Dragonflight Alpha/Beta General Discussion

[Valysar]

At least they've fixed all the broken transmogs

[Izalla]

That cinematic was goooorgeous and reminds me so hard of the vanilla and TBC cinematics.

[MightyWarrior]

why couldnt alexstrasza do that to teldrassil

[Worldshaper]

Hmm, I'm a bit torn on this new cinematic.

+ Absolutely gorgeous, fantastic in terms of quality.
+ Queen Alex is amazing.
+ The music is so good.
+ I don't mind the "Disney"-vibe at all. MoP did something similar and it works great.

That said, I think it lacks a certain something in terms of narrative. The Shadowlands launch cinematic had the same problem. Essentially a sizzle reel showing off zones without a strong thread to hold it all together.

Compare it to cinematics like Warlords of Draenor or Legion and it pales in comparison, in that specific regard. Those cinematics had a clear beginning, middle, and end. They tied together epic art and music with a story you could follow, and connected everything with characters and a setting you know and love.

This cinematic would probably work better for me if it stuck with the original characters we saw; the troll and the dwarf riding their dragons. We could've seen their adventure, eventually leading to the Alexstrasza finale. At least then it would be a bit more like the MoP cinematic with the two soldiers fighting, only to be interrupted by Taran Zhu.

Edit:

Looking at it again, I also find the shot of the Green dragon so out of place. I get that it's mean to show us the calm before the storm, as that baddie dragon showed up seconds later. But it felt so brief and random. Why not just stick with the original scene and have the baddie appear then?

[leviathonlx]

Hmm, I'm a bit torn on this new cinematic.

+ Absolutely gorgeous, fantastic in terms of quality.
+ Queen Alex is amazing.
+ The music is so good.
+ I don't mind the "Disney"-vibe at all. MoP did something similar and it works great.

That said, I think it lacks a certain something in terms of narrative. The Shadowlands launch cinematic had the same problem. Essentially a sizzle reel showing off zones without a strong thread to hold it all together.

Compare it to cinematics like Warlords of Draenor or Legion and it pales in comparison, in that specific regard. Those cinematics had a clear beginning, middle, and end. They tied together epic art and music with a story you could follow, and connected everything with characters and a setting you know and love.

This cinematic would probably work better for me if it stuck with the original characters we saw; the troll and the dwarf riding their dragons. We could've seen their adventure, eventually leading to the Alexstrasza finale. At least then it would be a bit more like the MoP cinematic with the two soldiers fighting, only to be interrupted by Taran Zhu.

WoD and Legion didn't have launch cinematics.

[Worldshaper]

WoD and Legion didn't have launch cinematics.

I'm comparing it to the closest equivalent we have from the days of old.

That said, everything I said is kinda true regardless. It was a bit of a mess narratively, and jumped between scenes seemingly at random.

The green dragon and Evoker scenes could've been left out entirely. Then it would make more sense.

[Jaggler]

I'm comparing it to the closest equivalent we have from the days of old.

That said, everything I said is kinda true regardless. It was a bit of a mess narratively, and jumped between scenes seemingly at random.

The green dragon and Evoker scenes could've been left out entirely. Then it would make more sense.

It's less about "making" sense. it's kinda like the Classic and TBC trailers, which were more about "just show cool stuff".

[elderu]

This was the closest thing we've gotten to the Vanilla and Burning Crusade cinematics,

with the panning environment/characters shots, the Dracthyr Evoker showcase gave off heavy 'Orc Swinging At Camera/ Mage casting Fireblast/ Undead Warlock Immolation' vibes, and likely that was the intention.

I imagine that cinematic team felt a bit hype when a certain big HBO show involving dragons had a similar scene to the Raszageth moment in their finale.

[Darkarath]

Hmm, I'm a bit torn on this new cinematic.

+ Absolutely gorgeous, fantastic in terms of quality.
+ Queen Alex is amazing.
+ The music is so good.
+ I don't mind the "Disney"-vibe at all. MoP did something similar and it works great.

That said, I think it lacks a certain something in terms of narrative. The Shadowlands launch cinematic had the same problem. Essentially a sizzle reel showing off zones without a strong thread to hold it all together.

Compare it to cinematics like Warlords of Draenor or Legion and it pales in comparison, in that specific regard. Those cinematics had a clear beginning, middle, and end. They tied together epic art and music with a story you could follow, and connected everything with characters and a setting you know and love.

This cinematic would probably work better for me if it stuck with the original characters we saw; the troll and the dwarf riding their dragons. We could've seen their adventure, eventually leading to the Alexstrasza finale. At least then it would be a bit more like the MoP cinematic with the two soldiers fighting, only to be interrupted by Taran Zhu.

Edit:

Looking at it again, I also find the shot of the Green dragon so out of place. I get that it's mean to show us the calm before the storm, as that baddie dragon showed up seconds later. But it felt so brief and random. Why not just stick with the original scene and have the baddie appear then?

Have to agree. Wish that they use it to give us some narrative context. The cinematic itself is amazing as always, of course. Dracthyr trailer is cool too.

I wonder if now we can get some interviews regarding the future of the game and what to expect in terms of patches.

[Izalla]

Hmm, I'm a bit torn on this new cinematic.

+ Absolutely gorgeous, fantastic in terms of quality.
+ Queen Alex is amazing.
+ The music is so good.
+ I don't mind the "Disney"-vibe at all. MoP did something similar and it works great.

That said, I think it lacks a certain something in terms of narrative. The Shadowlands launch cinematic had the same problem. Essentially a sizzle reel showing off zones without a strong thread to hold it all together.

Compare it to cinematics like Warlords of Draenor or Legion and it pales in comparison, in that specific regard. Those cinematics had a clear beginning, middle, and end. They tied together epic art and music with a story you could follow, and connected everything with characters and a setting you know and love.

This cinematic would probably work better for me if it stuck with the original characters we saw; the troll and the dwarf riding their dragons. We could've seen their adventure, eventually leading to the Alexstrasza finale. At least then it would be a bit more like the MoP cinematic with the two soldiers fighting, only to be interrupted by Taran Zhu.

Edit:

Looking at it again, I also find the shot of the Green dragon so out of place. I get that it's mean to show us the calm before the storm, as that baddie dragon showed up seconds later. But it felt so brief and random. Why not just stick with the original scene and have the baddie appear then?

I think they wanted to capture the world focus of the original WoW cinematic and the TBC one that swapped around between the different locations and different races showing them fighting and casting spells in various environments, and mix it with the beauty and exploration and comraderie of the Mists of Pandaria cinematic. Or at least, that's how it all felt to me, and it worked perfectly. It was a breath of fresh air to return to that world focus instead of the character focus that has been happening for a while now.

[Khaza-R]

Cinematic was good. I am sure some people will be disappointed with the more light-hearted theme. Raszageth was giving some Vhagar vibes there for a second.

I wish they would can the ultra fake commentary between the devs. It feels so forced and unnatural that its actually uncomfortable to watch.

[Worldshaper]

This was the closest thing we've gotten to the Vanilla and Burning Crusade cinematics,

with the panning environment/characters shots, the Dracthyr Evoker showcase gave off heavy 'Orc Swinging At Camera/ Mage casting Fireblast/ Undead Warlock Immolation' vibes, and likely that was the intention.

I imagine that cinematic team felt a bit hype when a certain big HBO show involving dragons had a similar scene to the Raszageth moment in their finale.

I've seen this comment a bit on Twitter as well, but I disagree. The only scene which felt remotely similar to Vanilla or TBC was the Evoker one, and that was the odd one out.

[elderu]

I wish they would can the ultra fake commentary between the devs. It feels so forced and unnatural that its actually uncomfortable to watch.

Terran Gregory and the other gal there were the only two who weren't painfully scripted, indeed.

Terran's actually got a bit of that fire in him still! Gives me hope.

I've seen this comment a bit on Twitter as well, but I disagree. The only scene which felt remotely similar to Vanilla or TBC was the Evoker one, and that was the odd one out.

I'm not out here stating opinions to be agreed with or disagreed upon feller. I'm just trying to make observations that I hope are True. (Capital T) No disagreements here lol

[Worldshaper]

I think they wanted to capture the world focus of the original WoW cinematic and the TBC one that swapped around between the different locations and different races showing them fighting and casting spells in various environments, and mix it with the beauty and exploration and comraderie of the Mists of Pandaria cinematic. Or at least, that's how it all felt to me, and it worked perfectly. It was a breath of fresh air to return to that world focus instead of the character focus that has been happening for a while now.

I love the feeling of this cinematic. Or the spirit, or what have you.

That blissful joy of exploration, friendly competition, and just having fun. You can see it captured so well in the dwarf and troll dragonriders. The music and all the bright colours work really well to make all of that come together, and of course Alex who inspires true awe in both the characters and us as viewers.

I just think they made a bit of a mess with the mixing of the two types of cinematics.

Without the Evoker and Green dragon scenes it would've been perfect, I think.

If you wanted those scenes in, then there ought to have been more of those. For example a scene with Blue dragons in the Azure span, perhaps some Bronze dragons looking all mystical, and Black dragons above the fiery area or below the earth.

Now it was like... here's a great journey for our two new friends, but all of a sudden we'll cut away to an Evoker with no context, and a forest glade with Green dragons.

[Sentynel]

Hope it's not another furry allied race tbh. Would be nice to have something different.

Ever since that transforming rod in Ashenvale, I always wanted a playable Furbolg.

[Worldshaper]

Terran Gregory and the other gal there were the only two who weren't painfully scripted, indeed.

Terran's actually got a bit of that fire in him still! Gives me hope.

I'm not out here stating opinions to be agreed with or disagreed upon feller. I'm just trying to make observations that I hope are True. (Capital T) No disagreements here lol

Fair. I agree with your about the scripted dialogue.

Almost makes me long for the days of old when a developer in an oversized bowling shirt would get up on stage and stutter his way through a Powerpoint presentation. At least that felt more attuned with the community.

[Izalla]

I love the feeling of this cinematic. Or the spirit, or what have you.

That blissful joy of exploration, friendly competition, and just having fun. You can see it captured so well in the dwarf and troll dragonriders. The music and all the bright colours work really well to make all of that come together, and of course Alex who inspires true awe in both the characters and us as viewers.

I just think they made a bit of a mess with the mixing of the two types of cinematics.

Without the Evoker and Green dragon scenes it would've been perfect, I think.

If you wanted those scenes in, then there ought to have been more of those. For example a scene with Blue dragons in the Azure span, perhaps some Bronze dragons looking all mystical, and Black dragons above the fiery area or below the earth.

Now it was like... here's a great journey for our two new friends, but all of a sudden we'll cut away to an Evoker with no context, and a forest glade with Green dragons.

Oh I agree there should have been more, because I want to see more races exploring the Isles! When are we going to see a dang gnome in a cinematic Blizz?!?!

[elderu]

Almost makes me long for the days of old when a developer in an oversized bowling shirt would get up on stage and stutter his way through a Powerpoint presentation. At least that felt more attuned with the community.

lol who else remembers this speech? man was fearless.

[BaumanKing]

How many in-game cinematics can we expect today?

[Worldshaper]

lol who else remembers this speech? man was fearless.

I love that man so much. I'll never forget his WoW expansion announcements. Cataclysm was probably the coolest one, and followed up by such a great gameplay trailer as well.