Images From Northrend (Beta Vision!)

[Abric]

I know it's only a month away (of this post) but I felt it might be best to share some images I have seen around Northrend. While I know there are many people working on quests and items and gear and raiding and all that sort of stuff that makes up the gameplay value of World of Warcraft, I have worried myself over graphical glitches, mob placement, and just the general 'feel' of the game. On my exploration, I have been limited due to the mobility of a giant Tauren on a giant kodo plowing through the wastelands of the Lich King.

But... with the premades, they have given me a free flying mount - so the sky is the limit! I'll be sharing with everyone here some of the more interesting things I have seen.

****WARNING****

Some of these images may ruin some surprises for some... or the 'fresh feel' for others. I may add in a bit of storylore and the like, but I think it is always best that some people find out things themselves. Of course, the lot of you probably peaked at your presents when you lived at home during Christmas (or still do!)

Either way, enjoy. Any updates I make, I'll put here on this main thread. That way, each of my entries is for one specific place.

10 Oct - Created Thread

[Abric]

The Storms Peak! This place was most certainly cool. Below are some of the good shots of the good stuff I saw. They do no justice... just to the simple fact that everything is *huge*.

Here is Ulduar. This was taken from quite a distance away, in the air. Tried to get everything, but as you can see, most of the backdrop was on the verge of visibility. Place is huge!
http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p237/NamelessJ/Beta%20Photos/The%20Storms%20Peak/TheStormsPeak-Ulduar.jpg


Here is the Terrace of the Makers. It is south of Ulduar, and was once connected by bridges, but those bridges are now broke. This place is just as large, if not larger, than Ulduar.
http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p237/NamelessJ/Beta%20Photos/The%20Storms%20Peak/TheStormsPeak-TerraceoftheMakers.jpg

I took a closer screenshot just to give a comparsion to the size of this place. In the picture above, look to the second tower - that circular 'window' Well, this is the picture of me right next to it.
http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p237/NamelessJ/Beta%20Photos/The%20Storms%20Peak/TheStormsPeak-TerraceCloseup.jpg


Here is an image of a place called Thunderfall. Not sure what happened, but was a cool place. This is the overview.
http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p237/NamelessJ/Beta%20Photos/The%20Storms%20Peak/TheStormsPeak-ThunderfallOverview.jpg


Here is a shot of two dwarves, Iron I believe, taking out one of these big monsters. THROW ME A SPEAR!
http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p237/NamelessJ/Beta%20Photos/The%20Storms%20Peak/TheStormsPeak-ThunderfallThree.jpg


Here is one where dwarves are being thrown back like itty bitty stunties.
http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p237/NamelessJ/Beta%20Photos/The%20Storms%20Peak/TheStormsPeak-ThunderfallOne.jpg


Here is a close up of the large creature. Do I know what it is? No idea.
http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p237/NamelessJ/Beta%20Photos/The%20Storms%20Peak/TheStormsPeak-ThunderfallTwo.jpg


Here is the Engine of the Makers, a big ass hole in the ground... that looks like, an engine!
http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p237/NamelessJ/Beta%20Photos/The%20Storms%20Peak/TheStormsPeak-EngineoftheMakers.jpg

Here is the interior of the Engine. I couldn't get a good enough shot, but the walls and everything are cool. What's the blue stuff below? That's ice - and the engine goes down deeper; but the ice is as far as you can go.
http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p237/NamelessJ/Beta%20Photos/The%20Storms%20Peak/TheStormsPeak-EngineoftheMakersClos.jpg

[Broxigan]

Hah! I will post mine later.

[Abric]

Dalaran! It has a lot of stuff in it, and that is a good thing. Blizzard's developers really got it right with Dalaran. If I had to compare it to anything, it would be Stormwind. So, good news everyone! Stormwind is no longer the only cool capital city.

Here is a view of Dalaran from the north.
http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p237/NamelessJ/Beta%20Photos/The%20Storms%20Peak/Dalaran-NorthShot.jpg

This is what I feel is the biggest highlight of Dalaran - the Filthy Animal. This is the Horde only inn in the city, and is hopefully going to be a very good spot for HORDE ROLEPLAY. I'm not sure about other guilds, but I know the Grim is going to have a heavy presence here. Take your bullshit elsewhere, I say! This is where stories of battle against the Alliance will be told, and the sissy's are left outside! The first shot is Uda the Beast, the head bitch in charge.
http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p237/NamelessJ/Beta%20Photos/The%20Storms%20Peak/Dalaran-UdatheBeast.jpg


Here is a shot of the Inn, from behind Uda:
http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p237/NamelessJ/Beta%20Photos/The%20Storms%20Peak/Dalaran-FilthyAnimalEntrance.jpg

Here is a shot of the fireplace area:
http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p237/NamelessJ/Beta%20Photos/The%20Storms%20Peak/Dalaran-FilthyAnimalFireplace.jpg


Here's the bar. So THAT is where the meat is!
http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p237/NamelessJ/Beta%20Photos/The%20Storms%20Peak/Dalarn-FilthyAnimalBar.jpg


Here is a view of the long table, from the bar. Yes, you can sit on the benches.
http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p237/NamelessJ/Beta%20Photos/The%20Storms%20Peak/Dalaran-FilthyAnimalLongTable.jpg


Here is a view from the second story. Yes, there is a second story. Yes, there are hammocks for people to sleep. But, I swear to God if any of you fucking Blood Elves even think of taking your bullshit up there... I will do unspeakable horrors to your friends, family, and little dog.
http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p237/NamelessJ/Beta%20Photos/The%20Storms%20Peak/Dalarn-FilthyAnimal2ndFloorOverview.jpg


Here is the Legerdemain Lounge. This is the inn that is shared for Horde and Alliance.
http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p237/NamelessJ/Beta%20Photos/The%20Storms%20Peak/Dalaran-LegerdemainLounge.jpg


Here is a view from the second story, overlooking the bar.
http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p237/NamelessJ/Beta%20Photos/The%20Storms%20Peak/Dalaran-LegerdemainLoungeBar.jpg


Here is one of the rooms in the second story, which includes a master bedroom and a little den/waiting area.
http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p237/NamelessJ/Beta%20Photos/The%20Storms%20Peak/Dalaran-LegerdemainLounge2ndFloor.jpg


Here is a shot of Runeweaver Square, which is in the middle of the city.
http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p237/NamelessJ/Beta%20Photos/The%20Storms%20Peak/Dalaran-RuneweaverFountain.jpg


Here is a view of the Violet Hold, it's an instance... that holds stuff.
http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p237/NamelessJ/Beta%20Photos/The%20Storms%20Peak/Dalaran-VioletHold.jpg


Here is the inside of the Violet Hold, look out now!
http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p237/NamelessJ/Beta%20Photos/The%20Storms%20Peak/Dalaran-InsideVioletHold.jpg


Here is the Heroic Daily quest giver. It's outside the Violet Hold.
http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p237/NamelessJ/Beta%20Photos/The%20Storms%20Peak/Dalaran-HeroicDaily.jpg


Here is a view of the Violet Citadel, at the foot of the steps.
http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p237/NamelessJ/Beta%20Photos/The%20Storms%20Peak/Dalaran-VioletCitadel.jpg


Here is the interior of the Violet Citadel, with all the head cheeses.
http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p237/NamelessJ/Beta%20Photos/The%20Storms%20Peak/Dalaran-InteriorVioletCitadel.jpg


Here is the Antonidas Memorial.
http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p237/NamelessJ/Beta%20Photos/The%20Storms%20Peak/Dalaran-AntonidasMemorial.jpg


Here is a view of the Magus Commerce Exchange. This is where a lot of the shops are; including profession trainers and other stuff.
http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p237/NamelessJ/Beta%20Photos/The%20Storms%20Peak/Dalaran-MagusCommerceExchange.jpg

I'll let you decide what this is by the image!
http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p237/NamelessJ/Beta%20Photos/The%20Storms%20Peak/Dalaran-Wonderworks.jpg


Here is the Barber Shop
http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p237/NamelessJ/Beta%20Photos/The%20Storms%20Peak/Dalaran-BarberShop.jpg


Here is the Dalaran Library. Which is also where you have the Inscription Trainers: That glowing thing? That's a book they are putting away
http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p237/NamelessJ/Beta%20Photos/The%20Storms%20Peak/Dalaran-BigLibrary.jpg


Here is the Magical Menagerie, where the Stable Master is. Kind of cool looking, if I say so myself.
http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p237/NamelessJ/Beta%20Photos/The%20Storms%20Peak/Dalaran-MagicalMenagerie.jpg


Inside the Mengaerie, you also have a little gnome. When you enter, wave at him!
http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p237/NamelessJ/Beta%20Photos/The%20Storms%20Peak/Dalaran-AGnome.jpg


Dalaran has a seedy underbelly to it, called the... errr... Underbelly. This is the Circle of Wills, where people can go and duel. Yes, a duel area... yes, lots of arena stuff. I suspect this is where most of the more extreme people will be hanging out at.
http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p237/NamelessJ/Beta%20Photos/The%20Storms%20Peak/Dalaran-CircleofWills.jpg


Here is the Cantrips and Crows Tavern. Little bit more of a dive bar.
http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p237/NamelessJ/Beta%20Photos/The%20Storms%20Peak/Dalaran-TheCantripsandCrowsTavern.jpg

[Menion]

/looks at incredibly amazing pictures of Dalaran

Noice.

Warlocks stay out.

[Rai]

they really did great on Dalaran, can't wait to see it. Thx for sharing

[Tirralys]

Oh. Em. Gee.

Fuckin' amazing. Yes, I think the term is necessary here. So I'll say it again: Fuckin' Amazing.

I can totally see what you're talking about with the horde-only inn, Abric. I can't wait.

[Izrail]

Holy hell. Why couldn't Burning Crusade have had this kind of stuff?

[Raziel]

they managed to completely rebuild Dalaran from absolute rubble in 5 years?

To the exact mirror of it?

[Islefr]

Pssst, Mr. McAbric guy, the giant frozen thingy is, ironically enough, called a frost giant.

Also, JEBASY CHRIST that place is huge.

[Fynne]

they managed to completely rebuild Dalaran from absolute rubble in 5 years?

To the exact mirror of it?

Well, in this case I think it's actually pretty accurate to say that a wizard did in fact do it.

[Agnarr]

Inside the Mengaerie, you also have a little gnome. When you enter, wave at him!
http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p237/NamelessJ/Beta%20Photos/The%20Storms%20Peak/Dalaran-AGnome.jpg

Gnomey Diver
You've been down too long in the midnight sea
Oh what's becoming of me

Ride the tiger
You can see his stripes but you know he's clean
Oh don't you see what I mean

Gotta get away
Gnomey Diver

[Broxigan]

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f372/wendellman/WoW%20Patrols/WoWScrnShot_091408_141132.jpg
Warsong Hold. By far the most amazing piece of art, orc wise, I have ever seen. As you can tell, I am pretty far away from it.

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f372/wendellman/WoW%20Patrols/WoWScrnShot_091308_140701.jpg
Undead Elves!

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f372/wendellman/WoW%20Patrols/WoWScrnShot_010103_010330.jpg
Dead dragon is well, dead.

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f372/wendellman/WoW%20Patrols/WoWScrnShot_010103_011206.jpg


http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f372/wendellman/WoW%20Patrols/WoWScrnShot_010103_010244.jpg
Look closely at the water. :o

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f372/wendellman/WoW%20Patrols/WoWScrnShot_091408_213142.jpg
Dalaran Crater with Xenny! :D

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f372/wendellman/WoW%20Patrols/WoWScrnShot_101108_180656.jpg
This guy STOMPED my face today. NO clue what he is...

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f372/wendellman/WoW%20Patrols/WoWScrnShot_101108_180846.jpg

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f372/wendellman/WoW%20Patrols/WoWScrnShot_101108_181214.jpg

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f372/wendellman/WoW%20Patrols/WoWScrnShot_101108_181508.jpg
Hakkar, is that you?!

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f372/wendellman/WoW%20Patrols/WoWScrnShot_101108_181714.jpg
Westfall lol

These next ones I found today and was by far so COOL.

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f372/wendellman/WoW%20Patrols/WoWScrnShot_101108_181757.jpg

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f372/wendellman/WoW%20Patrols/WoWScrnShot_101108_181820.jpg

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f372/wendellman/WoW%20Patrols/WoWScrnShot_101108_181826.jpg

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f372/wendellman/WoW%20Patrols/WoWScrnShot_101108_182137.jpg

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f372/wendellman/WoW%20Patrols/WoWScrnShot_101108_182553.jpg

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f372/wendellman/WoW%20Patrols/WoWScrnShot_101108_182834.jpg

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f372/wendellman/WoW%20Patrols/WoWScrnShot_101108_182905.jpg

Last, but not least, PENGUINS!!!!!!!

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f372/wendellman/WoW%20Patrols/WoWScrnShot_101108_183932.jpg

[Lythas]

Holy CRAP I am SO EXCITED for this. Oh god, the exploring I'll be doing! THE EXPLORING!!

[Emmons]

(It's only a model...)

[Xiphus]

Those penguins....they look undead!

ERADICATE THE PENGUINS!

[Alphaeus]

OMG.

<3333333333333

*excited, gleeful child jumping*

[Chikt]

*excited, gleeful child jumping*

*Joins in*

[Alphaeus]

*Joins in*

*clasps hands with and squeals?*

Seriously though, those are some -great- looking locations in Dalaran. I love the floating city look, too.

[Chikt]

*clasps hands with and squeals?*

I'm never going to get the mental image out of my head now, of Dio dancing around in delighted glee with Alpheus with big smiley anime faces.

I have to say though, I've always loved Blizzards art style, even in Wrath - I just think they used too alien a one for the theme of the game. Wrath seems to be a return to the darker side of World of Warcraft and while PART of me is concerned it's going to end out being the "Emo Expansion" where the Burning Crusade was the "Space Expansion", seeing these screenshots just makes me SO happy. Just to be away finally from the floating rocks and back to something medievil.

It's going to be an amazing expansion.

[Broxigan]

I am still finding new things every day. XD But the lighting and the shadows just make the game SOOOOOO much more visually purty.

[Chikt]

I am still finding new things every day. XD But the lighting and the shadows just make the game SOOOOOO much more visually purty.

I'm sad that I'm likely going to have to turn down my graphical settings further when it's released. Hopefully I'll be able to get my student loan and the new PC by the end of the year, because I want to see it in all it's glory.

Blizzard has a talent for making low-poly look beautiful with simply fantastic textures. How they do it is beyond me. As a game design student, achieving such a "less is more" look is HARD. I have to throw out all the stops to make something look gorgeous, and yet Blizzard can somehow do it with just a flat colour image with no bump or specular maps or fancy lighting at all.

[Bryana]

There's something PC-gamer brought up some time ago about WoW's Graphics, is that they will last forever, because they are not trying to look REAL. There is a cartoony sort of vibe to the look, that makes any flaws just fade into the look itself.

Games that try their best to look real will really break the scene with the tiniest flaw (Vanguard had wonderful graphics, but I couldn't get over the fact that the lighting on the characters made them look like they were made of plastic)

Wow is not trying to look "real" (Except maybe the cinematics), it's trying to look PRETTY. And they done did great!

[Chikt]

There's something PC-gamer brought up some time ago about WoW's Graphics, is that they will last forever, because they are not trying to look REAL. There is a cartoony sort of vibe to the look, that makes any flaws just fade into the look itself.

Games that try their best to look real will really break the scene with the tiniest flaw (Vanguard had wonderful graphics, but I couldn't get over the fact that the lighting on the characters made them look like they were made of plastic)

Wow is not trying to look "real" (Except maybe the cinematics), it's trying to look PRETTY. And they done did great!

This is something we're taught first in the Game Design class. Never try to make what you are building look REAL. Exaggerate parts of it so that it still looks cartoony and fake. Halo, they exaggerate colours and faces quite a bit, for instance. Grand Theft Auto, they exaggerate faces and accents. It's all a reminder that it's a story, and that's why it can be believable when you play it - you don't really notice the jagged edges of Niko Bellic's face when he's running over people in a camaro.

The thing about World of Warcraft is they just have that brilliant art direction of saying "Lets choose a style, then choose a theme, and mix the two together". So you have the style of the races, and the themes of the places they go to and the armor said places drop. Your style is constantly moving through sets of seperate themes. The way your character looks from level 1 to level 60 is all planned out in some way (You didn't look TOO odd at level 20, your armor largely matched). Though it begs the question as to where the planning for that sort of stuff went in the Burning Crusade (it was nonexistent).

Blizzard just does a wonderful job of creating colorful environments and fantastic characters in them, and they've really gone out of their way to make Wrath simply fantastic. It blows Azeroth and Outland out of the water as far as art design is concerned. If Azeroth was built at all like Northrend, I can only imagine how much more fun leveling up would be. It'd always be a pleasure to see those interesting places over and over again.

Not that there's much hope for Outland to feel that way, it's just too far fetched a theme for the game they chose to make. Attractive, sure, but just too far gone from World of Warcraft. It bought you out of the immersion, where Azeroth and Northrend look to immerse you fully in their surroundings. Wrath moreso.

[Cedes]

Dalaran looks like a new RP hotspot. that city looks like heaven! (hope to see you all there too :) )

That dragon in the water looked scary. Ive seen big bones in azeroth but DAAAAIUMMM!!...

I cant wait to go to norhrend, It looks like it will be far more enjoyable to explore than Outland was.

[Coyotl]

I didn't play around very much -- much less than I'd have imagined, in fact -- but this is my favorite shot that I took.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3099/2808314892_068e13109a_b.jpg

[Aquizit]

That's the flying carpet?

I'm sooo glad I'm dropping tailoring for inscription, that's God awful.

[Sanrin]

Dont make funna that carpet! Ride sally ride!

Actually these screenshots are pretty cool, its good to see Blizzard going back to the more gothic look then anything else. Maybe if the content is as rich as the art I'll consider coming back to one side or another.

[Coyotl]

Don't know for sure, Quizzie. That's from an early quest, and quite awhile back in beta before models started being changed around.

[Geofforan]

That's the flying carpet?

No. These are (http://wotlkwiki.info/up2/pages/news/8970/tailoringflyers.jpg).