As World of Warcraft: Forever enters its beta, a growing number of players are praising the game’s stripped-back, old-school design — but a vocal segment of the community is grappling with one particular choice: the music. For one PC Gamer writer, the experience has become a love-hate affair, with the title’s deliberate use of silence and ambient sound leaving them yearning for the relentlessly themed soundtrack of their other beloved MMO, Final Fantasy XIV.
The writer, who jokingly describes themselves as suffering from “the MMO no-life virus,” has been sinking dozens of hours into WoW: Forever’s beta. Their only prior exposure to Blizzard’s MMO came in the form of a level 13 Paladin during the Battle for Azeroth era nearly a decade ago — an attempt they admit was a “poor attempt.” This time, however, it’s sticking. The game’s retro aesthetic, complete with modern conveniences, has won them over, though the audio design has proven harder to fully embrace.
A Love Letter to the Old Guard
What has captivated the writer is WoW: Forever’s commitment to its roots. The title deliberately evokes the classic feel of the original World of Warcraft while sprinkling in modern touches that make it palatable for players who lack “rose-tinted glasses.” This balance of nostalgia and accessibility has been a highlight of the beta experience, drawing players back for extended sessions.
Yet, as the writer notes, the game’s approach to audio is a point of contention. World of Warcraft has long favored a minimalist soundscape, allowing the crunch of orc footsteps, the whispering wind, and the squawk of an eagle to carry the atmosphere. The writer is warming to this deliberate choice of ambiance, but it stands in stark contrast to the approach taken by their other MMO.
The Final Fantasy XIV Difference
For the writer, Final Fantasy XIV offers a masterclass in themed music. The game features a bespoke score for nearly every situation — distinct tracks for each zone during both daytime and nighttime hours, separate music for dungeons, sub-bosses, and major bosses. The current expansion’s raid series alone boasts a unique song for every single fight, with the final boss of each tier receiving two.
“There’s a song for just about anything in that game,” the writer explains. “Music for each zone during daytime hours. And another one for each zone during nighttime hours. Music for dungeons. And sub-bosses. And boss bosses.”
While some tracks have become relentlessly overused — the writer jokes that most Warriors of Light suffer from “Machinations-induced trauma” — they credit composer Masayoshi Soken and the wider music team with spoiling players rotten. The result is a soundtrack inextricably linked with the emotional highs and lows of the game.
Looking Ahead
Despite the frustration, the writer remains a fan of WoW: Forever. “What I’ve heard so far has been downright fantastic,” they say, expressing hope that the composers will have more to offer as the game develops. They anticipate that hearing the first notes of Durotar’s overworld music will soon trigger nostalgic memories of their own MMO adventures.
As the beta continues, the contrast between WoW: Forever’s atmospheric restraint and FFXIV’s exhaustive musicality is likely to remain a topic of discussion among the community. For now, the writer is content to embrace both worlds — even if it means their brain requires constant musical stimulation.
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