I never expected Vanilla WoW to be that good

[Deleted]

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As someone who started playing at late TBC era and enjoiyed TBC and Wotlk very much, i have to say that vanilla WoW is simply beautifull.

It has its flows in generall but the game makes so much sense, i will make some points and i would like to discuss with u if u agree with them.

1 Individuality- every class feels so unique, yes my enh shammy doesnt top the dps charts but my totems are so needed, especially if i upgrade them through the talent system

2 Itemization, it feels rewarding white-green-blue actualy make sense, u get your first green at level 15 and u get so much happy when u finish RFC or WC and get 1-2 items, then at 60 u might get a few blues, and if ue erv manage tog et an epic.Its groundbreakingm it feels so incredibly rewarding

3 Dungeons are the most ideal i have ever seen in an Mmorpg, u need proper cc, u need to care about the pulls.But the most important there are places to get some good items,u dont group for dungeons to boost your xp or to have 5 drops per player, u make them to enjoy it get 1-2 drops if ua re lucky and have a great time.

4 ENg-game grind? SO what?Seriously?It has a scaling purpose even the farm for resitances makes sense in a way. SPamming 30 rimes LFR to get items in order to clear the same raid( seriously?) with your guild doesnt make sense

5 7 Hours Alterac valley? hell yeah. I even know the enemy best pvpers.It feels personal it feels like a community.it feels like how every MMORPG should feel, it engages u in an in-game socety, with its own ethical codes.

I can see now why some people want vanilla-like mmorpgs, its certainly isn't only the nostalgia as some people say.Its a unique game because it was created in a way to satisfy the gamer from level 1 to all its way, the game doesnt feel like it starts in 60 it satisying all the way it has that wierd magic when u level up and adventure in azeroth that current wow doesnt have, ofc it was its flows , especially at the end-game.

(Lets stick to the discussion of my points and vanilla ..and avoid any other kind of discussion that might close the thread - u know what i mean!).THanks everyone and would like to gear opinions about people that played the vanilla era in wow!)

[Marston]

There are things, vanilla did right. And then there are things, that simply would not work nowadays. Enhancement Shamans did not exist in Vanilla. You were a healer. Damage? You? Rofl.

Itemization was all over the place during vanilla. Some didn't even make sense. If it's better or worse nowadays, I think that's up to you. I think it's better, but they could definitly improve it. Dungeons had a completely different design philosophy. You were supposed to be in there for quite some time. That's just not the case anymore. They also had extremely high amounts of trash. Just take any of the vanilla dungeons we still have and compare the trash in those with remakes or other dungeons. Scholomance vs. Zul'Farrak for example. And since everything simply took longer, dungeons were also longer. Bosses were all pretty basic. Archaedas was one of the most complex 5 man bosses back in the day, at least until endgame. Even normal mobs have more mechanics nowadays.

The only thing I really miss is old Alterac. I really would like to see a return of that, maybe as a scenario or something.

[High-Chief Greathoof]

It was never as good as you described. You are just overcome with an intense sensation of nostalgia.

[The Whimsical Dwarf]

I wish blizzard would make vanilla servers.

[McTurbo]

As someone who started playing at late TBC era and enjoiyed TBC and Wotlk very much, i have to say that vanilla WoW is simply beautifull.

It has its flows in generall but the game makes so much sense, i will make some points and i would like to discuss with u if u agree with them.

1 Individuality- every class feels so unique, yes my enh shammy doesnt top the dps charts but my totems are so needed, especially if i upgrade them through the talent system

2 Itemization, it feels rewarding white-green-blue actualy make sense, u get your first green at level 15 and u get so much happy when u finish RFC or WC and get 1-2 items, then at 60 u might get a few blues, and if ue erv manage tog et an epic.Its groundbreakingm it feels so incredibly rewarding

3 Dungeons are the most ideal i have ever seen in an Mmorpg, u need proper cc, u need to care about the pulls.But the most important there are places to get some good items,u dont group for dungeons to boost your xp or to have 5 drops per player, u make them to enjoy it get 1-2 drops if ua re lucky and have a great time.

4 ENg-game grind? SO what?Seriously?It has a scaling purpose even the farm for resitances makes sense in a way. SPamming 30 rimes LFR to get items in order to clear the same raid( seriously?) with your guild doesnt make sense

5 7 Hours Alterac valley? hell yeah. I even know the enemy best pvpers.It feels personal it feels like a community.it feels like how every MMORPG should feel, it engages u in an in-game socety, with its own ethical codes.

I can see now why some people want vanilla-like mmorpgs, its certainly isn't only the nostalgia as some people say.Its a unique game because it was created in a way to satisfy the gamer from level 1 to all its way, the game doesnt feel like it starts in 60 it satisying all the way it has that wierd magic when u level up and adventure in azeroth that current wow doesnt have, ofc it was its flows , especially at the end-game.

(Lets stick to the discussion of my points and vanilla ..and avoid any other kind of discussion that might close the thread - u know what i mean!).THanks everyone and would like to gear opinions about people that played the vanilla era in wow!)

I can sum it all up for you ... the game was new and no one knew anything about what was coming or even what to expect. in todays game.. you can practically experience the new expansion without playing it through streams/youtube and fan sites. wow is in need of a major shake up.. we dont need 5 -6 new zones.. we need a new world and potentially a huge reset button if it wants to stay relevant.

[Deleted]

Nostalgia? I never played the official vanilla.Read again

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I can sum it all up for you ... the game was new and no one knew anything about what was coming or even what to expect. in todays game.. you can practically experience the new expansion without playing it through streams/youtube and fan sites. wow is in need of a major shake up.. we dont need 5 -6 new zones.. we need a new world and potentially a huge reset button if it wants to stay relevant.

Tottaly agree

[Osmeric]

It was never as good as you described. You are just overcome with an intense sensation of nostalgia.

We had really great nostalgia back then. I miss it so much.

[Greevir]

Nostalgia? I never played the official vanilla.Read again

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Tottaly agree

I believe this right here may get your thread closed. You said you never played official vanilla. Which means that the experience you talk about in the OP is based on a private vanilla server. Which means thats it's discussion is against forum rules.

[McNeil]

Apparently people aren't allowed to like vanilla WoW on this forum, you'll get nothing but ''its nostalgia'' comments while it doesn't even hold any ground. Vanilla WoW can still be played today, so if you play it along WoD and you like it more, then how is it nostalgia? And if I play a video game from 1993 and like it more than a video game from 2011, is it nostalgia that makes me like it more? I like The Simpsons from 1989 more than the show from 2016, is that nostalgia aswell?

Let me say this, its not always nostalgia...

[Pakmanisgod]

Nostalgia? I never played the official vanilla.Read again

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If you never played original vanilla you will never appreciate the quality of life improvements made incrementally along the way through the expansions. At the moment its just something different for you. I would never wish to go back to 'the good old days'.

[Buttonmasher]

It was never as good as you described. You are just overcome with an intense sensation of nostalgia.

Sadly, saying this will never sway vanilla-babs. :/
The UI and questing experiences was absolute bollocks, and the abilities felt so bad and clunky.
More than half the specs were shit at best, and at worst, not even viable.
There were a few things I loved about it, though. The feeling when running around, it felt much more immersive. This is definitely true.
Professions felt required to level up as you did, and quests were rewarding.
However, quests never really rewarded gold nor did they reward sufficient XP to a zone, whereas now you complete half of the quests and you're already done with the zone and half of the next one too. Quests were also randomly scattered about, and some were required at a higher level, like those in Arathi Highlands.
This isn't even remotely beginning with what was entirely wrong with Vanilla.
Something I think would solve the experience would be to bring in Timewalking Vanilla on Azeroth instead of Blizzard official Vanilla servers, because they would just consume so many resources trying to patch and update things that are literally not even relevant any more.

[Tuesdays]

There are things, vanilla did right. And then there are things, that simply would not work nowadays. Enhancement Shamans did not exist in Vanilla. You were a healer. Damage? You? Rofl.

Itemization was all over the place during vanilla. Some didn't even make sense. If it's better or worse nowadays, I think that's up to you. I think it's better, but they could definitly improve it. Dungeons had a completely different design philosophy. You were supposed to be in there for quite some time. That's just not the case anymore. They also had extremely high amounts of trash. Just take any of the vanilla dungeons we still have and compare the trash in those with remakes or other dungeons. Scholomance vs. Zul'Farrak for example. And since everything simply took longer, dungeons were also longer. Bosses were all pretty basic. Archaedas was one of the most complex 5 man bosses back in the day, at least until endgame. Even normal mobs have more mechanics nowadays.

The only thing I really miss is old Alterac. I really would like to see a return of that, maybe as a scenario or something.

As a ally hunter in vanilla pvp, I would go as far outta my way as needed to squeak by a sham because of how lethal they were. As far as how lethal they were in pve - no idea, ally didn't have shams.

I remember everyone who used to laugh at our paladin tank early tbc, by the end of tbc you had to be a paladin tank, or /lolohgod.

[Deleted]

I believe this right here may get your thread closed. You said you never played official vanilla. Which means that the experience you talk about in the OP is based on a private vanilla server. Which means thats it's discussion is against forum rules.

ANd i beileve at the end of my post i told u to becarefull so we can discuss about vanilla and how different it was with other wow patches.Tha was my actuall point , but some people cant even read.

I just wanted to think what people beileved about vanilla, people that have played the game back then.And not lead the conversation somewhere that can afect the thread's existence.

[Zarc]

It was never as good as you described. You are just overcome with an intense sensation of nostalgia.

It's not nostalgia, because he is describing something he is doing right now.... was pretty clear.

I am too playing vanilla. I'm having a blast.

Though I also like retail WoW. Both have their pros and cons. But I'm having much more of an adventure leveling up in vanilla. On retail leveling up is just a chore and you get bored of it really fast so you mostly just want it over with. I'm only level 33 yet though, and I played vanilla back in the days, and I cannot imagine I will enjoy the organized PvP near as much as I do in retail. So I am longing for Legion to come out, I think the new PvP system will be great. But it's a nice change of pace playing some vanilla, before I jump back into retail once Legion hits.

[Pull My Finger]

This shows you what kind of impact the game really made, and what kind of massive legacy it already has.

Now we already have second-generation nostalgia people: guys who weren't there back in the day in the first place, but develop a nostalgia by hearsay. Kind of like those crappy bands that are popular right now, where 19 year olds dress up like in the 70ies and play music that sounds exactly like it. Nostalgia by proxy - genius concept! Whatever makes you hip and edgy, right?

[Buttonmasher]

ANd i beileve at the end of my post i told u to becarefull so we can discuss about vanilla and how different it was with other wow patches.Tha was my actuall point , but some people cant even read

Too bad, m8.

[Amerissis]

I loved how everything was hunter loot.

[Deleted]

It's not nostalgia, because he is describing something he is doing right now.... was pretty clear.

I am too playing vanilla. I'm having a blast.

Though I also like retail WoW. Both have their pros and cons. But I'm having much more of an adventure leveling up in vanilla. On retail leveling up is just a chore and you get bored of it really fast so you mostly just want it over with. I'm only level 33 yet though, and I played vanilla back in the days, and I cannot imagine I will enjoy the organized PvP near as much as I do in retail. So I am longing for Legion to come out, I think the new PvP system will be great. But it's a nice change of pace playing some vanilla, before I jump back into retail once Legion hits.

Exactly this...

[crakerjack]

It was never as good as you described. You are just overcome with an intense sensation of nostalgia.

You do know how nostalgia works right? If so then propose to me how your point makes any sense when he says he never played vanilla?

OT:

Vanilla was amazing for the reasons that OP mentioned. The game currently focuses on quick satisfaction and almost instant rewards. When I came back to play WoD after missing all of MoP, I was amazed at how fast I was getting gear. I got a full PvP set within a single day of farming BG's and Ashran. The game is good, don't get me wrong, but it's different. I've always been the person to put in a new game and put it on the hardest difficulty. Why? Because accomplishing tasks that require more effort tend to offer better/more rewards. The current playerbase wants to invest less time but still retain the prizes that you'd normally get for investing more time than the average player.

Overall it was blizzard focusing on casuals that killed the game. TBC had a nice raiding model because all the tier raids were still relevant even near the end. The secret is to eliminate short cuts. Short cuts aka dungeons that are released with the last tier as a means to catch up alts or players who are just starting. I can understand how they're there to gear people up so that they can do the latest content while it's still new, but it makes older content irrelevant. The only reason someone might go back and do easier content is for achievements or for the experience. Once they run it, they're not likely going to run it again unless there's a specific piece of loot they want to transmog.

If you can keep content throughout an expansion relevant and difficult, then you'll have a decent expansion as far as raiding goes. It's like Wotlk. They released the new heroics with ICC and as soon as that happened, you fairly rarely found pugs for lower raids. Same thing happened with ToC 5 man. If you can't give people a reason to do the content other than for the hell of it, they'll choose to not do it.

[KaPe]

1 Individuality- every class feels so unique, yes my enh shammy doesnt top the dps charts but my totems are so needed, especially if i upgrade them through the talent system

Now try raiding as moonkin. Feral. Retribution. Shadow. Or one of dozen other specs which were pretty much useless. Oh, sure, there was that one guild which might have used them, more because of "she's friend of the GM" rather than really helping the raid.

2 Itemization, it feels rewarding white-green-blue actualy make sense, u get your first green at level 15 and u get so much happy when u finish RFC or WC and get 1-2 items, then at 60 u might get a few blues, and if ue erv manage tog et an epic.Its groundbreakingm it feels so incredibly rewarding

Gear was a crude mix of various stats, some of which were nearly useless. Say, tier 0 caster sets increased your mana, instead of damage. Completely useless when compared to classes relying on attack power. Tier1 had meaningless resistances eating away potential stat points.

Hell, I remember people complaining I wasn't taking my Tier 1 class set over blues - except said blues didn't have useless resistances and offered stuff like mp/5. "Had" to finally take them, what a joy of "upgrading" it was.

3 Dungeons are the most ideal i have ever seen in an Mmorpg, u need proper cc, u need to care about the pulls.But the most important there are places to get some good items,u dont group for dungeons to boost your xp or to have 5 drops per player, u make them to enjoy it get 1-2 drops if ua re lucky and have a great time.

Dungeon bosses had nearly no abilities. Level spread was insane, single dungeon could stretch for 10 levels, meaning one part was trivial and had no rewards, the other was had mobs you couldn't even hit. Dungeon sets were pretty bad.

4 ENg-game grind? SO what?Seriously?It has a scaling purpose even the farm for resitances makes sense in a way. SPamming 30 rimes LFR to get items in order to clear the same raid( seriously?) with your guild doesnt make sense

Spamming LFR is bad, spamming Scarlet Monastery Graveyard for shadow protection potions is good! Spending hours farming tubers. Dark runes which only dropped in two dungeons (I think?). Yeah, I sure loved doing those 5 mans over and over for my mana needs! So much better than LFR... which "high end raiders" don't really run anyway, since it opens quite late and by that time they're farming Heroic and entering Mythic.

5 7 Hours Alterac valley? hell yeah. I even know the enemy best pvpers.It feels personal it feels like a community.it feels like how every MMORPG should feel, it engages u in an in-game socety, with its own ethical codes.

You could spend days on that damn bridge and not receive anything for it. It was fun for certain classes, horrible for others. Queues were also terrible, until battlegrounds went cross server, at which point you didn't know your enemies anymore. And it was still better, because at least I didn't have to wait a whole day to get into a single AV. I could go entire raid, several hours worth, with AV still not showing up.

Some parts of vanilla seem amazing until you look bit deeper and experience them for longer. Then it stops being so great and you start to appreciate various QoL improvements we got through all those years.