Celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Warcraft franchise, Blizzard has unveiled exciting remasters of two beloved titles. Both the original Warcraft and Warcraft 2 are now available, showcasing a host of enhancements and features that aim to delight both new players and long-time fans.
During the recent Warcraft 30th Anniversary Direct stream, Blizzard revealed that the remasters come with fully upgraded graphics while still offering an option to switch back to the original visuals. Players can also anticipate enhancements to their overall well-being along with enhanced user interface and user experience features. Additionally, Warcraft II will support multiplayer gameplay with compatibility for all legacy custom maps, allowing for a seamless experience.
It’s important to note that these remasters are positioned as enhancements, rather than complete reimaginings similar to the controversial Warcraft III: Reforged. The latter was met with criticism for its numerous alterations, technical problems, and missing or reduced features compared to the original game. This prior backlash may have influenced Blizzard's decision to adopt a more faithful approach for Warcraft I and II.
On the same day, an update for Warcraft III: Reforged is being rolled out, which includes a graphic overhaul and various enhancements to improve gameplay. This update allows players to toggle between the new graphics, the classic visuals, and a remastered version that maintains the essence of the original while offering a higher resolution. Moreover, Reforged players will have the flexibility to customize UI elements across all graphic modes.
Warcraft III: Reforged will now be part of a refreshed “Battle Chest” that recalls the nostalgic bundle, adjusting prices based on the games players own. This means that if you've previously purchased Reforged, you can acquire the remastered editions at a lower price.
The remasters of Warcraft I and II, along with Warcraft III: Reforged 2.0 and the new Battle Chest, are available now. Fans can catch the latest updates from the Warcraft Direct, which also includes news about World of Warcraft and World of Warcraft: Classic, along with previews of the upcoming expansion, Midnight.