machinima
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WoW Moviewatch: The End of Warlords
Okay, we admit: this machinima probably isn't the actual ending to Warlords of Draenor, so despite the title it's probably not a spoiler -- but we're convinced it would be awesome if it were. Fans of long-lived television series Doctor Who will particularly appreciate this machinima (though non-fans may be confused), which merges the two franchises with a story that fits neatly into both. (And it also helps explain that whole time travel thing we're doing in Warlords in the first place.) The editing helps sell the story, neatly merging elements from different sources into a finished product that's believable... or at least as believable as time-traveling orcs can possibly be. Blizzard, we hope you're taking notes for the next expansion. This idea is killer. Interested in the wide world of machinima? We have new movies every weekday here on WoW Moviewatch! Have suggestions for machinima we ought to feature? Toss us an email at moviewatch@wowinsider.com.
WoW Moviewatch: The Frostwolf
If you can't wait for Warlords of Draenor, this machinima from Nixxiom may be the next best thing. It takes inspiration from some of the amazing scenes and settings we find in Draenor to tell the story of a young orc -- but not just any young orc -- being brought before the shaman of his tribe. And though this isn't an in-game event or cutscene, it fits so neatly into the experience of Frostfire Ridge that it feels like it could be a flashback. Honestly, I'd pit this against the official cinematic: though the animation isn't nearly as slick, it packs a great emotional punch... and it focuses on the good things about World of Warcraft rather than the start of yet another war. Interested in the wide world of machinima? We have new movies every weekday here on WoW Moviewatch! Have suggestions for machinima we ought to feature? Toss us an email at moviewatch@wowinsider.com.
WoW Moviewatch: Forgotten Tiers Home For Retired Raid Bosses
Have you ever wondered what happens to raid bosses after their raid tiers are no longer current? Slightly Impressive speculates that there's a whole retirement home full of ex-raid bosses, where they play Hearthstone, compete at shuffleboard, and bicker a lot. But when Garrosh shows up, it turns out he's not quite ready for retirement because he has big plans to make a comeback in Warlords of Draenor. Will Garrosh manage to return to his former questionable glory or will he be back at Forgotten Tiers Home for Retired Raid Bosses, like Ragnaros, come the next expansion? Take our advice, Garrosh, and retire gracefully now. It will be better for all of us. Interested in the wide world of machinima? We have new movies every weekday here on WoW Moviewatch! Have suggestions for machinima we ought to feature? Toss us an email at moviewatch@wowinsider.com.
WoW Moviewatch: Blood Shaman
Yes, we're getting a Warcraft movie, but this animated trailer by Dragon Films -- which is more than we've seen of the actual Warcraft movie -- makes us kind of want an animated version. Sure, this trailer has its flaws, with Russian voiceover and slightly stiff (in places) animation, but the art is undeniably gorgeous. Considering the trailer itself is about a year old, we aren't sure whether we'll be seeing any more of Blood Shaman... but even without English voiceover, we're pretty sure it would be worth watching. Plus, with WoW's recent storyline putting orcs center stage, it's nice to see other races in the spotlight -- and the animation style works great with the tauren characters on display. And if you'll excuse me, I need to roll a tauren shaman now.... Interested in the wide world of machinima? We have new movies every weekday here on WoW Moviewatch! Have suggestions for machinima we ought to feature? Toss us an email at moviewatch@wowinsider.com.
WoW Moviewatch: Pointless Top 10: Trees in World of Warcraft
It seems we missed a couple of Wowcrendor's Pointless Top 10 lists along the way somewhere, and I really like these lists. So today we're going to take a look at trees, because trees in WoW are pretty cool, and Crendor's put together a pretty comprehensive list that I mostly agree with. I know these lists probably seem silly to some people, but I like them -- they're nice little reminders of those cool little things I like about WoW, but usually forget about in the hustle and bustle of doing quests, raids, and other content-related stuff. I really like the lists like this one, however, because it's not just a reminder that maybe it's sometimes a cool idea to check out the world around you while you play. It's kind of a tip of the hat of sorts to the environmental artists that took the time to put these things together. And this particular list is a really cool visual reminder just how much the environment and the level of detail in things like trees has changed since the early days of vanilla. Foliage has definitely come a long way. Interested in the wide world of machinima? We have new movies every weekday here on WoW Moviewatch! Have suggestions for machinima we ought to feature? Toss us an email at moviewatch@wowinsider.com.
WoW Moviewatch: Sail
If you're looking for something a bit on the emo side to kick off your weekend, then this machinima music video may do the trick. A collaboration between Nan the Mistweaver and Time-Lost Productions, this video doesn't have a very clearly defined storyline, but instead lets the music set tone and pace. And since Awolnation's Sail, which backs the video, isn't exactly a cheerful tune, there's a very angsty vibe to the video. (How angsty? It adds extra rain to Gilneas, which probably tells you all you need to know.) But any fan of machinima will appreciate how well put together this video is, picking settings and scenes from WoW that fit perfectly with the theme. Interested in the wide world of machinima? We have new movies every weekday here on WoW Moviewatch! Have suggestions for machinima we ought to feature? Toss us an email at moviewatch@wowinsider.com.
WoW Moviewatch: Grom Is Not Pleased
The Warlords of Draenor cinematic practically begs for redubbing, in which the oh-so-serious dialog is swapped out for something a little different. Grom Is Not Pleased by Kakio isn't the first cinematic remix we've posted, and it probably won't be the last... but it might manage to hang on to the title of the strangest. In this version of the trailer, the Iron Horde is waging a war against vegetables and have perhaps made a few too many IKEA trips. But things work out in the end, more or less. Sure, it's silly, and it might not make a lot of narrative sense (where did they find an IKEA in the first place?), but it's likely to at least get a laugh out of you. Interested in the wide world of machinima? We have new movies every weekday here on WoW Moviewatch! Have suggestions for machinima we ought to feature? Toss us an email at moviewatch@wowinsider.com.
WoW Moviewatch: Sad Horde Diaries
Cat owners will be familiar with Sad Cat Diary, in which a parade of adorable cats express their dissatisfaction with their existence, in which their needs are constantly thwarted by the mysterious machinations of the authority (read: their owners). Actually, we're surprised we're surprised it's taken this long for someone to make the connection between disaffected cats and disaffected WoW players, who are similarly thwarted by the authority (read: Blizzard). But now Sad Horde Diaries is here to correct that oversight. Put together by TradeChat, Sad Horde Diaries collects the many miseries of the average WoW player in this familiar format... and though we may face different trials than our feline companions (who somehow don't even know what the valor cap is), the comparison does make our concerns seem a little silly. Maybe. Interested in the wide world of machinima? We have new movies every weekday here on WoW Moviewatch! Have suggestions for machinima we ought to feature? Toss us an email at moviewatch@wowinsider.com.
WoW Moviewatch: Pointless Top 10: Banks in World of Warcraft
You know what I like? All those little pointless things in WoW that most people don't really think about. That's why I really enjoy Wowcrendor's Pointless Top 10 lists, and he absolutely does not disappoint with his latest list, which highlights a variety of different banks. Most of the time, we don't even think about banks as anything other than a place to go to put the stuff we aren't currently using but, for some reason, really want to squirrel away and keep. They aren't really anything we actively take a moment to look at. Crendor's top 10 list takes the time to point out all those cool little things about the banks we take for granted. There are a few details he mentioned on the list that I hadn't really given much thought to or taken particular notice of, and I've been playing this game for ten years. But the main reason I love this particular top 10 list is because I hands down, without question absolutely agree with his number one choice, and seeing it again made me wistfully recall far too many hours spent at that particular bank. Interested in the wide world of machinima? We have new movies every weekday here on WoW Moviewatch! Have suggestions for machinima we ought to feature? Toss us an email at moviewatch@wowinsider.com.
WoW Moviewatch: Garrosh takes the Ice Bucket Challenge
The ALS Ice Bucket Challenge has taken the internet by storm over the last few weeks, but now it's making headway into virtual life, too, as Garrosh takes on the challenge. In case you've missed out (or been without internet for the past month), the premise is simple: when challenged, you dump a bucket of ice water on your head or donate to the ALS Association to help fight ALS (also known as Lou Gehrig's Disease). Sure, you could just donate, but making and sharing Ice Bucket Challenge videos is most of the fun. However, Garrosh clearly isn't taking this challenge seriously: "We are the Iron Horde and slightly icy water will never stop our might!" What Garrosh doesn't realize is that ice water is cold. Really cold. Interested in the wide world of machinima? We have new movies every weekday here on WoW Moviewatch! Have suggestions for machinima we ought to feature? Toss us an email at moviewatch@wowinsider.com.
WoW Moviewatch: WoD Cinematic Redubbed
Slightly Impressive took the incredibly orcish orc of the new WoD cinematic and attempted to redub it. While I'm sure plenty of folks will have opinions about the final quality of the piece, the redub is a famous and time-honored method of parody. The Mountain Dew connect is especially amusing to me, especially because that's a drink that's been long associated with WoW. I suppose if we had to pick a soft drink to corrupt a tribe of orcs, then it probably would be the Dew. Interested in the wide world of machinima? We have new movies every weekday here on WoW Moviewatch! Have suggestions for machinima we ought to feature? Toss us an email at moviewatch@wowinsider.com.
WoW Moviewatch: Do You Want To Do a Rep Grind?
It will probably be years before the Frozen parodies die off permanently and I'm just fine with that. Something about that movie warms the cockles of my cold heart, and I don't know when it'll get old. I blame the influence of a toddler girl and the endearing way she shrieks, "Warm hugs!" Do You Want To Do a Rep Grind? is a shockingly thorough WoW parody. The lyrics came together plenty well, and the vocal performance is tone perfect for both the original song and this mournful version. And, hey, I can feel the pain. Rep grinds suck, whether you're helping or the one being helped. Interested in the wide world of machinima? We have new movies every weekday here on WoW Moviewatch! Have suggestions for machinima we ought to feature? Toss us an email at moviewatch@wowinsider.com.
WoW Moviewatch: Ulduar Abridged
Whether you've never been to Ulduar but want the Ulduar experience or you have fond memories of raiding the place during Wrath, Ulduar Abridged is your machinima fix. It's not just a rundown off bosses, but a rundown of the conversations you would have had on Vent if you were running Ulduar when it was new. Brought to us by the fine individuals of Slightly Impressive, it's the latest in a series of similar raid videos, including Icecrown Citadel and Siege of Orgrimmar. So what are you waiting for? Let's get this nostalgia train on the road! Interested in the wide world of machinima? We have new movies every weekday here on WoW Moviewatch! Have suggestions for machinima we ought to feature? Toss us an email at moviewatch@wowinsider.com.
WoW Moviewatch: War of the Ancients - The Well of Eternity
I am pretty sure that War of the Ancients - The Well of Eternity is going to forever hold the record for the longest machinima we've ever featured on the site. I'm also pretty sure it's going to hold the record for one of the most extraordinary projects we've seen. Youtube user and machinima wizard Bloodlord001 is responsible for this epic saga, a retelling of the first novel in Richard Knaak's War of the Ancients trilogy. Clocking in at a little under two hours of story, this is definitely one of those films you want to sit down and watch -- but it's worth every moment, if you want to see Knaak's novel come to life. And really, while this is an adaptation of Knaak's story and a good summary of how the first book played out, it's the machinima work that shines above everything else. Zin'Azshari is brought to life in stunning detail, each piece of kaldorei armor and weapons utterly astonishing in their complexity. Every demon, every character from the book is uniquely presented, with plenty of models that look as though they were built from scratch. The list of voice actors for the film should be familiar to anyone with a passing interest in machinima, and they do a wonderful job here. The only minor complaint -- and it's really minor -- is that the subtitles could have used a pass from an editor. Still, it does very little to detract from what is obviously far more than a project, more like a four year labor of love. I do hope we see a continuation of the story, and the other two novels adapted as well -- hopefully with one monstrous production under his belt, Bloodlord can get the second one out a little faster. Grab some popcorn for this one. Editor's note: Embedding appears to be malfunctioning at the moment -- click the header image to watch the video in full. Interested in the wide world of machinima? We have new movies every weekday here on WoW Moviewatch! Have suggestions for machinima we ought to feature? Toss us an email at moviewatch@wowinsider.com.
WoW Moviewatch: Expendable Warlords
While it may look like we've finally seen the new cinematic, Ian Beckman created one that some might feel is far superior. Or, perhaps, at least more expendable. Featuring some of Beckman's incredible vocal and animation skills, this parody brings home all the rock 'em sock 'em bacon you could ever want. The animation is definitely more rusty than Blizzard's trailer, but I think Beckman's parody tells you exactly as much about the plot. Interested in the wide world of machinima? We have new movies every weekday here on WoW Moviewatch! Have suggestions for machinima we ought to feature? Toss us an email at moviewatch@wowinsider.com.
WoW Moviewatch: Murktale
I'm sure something happened after the first 13 seconds of Murktale but darned if I could tell you what. I basically backed up the video a half million times and watched that first quarter minute over and over. Okay, fine, I watched the whole thing. The punchline is a tiny bit tired, but the overall video was great. Look, it's hard to go wrong with a quicky video featuring murloc jokes. I think someone crooning "in the arms of an angellllll" would have made the video better, though I'm not sure any of us need to hear that song again. Ultimately, it's a fun little video. I look forward to what might be in store in the future for Azian. Interested in the wide world of machinima? We have new movies every weekday here on WoW Moviewatch! Have suggestions for machinima we ought to feature? Toss us an email at moviewatch@wowinsider.com.
WoW Moviewatch: Icecrown Citadal Abridged
As we're all left floundering in the final throes of MoP, killing Garrosh with the same clockwork regularity you'd expect from Swiss watches, now's a good time to look back into the past and remember the interminable raids of yesterday. We spent so long in ICC that it was starting to feel like I married Arthas. Despite the fact we spent two years raiding ICC while waiting for Cataclysm, plenty of modern players weren't around for that raid. In a helpful attempt to catch up newer players, Slightly Impressive is busting out Icecrown Citadel Abridged. Take the time to check out the video and sigh impressively at the nostalgia. Interested in the wide world of machinima? We have new movies every weekday here on WoW Moviewatch! Have suggestions for machinima we ought to feature? Toss us an email at moviewatch@wowinsider.com.
WoW Moviewatch: Warlords Anonymous
Warlords Anonymous is the latest from Ian Beckman. You may recognize other voices in the mix -- WoWCrendor is the voice of Durotan, for example. The models used in Warlords Anonymous really make it clear how immense the difference is between older and more recent character models. Gul'dan is a real eyesore compared to Durotan, Blackhand, and so on. Considering the machinima's subject matter, I'm not sure we could have possibly timed the discussion in today's Queue better. You tried, Durotan. You tried and that's what matters.
WoW Moviewatch: Teenage Mutant Ninja Orcs
Just in time for Michael Bay's upcoming snoutless explosion fest, Gremsly Goblin created one of the finest Horde videos you've ever seen. Teenage Mutant Ninja Orcs tracks a team of four turtles who find themselves transformed into orcs, and launch themselves into a world of adventure. I can't really give you a detailed breakdown of the video points. It was just a long blur of joy. This video left me awash in sweet nostalgia, and I was completely satisfied with the character choices. Splinter became just the right critter. Shredder maybe could have been a little better, but the human-with-claws wasn't a bad choice. I've watched this video about ten times now, and I'm pretty sure I'm ready for some pizza. Taurenbunga, dudes. Interested in the wide world of machinima? We have new movies every weekday here on WoW Moviewatch! Have suggestions for machinima we ought to feature? Toss us an email at moviewatch@wowinsider.com.
WoW Moviewatch: Westfall Pumpkins
Westfall Pumpkins is a tale of not-so-friendly competition between two determined farmers entering into a pumpkin-growing contest. Like any good rivalry, the pair are in no way content to let the other do their thing, and just can't bear to be outdone. In Azeroth, though, we know that nobody is content to let nature simply take its course, and so alchemy, magic, and an impressive judging panel rule the day in this entertaining tale of gardening gone wrong. Whose pumpkin will take home the blue ribbon? You'll have to watch to find out. Interested in the wide world of machinima? We have new movies every weekday here on WoW Moviewatch! Have suggestions for machinima we ought to feature? Toss us an email at moviewatch@wowinsider.com.