But I have seen quite a bit – enough, perhaps to get an impression of whether Blizzard’s stated aims in the endgame are coming to fruition, or withering on the vine. Release is sooooon. Are they ready? With last-minute changes to such important facets of the game such as the warrior taunt ability, death penalties and ohmigodno! reagents for spells, is the game polished enough to withstand the assault of retail?

In short, yes.