Dragonflight Alpha/Beta General Discussion

[therumblings]

It's details... but to me it's important!

Sometimes I feel like the only one, but some of the most minor and easily fixable little things like that always bug me! Goblins for example, their background really should be elsewhere, rather than the Island they crashed on for 5 levels.

[PhillyCheese]

I just wish it was something as simple as ticking a case when created the character. Do you want to be referred to as 1. High Elf or 2. Void Elf., as 1. Dwarf 2. Wildhammer, etc. This could add further to the character customisation, and it's such a small thing to add (I think?).

I also hope they'll revamp the character screen background for some of the older races, and adjust it for the AR so we have something that is more fitted and well-centered for some races, with less light issues as well. It's details... but to me it's important!

This is one thing that points to a revamp for me. People are sleeping on how shitty the game looks graphically to new players: Exile's Reach consolidates introductions for new players, but people forget it also looks really nice and Blizzard made it look really nice on purpose. This is also probably why they updated Arathi and Warsong: because PVPers see the same areas over and over again, they need them to look nicer.

If the next expansion is on Azeroth, which it seems to be, Blizzard is very likely to make many graphical adjustments so that casual new players don't immediately log after seeing how godawful Stormwind and Org look.

They can get away with having new players be in SW/Org for two seconds before going to Dragon Isles but again there are way too many racial stories set up in BFA and SL that can't all happen on Dragon Isles.

[Fahrad Wagner]

Sometimes I feel like the only one, but some of the most minor and easily fixable little things like that always bug me! Goblins for example, their background really should be elsewhere, rather than the Island they crashed on for 5 levels.

Yeeeep, it makes no sense at all. Neither does the one for the Mag'har with is Iron Horde aesthetics, or the fact that the Zandalari troll background is at night time...

It doesn't sound like much, but it bugs me out everytime. That and the terrible lighting choices in the Vulpera one...

This is one thing that points to a revamp for me. People are sleeping on how shitty the game looks graphically to new players: Exile's Reach consolidates introductions for new players, but people forget it also looks really nice and Blizzard made it look really nice on purpose. This is also probably why they updated Arathi and Warsong: because PVPers see the same areas over and over again, they need them to look nicer.

If the next expansion is on Azeroth, which it seems to be, Blizzard is very likely to make many graphical adjustments so that casual new players don't immediately log after seeing how godawful Stormwind and Org look.

They can get away with having new players be in SW/Org for two seconds before going to Dragon Isles but again there are way too many racial stories set up in BFA and SL that can't all happen on Dragon Isles.

Orgrimmar and Stormwind deserve some proper HD love, I agree. As for Exile's Reach, the whole experience looks fantastic and modern: jumping into the old world after that... is an eye sore, I won't lie. But I'm hopeful, if not for the next expansion that eventually the old world will receive some love, even if it is gradual (actually that might even be better than a whole revamp done at once).

[PhillyCheese]

Yeeeep, it makes no sense at all. Neither does the one for the Mag'har with is Iron Horde aesthetics, or the fact that the Zandalari troll background is at night time...

It doesn't sound like much, but it bugs me out everytime. That and the terrible lighting choices in the Vulpera one...



Orgrimmar and Stormwind deserve some proper HD love, I agree. As for Exile's Reach, the whole experience looks fantastic and modern: jumping into the old world after that... is an eye sore, I won't lie. But I'm hopeful, if not for the next expansion that eventually the old world will receive some love, even if it is gradual (actually that might even be better than a whole revamp done at once).

It made sense lorewise to happen after BFA, but there wasn't a lot of stuff in the files. Now we have more stuff in the files AND a shorter expansion pointing towards a cut for a larger expansion following, as well as no direct expansion hook like Sylvanas -> Shadowlands.

If we don't get a revamp for 10.0 it's solely because they STILL need more time, which they needed after BFA. It's not a matter of if its a matter of when and they wouldn't bother to make so many nice old world assets in HD for Arathi and Warsong when they are experienced solely by PVPers.

The biggest worry is the lack of HD resources for races like Dwarves and several Kalimdor Horde races, but that doesn't discount those being part of 10.0 launch. But... this could explain an EK-only expansion, as controversial as it would be.

[huth]

What alternate clues have I missed? You can’t make claims like this and not provide any evidence. I’m perfectly willing to stack whatever alternatives you’re talking about against Dragon and Undermine hints and see what we come up with.

And with that you once again show you haven't grasped what the problem even is.

Your fundamental approach to the situation is incorrect. Not your analysis ony any particular piece of evidence. Giving you more evidence is pointless because you can't properly process it.

[Foolicious]

Maybe I've missed it (I haven't been really paying attention, sorry), but is there an ahead of the curve mount?

The jailer drops Almanac's Echo. A device that humms a melody almost like its trying to communicate according to the quest. We give it to farim and get one of the first things he discovered being a first one spider mount thing because he rather chills in his cave and doesn't need a mount.
It really doesn't tell us anything. With the grove warden you could peace together that archimonde had some ties to the emerald dream/nightmare but from this quest we learn that zovaal hat something to do with the first ones which is... well. obvious?

[PhillyCheese]

The jailer drops Almanac's Echo. A device that humms a melody almost like its trying to communicate according to the quest. We give it to farim and get one of the first things he discovered being a first one spider mount thing because he rather chills in his cave and doesn't need a mount.
It really doesn't tell us anything. With the grove warden you could peave together that archimonde had some ties to the emerald dream/nightmare but from this quest we learn that zovaal hat something to do with the first ones which is... well. obvious?

That's another point to "Shadowlands doesn't set up another expansion". Though AOTC's have only linked expacs every now and then: WoD Moose setting up Val'sharah and BFA setting up an eventual incursion by the new Void Dragons (10.0?)

The CLOSEST thing I can think of is the plant stuff in Catalyst pointing towards First One plans for Life being a little wonky. But again it's not as severe as Sylvanas leading to Shadowlands. We're really missing any direct plot links unless Khadgar and/or Calia is responsible for the events of 10.0, and either of them leading to the Dragon Isles sounds farfetched when we know Wrathion would be the one.

[huth]

That's another point to "Shadowlands doesn't set up another expansion". Though AOTC's have only linked expacs every now and then: WoD Moose setting up Val'sharah and BFA setting up an eventual incursion by the Twilight Dragons (10.0?)

The CLOSEST thing I can think of is the plant stuff in Catalyst pointing towards First One plans for Life being a little wonky. But again it's not as severe as Sylvanas leading to Shadowlands. We're really missing any direct plot links unless Khadgar is responsible for the events of 10.0.

BfA is more like the SL one. We get it from a place where it is obvious, there's no clear links to something else. By the time we get it the Twilight Flight being back is beyond obvious, what with us having to kill one for it.

[Teriz]

But... this could explain an EK-only expansion, as controversial as it would be.

I don't see an EK-only expansion happening under any circumstances.

[Fahrad Wagner]

It made sense lorewise to happen after BFA, but there wasn't a lot of stuff in the files. Now we have more stuff in the files AND a shorter expansion pointing towards a cut for a larger expansion following, as well as no direct expansion hook like Sylvanas -> Shadowlands.

If we don't get a revamp for 10.0 it's solely because they STILL need more time, which they needed after BFA. It's not a matter of if its a matter of when and they wouldn't bother to make so many nice old world assets in HD for Arathi and Warsong when they are experienced solely by PVPers.

The biggest worry is the lack of HD resources for races like Dwarves and several Kalimdor Horde races, but that doesn't discount those being part of 10.0 launch. But... this could explain an EK-only expansion, as controversial as it would be.

I mean, many races still lack HD resources: Dwarves, Gnomes (if we exclude Mechagnomes assets which are fairly different), Tauren (if we exclude Highmountain assets which are fairly different), Trolls (if we exclude Highmountain assets which are fairly different), Forsaken (not enough assets from Darkshore), Blood Elves... Don't get me wrong, I'm hoping all I can for a World Revamp for 10.0, but I am not holding my breath. I've been waiting for many years now, and with each announcement comes its fair share of disappointment. That being said, a World Revamp done over the course of two expansions could work, that or zones being revamped every X patches and having their own independent story, joining the leveling rotation could prove interesting.

[Teriz]

And with that you once again show you haven't grasped what the problem even is.

Your fundamental approach to the situation is incorrect. Not your analysis ony any particular piece of evidence. Giving you more evidence is pointless because you can't properly process it.

At this point, the only conclusion that can be drawn from your hesitation is that you have no alternative evidence.

[manypillars]

unless I'm misremembering, Grove Warden was initially a store mount, and people got really, really mad since WoD had a fuckton of recolored mounts and nothing really special from raids. The previous three or so store mounts being WoD mobs and taxies really soured people enough that Blizzard put it on Archimonde.

[PhillyCheese]

I don't see an EK-only expansion happening under any circumstances.

It's not a great idea but it would explain the lack of revamp resources (mostly structures) for Horde races like Orcs and Tauren and the lack of exact plot hooks for Kalimdor. Though there are lots of updated Nelf and Highborne resources and many updated Kalimdor creatures by now.

EK has the Forsaken restructuring, the Scarlets, the Scourge (not limited to EK but focused there), now the Belves expanding their territory, Anduin vs Turalyon and the House of Nobles (yes, Blizz is bringing them back or else Turalyon wouldn't have mentioned them), the Dark Iron traitors kidnapping the Firelord... hell you can even argue Hakkar might be a hint for Stranglethorn. And Dragon Isles have classically been above EK.

What is there for Kalimdor? Azshara coming back.... Yrel with Draenei maybe? Botani? It's not as fleshed out as EK at the moment. Magatha with her magic rocks may come back.

- - - Updated - - -

I mean, many races still lack HD resources: Dwarves, Gnomes (if we exclude Mechagnomes assets which are fairly different), Tauren (if we exclude Highmountain assets which are fairly different), Trolls (if we exclude Highmountain assets which are fairly different), Forsaken (not enough assets from Darkshore), Blood Elves... Don't get me wrong, I'm hoping all I can for a World Revamp for 10.0, but I am not holding my breath. I've been waiting for many years now, and with each announcement comes its fair share of disappointment. That being said, a World Revamp done over the course of two expansions could work, that or zones being revamped every X patches and having their own independent story, joining the leveling rotation could prove interesting.

Forsaken is the big mystery IMO. If the encrypted map is to be believed, they are getting their old Wrath/Cata buildings back (HOPEFULLY with HD textures), but as we see in the Nathanos cinematic they are also redoing the old ruined human houses they used to live in. So what's the endgame for them?

I can see them hiding Belf structures because it would be an incredibly obvious hint with how old the existing models are.

[Fahrad Wagner]

Forsaken is the big mystery IMO. If the encrypted map is to be believed, they are getting their old Wrath/Cata buildings back (HOPEFULLY with HD textures), but as we see in the Nathanos cinematic they are also redoing the old ruined human houses they used to live in. So what's the endgame for them?

I can see them hiding Belf structures because it would be an incredibly obvious hint with how old the existing models are.

Updated Forsaken and BE buildings would be absolutely fantastic. I'd look forward to see that!

[huth]

At this point, the only conclusion that can be drawn from your hesitation is that you have no alternative evidence.

AKA "I didn't actually read the post i am quoting."

Yeah, you're just reinforcing your inability to actually reach conclusions. You simply assume something to be the case, and then ignore all evidence.

[Teriz]

It's not a great idea but it would explain the lack of revamp resources (mostly structures) for Horde races like Orcs and Tauren and the lack of exact plot hooks for Kalimdor. Though there are lots of updated Nelf and Highborne resources and many updated Kalimdor creatures by now.

EK has the Forsaken restructuring, the Scarlets, the Scourge (not limited to EK but focused there), now the Belves expanding their territory, Anduin vs Turalyon and the House of Nobles (yes, Blizz is bringing them back or else Turalyon wouldn't have mentioned them), the Dark Iron traitors kidnapping the Firelord... hell you can even argue Hakkar might be a hint for Stranglethorn. And Dragon Isles have classically been above EK.

What is there for Kalimdor? Azshara coming back.... Yrel with Draenei maybe? Botani? It's not as fleshed out as EK at the moment. Magatha with her magic rocks may come back.

Yeah, I don't believe we can base the direction of where the next expansion is going to go based on assets we're seeing in 9.2.5. The next expansion (10.0) will come with its own assets, just like every expansion before it. The final patch of an expansion rarely relates to the next one. For example, 7.3 was on Argus fighting demons. 8.0 we were embroiled in a faction war. 8.3 we were dealing with N'Zoth. 9.0 we're heading into the Shadowlands. I think people are reading too much into what's looking to be merely an endcap on Sylvanas' storyline with a transitioning of power within the Forsaken.

As for Kalimdor, I agree that there isn't much being discussed, that's probably because Shadowlands has revolved around Anduin and Sylvanas. I definitely don't see that continuing in 10.0.

[Izalla]

So if Blizz added glyphs to alter spells in a way that fits better racially, what would be on everyone's wish list? I don't even play a tauren paladin or priest but man they really need some Anshe flavour in their abilities because the holy light just does not fit in with their version of the classes. And because I'm already thinking of tauren, I would kill for nature themed glyphs for my druid so that she can have hurricanes and vines and insects and greenery again =( I actually switched her to feral recently because I just can't jive with the astral/moon stuff on my tauren. It's great on my night elf but just so out of place with my poor cow!

[PhillyCheese]

Yeah, I don't believe we can base the direction of where the next expansion is going to go based on assets we're seeing in 9.2.5. The next expansion (10.0) will come with its own assets, just like every expansion before it. The final patch of an expansion rarely relates to the next one. For example, 7.3 was on Argus fighting demons. 8.0 we were embroiled in a faction war. 8.3 we were dealing with N'Zoth. 9.0 we're heading into the Shadowlands. I think people are reading too much into what's looking to be merely an endcap on Sylvanas' storyline with a transitioning of power within the Forsaken.

As for Kalimdor, I agree that there isn't much being discussed, that's probably because Shadowlands has revolved around Anduin and Sylvanas.

One point I have against this is that this isn't a real last patch. It's similar to Legion where 7.3.5 absoLUTELY had to do with BFA and that is because it came out after BFA reveal I believe. The same way that this patch will come out after 10.0 reveal. The last major patch always is focused on the current expansion but these .5's set up the next one. Wasn't Ruby Sanctum the same way?

Like we don't even know what the prepatch event will be for 10.0. If this is supposed to be like Legion's last .5 patch then this will absolutely set up the next expansion instead of just wrapping up the Forsaken and maybe Nelves.

[Marlamin]

Forsaken is the big mystery IMO. If the encrypted map is to be believed, they are getting their old Wrath/Cata buildings back (HOPEFULLY with HD textures)

These are from the encrypted map if you mean these

[PhillyCheese]

These are from the encrypted map if you mean these

Right. Doesn't look like HD textures yet, but the fence and tent are absolutely from the new Forsaken warfront assets.

Are they gonna let a current content quest zone use Wrath textures? Hopefully not.

Is that crypt model new?