Rediscovering WoW - Blue Tracker

#0 - March 9, 2009, 5:48 p.m.

So, after another week of same dailies and clearing all end-raid content, I went back to this little alt and turned in the pendant Sylvannas uses for her singing event. She started moving about, with banshees behind her, but there was no music being heard. I thought it might've been a bug but after checking the audio settings I realized I had muted music because it got on the way of raiding. I turned on all effects and audio and was immediately blasted by her singing and little noises around her.

After she was finished, UC's background music started and it remind me of the first time I had visited the undead city on my mage nearly 3 years ago. Talk about bringing back the wonder behind this game (and my first MMO). After turning on Surround Sound I was actually able to enjoy WoW with a renewed mindset. I immediately turned off any quest helper add-ons and closed the online guides to faster leveling and the idea of searching for quest items/mobs became exciting again.

Shortly after, I logged back on my main for a quick Naxx10 run and the eerie music (and sharp sound of a cello which reminded me of the sound used in the Dark Knight whenever the Joker came around) hit me like truck. After we cleared it, I went back to MC to confront Ragnaros and the music hit the event so well, and with his voice booming every few seconds, I felt I was actually fighting this Elemental Lieutenant. I was so into the moment I barely read my friend's comment in party chat. Unfortunately, Rag did not drop his eye nor the other half of the binding was dropped by Gedarr. Maybe one day they will, but at least I have another great reason to do these events once more.

I, if you will listen, recommend you experience all this all over again. :)

Nethaera

#4 - March 9, 2009, 6:01 p.m.

It may not be for everyone, but going back to areas you haven't been in for awhile and rediscovering them, is much like re-reading a book, you get to visit old friends again. I enjoy doing this myself and giving myself a "break" from that feeling of "go go go" that you can get sometimes.

As many know, I've always supported turning on the music. There's always been something special about Blizzard music (to me) from the first I ever heard it in Orcs and Humans, then Starcraft, then Diablo, and now in World of Warcraft. I think it tends to get easily missed by some who are used to turning the music off.

Nethaera

#38 - March 9, 2009, 7:35 p.m.

Q u o t e:

"Echoes of War" should be arriving at my door today or in the next few days.. I am super exited.

Diablo and Matt Uleman just kicked my butt years ago with the realization that the music CAN in fact MAKE the game. Before that the Quake stuff from Trent Reznor from NIN knocked me out too.

Zangermarsh makes me shiver as it takes me back to the precice moment when I 1st experienced it.
Grizzly Hills/Howling Fjord stuff is excellent as well.

Neth can provide a link to the Echoes of War stuff I'm sure.

I bought the Legendary set and will report back with a review soon.

I would highly suggest reading through the book that comes with it and watching the DVD. I just had the chance to last night and I really enjoyed it. Some of the commentary in the book made me laugh and the DVD was great to watch and see how much work went into the project. It also rekindled some very good memories of my earlier gaming days with Starcraft, Warcraft and Diablo.

For those interested- http://www.echoes-of-war.com/

I think they succeeded very well in reenvisioning the music as standalone pieces as well as creating some new inspirations.