am PT

    WoW wins by default because nobody really cares about Europa Universalis 3 or Galactice Civilizations 2 as much as WoW.

  • Mindgame_1

    Posted Feb 16, 2009 11:17 pm PT

    those were just absolutely terrible choices. obviously wow will win only because thats the only mmo most people play or have ever even heard of.

  • Antaeus1991

    Posted Feb 14, 2009 10:37 am PT

    That was a crap selection

  • STARS_Splinter

    Posted Feb 14, 2009 12:17 am PT

    I completely agree with F1rstgospel; Lotro: Mines of Moria is an absolutely incredible product, which actually takes the MMO genre in new directions, and yet it doesnt even get a look in because of the popularity of WoW. Shame on you, Gamespot.

  • renato1988

    Posted Feb 13, 2009 2:23 pm PT

    81% Hahaha rofl point of this voting?

  • Masterdj1992

    Posted Feb 13, 2009 12:40 pm PT

    I personally liked mines of moria LOTRO...

  • tidyspidey

    Posted Feb 13, 2009 1:28 am PT

    What was the point in that category!? Like anything other than Lich King stood a chance!

  • f1rstgospel

    Posted Feb 12, 2009 8:00 am PT

    I know that LotR:O doesn't have nearly as many subscribers as WoW does, but seriously, I can't count how many other sites at least included Mines of Moria in this category. It might not get the popular vote, but as far as quality is concerned, it is THE benchmark by which expansions should be based. Shame on Gamespot for not including it in their list.

  • IAMTHEJOKER88

    Posted Feb 12, 2009 6:23 am PT

    am i the only one who doesn't like WoW? I find it boring, a waste of time, and a waste of my hard earned money.

  • AnelZukic

    Posted Feb 12, 2009 5:35 am PT

    WoW is WoW

  • Nathrezen

    Posted Feb 12, 2009 5:05 am PT

    WotLK is only comercial ep, it have nothing for ppl who will start game, only for those who reached lvl 70 (thay made WotLK cuz they where stopping playing).

  • TheSmitto

    Posted Feb 11, 2009 7:26 pm PT

    As others have stated, LotRO Mines of Moria should be here, as it would be a great competitor against WoW. It's a wonderful expansion, and deserves more recognition.

  • daf269

    Posted Feb 11, 2009 6:39 pm PT

    I was totally one of the 741 who voted EU:IN!!

    One great game..

  • viperbee

    Posted Feb 11, 2009 4:46 pm PT

    all expasive packs of World of Warcraft are winner

  • tiggerboy

    Posted Feb 11, 2009 3:22 pm PT

    OMG! I was at the edge of my seat wondering who the winner would be!!!!!!!!!!!!

    yeah, that was overly sarcastic.......

  • Xaviersx

    Posted Feb 11, 2009 2:54 pm PT

    Guess it would be the game with Ozzie touting himself as the Prince of Darkness, in words that could be understood.

  • YohandZeke

    Posted Feb 11, 2009 2:14 pm PT

    Who the hell has played Europa besides me?

  • adamrich81

    Posted Feb 11, 2009 1:46 pm PT

    I agree with 501, why bother with the landslide questions?

  • 5011704dc

    Posted Feb 11, 2009 11:51 am PT

    WOW was the obviouse winner from the start why all the voting

  • theshireling

    Posted Feb 11, 2009 10:41 am PT

    Talk about landslide..

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