Warcraft III: Reforged is here, but it has proven... disappointing, let's say. The game omits promised features advertised on the game's website, and removes fan-loved features from the regular Warcraft III client (which by the way, can no longer be downloaded legally).
Blizzard issued a statement yesterday declaring its intent to stick with the game, keeping it updated and bringing it closer to what players had envisioned for the remaster. To that end, Blizzard has already begun issuing patches for the game, which the firm detailed on the forums, and in the patch notes below.
Campaign
- Players should no longer be met with a "defeat" screen after loading into a mission.
- Audio levels for some dialogue have been adjusted.
- The animations, triggers, and cameras for some cutscenes have been tweaked.
- Disconnecting or logging out will no longer change the save file folder.
- Fixed a number of issues that would block progression or not give credit for completing missions.
- Developer's note: Updating a map for these types of fixes invalidates prior saves. This is similar to how replays from prior game client versions no longer work. Campaign progress will not be lost.
Custom Games
- Multiboards should no longer crash custom games.
- Joining lobbies for the same map no longer creates duplicate versions of the map.
- Developer's note: This also resolves disconnects from improper map names.
Gameplay
- The rendering of Classic mode has been updated.
- Resolved an issue with hitching when constructing buildings or training units for the first time.
- Fixed Ziggurat upgrade animation in Reforged mode.
- Adjusted animations and portraits for multiple units and buildings.
- Units completing training while off-screen again have voices.
- Starting locations are again obscured by the fog of war.
Interface
- Whispers now include the name of the sender.
- Locale settings for audio and subtitles can now be adjusted independently in Battle .net prior to launching the game.
- Non-Latin glyphs no longer overlap.
- A tooltip now displays when hovering over truncated text.
- Chat keeps up with the latest messages.
- Heroes on the match results screen are now contained by boundaries.
- All menus are now distinct between Classic and Reforged graphic settings.
- Developer's note: We've implemented a temporary solution to better inform whether you are playing in Reforged or Classic mode, by applying a sepia tone to the background images for Classic.
Are you playing Warcraft III: Reforged? Let us know what your experience has been like so far in the comments.
Fear and loathing in Azeroth
Newcomers to Warcraft III have a far more accessible entry point to a game that's still good at its core, but veteran players are understandably turned off by some major changes.
