Breakfast Topic: That voice you can't get out of your head
by Brandon Cox 
Dec 22nd 2010 at 8:00AM
This Breakfast Topic has been brought to you by Seed, the Aol guest writer program that brings your words to WoW Insider's pages.
The Lion King is one of those movies that everybody ought to see before they die. One of the strongest films from the Disney renaissance, it features some of the best voice acting in animation history. Who could forget James Earl Jones' deep voice imparting within Simba the need to reclaim his place as king? Or Jeremy Irons' cold, cunning, and manipulative growl with every word Scar spoke?
Voice acting can make or break films, and games are no different. As WoW has grown older, voice acting has become far more commonplace. All bosses now come with accompanying quotes. In Cataclysm, a great number of quests feature voice acting. We're surrounded on all sides by a world that is now living, breathing, and speaking.
Players have certainly caught on and appear to love the voice acting. In Wrath, several bosses went viral thanks to their memorable quotes. From Thorim's deep voice recalling meeting players "In the mountains ..." to the juvenile XT-002 lamenting the death of his toys, voices made these bosses come to life at a previously unseen level.
Which voices in the World of Warcraft are the most memorable for you, and how have they enhanced your experience?
The Lion King is one of those movies that everybody ought to see before they die. One of the strongest films from the Disney renaissance, it features some of the best voice acting in animation history. Who could forget James Earl Jones' deep voice imparting within Simba the need to reclaim his place as king? Or Jeremy Irons' cold, cunning, and manipulative growl with every word Scar spoke?
Voice acting can make or break films, and games are no different. As WoW has grown older, voice acting has become far more commonplace. All bosses now come with accompanying quotes. In Cataclysm, a great number of quests feature voice acting. We're surrounded on all sides by a world that is now living, breathing, and speaking.
Players have certainly caught on and appear to love the voice acting. In Wrath, several bosses went viral thanks to their memorable quotes. From Thorim's deep voice recalling meeting players "In the mountains ..." to the juvenile XT-002 lamenting the death of his toys, voices made these bosses come to life at a previously unseen level.
Which voices in the World of Warcraft are the most memorable for you, and how have they enhanced your experience?
Filed under: Breakfast Topics, Guest Posts
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 12)
Josin Dec 22nd 2010 8:04AM
I'd be happy if they didn't insist on Chris Metzen growling his way through 90% of the voice work.
Josin Dec 22nd 2010 8:06AM
Forgot to add: The most memorable voice for me, that still creeps me out is Interrogator Vishas. "Naughty secrets!"
Drakkenfyre Dec 22nd 2010 8:20AM
Damn it, I came in here to say "I guarantee someone will mention "Naughty secrets"", and I was beat on the second post.
No one who has played Alliance can forget Mr. Smite. "YOU THERE, CHECK OUT THAT NOISE!", "WE'RE UNDER ATTACK! REPEL THE INVADERS!". "YOU LANDLUBBERS ARE TOUGHER THAN I THOUGHT! I'LL HAVE TO IMPROVISE!". It's sad he's no longer in the Deadmines.
As far as sound effects I hate, I hate bear aggro'ing sounds. It's the same sound effect everywhere. It's used in a ton of movies, and TV shows. Even Furbolgs use it for their aggro sound effect. Every time I hear it, I think "Oh geez, not again." I hate it.
Chetti Dec 22nd 2010 8:22AM
Yes^^ so much yes. That has got to be one of my favorites, that I somehow find myself talking along.. rip the secrets from your flesh.. yeah, love it.
Josin Dec 22nd 2010 8:27AM
@Drakkenfyre
On the topic of bad sound effects... anyone else notice how loud goblins are when they get hit or die? Its crazy!
Mcdreamy Dec 22nd 2010 8:58AM
I agree about metzen. I appreciate that he's done so much work to bring us voice acting, but maybe a little diversity wouldn't bankrupt Activision.
Additionally, I swear that the female orcs in WoW sound like the female orc (or whatever they're called) in Morrowind.
Tesgah Dec 22nd 2010 8:08AM
I am the Spellweaver! My power is infinite!
RIP Malygos :(
arcaneterror Dec 22nd 2010 8:08AM
With the good there is also the bad...
SUFFER, MORTALS! YOUR PATHETIC MAGIC BETRAAAAAAAAAAAYS YOU!
Jerodar Dec 22nd 2010 9:31AM
A tormented groan escaped me for only reading that >< Ugh
Dandaid Dec 22nd 2010 8:33AM
Makes me want to rip my ears out every time.
Tri Dec 22nd 2010 8:54AM
You are FRROOOOOLLLLSS to have come here!
loop_not_defined Dec 22nd 2010 10:19AM
The Green Drake, Aronus, that brings you into Mount Hyjal for the first time had fairly off-putting voice-acting. I don't know...maybe it was just me?
Baylem Dec 22nd 2010 2:43PM
Something about blue dragons and annoying voices...
"Can you feel the cold hand of death upon your heart?"
"Pledge Fealty to me and perhaps I won't slaughter you for your insolence!"
"You will not survive while I draw breath!"
Irontoof Dec 22nd 2010 4:21PM
TBH Sindy has one line that sounds good.
"YOU ARE FOOLS TO HAVE COME TO THIS PLACE. THE ICY WINDS OF NORTHREND WILL CONSUME YOUR SOULS!" I've been muted on vent a few times for yelling that in sync with her.
Scougelord Dec 22nd 2010 8:08AM
That would have to be the voices of the blue dragonflight, Malygos and Ley-Guardian Eregos. I still can't get their quotes out of my head.
Eregos ftw! Dec 22nd 2010 11:34AM
Yes, Eregos ftw!
Nachiketa Dec 22nd 2010 8:10AM
Time for fun!
Scott Dec 22nd 2010 8:11AM
"You know what they say about Curiosity!"
It's permanently in my head.
Mep Dec 22nd 2010 8:11AM
YOU FACE JARAXXUS! YOU FACE JARAXXUS! Eredar lord of the... trifling gnome!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MkeC9WVVsQ4
StClair Dec 22nd 2010 11:52AM
FLESH TROMBONE!
(in other words: yes, this)