Dragonflight Alpha/Beta General Discussion

[Hugnomo]

There could easily be a story reason since Dracthyr are not full dragons and experiments.

Yeah I know. They can create lore around it. Still feels like a bit of a cop out.

[Teriz]

I am wondering if they have extended the Dragon Rider customization to Dracthyr. Blizzard claims to have millions of possible combinations for your mount so tech like that might be able to be extended to Dracthyr and eventually Druids to change up a form.

It's possible. They were definitely raving about all the customization options your Dracthyr would have.

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I'm pretty sure it won't be able to fly during combat or it would trivialize even pve content. Hmm, that doesn't help with capture the flag, does it? Maybe no flying in party? But that would fuck up questing together with friends, one of the key aspects of an MMO.

See, this is why I was opposed to the idea of dragon races from the start. It hits these stupid roadblocks.

Blizzard has already shown that they can indeed fly during combat. It's more like a hover that goes way higher that you can control.

[psiko74]

So when do we think DF will be released? 2022 or 2023?

[Cheezits]

Dracthyr “combat flying” is just hovering. No more busted than DHs being able to cross CTF fields in fifteen seconds with the tank leap + gliding.

[AngerFork]

I believe they're going to include Female elves and male humans to the mix. It can't be much more effort if they've already done the other genders from those races.

Again, makes perfect sense if the most popular dragons are Alexstraza, Wrathion, Kalecgos, and Nozdormu. The only odd ball out is Chromie and Ysera (since you can't be NE).

If we get those other two models, it'll at least feel better to be sure. I'd still prefer more...mentally, if I were a dragon I'd probably hide as a Vulpera or Goblin, but having four models rather than two from different races to choose a visage from would IMO at least feel a bit better.

Ultimately, the point is that these aren't Humans or Blood Elves. They're simply a draconic imitation of what they see as typical humanoid forms.

It's like calling Odo here a Bajoran or Human:

He's neither. It's just an approximation of a humanoid form so he could better relate to and work with those Humans and Blood Elves. Yes, he might also work with Klingons, Vorta, Jem'hadar, Cardassians and others still, but he doesn't need to emulate them all specifically.

I see that to a certain extent. The human & elven forms definitely would be among the best options for diplomacy, though it also will be interesting to see in the starting zone why those forms were chosen specifically.

So when do we think DF will be released? 2022 or 2023?

2023. It feels like there's still a bit to go from what we saw & they sound like they are seeking more feedback this time, so I'm expecting a longer PTR.

[Eurhetemec]

I believe they're going to include Female elves and male humans to the mix. It can't be much more effort if they've already done the other genders from those races.

Again, makes perfect sense if the most popular dragons are Alexstraza, Wrathion, Kalecgos, and Nozdormu. The only odd ball out is Chromie and Ysera (since you can't be NE).

I think it's extremely likely we'll see more. It's not like Blizzard said "THAT'S IT!". But I think it's also silly to get mad if it doesn't happen before release (not saying you are, others are). A bulky option (not forcing all dragons to be bulky) would be much more desirable for my money. Esp. as we'll be in dragon form a ton of the time.

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So when do we think DF will be released? 2022 or 2023?

Q1 2023 was the rumour and given how far along it looks I'd be very surprised if it was any sooner than that.

[Teriz]

If we get those other two models, it'll at least feel better to be sure. I'd still prefer more...mentally, if I were a dragon I'd probably hide as a Vulpera or Goblin, but having four models rather than two from different races to choose a visage from would IMO at least feel a bit better.

Yeah, I'd love to be running around in Goblin form, then suddenly turn into a dragon to smite fools, but alas, it is not meant to be.

Again, I don't like their decision, but I understand why they did it.

And I love Wrathion anyway, so I'm looking forward to being an approximation of one of my favorite characters.

[Cheezits]

They won’t add another form to Dracthyr. The reason it is the way it is is because complaints about dimorphism and wanting to make a gender neutral race. Guys going for the big bulky form will defeat the point.

I can see them adding one or two more visage forms and some extra classes though.

[psiko74]

I think it's extremely likely we'll see more. It's not like Blizzard said "THAT'S IT!". But I think it's also silly to get mad if it doesn't happen before release (not saying you are, others are). A bulky option (not forcing all dragons to be bulky) would be much more desirable for my money. Esp. as we'll be in dragon form a ton of the time.

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Q1 2023 was the rumour and given how far along it looks I'd be very surprised if it was any sooner than that.

Is Blizz adding in any content in Shadowlands to hold us over?

[Teriz]

They won’t add another form to Dracthyr. The reason it is the way it is is because complaints about dimorphism and wanting to make a gender neutral race. Guys going for the big bulky form will defeat the point.

I can see them adding one or two more visage forms and some extra classes though.

I disagree. What they'll do is make the bulky option available regardless of the gender you pick.

You could be correct though, which would be a very short-sighted decision on Blizzard's part.

[Cheezits]

Is Blizz adding in any content in Shadowlands to hold us over?

9.2.5 seems to have some Season 4 for gameplay stuff (old raids dropping high level gear on a weekly rotation, wacky M+) and then some small (?) questlines. Maybe a new AR and an unlockable slimesaber mount.

[Veya30]

Is Blizz adding in any content in Shadowlands to hold us over?

Season 4 later this year; not sure if that will include any new world content though.

[Eurhetemec]

I don't think so, at least not with the way they've chosen to implement this race. Slapping horns, new hair color options, some scale tattoos, and a bit of jewelry on the other existing races isn't such a massive shift of resources that it would noticeably affect other parts of the game.

I wish that were true, but given Blizzard's history on this, it potentially is. What you're asking for is pretty close to an Allied Race in terms of how much effort it is (albeit minus the quest etc. to introduce them into the game). It's not all the way there, but it's not miles short either. Plus you've got to do a skin.

I do think they should probably do Belf ladies and human dudes and add them to the mix, but other stuff, Chromie fantasies notwithstanding. Hopefully if the class/race remains popular (which I strongly suspect it will do), they'll add more options eventually. I mean I'm hoping they eventually add some kind of tank option for them, but I don't need that to be in for release.

[Dioporco]

They won’t add another form to Dracthyr. The reason it is the way it is is because complaints about dimorphism and wanting to make a gender neutral race. Guys going for the big bulky form will defeat the point.

I can see them adding one or two more visage forms and some extra classes though.

Well then don't be surprised if beside top guilds, few people will care to play that

[Shadochi]

Honestly other than minor issues that occur, only the new class, talent system and dragonriding need a lot of testing. Might be a shorter test period than before

[Wangming]

And by the way, WoD actually did that. WoD made 24 new character models with completely new animations when they updated the old models. Granted, WoD did suffer from massive content droughts so maybe in that scenario it actually did have an effect on the expansion's development.

B

This is what I was thinking. Poor indie company aside expansions in wow are either rich in content or rich in system updates.

Cata overpromised and underdelivered, but the zone revamp was needed, flying was needed, new race-class combos were needed.
WoD was infamous for being light on content, but let's be real. It was needed for the long-term health of the game. It had character model updates, a stat and item level squish, rework of stats, rework of raid difficulties, rework of group finder, inventory tweeks, and all this shit.
Shadowlands came with the level squish, chromie time, the new customization options and eventually the cross-faction group finder.

So what does tell us about Dragonflight with the new UI, new talents and profession revamp?

[Santandame]

I'm still standing by my point that from what we've been presented, this expansion is absolutely bereft of features.

Blizz have some very easy wins here they can implement to beef out this expansion. Right now for me, its drifting in qn average hype level for the expansion. With a few more easy yet strong features, this could still climb to Legion and MoP levels.

MORE ALLIED RACES - This is an extremely easy win. Placate those of us who can't or won't play Dracthyr. Tuskarr, Vrykul, Gnolls, Centaur and Furlbolgs are all highly fan requested and would fit in with the theme and lore of the expansion. And for the love of God, just add some Dragon esque race that can play other classes to appease the players who want to play with the Dragon aesthetic but not Evokers. Dragonkin, Drakonids or Dragonmen, it doesn't matter.

MORE CHARACTER CUSTOMISATION - This is another easy option as proven by some talented fans. More beards, hairstyles, tattoos, markings, jewelry, skin colours etc. We don't need intricate shit like sliders. Just give us more options.

EXPAND TIMEWALKING - Make Timewalking a permanent feature on a two week rotation. Add dungeons from that expansion to the mythic+ pool. However, if Blizz are determined with their current plan for Mythic+ for DF Season 1 - then make the the Mythic+ seasons shorter and separate to raid seasons. Make the dungeon pool for that season follow a theme, whether it be expansion themed, race themed, event themed, aesthetic themed, whatever. Attach more rewards to Timewalking vendors. Transmog, mounts, toys.

DRAGONFLIGHT TORGHAST - Pretty much a copy and paste of the Jailer's Gauntlet from Shadowlands, but this time with iconic bosses from WoW's history as bosses. 5 man or raid bosses. Tune them around solo and group play. Have it reward Bronze Dragonflight rep, cosmetics and possibly a weekly source of gear; like visions. Of course change the aesthetic to be iconic locations from WoW's history too.

ESSENCES - I'm not one of those who devoutly believes all systems are bad. I enjoyed artifacts and would happily have them back. I know many wouldn't. I'm not crazy about covenants but I recognise the strengths and weaknesses. Essences however, in my mind, and many others were one of the better implemented systems. You could swap, customise and experiment at your leisure. At times, the acquisition was less than ideal but I feel the pro's for Essences outweigh the cons.

These are some pretty easy wins here and would beef out and benefit this expansion greatly. The MoP vibe is great. The return to basics for the most part is great. We don't want this expansion to suffer due to lack of content. To me, it seems dangerously close to WoD, just replacing Garrisons with Dragon Riding.

[Cheezits]

I disagree. What they'll do is make the bulky option available regardless of the gender you pick.

You could be correct though, which would be a very short-sighted decision on Blizzard's part.

Its not shortsighted. Their vision is a race that looks physically identical for men and women... OUTSIDE of visage form, which exists for that gender choice.

There is not a single race with selectable body type and not only will Dracthyr open up a can of worms if they add it in (WHERE ARE MUH FAT ORCS AND MUSCLE GNOMES) but this seems to be a race they distinctly designed to look the exact same body wise for every male and female.

Visage forms? Add more. But good luck getting them to add another body type to a race this entrenched in agender and asexual design.

[Wangming]

Honestly other than minor issues that occur, only the new class, talent system and dragonriding need a lot of testing. Might be a shorter test period than before

That sounds like a fucking lot, actually.

[Eurhetemec]

Honestly other than minor issues that occur, only the new class, talent system and dragonriding need a lot of testing. Might be a shorter test period than before

The testing period might be short, but content-wise this does not look anywhere near as finished as previous expansions so I do think we're looking at like 9 or 10 months, minimum.