Faction Pride Blindness

Let me preface this by saying that I am most definitely a Horde fanboy - more specifically, a Thrall fan.

Now that that's done... I had read Daniel Whitcomb's blog post Varian Wrynn is Right a while back.  While I do not agree with how a few topics are presented in a skewed light (although also agreeing with other topics), the subject of this post is not a 'response' or 'review' of the post itself.  I may possibly focus on that later.  The focus here is more on the responses from many readers.

From my perspective, there is rampant and obvious Alliance fanboyism with no attempt at looking into lore, or at least reading only what they wish to in order to put the golden boy Varian into a positive light.  Either that, or they do whatever possible to negate any argument (whether thoughtful and lore-supported or not) presented by those that may try to rationalize or clarify the Horde's actions.  Anything that has to do with presenting a positive light about the Horde seems to be immediately attacked by a down-rating of the comment, with occasional responses that may or may not be presented in a logical manner or not actually debating with what was presented.  I suppose this can be understood, though.  After all, the post is based on why Varian Wrynn's hatred is justified, and presenting several examples to support the case.

To complement the above, I won't try to deny the opposite case - when a lengthy post may be made to put the Horde (or certain characters) in a positive light, with examples to support it, I imagine many comments will be posted to complement it.  Of course, probably not as many, since I presume there's more Alliance fans than Horde fans (when speaking of those that appreciate the lore, and not those who only play the Horde cuz tehy r kool).

I know that some of this arguing may seem to be rather ridiculous by a large portion of the population... that is, arguing over the righteousness of either faction in a game world.  However, I admit I can enjoy it, when 'facts' or events are presented rationally and the author makes a strong attempt at being unbiased.  Personally, I'm not usually one for arguing, but it's usually a pretty clear indication that any opposing debaters won't be swayed from their position when all they do is focus on the negative of the opposing faction, whether true or intensely skewed, and fail to present an argument when an opposing viewpoint is given in a rational, logical manner.  Either that, or all previous RPGs have pretty much planted the humans/elves/dwarves=GOOD & orcs/trolls/etc.=BAD (I certainly won't deny Forsaken/BElves being bad, rest assured).  I suppose we'll be having some fun seeing attempted rationalizations when both factions have some pretty bad events happening in Cataclysm, and people try to continue to see their faction as only good or the like.  Heh heh.

New NPC Movement

I thought I'd make a quick note on something I've noticed since the patch (4.0.1).

NPC movement is much more smoother, now!  Specifically referring to patrolling or walking NPCs.  When they turn, they no longer erratically and instantaneously face the new direction.  They actually turn to begin going in the new direction!  As if it was a PC doing the walking and turning with the keyboard!

Sure, this may be a minor thing to most, but I think it's a very nice touch.  Well done, WoWdevs!