But Shadowlands is the first expansion that has made me want to believe the company line in a while. Blizzard has long tried to sell us on the idea that the real game starts when you hit max level, and frankly, I've never bought into that: I generally lose interest and take a hiatus after I've level capped a few characters and run through all the dungeons a few times. When the story ends, though, is where Shadowlands sets itself a step above previous expansions. The wicked enemies and buildings are still in line with the Lich King’s sense of style, though, reminding us that we’re seeing the realm from which his power originated. Everything from the foreboding music to the sickly orange color palette feel as oppressive as Icecrown while completely departing from its icy, blue and black look. This is basically Warcraft’s version of Hell, where the most wicked souls go to suffer eternally. Our introduction to this new world is a bit light on whimsy, though, since we’re dumped pretty much immediately into The Maw. And the plight of your new fae allies takes some very affecting turns that go above and beyond WoW's typically pretty limited emotional range. But the surprise guests from the existing lore are unexpected and very well presented, with a big build-up to a satisfying reveal. Stalwart allies Niya and Korayn both endeared themselves to me almost immediately in their desire to try and do what's best even in a messy, heartbreaking situation. Most of the characters are refreshingly new faces, and I found them intensely charming and memorable. Ardenweald also gives us one of the best zone stories WoW has ever put together.
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