Soo many people have asked it, so i just thought i'd throw this together.
Everything comes down to opinion. These are my opinions, which i've tried to keep as unbiased as possible to give some good advice. If there is one race you really want to go, ignore this and go for it!
Alliance
Humans
Looks -
The casting animations aren't the best, for a start. Female is okay though. And you'd be playing the same race as Angelblack, which is bad. However, the armor sets are designed around humans (i think) so it looks nice on humans.
Racials -
Perception - This isn't really a PvE skill, as you won't really need to pick out stealthed opponents. Not much to say on this really. PvP wise, it's great in spotting a rogue in arena, which can give you a great advantage.
Diplomacy - As WoW is now a big rep grind, this is a God-send to PvErs. +10% rep means 10% less grinding, which will save
ALOT of grinding. PvP, it's okay for getting rep with BG's, but you don't really need rep with them, unless your going for the conquerer title.
+10% Spirit - "Useless" - Angleblack. Just like him :3
Before this was great for evocation, but now they've changed it, it is pretty useless. Helps a tad in arcane talents though.
Gnomes
Looks -
The casting animations are okayish. But they are gnomes. Soo cute :3. Some bugs on their amor due to them being so small.
Racials-
Expansive Mind -
This goes great for mages. +5% intellect, which has a knock on effect for skills such as Arcane Fortitude and Mind Mastery. Works in both PvE and PvP.
Escape Artist -
This wont help you much in PvE. Maybe in solo grinding, but not that often.
PvP, this is probably one of the best racials, for escaping some nasty moves which may kill you off.
+15 Engineering Skill - Great for both PvE and PvP , mainly shines in PvP however. Engineering is very hard to level, so this can save you hundreds of gold (literally).
Draenei
Looks -
Females look great, but males look a bit bulky and muscly to be a mage. Casting animations are pretty good.
Racials -
Inspiring Presence - Great for PvE, +1% chance to hit can mean alot to 5 players, increasing dps a tad. It gives 12 hit rating, which is 3 veiled noble topaz's, saving money/gem slots. PvP it's not that good.
Gift of the Naruu - Not much use in a raid environment, but if your in a struggle can save your ass. PvP it can make the opposition waste a counterspell, or can heal you to keep you alive. Pretty good for PvP.
+5 Jewelcrafting - Again, okay in both PvE and PvP, but +5 doesn't make that much of a difference. Could save you some money.
Horde
Undead
Looks-
Fantastic casting animations, make the game feel alot faster pace (Nice for pvp ;) ). If you dont mind a big rip in your new robe, then they look great.
Racials -
Will of the Forsaken - Nice in PvE, can stop you from running into a group of mobs, preventing wipes. PvP, it's fantastic to help us against classes we struggle against.
Cannabalize - Again, nice in PvE, speeds up grinding if your gonna be taking hits. PvP, sheep -> cannabalize is fantastic. A quick heal which doesnt require you to be out of combat. Excellent in arenas.
Underwater Breathing - Great for PvE grinding, such as primal water farming. Can help in PvP, you can last longer than the opponent underwater.
Trolls
Looks -
The sex. 'Nuff said. Casting animations are slow and sluggish, which sucks >:
Racials -
Beserking - Great in PvE, gives some nice spell haste if you've taken some hits. PvP, it's great as you have no doubt taken some hits, if you can be arsed to activate it, then scorch/sheep casts are alot shorter.
Regeneration - Useless. :)
Beastslaying +5% damage - Great in PvE and leveling. Works against druids in cat/bear form, pretty handy.
Blood Elves
Looks - Look great when stationary. Casting animations are okay, animations for buffs seem a little dramatic though, and AoE thingy just sucks.
Racials -
Mana Tap - Pretty useless at 70. Not much mana given/taken. In PvE it's nice for another 600~ mana.
Arcane Torrent - In PvE its used to get the mana back. PvP, the extra silence is nice, but i found it gets resisted alot.
Arcane Affinity - +10 enchanting skill. Many mages pick enchanting, so this would be very helpful.
In conclusion
In my opinion, i'd say something like this.
Horde:
PvE - Troll
PvP - Undead
Both - Undead
Alliance:
PvE - Human
PvP - Gnome
Both - Gnome
However, it all comes down to a matter of opinion. If you want to go for a certain race, go for it.
For more information, have a looky here:
http://www.wow-europe.com/en/info/races/index.html
Thanks to:
Zifa, Fairline, Obble, Unspoken
Okay that took me ages to do, please dont make another million threads on it ;__;
