WoW Insider

WoW Moviewatch: Arm of Hades: Thundercats

Michael Gray — Sat, 18 May 2013 20:00:00 EST

This is a shot-for-shot recreation of the opening to Thundercats. David Nguyen did an astounding job of the video. It makes me both want to play WoW and watch the cartoon. It's just awesome. But there's more.

This is the kind of machinima and community involvement you hope to see. David directly credited Fifth Element for inspiring the video. It's always incredibly astounding to see machinima creators respond to one another this way. Congratulations to both David and Fifth Element on creating a cartoon machinima legacy.

Interested in the wide world of machinima? We have new movies every weekday here on WoW Moviewatch! Have suggestions for machinima we ought to feature? Toss us an email at moviewatch@wowinsider.com.

WoW Moviewatch: Arm of Hades: Thundercats originally appeared on WoW Insider on Sat, 18 May 2013 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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WoW Machinima: Hockers

Michael Gray — Fri, 17 May 2013 18:00:00 EST

Filed under: WoW Moviewatch

RomireVids is hitting the street with a brand new video: Hockers. A Pawn Stars parody, this video turns Azeroth into a bizarre, huge pawn shop. It's got some shout-outs to bizarre lore moments of the past, a few slightly purple jokes, and more than a few punchlines.

This video is a huge step up for Romire. The graphics are solid for the subject matter and the voice acting is excellent. Most importantly, the script flows convincingly and sticks to a single train of thought. It's a nice video from Romire. My hat's off to you, sir!

WoW Machinima: Hockers originally appeared on WoW Insider on Fri, 17 May 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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WoW Moviewatch: Batman Beyond Twin Consorts

Michael Gray — Thu, 16 May 2013 17:00:00 EST

Filed under: WoW Moviewatch

It's a little-known secret that Batman Beyond remains one of the best Bat-reimaginations we've seen. Clinging to continuity with a tenuous but resilient grasp, Batman Beyond captures some of the best bat-themes and bat-ideas.

You can imagine my thrill when I saw Fifth Element's bat-video, Batman Beyond Twin Consorts. With the same sense of excitement and flair they bring to all their videos, the raiding team of machinima gives Terry a whole new spin.

WoW Moviewatch: Batman Beyond Twin Consorts originally appeared on WoW Insider on Thu, 16 May 2013 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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WoW Moviewatch: Queen Azshara's Revenge

Michael Gray — Tue, 14 May 2013 18:00:00 EST

Filed under: WoW Moviewatch

I'm not sure how realistic the idea of Azhshara retaking her throne actually is, but Killer Cookie seems to have put some real though into it. With a haunting soundtrack and wonderfully rendered graphics, Queen Azshara's Revenge nearly makes me root for the return of the vile queen.

Putting together faux-lore videos requires some forethought. If you stick too closely to the plot, then it's easy to confuse a viewer into thinking this is actually in the game. If you go divergent, you'll find that your audience doesn't care about your fiction. Killer Cookie nailed a middle ground in this video and created something truly interesting. And, like I said: totally gorgeous stuff.

WoW Moviewatch: Queen Azshara's Revenge originally appeared on WoW Insider on Tue, 14 May 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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WoW Moviewatch: WoW Bosses as Actual Bosses

Michael Gray — Mon, 13 May 2013 18:00:00 EST

Filed under: WoW Moviewatch

Ever had that feeling that your boss is secretly an ancient scion of evil, ready to destroy the world? Or that your supervisor would take an entire raid to defeat? It seems Slightly Impressive has had that feel because WoW Bosses as Actual Bosses is some hilarious stuff.

Whether you're being remembered from the mail room, or bowing down before the department supervisor, this video has a little work place humor for any office worker. My hat's off to Slightly for an incredible and hilarious joke. Nicely done, sir.

WoW Moviewatch: WoW Bosses as Actual Bosses originally appeared on WoW Insider on Mon, 13 May 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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WoW Moviewatch: Stwarkwaft II

Michael Gray — Sat, 11 May 2013 18:00:00 EST

Filed under: WoW Moviewatch

Work Warning: A touch graphic and violent. You know, like StarCraft.

This could be the best translation of StarCraft II voice acting that I've ever heard. Frankly, it's so good I almost question why the actual game wasn't produced this way. SilverlinedPro's amazing graphics and fine eye for parody puts the murloc in the marine and provides a fragging good time. While this video dates all the way back to 2010, I think it counts as a timeless classic.

Thanks to Thomas for the tip!

WoW Moviewatch: Stwarkwaft II originally appeared on WoW Insider on Sat, 11 May 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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WoW Moviewatch: WildCats: Iron Qon

Michael Gray — Fri, 10 May 2013 12:00:00 EST

Filed under: WoW Moviewatch

It's the return of Fifth Element with an homage one of the most... niche cartoons of the last 20 years. You either loved the WildCats or you hated them. Or, maybe, you didn't notice them. Regardless, Fifth Element reached deep into the caves of creativity and translated its unique rap opening into the intro to an Iron Qon video. So, here we have it: one last hope at redemption for WildCats.

WoW Moviewatch: WildCats: Iron Qon originally appeared on WoW Insider on Fri, 10 May 2013 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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WoW Moviewatch: Aftermath

Michael Gray — Thu, 09 May 2013 12:00:00 EST

Filed under: WoW Moviewatch

A thoughtful, moody video featuring the dulcet tones of Alice Cooper? What's not to love about the new video Aftermath? Created entirely from in-game graphics, the authenticity and solid pacing of the video provides a solid new entry by PallyPowerXIX.

The video felt a teensy bit long to me, but that's a common challenge to be tackled in any dialogue-less story. The creator did a decent job tackling it, I just look at 7 minutes as being a big number for a machinima. Your mileage will vary.

All in all, I was very satisfied by Aftermath. The video did a superb job of knowing itself and its limitations, and told its story within those lines. It's good proof that this in-game & music-only technique can be successful if you take the time to think through your plot. Very nice job.

WoW Moviewatch: Aftermath originally appeared on WoW Insider on Thu, 09 May 2013 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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WoW Moviewatch: If WoW Was Easy... er

Dawn Moore — Wed, 08 May 2013 19:00:00 EST

Filed under: WoW Moviewatch

Today on WoW Moviewatch, Wowcrendor presents us with a simple question: how easy do you think World of Warcraft could become? The context for this question obviously being that players are constantly complaining how easy the game has become over the years. Thoughts, anyone? Rants? Well-argued essays?

Anyway, to answer the question, Wowcrendor employs his usual style wherein which Billy presents the question and Crendor responds with several, increasingly absurd answers. I won't spoil any of the jokes (though I really want that robot) so just give it a watch.

I have to admit, it really is astonishing that Billy has retained his innocence and naivety over the years. You'd think after being slapped around by the harshness of reality so many times he'd have become jaded by now. But I guess he really is resilient ... Or maybe just extremely oblivious. Either way, props to you Billy. I wish I had your tenacity.

WoW Moviewatch: If WoW Was Easy... er originally appeared on WoW Insider on Wed, 08 May 2013 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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WoW Moviewatch: Lore According to Ragnaros

Dawn Moore — Tue, 07 May 2013 15:00:00 EST

Filed under: WoW Moviewatch

Did you ever think Ragnaros might not be such a bad guy, and that maybe he's just really, really misunderstood? Probably not, but you will after you watch the latest machinima from Slightly Impressive. In the video, Ragnaros explains what actually happened in Molten Core back during vanilla WoW. He also makes a fairly good point about how we shouldn't take crazy dreams too seriously. Sound advice, seeing as I once had a dream where the WoW Insider staff tried to recreate The Empire Strikes Back.

Anyway, I think this machinima shows off Griffter's strengths well. The setup and the script are genuinely funny and the voice actors execute it all perfectly. I'd actually really love to see this become a short series with a different boss each episode, provided Griff can keep the jokes fresh. Even if it stays a one-shot though, this is one of my favorites to date.

WoW Moviewatch: Lore According to Ragnaros originally appeared on WoW Insider on Tue, 07 May 2013 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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WoW Moviewatch: World of Gnomecraft 2.0

Michael Gray — Mon, 06 May 2013 16:00:00 EST

Filed under: WoW Moviewatch

You can only push a good gnome so far. For years, the Alliance and Horde punted gnomes, used them as garden decorations, and denigrated this most destructive of races. And then Baron Soosdon issued the call to the pint-sized purveyors of perfection, and we entered the World of Gnomecraft 2.0.

Kick back and enjoy the revolution. This contest-winning video from 2010 will show you why the good Baron is so far ahead of his time.

WoW Moviewatch: World of Gnomecraft 2.0 originally appeared on WoW Insider on Mon, 06 May 2013 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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WoW Moviewatch: Wrought

Michael Gray — Sun, 05 May 2013 14:00:00 EST

Filed under: WoW Moviewatch

We covered Here Without You yesterday, one of the classics of machinima. The Forsaken lovers theme is a popular one, though relatively few machinima artists have really done it justice. It is no surprise that another great example is Wrought, created by Legs based on a song by Peratus.

Not only is the machinima amazing but the song is pretty good, too. I grump a tiny bit that it devolves into garbling by the end of it, although I'll admit that technique aligns well with the storyline in the video.

WoW Moviewatch: Wrought originally appeared on WoW Insider on Sun, 05 May 2013 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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WoW Moviewatch: Here Without You

Michael Gray — Sat, 04 May 2013 18:00:00 EST

Filed under: WoW Moviewatch

Let's bust out an oldie but goldie. While Here Without You has been around for a long, long time, it still gets cited as one of the best machinima of all time. Why? Well, let's talk about that.

The story is tight. Perhaps not unique, but they don't waste time with side plots or scenes that don't serve the main story. It's tight, focused, and fast. The song matches the mood; while you might not love the tune, the pacing and theme is in perfect sync with one another. The animation is self-aware. While these aren't mind-blowing graphics, it understands its own limitations and stays within its lines.

Ultimately, the point is that the video stays focused on the story it's telling, it doesn't waste time with extraneous plots or gimmicks, and it keeps moving forward. It's easy to see why Here Without You gets so much praise.

WoW Moviewatch: Here Without You originally appeared on WoW Insider on Sat, 04 May 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Weekly news roundup with Panser of TradeChat

Michael Gray — Fri, 03 May 2013 20:00:00 EST

Filed under: WoW Moviewatch

TradeChat's Panser returns with this week's WoW Insider news recap, where we look back at the hottest news from the past week and whatever other kickin' rad things may have come our way. This week's topics include:

Blizzard's done stolen Lore
Bill Westenhofer announced part of WoW movie
Blizzard art on display at Seattle museum
.. and the game's on a crossword
How you can still attend BlizzCon
Remember your first day in WoW?

If you enjoyed the show, make sure to subscribe to TradeChat, leave a comment, and come back next week for the next episode!

Weekly news roundup with Panser of TradeChat originally appeared on WoW Insider on Fri, 03 May 2013 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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WoW Moviewatch: Lich King Does Orphan Week

Michael Gray — Thu, 02 May 2013 17:00:00 EST

Filed under: WoW Moviewatch

Well, it's Orphan Week. The community's produced relatively view Orphan Week machinimas over the years, so the standout celebratory video of children in WoW is Yumfries' eternal classic: Lich King Does Orphan Week. With more than a little humor, and an ending that just makes you feel all warm and fuzzy, this is the video that personifies the holiday.

Here's hoping all you folks doing the achievements take as good care of your orphans as Arthas does.

WoW Moviewatch: Lich King Does Orphan Week originally appeared on WoW Insider on Thu, 02 May 2013 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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WoW Moviewatch: Fifth Element Avengers

Michael Gray — Wed, 01 May 2013 18:00:00 EST

Filed under: WoW Moviewatch

The latest from Fifth Element is hopefully not its last. Let's just say... nothing has made me want to stop everything I'm doing and log into the game to play my Paladin right now as much as this video. It's amazing. My jaw dropped. I cheered and clapped and laughed. It's simply that good. And the timing's perfect, considering certain movies coming out this weekend. This video is absolutely my favorite yet.

WoW Moviewatch: Fifth Element Avengers originally appeared on WoW Insider on Wed, 01 May 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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WoW Moviewatch: The Five Different Types of Trolls

Michael Gray — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 18:00:00 EST

Filed under: WoW Moviewatch

I think it's a watershed for most parody writers to tackle the various categories of trolls. It's just something you have to do, whether you like it or not. Write about online culture long enough, and you eventually have to tackle the troll issue. I guess it's Slightly Impressive's turn, because he recently put out The Five Different Types of Trolls.

The video's all right, but any shortcomings aren't really his fault per se. I'll admit I didn't find it terribly funny but that's not because Slightly somehow stumbled. It's just... we've been down this road. For like 20 years, we've been reading categories of trolls. That being said, I did appreciate the meta-humor about how the gag needed structure; it did manage to lend a bit of fresh air to a tired subject.

WoW Moviewatch: The Five Different Types of Trolls originally appeared on WoW Insider on Tue, 30 Apr 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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WoW Moviewatch: Orc vs Wild: Kun-Lai Summit

Michael Gray — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 18:00:00 EST

Filed under: WoW Moviewatch

It's been a while since we've heard from Boar Thrills. Just in time for the Mt. Everest of WoW, Wowcrendor aims his careful camera firmly at wild yetis and freezing snow in Orc vs Wild: Kun-Lai Summit.

While I know it's intended to parody, Orc vs Wild is always a fun view of the game. It's an interesting, microscopic view of Azeroth's climates and its inhabitants, with just enough humor to keep the whole thing amusing. And, hey, who wants to miss any opportunity to say luckydoo out loud?

WoW Moviewatch: Orc vs Wild: Kun-Lai Summit originally appeared on WoW Insider on Mon, 29 Apr 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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WoW Moviewatch: Coming to Gank

Michael Gray — Sat, 27 Apr 2013 18:00:00 EST

Filed under: WoW Moviewatch

It's been a while since we've had a strong, solid WoW rap video. Gigi, Truff, NooNoo, and Khayllys are here to change that. With a rousing anthem for PvP and a truly stellar video from Khayllys, Coming to Gank is one of the best music videos we've seen for a while. Your enjoyment mileage will vary according to how much you like rap, but I still appreciate a bit of variety in our video consumption.

WoW Moviewatch: Coming to Gank originally appeared on WoW Insider on Sat, 27 Apr 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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WoW Moviewatch: Transmog Shop (NSFW)

Dawn Moore — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 18:00:00 EST

Filed under: WoW Moviewatch

Warning: This video is Not Safe For Work. There's some occasional cursing and Princess Theradas flaunting her Willendorfer assets for several seconds.

I'm always excited to see new work from renowned machinima artist Ian Beckman. Mind you, I'm a bit biased since the two of us are acquainted (we briefly attended the same university -- he made me choke on my drink once while doing his Azerothian Super Villains Akama voice). Today's video is a parody of the song Thrift Shop by Macklemore and Ryan Lewis, featuring Wanz. The parody tells the story of a goblin on his quest to look awesome using vanilla tier gear and transmogrification.

As a machinima parody the piece certainly does its job in recreating the original song and music video, but it's definitely not Beckman's best parody. The lyrics don't really capture the original, lacking both the fun humor of Macklemore's rap lyrics, and the energy and clarity of Wanz's chorus. In regards to the latter point, I think this is part to Beckman doing his best to imitate Wanz's deep vocals but not quite being suited for it. Pulling in another singer to do the part probably would have made it better.

I'm probably being a bit unfair in my critique though, simply because I'm so familiar with Beckman's work. If this was produced by some no name machinima artist I'd probably be perfectly happy with it. You also have to consider what an incredibly difficult song Thrift Shop is to parody, with its many layers of instruments and vocals. Beckman certainly nails the distinct sound of the original and that's no small feat. I really do love the concept of this parody, so I'll keep my fingers crossed that Beckman might keep working on it to fine tune some of the shortcomings.

As an afterthought, I have to say I enjoy how this video clip fits in with the rest of Beckman's work. He's been playing since vanilla and it's always interesting to see how that inspires his present day work, like That's the World of Warcraft That I Used To Play. Transmog Shop gives off a similar vibe to Beckman's Gotye parody, using a new WoW feature to harken back to the old. It offers a nice contrast to other popular machinima and parody artists whose works tend to only reflect the current expansion.

WoW Moviewatch: Transmog Shop (NSFW) originally appeared on WoW Insider on Thu, 25 Apr 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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