New Tauren cat forms revealed
by Eliah Hecht 
Jun 2nd 2009 at 1:17PM
So far we've already seen the bear forms for Tauren and Night Elves. Today, Blizzard unveiled the replacements for the much-maligned Tauren cat form. You can see the results above. My initial reaction is that they're still a bit ugly, but way better than the previous Tauren cat form (which is marked "Old Cat form" above).
Here's what a few of our staff members thought:
Elizabeth: "A million times better. Still not as cool as night elf, but better."
Allison: "The eyes are way too small. Still going to be glad I play a bear."
Lesley: "Those horns are evil."
Alex: "I'm gonna roll a Tauren Druid so I can play that black one with the grey mane. I'm going to RP an old grizzled war vet Druid."
What do you think?
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 10)
Randomrestodruid Jun 2nd 2009 1:55PM
Dude, I'm not sure you realize this, but this is a really bad thread to be complaining about Druids and balance.
dawnseven Jun 2nd 2009 1:23PM
Awesome! I agree that the eyes are maybe a little too small, but they're also quite a bit more realistic.
chayes81 Jun 2nd 2009 1:58PM
So my question is, are there going to be new animations?
kabshiel Jun 2nd 2009 2:02PM
They're infinitely better looking than before...but kind of weird looking. They seem to have a low-sloping forehead which just looks strange. If the NE cat forms look like this, I don't think it'll be an improvement.
Manatank Jun 2nd 2009 2:03PM
When can my hunter tame one?
Amaxe Jun 2nd 2009 2:55PM
I think they look better than the old form, but I don't like them still. Would rather have the current Nelf form.
Of course since the old tauren form looks so wretched, maybe the others are better than they look here.
Jorges Jun 2nd 2009 3:35PM
/agree
They look so much better than before. They are strange and maybe not what many Taurens expected. But an inmense improvement over the old one.
I'm pretty sure the NE ones will still look better.
Meg Jun 2nd 2009 4:02PM
I don't understand how people can think they look strange; as a RL-animal fan they look very realistic to me. I always hated the cartoonish, ugly Horde cat form. The detail, colors, and model change look pretty badass, and the small eyes fit with the head shape and add to the impression of ferocity.
I love that Blizzard changed the head/muzzle/nose shape to mirror actual big cats. I am SO excited for this patch! I've got my baby druid up to 51 and climbing, kitty/resto, very thrilled to see these awesome graphic changes. (:
Jenessa Jun 2nd 2009 6:16PM
I agree it looks more realistic but in turn I keep thinking about downs tiger when I look at the white one....
Blast9 Jun 2nd 2009 1:23PM
I actually think this new style is really cool. Much better than the old one.
Stages Jun 2nd 2009 1:23PM
The top left looks pretty badass.
Darxide Jun 2nd 2009 1:37PM
*insert lion king reference here*
Snailking Jun 2nd 2009 2:01PM
Top right looks like a GOAT
Eltanos Jun 2nd 2009 2:04PM
Yeah, it looks like "Scar" from "The Lion King"!
Heilig Jun 2nd 2009 4:48PM
Too bad you may have to take a bear form you don't like to get the badass cat form :(
Xora Jun 2nd 2009 1:24PM
Meh, better then before but could be better.
d503 Jun 2nd 2009 1:27PM
I love how people who are probably dreadfully unqualified make comments like this...be happy with what they give you and keep in mind that blizzard has a style of their own in their own game, which they adhere to...
Craig R Jun 2nd 2009 1:35PM
now, while I found his comment to be lacking in substance, I think anyone is qualified to comment on art based on how much they enjoy it on a personal level.
Just, for the love of god, explain your opinion, otherwise you're a shmuck.
Xora Jun 2nd 2009 1:38PM
I am happy with the changes. I'm just stating my opinion. I think they did a great job, but I think they could have done a little better. Way to attack me over something so retarded.
thevitruvianman Jun 2nd 2009 1:45PM
@Craig R
I have to agree with what you've said here. Everyone is entitled to their own personal opinion on art, but if you're going to criticise, then make it constructive criticism or just stay quiet. Just saying something sucks is pointless and makes you look like a child.
I think the nice thing about these cat forms is it's a lot more obvious in the comparison that the models and skins have both been improved quite a lot from the previous version. It seemed fairly obvious to me with the bear as well, but I know a lot of people seemed to think it was the exact same model. The differences seem a lot more pronounced on the new cat form. The one in the top right looks absolutely evil, almost makes me wish my druid was on the horde side now...