Even though WoW: Battle for Azeroth has faced significant criticism, not everything was bad. Cortyn looks back at the highlights of the WoW expansion that Blizzard could certainly build upon.
The current expansion of World of Warcraft, Battle for Azeroth, has received a lot of criticism. This started right at launch and continued throughout the various patches. Although there were occasional bright spots, such as Patch 8.2 and 8.2.5, these also introduced new mechanics that many players disliked.
However you look at it, Battle for Azeroth will probably have to fight for the title of “worst expansion” against Warlords of Draenor in players’ minds. And even if much of the criticism is quite justified –especially regarding the last Patch 8.3 – one should not forget that Battle for Azeroth did a few things really well.
So let’s put the negative emotions aside for a moment and talk about the things that mostly worked well and that Blizzard should keep or enhance in future expansions.
1. The War Mode
PvP in World of Warcraft was for a long time a “all or nothing” affair. You either chose a PvP realm and lived in constant danger or you played on a PvE server. Although PvP could be activated there as well, you were always at a disadvantage – as others could simply wait for a good moment to activate their PvP for an easy kill.
The introduction of War Mode has done away with these two types of realms. Instead, every player can now decide at any time whether they are ready for a PvP environment or not on any server. Players with War Mode activated share a version of the game world. However, activation is only allowed in the capital city, so you cannot suddenly ambush others. If you are annoyed because the other faction is too strong or particularly stubborn players keep attacking your character, you can deactivate it in any rest zone (like inns). Then you are immediately protected from PvP attacks.
To balance the danger in War Mode, there are more rewards from quests and additional PvP talents that are also active in open-world PvE.
War Mode is the one major feature of Battle for Azeroth that will probably carry through many expansions and is generally considered a success. Perhaps it needs a few fine-tuning adjustments, but the overall direction is right.
2. Cinematics and Cutscenes
I know this point is probably hard to accept after seeing the disappointing final cinematic of Ny’alotha and the end of N’Zoth. But this disappointment wonderfully illustrates the high expectations for cinematics both within (and outside) World of Warcraft.
Battle for Azeroth has given us more cutscenes than any previous expansion. I’m not just talking about sequences with in-game models, but also the elaborate CGI films featuring Saurfang, Anduin, and Sylvanas. More than 20 minutes of CGI videos were featured in Battle for Azeroth – that is almost as much as the CGI scenes of all other expansions combined.
Moreover, the Warbringer videos released in the lead-up to and during the expansion were absolutely phenomenal. Sylvanas’ video was probably the weakest, but the one from Jaina (Daughter of the Sea) left such an impression that I still enjoy watching it from time to time. The Warbringer video of Azshara was even particularly long and introduced and built up not just Azshara but also N’Zoth so wonderfully that you have to tip your hat to it – even if it wasn’t quite as impressive in the game at the end.
However, the in-game cutscenes were equally impressive. While the Horde scenes were not as striking or emotionally moving, the overall quality was high. No matter how often I watch “In the Realm of Torment,” it sends chills down my spine every time:
In summary, Battle for Azeroth had the best and most video sequences in the history of World of Warcraft. And I will fondly remember that for years to come.
3. The Quest and Zone Design
I must admit that it can be hard to believe after playing through Tiragarde Sound for the tenth time with the latest twink, but: Battle for Azeroth had fantastic quest areas. Not only are they visually appealing, but the story is great. Whether you’re honoring the Loa in Zuldazar, battling crazy priests in Stormsong Valley, or surrounded by blood trolls in Nazmir – it all fits, is fun, and is cool to experience.
I keep noticing this great design while playing twinks. When one of my characters hits level 60, I really have to struggle to set foot in Outland or Northrend.
I’ll really only feel relaxed again in the areas of Battle for Azeroth, with one standing out in particular: Drustvar.
Hardly any area in WoW has such a great story that follows a coherent thread from the beginning, while still allowing room for many small side stories. The story about the witches, the various curses in the villages, and the peculiar willow constructs is among the best that WoW – or any MMORPG – has to offer. No other zone has such a dense atmosphere and such cool ideas, or even small but fine secrets.
If with Shadowlands comes the option to level a character completely through an expansion, then it will very likely be Battle for Azeroth for me. Because the quest experience was wonderful, and Blizzard does not need to take much criticism at least regarding the design of the zones and the associated stories.
What do you think? Do you agree with my little list? What did you particularly enjoy about Battle for Azeroth?
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