The allure of MMOs has a strong grip, and the beta for WoW: Forever is no exception. However, this deep dive into Blizzard's classic world has highlighted a stark difference in musical philosophy compared to my other primary gaming obsession, Final Fantasy XIV.
My initial foray into World of Warcraft was brief, with a level 13 Paladin some years ago. This time, though, the game has truly taken hold. I'm finding myself thoroughly enjoying the older, more streamlined feel of WoW: Forever, augmented by modern touches that make it accessible even without nostalgic sentiment.
Yet, the game's soundtrack presents a unique challenge. It's not that the music is lacking; in fact, the ominous themes of Durotar's overworld and the grand, foreboding score of Orgrimmar are masterfully crafted. The issue lies in their scarcity. World of Warcraft intentionally employs long stretches of quiet, allowing the ambient sounds of its world—the crunch of orcish footsteps, the whisper of wind, the call of birds—to take center stage. While I am gradually appreciating this deliberate atmospheric choice, it frequently makes me yearn for the richly scored experience of Final Fantasy XIV.
In contrast, Final Fantasy XIV boasts a musical track for nearly every conceivable situation. Each zone has distinct themes for both day and night. Dungeons, sub-bosses, and major boss encounters all have their own unique music. The most recent expansion's raid series alone features a bespoke song for each individual fight, with the final boss of each tier receiving two distinct tracks. This meticulous attention to musical detail, while occasionally leading to overuse of certain pieces—the infamous 'Machinations' theme comes to mind—has undeniably spoiled me.
This difference in presentation creates an unexpected adjustment period. The absence of immediate musical feedback when engaging in combat within WoW: Forever feels jarring. I've grown accustomed to the aural cues that signal a fight's commencement in FFXIV, and their lack in WoW leaves me feeling somewhat adrift. There are moments when battling enemies amidst the serene backdrop of the overworld music, which feels particularly peculiar.
While I respect World of Warcraft's commitment to its particular brand of environmental sound design, I can't help but wish for more of its composers' work to be showcased. The music I have encountered thus far has been exceptional, and I anticipate that, in time, the familiar melodies of Durotar will evoke the same fond, if slightly chaotic, memories of my Troll Shaman's early struggles with mana and positioning as those of my experiences in Eorzea.