World of Warcraft has seen a steady decline in subs of late.
Can its new expansion, Warlords of Draenor, bring all those players back?
Ahead of the expansions launch, there has already beena rise in subscriptions.
We wonder if the raids are any better.
We wonder if the community sucks (spoiler: it does).
Is it worth going back toWoW?
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I remain apprehensive aboutWarlords of Draenor.
Lets look at the facts.WoDis rather content light in comparison to past expansions.
This should come as no huge surprise given Blizzards much-expanded game arsenal currently.
No new race, no new class.
Some new zones, but others that are rehashed.
The redone character models are a nice touch, to be sure, but theyre not new content.
), but this repetition of all things evil orcs is getting a little odd.
Except if you love dude orcs, I suppose.
You fly around Pandaria and you really feel as though youre somewhere new.
Newness is kind of important in an expansion.
Even with those holes, were definitely looking at some positives, too.
Theres no denying the fact that Blizzard games are known to be polished.
Warlords of Draenoris adding in significant quality-of-life improvements that weve needed for years.
Some of these features have been in other games for years now, but heythis is progress, man.
Ore stacks to 100!
These players care about the same thing that every veteran gamer cares abouta solid gaming experience.
Theres a familiarity inWoWthat other games dont have.
Thus the reason for all the hype.
Raiders are already planning their raid groups forWoD.
PvPers are planning their takeover plans.
Theres comfort in solidarity.
Will you be able to find that solidarity?
Thats another question entirely.
The answer largely depends on the community you associate yourself with upon returning.
Without community, however, an MMORPG loses much of its appeal.
Without community and history, lets face itthe expansion doesnt have a whole lot going for it.
As with all things, the experience will depend on how much effort you put into it.
Having realistic expectations also helps.
Has the game changed?
Has the community, overall, worsened?
You betotherwise thered be no need for half of the changes Blizzards making.
WillWoDbe the end-all-do-all-the-things awesomest expansion ever?
But can a recovered left-for-greener-pastures vet still find a home back in Draenor?
But not at first.
Cause, you know, flying mounts and all.
These are the folks who are happily gaming and not whining on the forums.
Yes, panda dartboard owners, the rumors really are truesome people do still loveWoW.
InMists of Pandaria, I took the plunge and returned to the game well after the expansions launch.
As a veteran and ex-semi-hardcore raider who was fairly disgruntled withCataclysm, I was incredibly leery about returning.
Still, I had to try a monk.
Theyre one of my top 2 favorite classes of all time in gaming.
And yes, I do dive into other MMORPGs still (its all about moderation!).
And finally, theres a third group of people.
These are the war torn veterans ofWoW.
The ones who are often a little jaded yet sometimes a little nostalgic.
The ones who had a great time inWoWbut left for greener pastures that maybe arent quite-so-green anymore.
Ill totally admit somethingthis was my own boat roughly a year and a half ago.
Theres just something aboutWoWthat calls to us.
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