Mighty Battle: Hunter and Mage Tier 9 sets
by Zach Yonzon 
Jul 21st 2009 at 8:00PM
Of course, these are all just my opinion so take it with a grain of salt. Players' tastes vary, so I'll preface my qualifications by saying that I, uh, am a fan of John Galliano, have the fashion sense of Brüno, and read medieval fantasy fashion magazines. Oh alright, none of those are true, except maybe the first one which still has nothing to do with World of Warcraft armor design. What the heck, this is a humor piece, anyway, so let's get right into battle!
Round 1: Class
As usual, we'll start by checking out the Alliance version. Nothing about the set particularly screams 'Hunter', which should probably be expected considering its the first set that breaks away from the '-stalker' nomenclature. There are token scales, but that's nothing new for Mail armor. If you see the armor on a Night Elf, as pictured above, the character can just as easily be mistaken for a Druid.
The Horde version, on the other hand, leans a little more towards the Hunter kit. First of all, it has some animal-style horns on the helmet along with some aggressive horns on top and the shoulder pads. Speaking of shoulders, there's a chitinous shell above it that resembles some beast's hide; these can also be found on the gloves, hips, and presumably matching boots which drop in the Crusader's Coliseum. These, coupled with the more animal-like scales, evoke an affinity with beasts or at least a predatory nature.
Verdict: The Horde set wins this round, with their Tier 9 still continuing a Monster Hunter tradition of salvaging trophy beast parts for armor.
Round 2: Faction
This is a really interesting match-up, and I think we can cover both sets in one paragraph. First of all, the Alliance Hunter's Tier 9 set is colored in the traditional blue, white, and gold, making it readily identifiable as Alliance from a distance. The second notable feature are the two lion's head insignia's on the shoulders. Bam, Alliance set. Any other questions? The Horde version is a little more subtle, with its rust coloration several hues removed from traditional Horde red. There's also a subliminal Horde symbol smack in the middle of the chest, although it's obscured with straps and other elements.
Verdict: Both are pretty good representations of faction, but the Alliance set wins easily because a tabard covers up the Horde symbol. And really, who doesn't wear a tabard?
Round 3: Overall Look
What's with the boat shoulders? I mean, a pointy hat isn't so bad, but those Alliance shoulders look like they belong in architecture, not in armor design. Or maybe at some souk in Dubai.
Verdict: Horde Hunters snipe this win away if only because the Alliance shoulders miss the target.
Winner: Horde 2-1
Round 1: Class
The Alliance version of Tier 9, thanks to its colors, is very reminiscent of the Netherwind Regalia, one of the most popular and near-iconic armor sets for Mages. Aside from that Tier set, no particular Mage set has actually come to represent the majesty and power of Mages. This set helps evokes memories of Tier 2, which should make all those guys in Dalaran happy.
The Horde version just isn't particularly Mage-like. It's robes with some glow and spikes. On the other hand, this set is quite possibly the first Tier set that looks absolutely perfect for Fire Mages. Red and black for maximum burn? Yes please, thank you.
Verdict: Although the Horde set looks great for pyromaniacs, overall the Alliance version of Tier 9 feels more Mage-like. Blame the twisting nether and arcane magics for being all lavender. It also gets bonus points for the milky way splatters subtly integrated into the armor (check out the hi-resolution pic in our gallery).
Round 2: Faction
Sadly, there doesn't seem to be anything in the Alliance set that makes it distinctly Alliance. Nothing subtle, and definitely nothing obvious, either. It seems tailor-made for any Mage. On the other hand, a lot of things feel very Horde-like in its counterpart, from the (wrong color) Horde symbols to the entire color scheme, which uses shades of red found in most Horde shields and banners. There are Horde symbols on the gloves and shoulders, which would make any Alliance Mage reluctant to wear it.
Verdict: The Horde blinks away with this one.
Round 3: Overall Look
This is a rather tough decision, actually. For one thing, both designs are cool in their own way. While the Alliance set feels perfect for Arcane Mages thanks to the coloration and smooth, curving lines, the Horde set, as I mentioned, is great for Fire Mages. It's the first set that leans towards that aspect of the Mage, something I'm certain a lot of players will welcome. Sorry, Frost Mages, you had your day with the Frostfire Regalia.
Verdict: It's a tie! Each faction scores a point here as both sets look just great, and because frankly, all the Mages will just be happy to be wearing a skirt again.
Winner: Draw 1-1-1
TALLY SO FAR: 3 Horde vs. 2 Alliance
The Horde have won two match-ups so far (Death Knight, Hunter), while the Alliance have won one (Druid), and pulling even on one encounter (Mage).
In tomorrow's Mighty Battle, we'll pit the forces of Alliance Paladins and Priests against their Horde rivals. This will be a battle of epic proportions! Or maybe just a walk-off. We'll see. In the meantime, check out the hi-resolution gallery of Tier 9 gear prepared by the super guys at MMO Champion, and cast your votes below to see how public opinion matches the current Mighty Battle!
| Alliance | |
|---|---|
| Horde |
| Alliance | |
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| Horde |
Patch 3.2 will bring about a new 5, 10, and 25 man instance to WoW, and usher in a new 40-man battleground called the Isle of Conquest. WoW.com will have you covered every step of the way, from extensive PTR coverage through the official live release. Check out WoW.com's Guide to Patch 3.2 for all the latest!Filed under: Hunter, Mage, Patches, Analysis / Opinion, Humor
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 4)
devilsei Jul 21st 2009 8:10PM
Eh... personally I don't like the idea of comparing the armor as classes. Simply because, like you said, the cloth armor wasn't exactly magy, with the glows and spikes, and I bet that will be similar to complaints with the priests, the only class it really fits well is the Warlocks, for obvious reason.
If anything, it should be compared to armor types, not cloth, and how well it fits the classes in general, and not just the class compared to other classes.
Cetha Jul 21st 2009 9:21PM
the priest one is pretty great for shadow priests as well.
Terethall Jul 21st 2009 10:21PM
Ironically, I find the alliance cloth set perfect for mages, yet terrible for warlocks. Normally we get great art and design for our tier, but nothing feels warlocky at all about tier nine for locks.
Although I do pretty much hate the new tier sets across the board.
Nick S Jul 21st 2009 10:49PM
The Horde Warlock set is clearly what that armor was designed for.
devilsei Jul 22nd 2009 1:28AM
Yeah, thats what I get the feeling of is that it only really fits Warlocks. Shadow priests? Everything turns all dark and misty so they won't notice colors, so that will fit, but for healing? Eh... and of course, the mage version seems to only match fire, like its been said.
And the exact opposite can easily be said for the Alliance versions, sure warlock, fire, and shadow priests might not like it, but I'm sure every one else will.
As for the mail set, the alliance doesn't seem to "Shamany" or "Huntery" while the Horde matches hunters, and enhance shamans. Just my opinion though.
This is turning out just like Sunwell in every regard. Ugly, god-forsaken armor that struggles to match one SPEC, much less class or even classes, and only fosters gagging and vomiting.
Granted, some of the armor does look nice (Personally the horde paladin gear I love, though that could easily be because I roll pally). And the leather alliance stuff is great (granted only rogues'll be seen in it, it matches them greatly) while the horde version has big glowing "LOOK AT ME" crystals on the shoulders, sure any self-respecting rogue wouldn't want those while trying to be sneaky.
ITQ.Caleb Jul 21st 2009 8:13PM
Well you did better at judging this time. As much as I'm a fan of the horde, I think Alliance Mage looks better. I wouldn't want to run aroung like I'm playing Laser Tag.
Kylenne Jul 21st 2009 8:41PM
The reason the Alliance mage looks better is because he used the one Alliance race that actually looks decent in the horrendous-looking gear they have this time.
Seriously, spacegoat mamas rock the hell out of that stuff. It looks like crap on every other race. Have you seen this set on a gnome?
Albrechtae Jul 22nd 2009 12:47AM
Sadly, most set's shoulders look odd on Gnomes :( These new Alliance Mage ones seem to hover above the shoulders of every other race very nicely, but they are rather squished onto Gnomes. I bet when the Gnome runs the tips of the shoulders animate through his/her head.
Otherwise I still like the Alliance Mage gear! Perfect looking for my Arcane Mage. Don't mind the Hunter's boat shoulders, either!
Valent1ne Jul 21st 2009 8:19PM
Horde set wins both in my book, easily. The hunter is a very "savage" class, and the Alliance set doesn't seem to capture that at all - in fact, it seems more like ceremonial armor. The Horde armor, on the other hand, looks like something I would wear to a fight.
While both mage sets look amazing, the Horde set gets points for originality. It's a completely new design for mages, and while the Alliance set looks great, it's kind of a "new-and-improved" Netherwind. Yes, it's good. But it needs look at least somewhat original.
Selene Jul 21st 2009 10:57PM
^ This.
The Alliance hunters look rather southeast Asian to me, and at least it's at least original, but I find it aesthetically jarring, and it definately looks more ceremonial than functional. I suppose it could be seen as an echo of the Asian overtones in Night Elf culture (I hope you'll forgive that grossly generalized statement from a westerner, lol), but it completely misses the signature 'feel' of Night Elves: savage and yet ethereal, deadly cunning mixed with grace. I'm trying to set out of my own aesthetics to find something redeeming, but I find it just plain ugly.
I'm not overly fond of Netherwind specifically, but that robed-arcane-sorcerer look is classic for mages. Alliance vs. Horde in this case seems to come down to mage-ish vs. originality. I'm afraid I have to hand it to the Alliance in this case, just because I HATE that it forces Horde mages to be bald. I suppose you can suppress the helm Horde-side, but then that gets rid of one of the niftiest pieces of the set.
Selene Jul 21st 2009 10:58PM
One of these days I'll learn to proof-read my comments >.
merkmerk06 Jul 22nd 2009 4:10AM
I agree, horde sets win. While the alliance mage set is nice and all, i get tired of seeing so much purple. Yes, yes, arcane and all the magicy goodness that goes with it. If you're an arcane mage tho, the odds that you're casting all purple spells is pretty high, arcane missiles, arcane explosion, arcane blast, arcane barrage... purple, purple, purple AND... purple. Thank god we are not in netherstorm anymore.
I liked the horde mage set for the shake up with color. purple and orange ftw.
also, I just didn't think the hunter set for alliance looks very huntery... to me it oozes night elf paladin. (if they existed.)
flawless Jul 22nd 2009 9:19AM
Personally very disappointed in the Alliance hunter set. It does look more like a Druid set, and that's even before you compare it to the Horde set.
Now I'm hoping theres off-set gear that has different designs...
Evelinda Jul 23rd 2009 10:23AM
oh, the alliance hunter set is hideous, just awful... and the horde one is only slightly better, imo. it makes me glad i stopped playing my hunter when wotlk landed...
Jeremiel Jul 21st 2009 8:32PM
As a mage, I've already spent more than enough time in this expansion being shiny and purple, thanks to T7.5, so am very glad that I'm Horde. Alliance mage set doesn't do much for me.
Then again, I'm also enjoying my T8 trousers, no matter how much my guild mock me for them.
There's no accounting for taste, eh?
Haro Jul 21st 2009 8:36PM
I kinda like the alliance Hunter a bit more. True, it doesn't seem very huntery, but I think its a great design in its own right that fits in with the Northrend scheme and is very detailed and intricate.
The Horde version definitely looks more like hunter armor, and its not that its bad armor, but I just think its kinda boring, reminds me a lot of earlier hunter armor.
As for mages, I'm kinda disappointed in both. I like the Alliance more; not sure where the spikes came from, but it looks more like a warlock than anything else, even for horde (points for originality though) but neither seems to really fit in very well with northrend. Alliance is, as mentioned above too similar to older armor, while I think the horde armor is just way out there (though a fire mage armor would be cool)
clerkenwell Jul 22nd 2009 3:57PM
I'm glad someone else seems to prefer the Alliance Hunter set over the Horde set. Besides the fact that the Horde set is just sort of blah and seems like a retread of past Hunter sets, the Alliance set as a departure from the norm makes me like it all the more. Sure, the Hunter's path is a savage one, but I think my female Draenei Hunter is as regal as she is savage, and this set accentuates that, probably in large part because it looks, as others have mentioned, ceremonial. For me the ceremonial aspect is also welcome simply because of where the armor is coming from. These armor sets are rewards for participating in a grand, somewhat ceremonial, tournament. Nobody is going out into the wild or exploring some dungeon or lair of a powerful foe, here. A ceremonial bent, is, I think, quite fitting.
Kylenne Jul 21st 2009 8:38PM
LMAO, Galliano, seriously? Suddenly, the completely whacked out result of the first article makes perfect sense. You should have just said you had the sartorial sense of a schizophrenic monkey.
Lacroix, sweetie!
Adverti Jul 21st 2009 8:49PM
Use new arrows. I couldn't tell if you were pointing at the Hordes wrists or the Alliance belt.
mmason91 Jul 21st 2009 8:53PM
i love how the author says its 2 to 2 while the readers voted that the horde won all 4 by at least 10%