I think the biggest issue are the "special", or unique NPCs - people like Thrall, Jaina, Uther, Varian Wrynn, Cairne Bloodhoof, even the bosses, should have something unique in their models. Like Sylvanas and Varimathras - both resemble some popular model, but have been improved clearly. That's what we need - doesn't really matter if all the grunts or footmen look the same, and slightly different than the WC3 ones, but the really unique NPCs must be unique...
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Thank you, Malgayne. I feel the same way as well, and a good side by side comparison like this post is very much appreciated. The Warcraft 3 models, while rough in form, carried so much more character in their design.
Fully agree. Warcraft 3 had a lot more time put into it. Blizzard got a little lazy with WoW, not that it isn't good.
To be honest, I think you're viewing things through rose-colored glasses. A lot of those look pretty damn close to the exact same thing as the original (like the Necropolis in particular). Warcraft 3 is just downright ugly lookin', and I'm not seeing the issue with any WoW models. You're imagining things, or perhaps biased. xD
My journey into the world of Azeroth began in much the same way. Though I stink terribly at W3, I did have a blast playing it. I would stockpile ghouls, sometimes 100 of them, and launch them against my opponent with a Lich in tow (for the ghoul-enhancing Frost Nova). That was my strategy every time. Some players figured it out and repeatedly spanked me; a very few never could.Questing in the Eastern Plaguelands instantly brought me back to W3. I loved the nostalgic feeling. Oh, and nothing beats the Undercitteh in coolness.
I'd honestly have to say that you're letting nostalgia overrule objectivism. This is not to say you're not entirely wrong - there are definitely places where corners were cut in WoW graphics development. For instance, think Thrall, Sylvanas, or other "notables" who were reduced to regular models instead of given their own special ones from the start. And believe me, I would love to have seen them do something more impressive with the early Necropoli.(Though, as an aside, it could be said that this choice effectively "humanizes" the heroes of the Horde and Alliance - they're not out of our reach, as it were; we can grow up to be like them some day. Whether that's just me overthinking things or deliberate choice on the part of the art team I'll leave up to you :P )However, many of the elements that you point out in War3 were put in for the explicit purpose of both "distinguishing" different units (as you pointed out) and for making them more appealing. We tend to respond better to things with certain oversized body parts (get your heads out of the damn gutter!) such as heads or hands, even. Notice how many of the undead or generally non-human units have large, protruding heads or eyes?This is a fairly simple and effective way of designing characters that are going to be very, very small on your screen so that a) we notice them and b) we actually kinda like'em. Think of the early Japanese RPGs, the chibi style anime. If you can make your audience see your characters faces, you've won half the battle right there.This does not translate well into larger character sizes, however. Anyone ever play DK mode in Goldeneye? It's an extreme example, but the principle is the same. It's humorous, sure, but it grows to be offputting if you're continuously exposed to it. Better to make your characters more realistic. You lose some of that uniqueness, certainly, but your whole presentation feels more coherent.Or so I feel, anyways. XD
I've been thinking the exact same thing, and you're spot on with those images. Theres some magic over War3/TFT thats just not there in WoW.
Hey, I liked this old thread. Necros are okay if you have something to say. :)