02-07-2012, 10:19 AM
Hi, everyone! Yes, it's been a long time.
I just downloaded the free version of WoW and played a night elf up to the maximum allowed level of 20. I know all the stuff I'm going to say will be very old news to everyone here, but perhaps the point of view of someone who's been away for 4 years can grant some worthwhile perspective.
But first, before we jump into it, what server are most Lurkers on nowdays? I just picked the first PvP RP server the game gave me (Suramar), but I'm open to starting over at another server.
Here are some key things I saw with just the up to level 20 character:
Things I liked/loved:
1. I *loved* the new priest talent trees and skills. I was just drooling over all of the posibilities. I liked the shorter cast times on spells. I like how Heal is actually useful as a mana efficient spell. I can't wait to use Chastise on a rogue -- but then again, if I saw the rogue talent tree, I probably would start crying, so maybe not.
2. I like how skills automatically increase in power with character level rather than forcing characters to constantly relearn the same skill at a higher level from the trainer.
3. I like the simple spell power stat rather than separating power into damage versus healing. No more people complaining when I walk into a PvP instance wearing +damage/healing gear!
4. I was really amazed about how much Blizzard had changed Darnasus and especially Darkshore. I assume the other starting zones got similar major makeovers as well. I figured that they would have moved way past those starting zones and would have focused exclusively on the high level content. The quests where you get to use non-class skills -- like stomping trolls while riding an ancient or flying on a dragon were fantastic!
5. I liked the darkstalker riders that take newbie characters to distant areas, so they don't have to run so much between quests.
6. I like how the dungeon finder ports you directly into an instance. No more having to wait a half an hour for someone to fly over from the other side of the world to your instance.
7. I like the idea of accomplishments, although I don't yet know if there are any practical benefits with completing certain accomplishments. I've always prided myself on trying to complete every quest and see every zone/dungeon, so four years ago me would have loved this as this is more of an "explorer" personality feature.
8. On a side note, I love leveling a priest during "Love is in the air." The "Enchantress" perfume almost doubles my spell power, so I'm two shotting most normal mobs. It's like being twinked with the Act III extra fast quest mace in Diablo II while still playin Act I.
Indifferent things
1. I wasn't sure how I felt about the minimap showing all quest givers and especially the map showing exactly where you need to go to finish a quest. On the plus side, it obviously makes it a lot easier and faster to complete quests. On the other hand, it takes away the fun of exploring. I'm sure most other people like this feature, but on the RPG personality scale, I'm a high "explorer" type personality, and this kind of cheapens the experience.
Things I didn't like
1. At least in the two Night Elf starting zones, it seemed like the quest lines were more scripted than before. Before, you could walk into a town, pick up six or seven quests and do then in whatever order you chose -- depending on your time, inclination, and whether you were playing with someone else or not. In fact, quests even suggested branches leading to other starting zones. At least with the Night Elf starting zones, though, the quests were rigidly scripted. You'd get one or two quests leading to a specific area and only when you were done with that area would you get quests for a different area. This might be good for newbies, but I hope that this doesn't continue in later zones.
2. The changes in Darkshore were interesting, but I was sad about two changes. They kept the Anya quest in, but when you return the locket, you don't get to see the heartbreaking scene with her and her husband. Sure, the dialogue is there, but you don't get to see it. I always liked that quest and conclusion. Also, I was sad that the fishing quest was no longer there. I always liked leveling up my characters' fishing skill while completing a quest at the same time. *sniff*
Overall, though, I really enjoyed the experience. Blizzard made some good changes while I was away.
I just downloaded the free version of WoW and played a night elf up to the maximum allowed level of 20. I know all the stuff I'm going to say will be very old news to everyone here, but perhaps the point of view of someone who's been away for 4 years can grant some worthwhile perspective.
But first, before we jump into it, what server are most Lurkers on nowdays? I just picked the first PvP RP server the game gave me (Suramar), but I'm open to starting over at another server.
Here are some key things I saw with just the up to level 20 character:
Things I liked/loved:
1. I *loved* the new priest talent trees and skills. I was just drooling over all of the posibilities. I liked the shorter cast times on spells. I like how Heal is actually useful as a mana efficient spell. I can't wait to use Chastise on a rogue -- but then again, if I saw the rogue talent tree, I probably would start crying, so maybe not.
2. I like how skills automatically increase in power with character level rather than forcing characters to constantly relearn the same skill at a higher level from the trainer.
3. I like the simple spell power stat rather than separating power into damage versus healing. No more people complaining when I walk into a PvP instance wearing +damage/healing gear!
4. I was really amazed about how much Blizzard had changed Darnasus and especially Darkshore. I assume the other starting zones got similar major makeovers as well. I figured that they would have moved way past those starting zones and would have focused exclusively on the high level content. The quests where you get to use non-class skills -- like stomping trolls while riding an ancient or flying on a dragon were fantastic!
5. I liked the darkstalker riders that take newbie characters to distant areas, so they don't have to run so much between quests.
6. I like how the dungeon finder ports you directly into an instance. No more having to wait a half an hour for someone to fly over from the other side of the world to your instance.
7. I like the idea of accomplishments, although I don't yet know if there are any practical benefits with completing certain accomplishments. I've always prided myself on trying to complete every quest and see every zone/dungeon, so four years ago me would have loved this as this is more of an "explorer" personality feature.
8. On a side note, I love leveling a priest during "Love is in the air." The "Enchantress" perfume almost doubles my spell power, so I'm two shotting most normal mobs. It's like being twinked with the Act III extra fast quest mace in Diablo II while still playin Act I.
Indifferent things
1. I wasn't sure how I felt about the minimap showing all quest givers and especially the map showing exactly where you need to go to finish a quest. On the plus side, it obviously makes it a lot easier and faster to complete quests. On the other hand, it takes away the fun of exploring. I'm sure most other people like this feature, but on the RPG personality scale, I'm a high "explorer" type personality, and this kind of cheapens the experience.
Things I didn't like
1. At least in the two Night Elf starting zones, it seemed like the quest lines were more scripted than before. Before, you could walk into a town, pick up six or seven quests and do then in whatever order you chose -- depending on your time, inclination, and whether you were playing with someone else or not. In fact, quests even suggested branches leading to other starting zones. At least with the Night Elf starting zones, though, the quests were rigidly scripted. You'd get one or two quests leading to a specific area and only when you were done with that area would you get quests for a different area. This might be good for newbies, but I hope that this doesn't continue in later zones.
2. The changes in Darkshore were interesting, but I was sad about two changes. They kept the Anya quest in, but when you return the locket, you don't get to see the heartbreaking scene with her and her husband. Sure, the dialogue is there, but you don't get to see it. I always liked that quest and conclusion. Also, I was sad that the fishing quest was no longer there. I always liked leveling up my characters' fishing skill while completing a quest at the same time. *sniff*
Overall, though, I really enjoyed the experience. Blizzard made some good changes while I was away.