A player of WoW Classic has been converted. For years he hated “Retail” – and now he has to admit that it actually is a lot of fun.
Whether one likes World of Warcraft in the classic or retail version is for some more than just a matter of taste – it partially defines one’s identity. Especially parts of the Classic community often demonize modern World of Warcraft. It has lost everything that would make a good MMORPG. But when long-time Classic fans try the modern game, they occasionally have a nice realization: The game is pretty good.
What was said? In the WoW subreddit, the user FragrantYellow3199 wrote a post wondering why modern WoW is so good. He writes:
After all these years, I tried modern WoW instead of Classic. I am speechless. It is a game that I enjoy! I have a dragon that flies so fast it feels illegal. A normal interface, beautiful dungeons. And that’s only level 30 in 3 days! I don’t have to grind as if it were my second job?!
I have always said modern WoW is “meh” for the last 3 or 4 years. But why did I say that? I can’t say. But I want to punch all the YouTubers who claim the new stuff is all bad.
Like many others, he was probably influenced by YouTubers and preconceived opinions into thinking that Retail WoW wasn’t worth a look – until he just dared to try it.
How the community reacts: The post is relatively popular and has already received over 1,500 upvotes (as of 05.08.2024, 12:00 PM). Many blame the most famous WoW YouTubers for these entrenched opinions, as they often present their views in particularly dramatic ways to retain their community.
- “That’s why we don’t let others tell us what to think. Form your own opinion.” – Smevis
- “This is what happens when you let YouTubers shape your opinion who say the game is crap but for some reason still play it for 20 years.” – dartron 5000
- “As part of the ‘Cynical Veteran’ club… WoW consistently gets better over time with some short-term setbacks (MoP talents, lack of content in WoD, borrowed power in BfA, the grind in Shadowlands).
Basically, the combat is much better than anything that exists in the so-called Classic era, there are infinitely more things compared to leveling or ridiculously easy raids. The areas are more interesting, and the quests are coherent (the quality of the story can vary).” – oblakoff - “Classic players, when they actually manage to form their own opinion and play the game instead of staying in their ‘Retail is bad’ echo chamber.” – mocha447_
Ultimately, it is of course a matter of taste whether one prefers World of Warcraft in the modern version or in the classic version. But it might benefit the game’s reputation as a whole and also the community to simply acknowledge that both versions of the game have their right to exist. Both the nostalgic Classic and the modern WoW, which is continuously developed and improved. Soon with the new expansion The War Within.
