Blizzard is about to launch World of Warcraft Classic, a version of the game which was originally released way back in 2004. The phased launch will begin on August 27, 2019, with the release version of the popular MMORPG. Over the next 18 months or so we will see the gradual release of all the original games content, from Molten Core up to Naxxramas.
The venture is a unique one in gaming as most other titles would flounder if reset to their original states. Can you imagine playing Call of Duty with no killstreaks or gun customization? What about Grand Theft Auto? Would you trade your modern-day immersion for the boxy cars and simple mechanics of the original? How about sports games? Anyone fancy playing with the terrible AI and bad physics we had back in the old days of simulation games? Thought not.
World of Warcraft is unique because of the game it was as well as what it has become.
World Of Warcraft Has Improved Over The Years
These days the franchise is all about convenience and ease. Additions such as cross-realm auction houses, the dungeon finder system, and realm phasing make players everyday lives easier. These features, and others like them, also help players more easily participate in group content.
There are also changes which enable gamers to get into the end game experience quicker. These include simpler talent trees, cheaper mounts, revamped spell books and a vastly reduced amount of experience required to progress through early levels.
While some new features were welcomed, especially ones such as dynamic mob spawning or dual specialization options, many others have actually moved the game away from its role-playing roots.
Not All Of WoW's New Features Were Welcome
Back in the early days, World of Warcraft had a very heavy role-playing element with many little details that made it feel realistic. Sprawling talent trees and crammed spell books meant that each class could be played in several ways. Hunter pets required food, love and attention. Bows needed arrows, which you had to carry, and gaining a class mount or your druid forms required you to complete a quest chain that tested your ability to play your class.
Over the years these little touches have slowly been washed away, creating a much more muted role-playing style. Rolling back these changes and taking the game back to its roots will allow for a very different player experience.
World of Warcraft Classic will definitely be an acquired taste. For those who began playing in more recent years, the loss of convenient features you’ve always had will be a shock and many newer players will likely hate it. However, for those who miss the incredible customization and the focus on role-playing Classic will be a breath of fresh air. A very long breath of fresh air, as we spend several days questing around Loch Modan and the Barrens on foot, saving hard for our riding skill.