World of Warcraft

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Dave

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Hey, if anyone is interested in playing, drop me a line. I could give you a buddy account. And if you play (& pay for) 2 full months I get a rocket flying mount!

So yeah, I'm being greedy. But at least I'm up front about it!
 
I have been wanting the rocket myself, but all my friends already play WoW. :eek:hwell: I figure it will be around for awhile though, took years for them to replace the Zhevra.
 
Not sure what you mean. Peter Molyneux is known for talking up his games to have groundbreaking and extraordinary features, only to never have any of them appear when the game actually comes out. If you are talking about them removing Path of the Titans and Guild Talents, all I can say is Path of the Titans was not that big of a deal (it was basically glorified Glyphs), and Guild Talents actually got a buff better then the original design, since now everything that was a talent we get for free, they just rolled them over into perks.

At the risk of getting in trouble for breaking the NDA, let's just say you would not want to get Cataclysm for either of those features anyways, it right now is playing out like an amazing reboot to the franchise, everything from incredible UI changes to long, zone driven storylines that utilize phasing. Once you do the new Westfall, you get interested, and once you fight the war for Booty Bay verses the Bloodsail, you get hooked.
 
Not sure what you mean. Peter Molyneux is known for talking up his games to have groundbreaking and extraordinary features, only to never have any of them appear when the game actually comes out. If you are talking about them removing Path of the Titans and Guild Talents, all I can say is Path of the Titans was not that big of a deal (it was basically glorified Glyphs), and Guild Talents actually got a buff better then the original design, since now everything that was a talent we get for free, they just rolled them over into perks.

At the risk of getting in trouble for breaking the NDA, let's just say you would not want to get Cataclysm for either of those features anyways, it right now is playing out like an amazing reboot to the franchise, everything from incredible UI changes to long, zone driven storylines that utilize phasing. Once you do the new Westfall, you get interested, and once you fight the war for Booty Bay verses the Bloodsail, you get hooked.
First off, you're taking my comment waaaaaaaaaay too seriously, it was a loose exaggeration used for humor's sake.

I wasn't happy with Titans and Guild Talents being dropped, that's true. But I always liked EverQuest's AA points system, which allowed you to work on something besides raids/PvP/crafting while still getting some progress on your character. Using Archaeology as a way to further this goal was really interesting to me. Losing Guild Talents wasn't a huge deal, but I still liked the idea enough to be a little put off when they dropped it.

I actually haven't been playing since a couple months ago, the game's not even on my computer at the moment. Raiding feels stale. There's nothing so special about the fights (once I soaked up the story to them) that makes me miss raiding ICC every week. Ruby Sanctum is just another Ony/Sarth to tide people over. I've hated PvP since the introduction of Resilience/Arenas, and even then I didn't have much care for it before.

I like the sound of the new zones, and the revamps to the old ones. I'd love to bring a Worgen and a Golbin up from the new areas and see all the new things they're going to throw at us. However, I know once I've done that I'll be bored again, unless there's really something new to raids or the endgame. Since they dropped two of those things already, my interest is waning and SW:OR is getting more and more of it.
 

Dave

Staff member
Is it true we'll be able to fly in Kalimdor & the Eastern Kingdoms when Cat comes out?
 
First off, you're taking my comment waaaaaaaaaay too seriously, it was a loose exaggeration used for humor's sake.
Ah I see. I just didn't find the comparison that fair, maybe if it was a larger feature.

The game is in the pre-expansion lull. This is natural for the game, and even I took a break because I didn't have anything I really wanted to do. Cataclysm and what I have tried of it has really started to hook me back in though. In the end, you may wish to try, but if you are done with the game, you always got other options out there. SW:OR looks like it's going to be pretty sweet. I just hope they let me jump, unlike KOTOR. :p
 
First off, you're taking my comment waaaaaaaaaay too seriously, it was a loose exaggeration used for humor's sake.
Ah I see. I just didn't find the comparison that fair, maybe if it was a larger feature.

The game is in the pre-expansion lull. This is natural for the game, and even I took a break because I didn't have anything I really wanted to do. Cataclysm and what I have tried of it has really started to hook me back in though. In the end, you may wish to try and, but if your are done with the game, you always got other options out there. SW:OR looks like it's going to be pretty sweet. I just hope they let me jump, unlike KOTOR. :p[/QUOTE]

I honestly do want to find something to enjoy in the expansion. I have the classes I really enjoy to 80 (Hunter, Shaman, DK, Paladin) and had planned to work on a Worgen Warrior and a Goblin Mage. I think the only real issue I've got, in the long run, is the worry that I'm just going to get bored since I've played the game so long. Haven't had any other MMO manage to pull me away though, it's just boredom at this point.

Edit: Also, I'm not making the final call whether I'm playing Cata or not until the NDA is lifted and the beta's aways in. After putting this much time into the game I can't call it quits over hearsay and early development changes.
 
I can't wait to try the Rated BGs. I did premades in Vanilla and while I LOVE arenas I don't like them being the only form of competitve PvP as it is nowadays(even though the random BG feature made bg player quality better) since BGs can be quite annoying since not that many people care about intense matches. Adding some more carrot to the BG stick for winning ALOT means hoepfully they will be alot more fun to play.
 
I am also happy about the simplified currency, no more marks of various levels, just two easy to sets of points much like honor points to buy all gear. Each tier the higher points are downgraded to the lowest point, so no more wasted marks either.
 
C

Chazwozel

First off, you're taking my comment waaaaaaaaaay too seriously, it was a loose exaggeration used for humor's sake.
Ah I see. I just didn't find the comparison that fair, maybe if it was a larger feature.

The game is in the pre-expansion lull. This is natural for the game, and even I took a break because I didn't have anything I really wanted to do. Cataclysm and what I have tried of it has really started to hook me back in though. In the end, you may wish to try, but if you are done with the game, you always got other options out there. SW:OR looks like it's going to be pretty sweet. I just hope they let me jump, unlike KOTOR. :p[/QUOTE]

I don't want to play WoW, but Cat just looks too fucking awesome not to.

Are they upgrading the graphics engine at all?
 
Are they upgrading the graphics engine at all?
Yes, to an extent. As far as we know they are not upgrading the old character models, which is slightly disappointing. They did add some upgrade textures to a few older models, like new Naga skins, so it is my hope we at least get some new skins in the future. The biggest barrier is that most players don't want to lose the "look" of their characters, and upgrades often will lead to changes in character look.

The biggest changes are ambiance changes. They added a much more dynamic water system that looks great. You can either use the original water, the new water with "fake" reflections, or the new water with real-time reflections. It's really some nice looking stuff. They also added "god rays" to the lighting system, so now you can see rays of light coming down from the sky and being distorted by your character and other objects in the space..


I wish I can go into more detail about the various things in the game, but the NDA is pretty tight for the next few days till the beta starts.
 
This is why I am going to avoid the Worgen experience till after I probably max out my Goblin. Let everyone get the twilight out of them. :eek:hwell:

One other thing I should mention, the new races are extremely expressive. It actually makes the old races, even the blood elves and draenei, look downright primitive. They almost look silly standing next to eachother.
 

Dave

Staff member
I won't play either to start off with. Like the DKs when Lich King came out, the areas will be stupidly busy and impossible to get gathering quests completed as dickheads will snipe the stuff you are fighting for.
 
The only new thing I might make for Cata is a dwarf shaman. I just have no real interest in Goblins or Worgen. Though if I get beta access somehow, I will probably make a goblin just to check out the new areas.
 
One point of interest, the dwarves are actually getting some tan skins with drawn on tattoos to represent the fact the Wildhammer are being reintegrated in the the dwarven nation of Ironforge. No word on if the Dark Iron will get the same treatment, even though they are also being somewhat reintegrated.

Dwarves are going to be getting some really cool stories. Sucks about Magni though. :eek:hwell:
 
Wildhammer Dwarves?!?!?!?! i knew they were playing a bigger part in Cata, but if I can make a character look like one...

Shit, I might have to change my Hunter back to a Dwarf if I pick this up.
 
Wildhammer Dwarves?!?!?!?! i knew they were playing a bigger part in Cata, but if I can make a character look like one...
Going to be a little spoilerish here. I figure the NDA will be dropped soon (I never signed it anyways) so I don't think it will hurt to much to just give out some information on a few of the upcoming storylines.

During the Cataclysm, Ironforge is on the brink of collapse. Magni, in order to save the city, utilizes a ritual to fortify the mountain. While he succeeded, he did it at the cost of his mortal body, and he was quickly turned to stone with no magical way to return him. Moria, who you may remember as Magni's daughter and lover to the Dark Iron Emperor, returned to Ironforge with her newborn son, the heir to the now vacant throne. The Wildhammer actually return to Ironforge in protest, not wanting to see a Dark Iron decedent on the seat. Muradin returns from Northrend and takes the seat of his brother, but the Dark Iron and Wildhammer are already reintegrating in Ironforge due to the damage caused to the post-cataclysm world. This is how they are explaining that dwarves are getting shaman (Wildhammer), mages, and warlocks (Dark Iron).
 
Sha-bumpy.

Alright dudes, I am man enough to admit when I am wrong. The stuff coming from the now NDA-free beta is pulling me in. The Hunter changes actually seem very exciting, along with the early Enhancement and Warrior changes. Loving the new screenies, too. Add to this a playable Wildhammer and/or Dark Iron Dwarf, and I am pretty much sold (should the last be true especially).
 
Wildhammer Dwarves?!?!?!?! i knew they were playing a bigger part in Cata, but if I can make a character look like one...
Going to be a little spoilerish here. I figure the NDA will be dropped soon (I never signed it anyways) so I don't think it will hurt to much to just give out some information on a few of the upcoming storylines.

During the Cataclysm, Ironforge is on the brink of collapse. Magni, in order to save the city, utilizes a ritual to fortify the mountain. While he succeeded, he did it at the cost of his mortal body, and he was quickly turned to stone with no magical way to return him. Moria, who you may remember as Magni's daughter and lover to the Dark Iron Emperor, returned to Ironforge with her newborn son, the heir to the now vacant throne. The Wildhammer actually return to Ironforge in protest, not wanting to see a Dark Iron decedent on the seat. Muradin returns from Northrend and takes the seat of his brother, but the Dark Iron and Wildhammer are already reintegrating in Ironforge due to the damage caused to the post-cataclysm world. This is how they are explaining that dwarves are getting shaman (Wildhammer), mages, and warlocks (Dark Iron).
That....is...well...fucking rad.
 
I was wondering if anyone wanted to talk about the new stuff in Cataclysm. A lot has changed since the Alpha and I can answer any questions if anyone has them.
 
Is there a good, comprehensive source for information in general? My only specific question is if archaeology still a thing? MMO champion didn't seem to have anything on it.
 
Ame beat me to it. There are some pretty nice guides around, though few of them will talk about story points. Archaeology still exists, but they are turning it into a trade much more suited as a secondary skill, totally casual and used to get extra bits of lore, small cosmetic rewards, and other items. One of the rumored items you will be able to get from it is both a skeletal raptor mount and skeletal raptor pet.

Here is some video of an event in Vashj'ir

 
The new talent trees are interesting. I'm also dying to find out how Focus plays out for Hunters (and if BM will be viable again, I want to use my Molten Core Corehound!). I dig the new talents in BM, and so far have liked the new NPC/mob models coming out.
 
When it comes to my Hunter, I am just glad they are adding a "Move To" option, so now I can position my pet without running up to the location. That is going to be invaluable since I often place my pet certain spots to better be utilized, like I put him as aggressive near flags so any capers that try to sneak in get a nasty surprise while I am fighting with his friends down the road.

Also to get this thread going again I am going to be talking about a few of the storylines that are appearing in the beta. I have to say the stories in the zones I have seen have been blowing me away, and everyone I know that has played them says they are ten times better and more engaging then the old quests. Let's start with one new story point though before I talk about some favorite old zone revamps.

Thrall and Deepholme

Thrall has taken leadership of the Earthen Ring. He is right now located at the center of the Maelstrom, which is the entrance to Deepholme. The World Pillar, an ancient item that holds up the elemental plane of earth has been shattered and threatens to cause Deepholme to crash into Azeroth. Thrall is stressing all his shaman power to stabilize the rift from Azeroth, while the rest of the Earthen Ring tries to find the fragments of the Pillar to rebuild it and stop the coming destruction.

Westfall and the Defias

So Westfall has gone through some changes. No longer filled with Defias, the land is now filled with homeless and thugs. It seems the taxes Varian used to fund the war efforts in Northrend left a lot of people without much in the way of savings or security, causing dozens and dozens of citizens to flee to Westfall. They seem to be using the abandoned farms as shelter.

Old Blaunchy and her owners are killed, leading to an investigation by Horatio (Yup, you know who... YEAAHHHHHHHHH) into the murders. He has you help him uncover a shadowy figure, that near the end you learn is Vanessa Van Cleef, the daughter of Edwin Van Cleef. She rallies the homeless into restarting the Defias Brotherhood, and burns Sentinel Hill to the ground. As a fun fact during the investigations you get to watch Vanessa recruit or reveal the various NPCs that will be replacing the killed ones in the Deadmines dungeon.

Redridge and Bravo Company

This one is just made of epic. Anyone that loves Rambo will love this questline. Johnny Keeshan (An NPC in the game right now part of a escort quest) is actually an old war hero. He gives up fighting but you go out and rescue his old team, Bravo Company, under the request of his old commander, Colonel Troteman.

You save the team and get Johnny back into shape, and they invite you into Bravo Company to take part in the attacks on the Blackrock Orcs. After many explosions and a lot of Rambo references, even driving a dwarven tank guns blazing through orc armies, you find the Black Dragon leading the attacks for a final showdown. I don't want to spoil to much, it's just awesome.

If anyone has questions about changes in other zones, or even specifics about characters, I can do my best to talk answer them.
 
Man, now I'm getting an itch to reactivate the old account again. It's been nearly two years since I last played. I was doing so well!
 
If anyone is curious how the new talent system is going to work. Here is the preview.

World of Warcraft Community Site -> Patch 4.0 -> Cataclysm Class & Mastery Systems Update

Basic Information

  • All talent trees are being reduced to 31 points total length. (Originally 51 points)
  • You will gain one talent point every other level. (Originally every level)
  • All talent ranks are being reduced so they only total 1-3 points to max (Originally 1-5)
  • You will still need to put five points a row to move to the next row down.
  • Nearly all talents that do something static, like increase damage, healing, or stats, it being removed or adjusted.
  • Each tree is more specialized. You choose a tree at level 10 and must fill it out with 31 points before the others open allowing you to multi-spec. No more "pure" hybrids.
  • When you pick your specialization, you will automatically get some iconic talents and skills that are part of that spec, plus all base mastery. Example, Arms Warriors Specialization will give you Mortal Strikes starting at level 10.
I am holding off judgement till I see how it works out, the end of huge talent trees and hybrid specs means possibly less choices to choose. However, if Blizzard pulls through with the promise of making all the talents they keep "fun" and "inventive" rather then pure stat increases, and allows us more choice in what talents we can pick over others, then this might all work out for the better.
 

Dave

Staff member
Wait! Are they taking away dual spec?

---------- Post added at 01:32 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:31 PM ----------

Never mind. I just reread. You can, but you have to finish one off first? Hmmm. Not sure I like this.
 
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