Putting only two months of subbed play time into cataclysm I can safely say that I won't be touching this one. I think WOTLK was the end expansion for me, and I loved every minute of it. I love Blizzard, especially the warcraft lore.
However I do feel that this has gone more towards the route of something my daughter may enjoy. I appreciate Blizzard for still trying regardless of what is said, but I think my time with Warcraft has come to a stop.
As said earlier in the comments above me, " Then don't play it" - and I won't. The game had a great run ( for me ) and I enjoyed my time with it, but I think it's now time to find something new, with all indecisiveness aside whether or not to sub on and off to WoW, I think it's finally settled that I truly am finished with the game for the last time.
However Blizzard didn't "fail" as most would say. Diablo 3 IS right around the corner.
I'm excited for it. Both the Pet Battle system, and the MOBA battleground. Plus the panda race is pretty cool in my opinion, panderan were awesome in warcraft games. Monk class doesn't sound appealing to me, but I would like to see it in action before I decide whether or not it is worth it. People always say, "Games need to be more innovative, it needs more content! I'm tired of grinding endless dungeons in endgame!" Well when a game finally implements systems no other MMORPG have done before, like the pet battle system, and the MOBA battleground, you get people complaining about them. "Oh but those are little kid features, and stay at home mom features!" No they aren't, they are adding features to a game that may or may not be very cool, but they sure are different. Blizzard are trying to add things to their game that other companies have not yet, so that people can't say their game is an endless treadmill for gear. I think WoW is a great game, I just can't stand the people who bash it for no reason other than the game isn't manly/adult enough for them.
World of Warcraft has finally jumped the shark. I thought this was some kind of joke, but they really have slapped their original fanbase in the face with this one. I am not going to complain, because it is obvious the direction World of Warcraft is taking is the stay-at-home mom and the younger kids. My son at age 11 would enjoy this expansion. If a fourteen year old boy would think this expansion idea is 'immature' what does that say about us 36 year olds? Hey at least it hammered the final nails in the coffin for my old account ever getting activated again.
[Mod Edit]
'I remember the good old serious days of native american bipedal cows doing the peanut butter jelly time dance, but this expansion is silly, Im out of here'
The irony is the only people that think this expansion is immature are the ones thinking immaturely. The setting and race make absolutely perfect sense for the storyline they want to tell, which is maybe a cliche one but not remotely silly. 2 warring fashions brutalize a mystic, peaceful land.
World of Warcraft has finally jumped the shark. I thought this was some kind of joke, but they really have slapped their original fanbase in the face with this one. I am not going to complain, because it is obvious the direction World of Warcraft is taking is the stay-at-home mom and the younger kids. My son at age 11 would enjoy this expansion. If a fourteen year old boy would think this expansion idea is 'immature' what does that say about us 36 year olds? Hey at least it hammered the final nails in the coffin for my old account ever getting activated again.
[Mod Edit]
'I remember the good old serious days of native american bipedal cows doing the peanut butter jelly time dance, but this expansion is silly, Im out of here'
The irony is the only people that think this expansion is immature are the ones thinking immaturely. The setting and race make absolutely perfect sense for the storyline they want to tell, which is maybe a cliche one but not remotely silly. 2 warring fashions brutalize a mystic, peaceful land.
The irony is that the people who made the game popular are not the people who play the game today. Over time things become played out and stagnant, the reason WoW blew up in popularity are the things that people complained so much because they were too hard. Have now been watered down and people dont really care anymore. Ever hear of the pharse "leave them wanting more" everything in WoW is easily obtainable, which makes it undesired.
The expansions is interesting to say the least. I'm just shocked that they introduce pandarins over ogres as playable races. Ever since WoW came and I played till just after Cata I have wanted to play one. As far as the pet system I say more choices are always good. It doesn't seem as diverse as they say since according to their reveals it seems you have a choice between 3 similar abilities/effects. I suppose we will have to wait and see how it turns out.
Cheers!
MMO Vet since AOL Neverwinter Nights circa 1992. My MMO beat up your MMO. =S
I don't understand why people are complaining. This is a natural expansion for a mmo of this age, and I think it is a good move for Blizzard. It all makes perfect sense. The game was always designed for younger players, if you didn't already know that then you are fooling yourself.
Personally I have not played since it first came out, but if I were a player now I would be happy to get yet another expansion. Most MMOs I have become interested in are cancelled or are lucky to get one expansion before it slowly fades away. I am sure you will get lots of expansions to come.
The fundemental flaw in WoW is and always has been its focus on level and item grinding through linear gameplay. I think that many fans who are complaining about this expansion do not realize that this is the real reason why they are bored of the game, and they probably wouldn't be happy with any expansion, because every WoW expansion = more grinding and a new class that is not extremely unique.
I don't understand why people are complaining. This is a natural expansion for a mmo of this age, and I think it is a good move for Blizzard. It all makes perfect sense. The game was always designed for younger players, if you didn't already know that then you are fooling yourself.
Personally I have not played since it first came out, but if I were a player now I would be happy to get yet another expansion. Most MMOs I have become interested in are cancelled or are lucky to get one expansion before it slowly fades away. I am sure you will get lots of expansions to come.
The fundemental flaw in WoW is and always has been its focus on level and item grinding through linear gameplay. I think that many fans who are complaining about this expansion do not realize that this is the real reason why they are bored of the game, and they probably wouldn't be happy with any expansion, because every WoW expansion = more grinding and a new class that is not extremely unique.
What do you mean you don't understand why people complain? Are you serious? Look more people than you know are disenchanted with the game and only play for community, boredom or the fact that games like Rift are a shallow lame attempt to copy what they did in 2004.
The problem is with the economy as it was in 2008-2011 AAA investors have been gun-shy of anything that didnt wreak of WoW-clone. Apparently Blizzard is looking at D3 as their 'mature' game and has relegated WoW to daily quests, easy raids, fluff pets and silly jokes. Goblins were just as lame, but I could almost tolerate them if their expansion wasn't just as horrible. Pandaren, although goofy just seem like a punchline to a bad joke. It was ill-timed when SWTOR is coming out with 'serious' story and true ability to make a few choices, the big boys on the block chose to go the casual gamer, girl/kid route. Hey that's fine, there are a TON of females, casuals and young kids that play WoW. In fact, I would go so far as to say Blizzard isn't stupid and must see their sub ages trending younger and female. That is why the Blizz store blows up with vanity pets, collecitbles and goofy items and trends away from the 'serious'.
I realize WoW has always had inside jokes, and things like Haris Pilton selling handbags, but that and Tauren dancing was always a side jab amidst a serious storyline. I couldnt take goblins seriously riding around in teen-angst parties amidst 'medieval' world storylines and the pandarens take it another step in the young-kid direction.
I'll be putting my resources on GW2, SWTOR and maybe the new DAOC in space Prime. I have some hope for D3. I have plenty of cash at 36 that I didnt have when I was younger and not a dime of it is going toward this expansion. I have a plethora of friends who all feel the same so it's not like I'm the lone wolf here.
Thirty years of gaming experience...not sure if I should be proud of that www.mmoexaminer.blogspot.com
EQ2 kinda tried Pokemon Arenas already in "Kingdoms of the skye" a long time back, but it never became popular with the players and I never heard of anyone playing it during the 5 years I spent in EQ2.
What will make this more fun?
I have a feeling people will play it for a while but tire of it fast. Of course EQ2s playerbase is a lot older than Wows so that might be the difference, but if they want this to be popular even with the kids they need more than 3 pokemons.
The DOTA thing have more potential if they can pull it off.
I'm all in. Look, I would love to be more excited about tor, but it looks pretty much like star wars wow to me. I don't see many differences so far, but then again, this is based on coverage only as I have not played the game. I think wow has a lot to offer in terms of fun, thats why they gets me booty.
Think Star Wars wow, with less freedom and more voice acting (not really more story...).
And you know this, how?
I've beta tested TOR and without saying anything incriminating I thought it was awesome, it differentiates from WoW quite a bit and is very polished already.
Seems you are slandering something you don't know just to make a point.
Back to the topic, I think that WoW is going the wrong direction. WoW was the game to play because back in Vanilla and BC raid and arena in WoW was elite and exclusive and people want to strife for it, thus prolonging subscriptions. By making it casual and overly accessible over the years it is killing the market it created for itself. Blizzard's games has always been about competitive play. One of the reasons why Starcraft 2 does so well is not just because of the brand name that it built up, but it bring competitive play to the masses (with the Diamond league gold league crap) that even non-pros can strife for.
I'm afraid that MoP just just dumbing the game down way too much for the gamers, regardless of whether it is lore-complient or not. As another have said, it is starting to look like Free Realms.
I love this post, didn't ready any comments cause I'm sure its doomed with all the haters... Thanks for providing a positive post. Look forward to the expansion!
I think the author of the article drank too much coffee or something.
Also, I laughed out loud at the picture of the Panda. Take that as you will.
And yes, the hatred is a concern whether mmorpg wants to acknowledge it or not. I dont think WoW has ever seen anything like this until AFTER an expansion releases. In fact the devs are already responding to all the hatred. Read about it on Game Informer. They're basically saying, "Well they might not like it now, but they will come around. " and thats almost a direct quote. With other AAA mmos coming around the corner, this is not a good sign.
I dont think this will kill WoW. But it sure as heck isnt going to help it either.
Also hunters have no minimum range now? So I guess it sort of defeats the point of them learning melee skills? I kind of thought that was important to a hunter and kind of mixed up the game play from time to time. Ah well.
Regarding so "important" updated "Not to mention the most important change of all, PvP updates! ": COULD NOT CARE LESS! :-) But love all the rest and I'm not sure how to survive until release of expansion. :-)) Well kidding but still barely waiting for release ... in meantime have Rift, will have Swtor (hope) ... and leveling other alts in wow (with all classes maxed out so far).
"It’d be even better if they tuned the battleground to actually require all three roles! Imagine actually needing a warrior to tank that turret, and needing a support (with toned down heals obviously) to clutch heal people in a big fight at a base. Imagine having the freedom to farm creeps for some goal that isn’t quite clear. Imagine a PvE/PvP scenario that doesn’t suck! EXPECTATIONS, MAKE THEM!"
Imagine waiting half an hour just to get a 5v5 going
I like the DOTA battleground, but not if they require a healer and tank to be viable. One great thing about MOBA is that, everyone is viable, you don't require a specific hero in order to win, same goes for classes.
How much WoW could a WoWhater hate, if a WoWhater could hate WoW? As much WoW as a WoWhater would, if a WoWhater could hate WoW.
I'm all in. Look, I would love to be more excited about tor, but it looks pretty much like star wars wow to me. I don't see many differences so far, but then again, this is based on coverage only as I have not played the game. I think wow has a lot to offer in terms of fun, thats why they gets me booty.
Think Star Wars wow, with less freedom and more voice acting (not really more story...).
And you know this, how?
I've beta tested TOR and without saying anything incriminating I thought it was awesome, it differentiates from WoW quite a bit and is very polished already.
Seems you are slandering something you don't know just to make a point.
Back to the topic, I think that WoW is going the wrong direction. WoW was the game to play because back in Vanilla and BC raid and arena in WoW was elite and exclusive and people want to strife for it, thus prolonging subscriptions. By making it casual and overly accessible over the years it is killing the market it created for itself. Blizzard's games has always been about competitive play. One of the reasons why Starcraft 2 does so well is not just because of the brand name that it built up, but it bring competitive play to the masses (with the Diamond league gold league crap) that even non-pros can strife for.
I'm afraid that MoP just just dumbing the game down way too much for the gamers, regardless of whether it is lore-complient or not. As another have said, it is starting to look like Free Realms.
I too beta'd ToR and imo, it is just like WoW, only with more voice acting and light sabers. It had is strong points, but lacked imagination and originality as far as gameplay goes. It truly is just, "more of the same." But then, I'm not a star wars fanboy, so I was able to test without the "rose colored glasses".
As for the upcoming WoW expansion, I expect it'll be just another gear treadmill that grows weary very quickly. I owe a lot to Blizzard for this game, (met my wife in Ratchet back in BC days), so I have a lot of fondness for the game, but I just don't see anything beyond a new coat of paint on the old treadmill here.
Comments
Looks like Free Realms.
Putting only two months of subbed play time into cataclysm I can safely say that I won't be touching this one. I think WOTLK was the end expansion for me, and I loved every minute of it. I love Blizzard, especially the warcraft lore.
However I do feel that this has gone more towards the route of something my daughter may enjoy. I appreciate Blizzard for still trying regardless of what is said, but I think my time with Warcraft has come to a stop.
As said earlier in the comments above me, " Then don't play it" - and I won't. The game had a great run ( for me ) and I enjoyed my time with it, but I think it's now time to find something new, with all indecisiveness aside whether or not to sub on and off to WoW, I think it's finally settled that I truly am finished with the game for the last time.
However Blizzard didn't "fail" as most would say. Diablo 3 IS right around the corner.
<a href="http://www.enjin.com/"; alt="swtor guild hosting"><img src="http://sigs.enjin.com/sig-swtor/ac795e61e44ec094.png"></a>;
I'm excited for it. Both the Pet Battle system, and the MOBA battleground. Plus the panda race is pretty cool in my opinion, panderan were awesome in warcraft games. Monk class doesn't sound appealing to me, but I would like to see it in action before I decide whether or not it is worth it. People always say, "Games need to be more innovative, it needs more content! I'm tired of grinding endless dungeons in endgame!" Well when a game finally implements systems no other MMORPG have done before, like the pet battle system, and the MOBA battleground, you get people complaining about them. "Oh but those are little kid features, and stay at home mom features!" No they aren't, they are adding features to a game that may or may not be very cool, but they sure are different. Blizzard are trying to add things to their game that other companies have not yet, so that people can't say their game is an endless treadmill for gear. I think WoW is a great game, I just can't stand the people who bash it for no reason other than the game isn't manly/adult enough for them.
WoW has been moving towards the casual playerbase with limited content for 'hardcore' gamers for years. Why would anyone be surprised?
Originally posted by Deleted User
So much of the game is centered around forced grouping that soloing is not an option, major design flaw in my opinion.
^
^lol
everybody was kung fu fighting tuturururu
'I remember the good old serious days of native american bipedal cows doing the peanut butter jelly time dance, but this expansion is silly, Im out of here'
The irony is the only people that think this expansion is immature are the ones thinking immaturely. The setting and race make absolutely perfect sense for the storyline they want to tell, which is maybe a cliche one but not remotely silly. 2 warring fashions brutalize a mystic, peaceful land.
seriously, anyone with half a brain would just google then instead of taking the time to post in a thread asking what it is, get some sense.
The irony is that the people who made the game popular are not the people who play the game today. Over time things become played out and stagnant, the reason WoW blew up in popularity are the things that people complained so much because they were too hard. Have now been watered down and people dont really care anymore. Ever hear of the pharse "leave them wanting more" everything in WoW is easily obtainable, which makes it undesired.
The expansions is interesting to say the least. I'm just shocked that they introduce pandarins over ogres as playable races. Ever since WoW came and I played till just after Cata I have wanted to play one. As far as the pet system I say more choices are always good. It doesn't seem as diverse as they say since according to their reveals it seems you have a choice between 3 similar abilities/effects. I suppose we will have to wait and see how it turns out.
Cheers!
MMO Vet since AOL Neverwinter Nights circa 1992. My MMO beat up your MMO. =S
I don't understand why people are complaining. This is a natural expansion for a mmo of this age, and I think it is a good move for Blizzard. It all makes perfect sense. The game was always designed for younger players, if you didn't already know that then you are fooling yourself.
Personally I have not played since it first came out, but if I were a player now I would be happy to get yet another expansion. Most MMOs I have become interested in are cancelled or are lucky to get one expansion before it slowly fades away. I am sure you will get lots of expansions to come.
The fundemental flaw in WoW is and always has been its focus on level and item grinding through linear gameplay. I think that many fans who are complaining about this expansion do not realize that this is the real reason why they are bored of the game, and they probably wouldn't be happy with any expansion, because every WoW expansion = more grinding and a new class that is not extremely unique.
Play as your fav retro characters: cnd-online.net. My site: www.lysle.net. Blog: creatingaworld.blogspot.com.
Best article I have ever read on MMORPG.com. Well timed and well-delivered. Bravo.
Tricked people into reading garbage about WoW by putting DOTA in the tag line..
I want a refund on my time...
What do you mean you don't understand why people complain? Are you serious? Look more people than you know are disenchanted with the game and only play for community, boredom or the fact that games like Rift are a shallow lame attempt to copy what they did in 2004.
The problem is with the economy as it was in 2008-2011 AAA investors have been gun-shy of anything that didnt wreak of WoW-clone. Apparently Blizzard is looking at D3 as their 'mature' game and has relegated WoW to daily quests, easy raids, fluff pets and silly jokes. Goblins were just as lame, but I could almost tolerate them if their expansion wasn't just as horrible. Pandaren, although goofy just seem like a punchline to a bad joke. It was ill-timed when SWTOR is coming out with 'serious' story and true ability to make a few choices, the big boys on the block chose to go the casual gamer, girl/kid route. Hey that's fine, there are a TON of females, casuals and young kids that play WoW. In fact, I would go so far as to say Blizzard isn't stupid and must see their sub ages trending younger and female. That is why the Blizz store blows up with vanity pets, collecitbles and goofy items and trends away from the 'serious'.
I realize WoW has always had inside jokes, and things like Haris Pilton selling handbags, but that and Tauren dancing was always a side jab amidst a serious storyline. I couldnt take goblins seriously riding around in teen-angst parties amidst 'medieval' world storylines and the pandarens take it another step in the young-kid direction.
I'll be putting my resources on GW2, SWTOR and maybe the new DAOC in space Prime. I have some hope for D3. I have plenty of cash at 36 that I didnt have when I was younger and not a dime of it is going toward this expansion. I have a plethora of friends who all feel the same so it's not like I'm the lone wolf here.
Thirty years of gaming experience...not sure if I should be proud of that
www.mmoexaminer.blogspot.com
EQ2 kinda tried Pokemon Arenas already in "Kingdoms of the skye" a long time back, but it never became popular with the players and I never heard of anyone playing it during the 5 years I spent in EQ2.
What will make this more fun?
I have a feeling people will play it for a while but tire of it fast. Of course EQ2s playerbase is a lot older than Wows so that might be the difference, but if they want this to be popular even with the kids they need more than 3 pokemons.
The DOTA thing have more potential if they can pull it off.
Really?
O.O
My biweekly editorial is called "The WoW Factor."
I never thought it'd be pegged as trying to be anything else!
And you know this, how?
I've beta tested TOR and without saying anything incriminating I thought it was awesome, it differentiates from WoW quite a bit and is very polished already.
Seems you are slandering something you don't know just to make a point.
Back to the topic, I think that WoW is going the wrong direction. WoW was the game to play because back in Vanilla and BC raid and arena in WoW was elite and exclusive and people want to strife for it, thus prolonging subscriptions. By making it casual and overly accessible over the years it is killing the market it created for itself. Blizzard's games has always been about competitive play. One of the reasons why Starcraft 2 does so well is not just because of the brand name that it built up, but it bring competitive play to the masses (with the Diamond league gold league crap) that even non-pros can strife for.
I'm afraid that MoP just just dumbing the game down way too much for the gamers, regardless of whether it is lore-complient or not. As another have said, it is starting to look like Free Realms.
I love this post, didn't ready any comments cause I'm sure its doomed with all the haters... Thanks for providing a positive post. Look forward to the expansion!
I'm mostly excited for the Pokemon battles...
I think the author of the article drank too much coffee or something.
Also, I laughed out loud at the picture of the Panda. Take that as you will.
And yes, the hatred is a concern whether mmorpg wants to acknowledge it or not. I dont think WoW has ever seen anything like this until AFTER an expansion releases. In fact the devs are already responding to all the hatred. Read about it on Game Informer. They're basically saying, "Well they might not like it now, but they will come around. " and thats almost a direct quote. With other AAA mmos coming around the corner, this is not a good sign.
I dont think this will kill WoW. But it sure as heck isnt going to help it either.
Also hunters have no minimum range now? So I guess it sort of defeats the point of them learning melee skills? I kind of thought that was important to a hunter and kind of mixed up the game play from time to time. Ah well.
Regarding so "important" updated "Not to mention the most important change of all, PvP updates! ": COULD NOT CARE LESS! :-) But love all the rest and I'm not sure how to survive until release of expansion. :-)) Well kidding but still barely waiting for release ... in meantime have Rift, will have Swtor (hope) ... and leveling other alts in wow (with all classes maxed out so far).
"It’d be even better if they tuned the battleground to actually require all three roles! Imagine actually needing a warrior to tank that turret, and needing a support (with toned down heals obviously) to clutch heal people in a big fight at a base. Imagine having the freedom to farm creeps for some goal that isn’t quite clear. Imagine a PvE/PvP scenario that doesn’t suck! EXPECTATIONS, MAKE THEM!"
Imagine waiting half an hour just to get a 5v5 going
I like the DOTA battleground, but not if they require a healer and tank to be viable. One great thing about MOBA is that, everyone is viable, you don't require a specific hero in order to win, same goes for classes.
How much WoW could a WoWhater hate, if a WoWhater could hate WoW?
As much WoW as a WoWhater would, if a WoWhater could hate WoW.
...We shall see. -_-
only thing i disagree...alterac valley boring?? omg, i find alterac valley to be the best battleground i ever played in any mmo i tried.
He that lives upon Hope dies farting.
I too beta'd ToR and imo, it is just like WoW, only with more voice acting and light sabers. It had is strong points, but lacked imagination and originality as far as gameplay goes. It truly is just, "more of the same." But then, I'm not a star wars fanboy, so I was able to test without the "rose colored glasses".
As for the upcoming WoW expansion, I expect it'll be just another gear treadmill that grows weary very quickly. I owe a lot to Blizzard for this game, (met my wife in Ratchet back in BC days), so I have a lot of fondness for the game, but I just don't see anything beyond a new coat of paint on the old treadmill here.