PC Zone Magazine – Christmas 2006 – Issue 175 – World of Warcraft: The Burning Crusade

Original UK Edition | Christmas 2006 | Issue 175 | £5.99 Original Cover Price | Future Publishing

An original Christmas 2006 edition of PC Zone magazine, featuring an impressive illustrated cover dedicated to World of Warcraft: The Burning Crusade, Blizzard Entertainment's first major expansion for its hugely popular massively multiplayer online role-playing game.

This issue features exclusive early coverage of The Burning Crusade, including its fantasy world, characters, new environments and gameplay developments.

Other notable coverage includes Rogue Warrior, Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Double Agent, Medieval II: Total War, Sam & Max: Episode 1, Alan Wake, Company of Heroes, DEFCON, Microsoft Flight Simulator X, F.E.A.R.: Extraction Point, Scarface: The World Is Yours and many additional PC games.

The magazine captures an important moment in PC gaming history, particularly the growth of online role-playing games, the popularity of real-time strategy titles and the development of cinematic action-adventure gaming.

An attractive original publication for collectors of World of Warcraft memorabilia, Blizzard Entertainment publications, classic computer gaming magazines and mid-2000s PC gaming history.

Front Cover – World of Warcraft: The Burning Crusade

The front cover is dominated by an elaborate fantasy illustration promoting World of Warcraft: The Burning Crusade.

The artwork depicts a female draenei fantasy character, one of the new playable races introduced with the expansion.

Main Character Artwork

The central character is shown in profile, facing towards the right-hand side of the cover.

She has distinctive purple-blue skin, long flowing black hair, pointed facial features and glowing blue-purple eyes.

Her appearance includes:

• Elaborate dark hair flowing down her back.

• Large swept-back horn-like features extending from her head.

• Decorative facial and forehead markings.

• Ornate golden armour with intricate swirling patterns.

• Large decorated shoulder armour incorporating blue-purple gemstones.

• Matching gold and purple arm protection.

• A decorative bracer featuring a prominent inset gemstone.

• Long, pointed fingers.

• An elaborate staff held diagonally across her body.

• Decorative gold detailing around her waist and legs.

The fantasy staff extends towards the upper-right corner of the cover and features a dark shaft with ornamental bindings and hanging material.

The character is surrounded by a dramatic fantasy landscape featuring a golden-orange sky, rocky terrain and distant flying creatures.

To the right of the character is an open book featuring aged-looking pages and decorative illustrations, reinforcing the magical theme of the artwork.

The background uses warm orange, gold and red tones, contrasting with the purple-blue character and her metallic armour.

The illustration is particularly distinctive and would appeal to collectors of Warcraft artwork and Blizzard fantasy designs.

Main Cover Headlines

EXCLUSIVE!

WORLD OF WARCRAFT: THE BURNING CRUSADE

The large white title dominates the lower half of the cover.

The accompanying headline reads:

"We play Blizzard's finest while Azeroth burns"

The magazine's upper banner also features the phrase "OUTLAND-ISH!", referencing Outland, the major new setting introduced in The Burning Crusade.

The cover presents the expansion as the issue's principal feature.

Main Cover Story – World of Warcraft: The Burning Crusade

Page 46 – World of Warcraft: The Burning Crusade

The main feature examines Blizzard Entertainment's eagerly anticipated expansion to World of Warcraft.

The photographed editorial opening contains a large fantasy screenshot featuring imposing creatures and colourful magical effects.

The image includes:

• Large fantasy creatures with exaggerated horns and armour.

• Dramatic purple, blue and orange lighting.

• Magical effects surrounding the characters.

• A distinctive World of Warcraft graphical style.

• A detailed fantasy environment.

The feature was published shortly before the expansion's original release in January 2007, making this a particularly interesting contemporary preview.

The Burning Crusade Background

The Burning Crusade was the first expansion for World of Warcraft.

It introduced the shattered world of Outland and expanded the original game's playable races, locations, dungeons and endgame content.

Among the major additions were the draenei and blood elf races, new areas to explore and an increased character level cap.

This original Christmas 2006 magazine provides a period perspective on the expansion before its release.

For World of Warcraft collectors, it represents an interesting piece of the game's early history, when the original MMO was becoming one of the most influential online games in the world.

Rogue Warrior – Bethesda's Tactical Shooter

Page 40 – Rogue Warrior

The magazine contains an early feature examining Bethesda's military-themed shooter Rogue Warrior.

The photographed editorial page includes a prominent screenshot featuring a soldier aiming a modern military rifle.

Visible details include:

• A close-up view of the soldier and weapon.

• A large tactical riflescope.

• Military gloves and camouflage-style clothing.

• Detailed weapon components.

• An urban military environment.

The feature's headline describes the game as Bethesda's forthcoming realistic tactical shooter.

The accompanying text references the Korean setting featured in the game's early development coverage.

This is particularly interesting because the game underwent significant changes before its eventual release in 2009.

The article therefore offers a historical look at an earlier stage in the game's development.

Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Double Agent

Page 64 – Splinter Cell: Double Agent

Another major feature is the magazine's review of Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Double Agent.

The game follows covert operative Sam Fisher through a storyline involving undercover operations and difficult decisions.

The photographed contents page includes a screenshot showing a military-style vehicle within a detailed urban environment.

The game's cover promotion features the headline:

"SAM FISHER – TERRORIST!"

The associated cover text highlights the game's undercover storyline and exclusive review.

Splinter Cell: Double Agent was a significant release for Ubisoft's stealth-action franchise during 2006.

An interesting inclusion for collectors of Splinter Cell, Tom Clancy video games and Ubisoft publications.

Medieval II: Total War

Page 58 – Medieval II: Total War

One of the issue's principal reviews covers the historical strategy game developed by Creative Assembly.

The photographed contents spread features an impressive battle scene depicting medieval soldiers equipped with bows and other military equipment.

Visible elements include:

• Large formations of medieval soldiers.

• Archers preparing to fire.

• Historical armour and helmets.

• Blue and white military clothing.

• Weapons including bows and polearms.

• A large outdoor battlefield.

• Extensive formations stretching into the background.

The review focuses on the game's medieval warfare, strategic gameplay and enormous battlefield encounters.

Medieval II: Total War became one of the defining entries in Creative Assembly's long-running Total War series.

This original 2006 review is a useful contemporary reference for fans of historical strategy gaming.

Sam & Max – Return of the Classic Adventure Duo

Page 86 – Sam & Max

A review of the returning adventure game characters Sam and Max.

The photographed contents spread includes a colourful screenshot showing the detective duo in an interior environment.

Sam is depicted as an anthropomorphic dog wearing a suit, while Max appears as a white rabbit-like character.

The illustration captures the distinctive cartoon humour and exaggerated art style associated with the franchise.

The article covers the characters' return in the episodic adventure game series developed by Telltale Games.

This is an interesting feature for collectors of classic point-and-click adventures and LucasArts-related gaming history.

Alan Wake – Early Coverage

Page 20 – Alan Wake

The contents page identifies an early feature dedicated to Alan Wake.

The accompanying image depicts a male character in a dark environment holding a light source.

Alan Wake was in development during this period and would eventually be released in 2010.

This original feature provides an interesting early look at the title before its eventual launch.

Particularly appealing to collectors of Remedy Entertainment games.

Additional Features and Previews

The photographed contents page identifies a substantial selection of gaming industry features.

Upfront Features

• Page 16 – The Bitmap Brothers

• Page 18 – Special Report: Is PC Gaming Dead?

• Page 20 – Alan Wake

• Page 24 – Star Trek: Legacy

• Page 26 – Tokyo Game Show Report

• Page 30 – Hot Shots: Bioshock

• Page 33 – Assassin's Creed

• Page 36 – They Hunger: Lost Souls

• Page 37 – Jade Empire

• Page 38 – Off Charts

• Page 40 – Rogue Warrior

• Page 46 – World of Warcraft: The Burning Crusade Feature

Notable Articles

The Bitmap Brothers: Coverage of the influential British video game development studio responsible for several well-known classic computer games.

Is PC Gaming Dead?: A contemporary discussion examining the future of the PC gaming industry.

Star Trek: Legacy: Coverage of the science-fiction strategy and combat game based on the Star Trek franchise.

Tokyo Game Show Report: A report examining developments and announcements from the Japanese video game exhibition.

BioShock: Early coverage of the atmospheric first-person shooter before its 2007 release.

Assassin's Creed: Early coverage of Ubisoft's action-adventure franchise before the first game's release.

Jade Empire: Coverage of BioWare's fantasy-themed role-playing game.

These previews are particularly interesting because several of the featured titles would become important franchises in subsequent years.

Major PC Game Reviews

The photographed contents page lists numerous reviews of games available or upcoming around Christmas 2006.

Featured Reviews

• Page 58 – Medieval II: Total War

• Page 64 – Splinter Cell: Double Agent

• Page 68 – Football Manager 2007

• Page 72 – Championship Manager 2007

• Page 73 – Flight Simulator X

• Page 74 – Pro Evolution Soccer 6

• Page 76 – F.E.A.R.: Extraction Point

• Page 77 – Age of Empires III: The WarChiefs

• Page 78 – Stronghold Legends

• Page 80 – Warhammer 40K: Dawn of War – Dark Crusade

• Page 81 – Made Man

• Page 84 – ArchLord

• Page 85 – Sid Meier's Railroads!

• Page 86 – Sam & Max: Episode One – Culture Shock

• Page 90 – Scarface: The World Is Yours

• Page 92 – Caesar IV

• Page 93 – Wings Over Europe

• Page 94 – Night Watch

• Page 95 – ProStroke Golf: World Tour 07

• Page 96 – Indie Zone

These reviews cover a broad range of gaming genres, including real-time strategy, fantasy role-playing, military shooters, sports simulations, racing, adventure games and independent releases.

The magazine offers a particularly detailed overview of the PC gaming market during the closing months of 2006.

Tomb Raider: Legend – Developer Commentary

Page 140 – Tomb Raider: Legend

The issue includes a developer commentary feature concerning Tomb Raider: Legend.

The photographed contents page contains an image of Lara Croft standing in an outdoor environment.

The article is part of PC Zone's regular developer commentary section.

Tomb Raider: Legend was released in 2006 and represented an important stage in the franchise's development.

The feature adds further appeal for collectors of Lara Croft, Tomb Raider and Crystal Dynamics-related publications.

PC Gaming Hardware and Technology

The magazine includes its regular hardware section.

The photographed contents list:

• Page 103 – Hardware News

• Page 104 – Hardware Reviews

• Page 106 – How To...

• Page 108 – Dear Wandy

• Page 110 – Watchdog

• Page 112 – Buyer's Guide

These articles offer a contemporary look at computer technology, hardware performance, gaming components and consumer advice during 2006.

Freeplay – Playable Demos, Freeware and Modding

The magazine contains its regular Freeplay section, featuring software demonstrations, freeware and game modifications.

The photographed contents page identifies:

• Page 116 – Playable Demos

• Page 119 – Buzz: Perfect Dark Interview

• Page 120 – Medieval II: Total War Competition

• Page 122 – Nethack

• Page 126 – Eternal Silence

• Page 127 – Iron Grip: The Oppression

• Page 129 – Fight Club

• Page 130 – How To: DEFCON

The photographed contents spread highlights Eternal Silence and Iron Grip: The Oppression.

Both are illustrated with screenshots of their respective gaming environments.

The Freeplay section offers an interesting insight into the freeware and modification communities active during the mid-2000s.

Important: The listing is for the printed magazine only. No separate demo discs, software, games or original promotional extras are included.

Retro Gaming and Regular Editorial Features

Additional sections listed in the photographed contents include:

• Page 132 – Retro Zone

• Page 134 – Subscriptions

• Page 135 – NeverQuest

• Page 138 – Supertest

• Page 140 – Developer's Commentary

These sections contribute to the magazine's mixture of gaming reviews, historical coverage, humour and specialist commentary.

Editorial by Jamie Sefton

The photographed opening editorial page features Jamie Sefton, identified as editor of PC Zone.

The column is titled:

A World of Warcraft

The editorial discusses the enormous popularity of World of Warcraft and the anticipation surrounding The Burning Crusade.

It references the expansion's new content, including the blood elf and draenei races, and the opportunity to explore Outland.

The editor also highlights other important games featured in the issue, including Medieval II: Total War and Splinter Cell: Double Agent.

The page contains a portrait photograph of Jamie Sefton and a printed reproduction of his signature.

The printed signature is part of the magazine's original design and does not indicate that this copy has been personally autographed.

Publication Details

Magazine: PC Zone

Issue Number: 175

Publication Date: Christmas 2006

Original UK Cover Price: £5.99

Publisher: Future Publishing

Country: United Kingdom

Language: English

Format: Printed PC Gaming Magazine

Main Cover Feature: World of Warcraft: The Burning Crusade

Other Major Features: Rogue Warrior, Splinter Cell: Double Agent, Medieval II: Total War, Sam & Max, Alan Wake, Assassin's Creed, BioShock, Company of Heroes and classic PC gaming.

SKU: 1587

Condition – Please Read Carefully

Pre-owned original magazine showing some visible signs of age, handling and storage.

The supplied photographs show the actual magazine being sold.

Front Cover

The original World of Warcraft: The Burning Crusade cover remains present, with its detailed fantasy artwork and prominent headlines clearly visible.

Visible condition details include:

• Light surface rubbing and handling marks.

• Minor scratches and scuffs across the glossy cover.

• Small creases and wear along the outer edges.

• A noticeable small crease and slight damage around the upper-left corner near the spine.

• Slight bending and minor wear around the upper-right corner.

• Small areas of rubbing along the lower edge.

• Light stress marks around the spine.

• General signs of handling consistent with a used magazine of this age.

The artwork remains colourful and visually attractive.

Spine and Binding

• The spine appears intact in the supplied photographs.

• Minor surface rubbing and edge wear are visible.

• Some light creasing is present near the cover's spine edge.

• The photographed interior pages remain attached and open normally.

Interior Pages

• The photographed interior pages remain readable.

• Colour illustrations and screenshots retain good visual detail.

• Some light page curling and handling wear are visible.

• Minor edge wear and small creases may be present.

• No significant tears are apparent in the photographed interior pages.

Overall Assessment

Good pre-owned condition overall, with light surface marks, minor corner creasing, edge wear and general handling signs.

This is an original used magazine, not a mint or professionally graded example.

The magazine has not been examined page by page, so complete pagination cannot be guaranteed.

Please study all photographs carefully as they form an important part of the condition description.

Important – Original Extras No Longer Included

This listing is for the original printed magazine shown in the photographs only.

Any CDs, DVDs, demo discs, promotional software, free gifts, loose supplements, inserts, vouchers, activation codes or other extras that may originally have accompanied this issue are no longer included.

No separate computer games or software are supplied.

Any competitions, prizes or promotions advertised within the magazine are historical and no longer valid.

You will receive the printed PC Zone magazine only.

Packaging and Delivery

The magazine will be carefully packed to help protect it during transit.

UK Orders: Dispatched in a protective hardback envelope.

International Orders: Dispatched in a sturdy cardboard mail-size box for additional protection during international shipping.

Ideal For Collectors Of

• PC Zone magazine.

• Christmas 2006 PC gaming publications.

• PC Zone Issue 175.

• World of Warcraft.

• World of Warcraft: The Burning Crusade.

• Blizzard Entertainment.

• Warcraft fantasy artwork.

• Draenei characters.

• Classic MMORPG games.

• Rogue Warrior.

• Bethesda Softworks.

• Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell.

• Sam Fisher.

• Medieval II: Total War.

• Creative Assembly.

• Sam & Max.

• Telltale Games.

• Alan Wake.

• Remedy Entertainment.

• BioShock.

• Assassin's Creed.

• Tomb Raider: Legend.

• Classic computer gaming magazines.

• Retro PC games.

• Mid-2000s gaming history.

An original PC Zone Christmas 2006, Issue 175, featuring a striking World of Warcraft: The Burning Crusade cover and an extensive selection of contemporary PC game previews, reviews and specialist features.

An appealing addition to any collection of vintage gaming magazines, particularly for enthusiasts of World of Warcraft, Blizzard Entertainment and classic PC gaming history.

The actual magazine shown in the photographs is the copy you will receive.

SKU: 1587