Just when I think Wowhead is feature-complete, they go and add something that never even occurred to me. This time around it's animated models in their 3D model viewer (high-quality Java version only). So if you can't manage to bag that elusive Squashling, at least you can see what it looks like, in full motion (be sure to click Java, if it isn't selected already). So far, animations are available for pets, mounts, player models, and NPCs, but items are coming soon (Terestrian's Stranglestaff, anyone?). Not only that, but they're already working on expansions for what sorts of animations are shown. Currently it just shows "idling" behavior; in the future, you should see a lot more, up to and including "/dance" (for player models) and casting animations.

I'm really excited about this (especially with my main computer in the shop, leaving me unable to play WoW at the moment). It lets me gaze at all sorts of interesting things:

• Raid bosses I'm never going to see
• Strange new mounts
• Awesome small pets
• Character models in any gear you want (using the compare tool)

And the Flying Carpet. It will be mine, oh yes. What are some of your favorite models?

Tags: 3d, 3d-models, animation, models, wowhead

Filed under: News items, Screenshots