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The Heart of Storms: Whispers of the Past: Act II Massive Update!​

A full year has passed since the last major Heart of Storms (HoS) Development Update, and the team has been hard at work. Teasers and sneak peeks have been released periodically on Discord, but now fans are treated to a new comprehensive update on the progress of Act II.

The team reports daily progress on this expansive project. In May alone, over 500 models were created, and over 2,600 sound files processed for unit dialogue. The main races and subfactions have been finalized, and complex, trigger-driven mechanics and abilities for the campaign are in development. Despite the sheer size of Act II, work continues at a strong pace.

A major focus has been on improving visual assets. With heroes like Arnak and Wulnar undergoing transformations, significant upgrades were made to reflect these story changes. While the graphics for Act I were described as "Classic+", Act II's visuals have been dubbed "Classic++," with improved detail and homage to classic canon depictions. The design philosophy follows StarCraft II's model, where heroes are more detailed than regular units while maintaining visual coherence.

Hundreds of new models have been created! For instance, characters like Llane Wrynn, Blackhand, and Teron'gor have been revealed. Blackhand’s redesign includes a combination of inspirations from multiple sources, including Warcraft manuals, films, and Warlords of Draenor. Teron'gor has also been updated, retaining his orc form with added demonic features. Additionally, the orc units, ogres, and campaign-specific animations have been enhanced.

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In terms of gameplay, the switch from version 1.27 to 1.36+ allowed for better performance, resulting in the decision to split larger chapters into smaller, more focused maps. This change also enabled playable interludes and the addition of new tilesets, enriching the visual experience of places like Boralus and Shial.

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Shial’s concept, inspired by Blizzard's portrayal of the Emerald Nightmare and classic Lovecraftian horror, has been expanded into a character that embodies the Void's eldritch nature, while remaining connected to her Titan roots. Act II will feature her nightmarish realms, including the Bleeding Gardens and Kathranaar, the City of Screams, showcasing the depth of Shial’s corruption.

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Excitingly, the HoS Act II Prologue is set to release this winter, offering a preview of what's to come. The prologue promises to introduce key characters and lore, setting the stage for the main campaign.



For the full details on this exciting development update, check out Whispers of the Past: Act II Prologue Announcement and Massive Lore Update!. Stay tuned for more updates as the HoS team continues to craft a visually stunning and immersive experience for Act II.

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20 YEARS OF HIVE WORKSHOP

Two decades ago, the platform began as a simple forum I created alongside my friend, Bloodletter, to gather feedback for our Warhammer 40,000 TD map.

However, I soon discovered a deeper passion for developing the site itself, leading me to shift its focus from just our map to a broader modding community. That decision has shaped HIVE Workshop into the vibrant hub it is today.

Over the years, we've been fortunate to witness and support some of the coolest modding projects ever created—innovative maps, game enhancements, and custom content that push the boundaries of creativity. We’re incredibly proud to be part of the excellence our community continues to produce.

To celebrate this milestone, we’re hosting a special gaming session tonight at 20:00 UTC+2, where we’ll be playing some of the most amazing projects our community has brought to life. Everyone is welcome to join in and take part in the fun!

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We are thrilled to show you a first look at LoreCraft Designs' upcoming campaign Rise of the Alliance. We sat down with @ShadiHD for a quick preview of what we can expect from the second entry in the acclaimed Chronicles of the Second War series.

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Q: Since you've got a teaser out, I assume things are now well underway.
A: Yes. So after we have released the ToD campaign, which focuses on the Orc point of view, we're now working on the Human campaign titled: Rise of the Alliance. Without spoiling the story of course, it will follow the narrative presented in Warcraft 2, but there will be major changes to how events unfold, especially the timeline.



Q: You've got some unique gameplay systems in place in the Orc campaign, for example, demi-heroes that you upgrade via sidequests. Are players to expect similar systems on the human side?
A: Absolutely. We've come a long way, and we learned a lot, took feedback, and learned from past mistakes. Hopefully, all of this new knowledge and experience will be seen with RoA. It will follow suit of RPG/RTS - like what you've seen in ToD. Some missions will have very unique gameplay as if you were in Baldur's Gate or Diablo, but with the Warcraft flavor of course.



Q: Roughly how many maps/chapters should we expect from RoA?
A: I think around 14. There is a catch, however. Unlike ToD, we've decided to release RoA act by act, with each act containing around 3-4 maps. This way more content gets delivered to the fans, and there is more control on refining and polishing fewer maps instead of doing it on a campaign scale. This gives us a lot of access to how we fix bugs that won't be an issue later, with the aim of smoother games and faster delivery. Of course in the end, with the final release, it's going to be a single entire campaign file. Players won't need to fear about progress. Say for example you finished Act 1, and later we released Act 2. You won't need to start over, you can immediately play from Act 2, but we will keep the option open of starting over from the beginning.



Q: I recall doing a spotlight for your team's phenomenal dwarven assets earlier. Will RoA focus on the human side exclusively, or will their stout allies (and the high elves for that matter) get their share of the action too?
A: While I need to be aware of spoiling anything because I want our players to be surprised by what we have in store, I can safely say, it's the ALLIANCE of Lordaeron, which includes the other races. Garithos won't be happy, however.



Q: Thank you for taking the time to chat. Of course, if you want to share anything else - feel free!
A: Aside from that, we're excited for the Hive's upcoming anniversary. We are proud to be a part of that family, CSW will have a permanent home here. I promise RoA will beat ToD in quality and gameplay by a mile. We can't wait to show more!

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Stay tuned for more from LoreCraft Designs and Chronicles of the Second War!

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Troll Campaign V2.0: A Journey Through Primordial Azeroth​

The Warcraft III modding community has long been known for its creativity and passion, producing countless custom maps, campaigns, and content that have kept the game alive and vibrant since its release in 2002. Among these standout projects is the Troll Campaign (Project thread), a fan-made campaign by the talented @frostwhisper who recently released Troll Campaign V2.0. This campaign offers players a unique perspective on primordial Azeroth through the eyes of the enigmatic troll race. In a story set 16,000 years ago, when the Old Gods' minions awoke, and the trolls of Zandalar rose to challenge them.

Read along to learn more about the key features and see the launch trailer of Troll Campaign v2.0

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KEY FEATURES OF TROLL CAMPAIGN 2.0

1. Six Immersive, Fully Voiced Chapters: Troll Campaign unfolds across six meticulously crafted chapters, each fully voiced to bring the story to life. These chapters guide players through a gripping narrative, immersing them in the rich lore of the troll race as they navigate the challenges and mysteries of Azeroth.

2. A Journey Through Diverse Prehistoric Biomes: The campaign transports players through a variety of prehistoric environments, from dense jungles to ancient ruins, each teeming with life and danger. The detailed biomes add depth and diversity to the gameplay, offering a visually stunning backdrop for the trolls' journey.

3. Craftable Items and Legendary Artifacts: Throughout the campaign, players can discover and craft powerful items and legendary artifacts. These tools not only enhance the abilities of the troll heroes but also play a crucial role in overcoming the campaign's toughest challenges.

4. Powerful Companions to Recruit: By completing sidequests, players can recruit formidable, unique companions. These companions offer unique abilities and playstyles, adding strategic depth and flexibility to the gameplay.

5. Fully Custom Ability, Model, Icon, UI, and Sound Sets: Troll Campaign features a full custom techtree, including unique abilities, visuals, and user interface elements. These customizations make the campaign feel distinct and tailored, setting it apart from standard Warcraft III content.

6. Formidable Warriors and Cunning Casters: The trolls' arsenal includes a diverse range of units, from brutal melee warriors to sly spellcasters. This variety allows players to employ different tactics, combining brute force with cunning strategies to achieve victory.

7. Savage Dinosaur War Mounts: Adding to the trolls' fearsome image are their savage dinosaur war mounts. These beasts not only enhance the visual spectacle of the campaign but also provide powerful advantages in battle, making them key assets in the trolls' fight for survival.

8. Once Dormant Servants of the Old Gods—Now Awoken: As players progress through the campaign, they encounter ancient forces that have been reawakened. Resilient, innumerable, and empowered by the essence of the Void - the aqir swarms will stop at nothing to eradicate all sentient life on the surface.

9. A Blend of Micro and Macro Challenges: Troll Campaign offers a mix of micro-level control and macro-level strategy challenges, ensuring that players remain engaged throughout. Whether managing individual units in battle or making strategic decisions that affect future outcomes, players will find themselves constantly tested.

10. Player Choices, Riddles, and Hidden Secrets: The campaign encourages exploration and critical thinking, with player choices, riddles, and hidden secrets scattered throughout. These elements add replayability and depth, as players uncover new aspects of the story and gameplay with each playthrough.

11. Fully Custom Creep Camps and Summons: The custom creep creeps and summons in Troll Campaign exemplify its environments and add another layer of challenge, requiring players to adapt their strategies and use their units' abilities to the fullest.

12. Over 12+ Boss Encounters: The campaign features over 12 boss encounters, each presenting unique challenges that test the player's tactical prowess. These battles are designed to be unique, memorable, and intense climactic setpieces.

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