Mighty Battle: Rogue and Shaman Tier 9 sets
by Zach Yonzon 
Jul 23rd 2009 at 3:00PM
While I've outlined my criteria for judging the armor sets, we've spiced things up with a reader poll to see which armor you guys like and from the results thus far it looks like the Horde have gained a good edge in the voting. Is it a result of faction-bias? Are the armor sets really that much better for the Horde? Hit the jump to find out!
ROGUE
We'll take a look at the Alliance version first, as we've done in the past few days. This time we're looking at a leather armor set identical to the Druid set, albeit with different coloration. The dark blue coloration with bronze highlights is pretty elegant and gives off a different vibe than previous Rogue sets. Though the bladed shoulders are reminiscent of past tier armor, the rest gives off a more tailored look. The pockets on the shoulders are utility belt-ish, and while we're on that track, the mask gives off a Batman vibe. Or crow-man. Either way, I think it works.
The Horde set is decidedly more rough around the edges and gives off more of a 'brawler' feel, lending itself better to a Combat spec, as opposed to the Assassination and Subtlety vibe of the Alliance set. The large stitching gives it a more leather feel than the Alliance one, which looks like cloth. One beef I've got with this set are the brightly glowing shoulders. Why would a Rogue, a master of stealth, announce his presence with sun lamps?
Verdict: The Horde set looks great, no question, but the Alliance set feels more Rogue-ish. The Alliance slips past this one.
Round 2: Faction
There isn't much going for the Alliance set here other than the blue and gold coloration. Because it lacks the kilt or skirt of the Druid version, there isn't enough Elvish filigree to 'theme' the armor. The Horde Rogue set is rust-colored with charcoal, which also echoes the red and black hues of the Horde, but in addition to that, Horde symbol design elements are scattered throughout the armor set. The cool thing is that the Alliance version evokes a more 'civilized' feel as opposed to the more primal tone of the Horde version, which works for both armor sets.
Verdict: By virtue of a few more Horde symbols, the Horde take this round.
Round 3: Overall Look
I know more than a few of you aren't fans of the corseted look, but I really, really like it. Yes, it looks phenomenally better on female characters, but it works well for male toons, too. And some armor really are tied together in that manner. It's different, it looks unlike any armor we've seen in the game so far, actually. On the other hand, as cool as the Horde armor is, there's nothing particularly memorable about it. It gets points for raised leg armor, but otherwise it isn't distinctive. At least Tier 8 had that bald man helm to make it stand out.
Verdict: I'm scoring this one for the Alliance simply because it carries a distinctive style as opposed to the generic cool-and-spiky assemblage of the Horde.
Winner: Alliance 2-1
SHAMAN
Round 1: Class
If anybody looked at the Alliance armor, they'd be hard-pressed to say what class it actually represents. For one thing, it lacks any of the signature elements - pardon the pun - of a Shaman tier set. None of the colors evoke shamanism, and the teal doesn't even feel natural. On the other hand, it is an alien race wearing this set, so the teal just might be fitting. The only thing this set has going for it is the kilt, which for many players is a very shamanistic thing.
Its counterpart blatantly rips off from the awesome Cataclysm armor sets, using a similar helm style and utilizing molten earth elements on the shoulders and gloves, replacing what would be chitin on the Hunter armor. It distinguishes itself from the Hunter armor more than mere coloration, which is great. The only downside to this set? Pants. I'm sure Enhancement Shaman would enjoy it, but watch the caster Shamans groan.
Verdict: Horde scorch the Alliance on this front.
Round 2: Faction
Sure, there are those signature lion heads on the Alliance tier shoulders, but even they look off with this set. Their colors don't even match the entire armor. Removing the symbols might even do this particular set some good. On the flip side, we've got the Horde Shaman armor which has one Horde symbol-like thing on the chest. That's it. For those of you who'd like to argue that it looks very Horde-like, I encourage you to imagine this set on a Draenei. It would look awesome and not Horde-exclusive at all. Never mind that there's just too much indigo on this set for it to evoke red bloodthirst.
Verdict: Symbols notwithstanding, both sets are faction fail.
Round 3: Overall Look
Fine, some of you guys seem to like the boat shoulders. I don't. The Shredder helmet seems alright, though, but that's about it. Overall, the combination of teal, orange, and lavender trims is just awful. It looks like, as one commenter put it, "a jar of jelly beans." I consume copious amounts of Jelly Belly, but I don't want it on my armor set. Contrast this with the Cataclym redux of the Horde Tier 9. Even though the indigo isn't very Horde-like, it adds a great contrasting color to the set that brings out the molten lava. The only thing that would make this set perfect would be a kilt... and don't rule that out just yet. The files are only data-mined, which means there could be a kilt version out there somewhere.
Verdict: Horde shocks the Alliance version big time!
Winner: Horde 2-0-1
BATTLE RESULTS THURSDAY: 5 Horde vs. 5 Alliance
By my reckoning, the Horde have won three match-ups - Death Knight, Hunter, and now the Shaman sets - while the Alliance have scored three of their own with the Druid, Paladin, and Rogue sets. Both factions score even by tying on the Mage and Priest sets, bringing the total tally to 5 points apiece. Of course, our polls indicate a totally different trend, and we'll recap everything this weekend when you've all had a chance to give your call. Tomorrow we conclude Mighty Battle when the Warlock and Warrior sets clash head to head! Stay tuned and don't forget to vote!
Round 1: Class
If anybody looked at the Alliance armor, they'd be hard-pressed to say what class it actually represents. For one thing, it lacks any of the signature elements - pardon the pun - of a Shaman tier set. None of the colors evoke shamanism, and the teal doesn't even feel natural. On the other hand, it is an alien race wearing this set, so the teal just might be fitting. The only thing this set has going for it is the kilt, which for many players is a very shamanistic thing.
Its counterpart blatantly rips off from the awesome Cataclysm armor sets, using a similar helm style and utilizing molten earth elements on the shoulders and gloves, replacing what would be chitin on the Hunter armor. It distinguishes itself from the Hunter armor more than mere coloration, which is great. The only downside to this set? Pants. I'm sure Enhancement Shaman would enjoy it, but watch the caster Shamans groan.
Verdict: Horde scorch the Alliance on this front.
Round 2: Faction
Sure, there are those signature lion heads on the Alliance tier shoulders, but even they look off with this set. Their colors don't even match the entire armor. Removing the symbols might even do this particular set some good. On the flip side, we've got the Horde Shaman armor which has one Horde symbol-like thing on the chest. That's it. For those of you who'd like to argue that it looks very Horde-like, I encourage you to imagine this set on a Draenei. It would look awesome and not Horde-exclusive at all. Never mind that there's just too much indigo on this set for it to evoke red bloodthirst.
Verdict: Symbols notwithstanding, both sets are faction fail.
Round 3: Overall Look
Fine, some of you guys seem to like the boat shoulders. I don't. The Shredder helmet seems alright, though, but that's about it. Overall, the combination of teal, orange, and lavender trims is just awful. It looks like, as one commenter put it, "a jar of jelly beans." I consume copious amounts of Jelly Belly, but I don't want it on my armor set. Contrast this with the Cataclym redux of the Horde Tier 9. Even though the indigo isn't very Horde-like, it adds a great contrasting color to the set that brings out the molten lava. The only thing that would make this set perfect would be a kilt... and don't rule that out just yet. The files are only data-mined, which means there could be a kilt version out there somewhere.
Verdict: Horde shocks the Alliance version big time!
Winner: Horde 2-0-1
BATTLE RESULTS THURSDAY: 5 Horde vs. 5 Alliance
By my reckoning, the Horde have won three match-ups - Death Knight, Hunter, and now the Shaman sets - while the Alliance have scored three of their own with the Druid, Paladin, and Rogue sets. Both factions score even by tying on the Mage and Priest sets, bringing the total tally to 5 points apiece. Of course, our polls indicate a totally different trend, and we'll recap everything this weekend when you've all had a chance to give your call. Tomorrow we conclude Mighty Battle when the Warlock and Warrior sets clash head to head! Stay tuned and don't forget to vote!
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: Rogue, Shaman, Patches, Analysis / Opinion, Humor
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 5)
Cyno01 Jul 23rd 2009 3:04PM
The alliance rogue set would be fine if it werent for the helm. Its fine for druids, but why the hell would a rogue have a beak.
Josin Jul 23rd 2009 3:10PM
Worked in Tier 4?
Cyno01 Jul 23rd 2009 3:17PM
Eh, T4 was more Batman, less Birdman. IMHO T4 was one of the best looking sets around.
anonymous Jul 23rd 2009 3:17PM
My lock said to pass this along to all the alliance rogues:
"Pfftt... Hahaha! A BEAK! HA HA HA!"
-- stunlocked --
-- killed --
-- corpse running --
"A FRICKIN BEAK! BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!"
dbuzzzy Jul 23rd 2009 3:21PM
The alliance rogue set looks ridiculous on any race other than Night Elves.
SixTwoSixFour Jul 23rd 2009 3:30PM
See, THIS is the reaction I hate. It's not a beak. It's a Renaissance-era Italian mask (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Masquerade_ball). The Masquerades were balls held for the upper class in Italy, and had a history of immorality, and also, several notable assassinations occured during Masquerades, with the killer using the masks to their advantage (Assassin's Creed 2 plays off this).
In truth, I think that this is actually one of the most badass rogue sets because of that. It is WIN.
Orrine Jul 23rd 2009 3:38PM
Can you use little more imagination? Of course Horde sets are always more brutal, while Alliance ones are on the neat side, but who said that brutal = cool? It's fantasy game! Not macho-looks competition.
There's nothing new in Horde Rogue set, it has old design. Alliance set is very distinctive and has unique look. Bird mask? It's "not for Druids", it's "definately not for Rogues"... Should we wear the same gear each time? Reuse the best models in each tier then :P
anonymous Jul 23rd 2009 3:46PM
@SixTwoSixFour
Unfortunately for your argument, it IS in fact supposed to be a beak (of an alliance eagle, to fit with the rest of the armor's theme). I say it's unfortunate because I whole-heartedly agree it COULD be badass if they made it look like the masks you mentioned and either covered the entire face with it or did a half-face like Phantom of the Opera or even rounded up the edges on the nose or made it jagged.
But no matter how you cut it, a BEAK is simply NOT badass. It's funny.
Wolke Jul 23rd 2009 3:50PM
The Helm actually does fit the rouge just like it does the druids, in sort of a Thief Lord kinda way.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Thief_Lord
CrusaderStrike Jul 24th 2009 7:03AM
Don't show ur helm, end of problem.
Petrofifed penguin Jul 23rd 2009 5:35PM
2-1 on rouge set man not 2-0
micgillam Jul 23rd 2009 4:09PM
2-1 on the jaune set also.
artemis Jul 23rd 2009 3:06PM
here i like the shaman and rogues hordes!
i don't like the set of leather of the allience, but in female looks imba i would not show the helm!
no coments for that thing of shamy ally:S prety ugly!!
Tirris Jul 23rd 2009 6:09PM
Yet you just made a comment about it.
Deathcritter Jul 23rd 2009 3:12PM
The rogue set looks like some depressed buzzard...
johnthediver Jul 23rd 2009 3:10PM
As an Elemental/Resto shaman I hate to walk around in a skirt. Give me pants any day. Why would any mail wearer ever want to wear a skirt?
Skraps
www.sham-wows.blogspot.com
deffo Jul 23rd 2009 3:12PM
with the exception of the ally symbols on the shoulders i kinda dig the ally shaman set. the shoulder design is new and interesting and the helmet doesn't even make me want to make it invisible. it's the only alliance tier 9 set that doesn't toally suck in my opinion.
snowleopard233 Jul 23rd 2009 3:32PM
I agree. I think the colors actually match the look of the exodar and azurmenyst quite well. The “boat” shoulders actually seem somewhat reminiscent to me of the architecture you’d find in a Buddhist temple. The whole things looks like it was taken from a Tibetan wall painting, which I’ve always felt the artists drew some inspiration from when they made the Exodar. It’s not only very Draenei, if you ask me, but very alliance shaman. You wouldn’t catch an orc dead in this thing.
kabshiel Jul 23rd 2009 3:44PM
At least the Ally set doesn't look totally generic like the Horde one. It's nice to see a shaman set that doesn't have the volcano shoulders (like Earthfury, Earthshatter, Cataclysm, Worldbreaker) for once.
Manatank Jul 23rd 2009 4:09PM
If only the alliance symbols didn't clash with the rest of the colors so badly. I hate this set.