Forecast: Lich King bringing overnight freeze to UK

When Mr Freeze cheesily declared that "A freeze is coming" in Batman and Robin, it seemed that he wasn't the only one intent on dropping the thermometer.

World of Warcraft fans have certainly been a patient bunch. After WOW launched back in February 2005 (November 2004 in the US and Australia), they had to wait almost two years, until January 2007, for the first expansion pack, Burning Crusade, which introduced WOWers to the Draenei, Blood Elves, and the Outland region. Now the wait is almost over for the much-awaited second expansion pack. When Wrath of the Lich King launches tonight worldwide, fans will finally be introduced to the frozen wasteland of Northrend, as well as the Death Knight hero class.

HMV will be hosting the official UK launch at its Oxford Street flagship store tonight, with the festivities kicking off from 11:00 p.m. when doors open. According to the high-street retailer's Web site, "Customers who attend the event will be able to purchase the standard edition of the game as well as the limited Collector's Edition. [Blizzard] COO Paul Sams and associate producer Lee Sparks will also be present to welcome players and sign their copies of the game."

The company's Web site also lists a few precautions for what's expected to be a sizable turnout. "Fans are advised to arrive no earlier than 6:00 p.m., when there will be sufficient HMV stewards on hand to manage the official queue. Doors will open at 11:00 p.m. when fans will be let into the store ready for the game to go on sale at midnight."

If you're not going to be near central London tonight, stores across the nation will also be opening their shutters at midnight. Blizzard has posted a list of all participating stores on its Web site. Alternatively, Londoners can also head down to 24-hour Tesco stores in Leytonstone, North Finchley, Upper Edmonton, Beckton, and Rotherhithe.