WoW demon Cortyn was concerned that the revision of the Blood Elf area would reopen old wounds. But Blizzard delivered.
When new stories in World of Warcraft take place in old areas, there is always a little panic in some fans. Many are still experiencing the “Cataclysm shock” – even though that was 15 years ago (Ha, you are old!). Back then, Blizzard revised many Vanilla areas and effectively deleted the original version.
Even though some areas felt significantly better afterwards, the original charm was often lost with the revisions, and there was no way to experience it again.
Accordingly, many are still skeptical today when an area is revised, such as now Quel’Thalas, the Eversong Woods and the Ghostlands.
This was also true for me. Because I associate a particularly beautiful time in World of Warcraft with the starting area of the Blood Elves and Silvermoon.
The Eversong Woods have always been a magical place for me
The Eversong Woods are the first area I truly fell in love with in World of Warcraft. Sure, the forest of Elwynn or Westfall also brings a sense of nostalgia, but I never felt as “at home” anywhere else as I did in the Eversong Woods.
Before the introduction of the Blood Elves, I had basically only played with the Alliance and then – like so many back then – switched to the newest roleplaying realm with The Burning Crusade and wanted to play as a Blood Elf.
The significance of the Eversong Woods to me is partly because I roleplayed a lot with my Blood Elf, but also because the music of the Eversong Woods has something soothing and pleasantly lulling about it. Of my (far too many) days of playtime, I probably spent several dozen just “on the side” at the beach in the Eversong Woods, listening to the music while I was working on something or writing.
Through roleplaying, I got to know many people outside of their characters and a circle of friends emerged that largely still exists today, even if not all of them still play WoW.
Or, to put it briefly: The Eversong Woods are a matter close to my heart.
Accordingly, I was “cautiously nervous” at the announcement that it plays a central role in Midnight and will be completely renewed.
The Eversong Woods prove: Midnight is full of passion
Now I finally took the time in the beta of Midnight to take a good look at everything – reading every quest carefully, visiting every place, and seeing what has changed and what is still recognizable.
I caught myself multiple times just smiling contentedly when I discovered old places that have been beautified but still retain their old charm.
- The small pond in front of the city gates where novices were punished.
- The beach in the east where many evenings were spent staring at the sea while chatting.
- The lifeless runestones that are now being revitalized by magic and protect the land.
What I particularly like: Blizzard has – at least it seems to me – ensured that there are now mostly neutral mobs in many previously safe places, so that the sites can continue to be used for roleplay or breaks.
References to little details from the past can be found in many places. Sometimes these are major story developments, like the abandonment of demonic magic, and sometimes just microscopic details, like a Blood Elf still chasing a construct.
In all clarity: The new Eversong Woods are a dream come true for me.
Because I don’t want to spoil the content of the quests for you, I will remain quite vague in the descriptions here. You will see it for yourself in a few months at the latest, and I am sure: Most people will like it.
Anyone who feels even a slight bond with a Blood Elf character like I do will be more than positively surprised by the Eversong Woods. Both the woods and Silvermoon have received a renewal that feels completely good and appropriate.
Unlike with Cataclysm back then, it doesn’t feel like an area has been completely turned upside down and is hardly recognizable. Rather, it is the logical progression. It is comparable to the feeling of returning to your old hometown after many years. You think back to many beautiful moments from the past while still being curious about what has changed.
As much criticism as I have towards some points of Midnight, such as the questionable behavior of Lady Liadrin, I am overwhelmed by the redesign of the Eversong Woods and Silvermoon. Blizzard simply hit the nail on the head here. If this is the level of detail and love with which old areas are renewed, then I am sure that the best years of World of Warcraft are still ahead of us.
