One of the leading developers of Undermine(d) recently sat down with us to share exciting details about the new chapter in World of Warcraft. This new city is a departure from anything we’ve seen in Azeroth, teeming with energy and designed for speed. Get ready to learn how you’ll zoom and drift through the bustling streets in fresh, sleek hot rods.
Imagine a city that feels like New York, marries a steampunk essence, and throws caution out the window. That’s the sensation you’ll get upon entering Undermine, WoW’s latest zone, now live. Having the privilege to head the design efforts for this endeavor, alongside a team of brilliant colleagues, I’m excited to walk you through what’s inside this one-of-a-kind goblin city—complete with wild ride-worthy vehicles.
So, let’s delve in! We’re introducing a game-changer with D.R.I.V.E., our Dynamic and Revolutionary Improvement to Vehicular Experiences (yes, the acronym is as ambitious as the feature!). This intriguing addition revamps travel, giving players the keys to a unique hot rod: the G-99 Breakneck. Quest your way through “Eyes from Above” to uncover the “No More Walkin’ Here” and start your journey with this vehicle through a comprehensive tutorial.
We’ve rooted these vehicles in the whimsical art style befitting WoW goblins. The G-99 Breakneck comes with eye-catching details like extravagant flames bursting from the hood, perfectly harmonizing with Undermine’s chaotic spirit.
One of our main goals was to inject drifting—a beloved mechanic from classic racing games—into the WoW world. Bringing this to life involved meticulous planning and sparked enthusiasm throughout our team. This feature is all about rediscovering freedom and control, reminiscent of your first car experience and the boundless adventures it promised.
But don’t think of the Breakneck just as transport—it doubles as a passenger mount, inviting friends to join in on the adventure. Players can challenge themselves in races, maneuvering through both forward and backward tracks. And for those who find fast speeds overwhelming or nausea-inducing, customization options are available right after unlocking, allowing you to adjust the speed, or switch to standard ground mounts as you prefer.
Now, why have a shiny new hot rod without an exciting location to race it? Undermine offers just that; cars zoom around, forming a vibrant part of the cityscape and extending a fun invitation for you to join in. Deliver piping hot towels or fend off a ghostly tiger terrifying the city’s younglings and truly embed yourself in this city’s narrative.
Undermine is bursting with character, from racing on streets that tower over fighting-ring-studded sewers to rubbing shoulders with pirates, mobsters, and cooks whose culinary skills will knock your socks off.
Beneath its crafted sky, Undermine stands as a thumping heartbeat of goblin commerce and culture. It draws a stark contrast to typical WoW cityscapes, presenting a congested, lively environment where life hums with daily business.
The zone hints at bigger possibilities. Featuring hotspots such as Slam Central Station (a testament to imagination’s limits), Undermine radiates goblin savvy and enterprise. With whimsically named sites like the Incontinental Hotel and the Gallagio, it showcases a society eagerly reaching for more.
The unfolding story in Undermine delves into self-improvement. Interweaving with The War Within’s primary plot, players encounter figures like Orweyna, who introduce them to the Ringing Deeps and kick-start the narrative. You’ll cross paths with characters like Renzik and Gazlowe who offer glimpses into the lives within Undermine. Gazlowe’s journey evolves, leading to a revolution for freedom—a powerful reminder of how unity can topple tyrannies.
So, venture into Undermine—a realm woven with fast rides and covert dealings. Drift with flair, whether it’s an inch or a mile, because in Undermine, drifting is an art form.
The Undermine(d) update is ready to explore in World of Warcraft on PC via Battle.net. For more details, head over to WorldOfWarcraft.com.
