“10 Things I Love/Hate About...” is a new feature at MMO Life. Each week, one of our writers will pick one of their favorite MMOs and MMORPGs, and come up with ten things they love – and ten things they hate – about their chosen game.

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10 Things I Hate About: "World of Warcraft"

I became a paying subscriber to the MMORPG "World of Warcraft" shortly after November 24, 2004, the day of its official American release. I've remained a subscriber since, paying $15 each and every month to roam the land of Azeroth. Like anyone involved in a long-term relationship (call it what you will), I love/hate this significant other. Here are ten reasons why I hate Blizzard's hit MMORPG.

(To see 10 Things I Love About "WoW," read the companion feature here!)

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1. More importance on loot than the player

• Blizzard's motto for end-game raiding in "Wrath of the Lich King" remains "Bring the player, not the class." As nurturing as it may sound, the catchy quote doesn't highlight a more pervasive and immediate problem of loot quality defining player capability ceilings. I've always wanted to participate in end-game instances and competitive player versus player battles, but my inferior equipment consistently assumes its role as the largest barrier to entry.

2. Dated graphics

• Okay, I admit. I'm a little annoyed by "WoW's" dated graphics engine. The art's nice to look at, but I feel as though my fancy new graphics card could run several instances of the MMORPG with no signs of slowdown. To make matters worse, newer MMORPGs like "Age of Conan" and "Darkfall" taunt me with their lush virtual worlds. Here's an idea, Blizzard: take some of the billions of dollars you've generated and update the visuals. I know you think it's a good idea. You yourself said it's a good idea. On May 16, 2008, producer J. Allen Brack said, "Will we need a graphical update from the ground up at some point? Yep, probably." How about you make "at some point" now instead of later?

3. Limited end-game focus

• You: "Okay! I finally reached level 80! Now it's time to explore all that end-game content I heard so much about!" Me: "I hope you like farming for 'phat lewt' in PvP arenas and/or raids, because that's just about all there is to do."

4. Fishing

• It was boring in vanilla "WoW," it was boring in the "Burning Crusade," and it's still boring in "Wrath of the Lich King." Blizzard updated the profession by making it easier to level, but they forgot to make it FUN. As it is, I'm offended by its mindless simplicity. Even some free-to-play MMORPGs have better fishing.

5. The Draenei crash-landing

• In a medieval fantasy MMORPG full of Mages, Paladins who call upon the Light to aid them in battle, and brutal plate-wearing Warriors, an alien race called the "Draenei" crash-landed their spaceship on an island located far off the Western coast of Kalimdor.

6. Balance, or lack thereof

• I play as an Enhancement Shaman, and I love to PvP. Anyone reading this who considers themself a "hardcore" player is probably laughing right now. Shamans used to destroy any and all competition with ease long before a particular crusade started a-burnin', but now they're the sad whipping boys (or gals) of PvP, especially those specced in the Enhancement talent tree. Until Blizzard releases a patch, many of my cohorts suggest I "play a different class." This should not be the only alternative.

7. Customization, or lack thereof

• If you're standing in one of "WoW's" major cities, you might see yourself running around. Or, at least, someone that looks just like you, wearing the exact same equipment. Character customization options during the creation process are sorely limited between a dozen or so possible options in the hair, face, skin, and racial specific categories, and no equipment may be altered in any sort of way. I can customize my Whopper at Burger King when I "have it my way" more than my character in "WoW," and have a much more personable relationship with the piece of meat than my MMORPG character I've played for years.

8. Ghost towns

• Shattrath used to be "WoW's" bustling hive of scum and villainy. Now it's a ghost town, visited briefly by players on the journey to 80 or when a seasonal quest or two needs to be completed. Shattrath is one of many towns like this, and it's a situation we'll see repeated over and over until Blizzard alters the migratory nature of the MMORPG brought on by expansions and leveling.

9. Blizzard's caving into player demands

• Whine enough on the message boards about something in-game and Blizzard will eventually say "I'm sorry" and cave in to your demands. At least that's what they're communicating in patch after patch after hotfix. Example: Right before "Wratch of the Lich King" was released, the developers said all honor points would reset, and told players to spend the currency while they still can. This upset some of the more hardcore enthusiasts. Weeks prior, they began saving honor points so they could purchase the new PvP gear as soon as it became available. Long story short, some players complained and Blizzard eventually caved.

10. The Horde

• I've never spoken, yelled, screamed, and mumbled any phrase while gaming more than "I hate the Horde." Dual sword-wielding King Varian Wrynn of Stormwind may be a fight-seeking Horde-hatin' looney, but a part of me can relate to the guy after an Undead Rogue repeatedly ganks my Draenei Shaman. Screw you, Horde.

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Be sure to check out "10 Things I Love About 'World of Warcraft,'" also written by Kyle!

Posted by Kyle Stallock
July 1, 2009

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