This is based on the time I spent in the Beta.

10 Gameplay/Fun
10 Sounds
9 Control
8 Graphics
7 Value

I had a lot of fun playing the beta. My initial impression of the game was "it doesn't bring anything new to the table." While I may still feel that way, I believe what it does bring to the table is Fun! Think of fun as a noun. You can package it and deliver it, in a box. Yeah, that's what my experience playing with WoW during beta was. I had friends online that were playing, although I never really played with them, we just never hooked up that often. But I found my time in beta to be most enjoyable.

The sound wasn't something that pulled my attention from the game, and since it kept me immersed in the game, it's good! That's how it should be measured, does it ruin the game? Does it standout from the game? If not, then it's good for the game!

The controls were quite normal feeling and never felt awkward. That is enough for me!

I originally hated the graphics and thought they were just sad. After running around for a while, I didn't feel that way, the graphics looked fine and I didn't have any lag because there were too many people on the screen or too much going on. There was some server lag, but I believe that will be resolved for the final launch, that's one of those things that HAS to be resolved.

Value, well, this is the most personal to each of us. I don't think any game is worth $50. Although I'm an avid gamer, I find the cost of games to be abysmal. In addition to paying that, I also have to pay $15/month. While I agree with the business model, I don't agree to the total cost. Then again, I'm not running their data center and support staff.

I don't know if I'm missing anything else other than to leave you with this final thought. Isn't it enough to play a game that's fun? Do you really have to get wrapped up in what technologies are used if it doesn't detract from the experience? I was one of the anti-wow folks a while back, that is to say, I wasn't looking forward to it, and I certainly wasn't getting it. I decided to play the open beta and it really impressed me that so much fun was packaged in that environment. I will be getting the game, and I'm sure I'll have a lot of fun playing it after it's released.

Screenshots and videos are necessary for first impressions, but what you can't see in them are the things that matter the most.