The beta for World of Warcraft: Forever has provided an optimistic glimpse into what could be a significant return to the MMORPG's roots. Spending 30 hours with the game, the reviewer noted a deliberate departure from the "streamlined" approach of modern WoW, aiming instead to recapture the journey and RPG elements that defined the early days of the genre.
A Deeper RPG Experience
Forever aims to reintroduce mechanics and systems that were gradually phased out of the modern game. The beta experience brought back features like parry, block, and hit chance, alongside weapon skill progression and a more complex array of secondary stats. The necessity of visiting class trainers to purchase skill ranks was also highlighted as a positive, fostering a greater connection with class hubs and key NPCs. The slower pace of leveling, which can take a considerable amount of time in Forever, is seen as a deliberate design choice to encourage a more immersive experience, contrasting with the often faster, more frictionless progression of contemporary MMOs.
Reconnecting With Azeroth
The world itself feels revitalized in Forever. The decision to limit flying mounts until level 40 emphasizes ground travel, allowing players to re-experience the exploration and discovery that many felt was lost with the ubiquity of flying mounts in modern WoW. This return to a slower pace of traversal is credited with making Azeroth feel larger, more dangerous, and more mysterious. Visually, Forever boasts enhanced lighting and post-processing that, for the reviewer, make it look superior to the modern iteration of the game, even with HD models enabled. While some areas feature excessive fog, the overall graphical enhancements are praised.
Lingering Concerns
Despite the positive impressions, some concerns have emerged. The "realmless" structure, which affects capital cities, is viewed as detrimental to roleplayers and community building. The developers maintain that this design choice is for the long-term health of the game, but the reviewer remains unconvinced, though willing to observe its impact.
An Optimistic Outlook
Having reached level 13 and explored the early zones, the initial beta impressions are overwhelmingly positive. The game's design philosophy appears to successfully evoke a sense of returning home, offering new discoveries at a pace that encourages thoughtful engagement. The review will be updated as the reviewer progresses further toward the level cap, with a more concrete verdict expected before the end of the year.