WoW locations based on real-life
by Mike Schramm 
May 24th 2008 at 9:00AM
Most of the dances I at least recognized as their real-life counterparts, but other than maybe the Stormwind Castle (and Stonehenge -- duh), I don't think I recognized any of these overtly. Of course, the influences are there -- you can definitely see the Oriental flavor in the Night Elf architecture, and Human buildings are definitely inspired by English and French architecture, but did you know that Durnholde's wreckage compares to a ruined castle in France, or that Zul'Farrak is a take on Macchu Picchu?
Very cool finds. Definitely shows you how much Blizzard borrowed from the real world to make this fantasy setting as believable as possible.
Filed under: Analysis / Opinion, Fan stuff, Odds and ends, Blizzard, Screenshots
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Hilus May 24th 2008 9:17AM
Actually, the Troll architecture is also strongly based on Mayan buildings and pyramids, specially Chichen-Itzá and Uxmal. The SE part of Ghostlands too.
Jason May 24th 2008 9:28AM
Actually yes, I did notice. Quite obvious? Surprises me that you did not, until recently.
Vendrill May 24th 2008 3:19PM
Jason, please stop being such a dick. Thank you.
Have a great day, buddy!
Extremitus May 24th 2008 9:33AM
My fave is that Un'Goro Crater is based on the Ngorongoro Conservation Area AS WELL as being chock full of Nintendo references :)
Argent May 24th 2008 10:08AM
the neuschwannstein-magisters terrace connection i don't see at all. the clocktower one is also pretty off base imo. that tower looks a lot more like some form of fachwerk architecture, whereas the one in prague looks more medieval in nature.
Snood May 24th 2008 10:14AM
also the giant goblin statue in booty bay is probably based on the giant statue of jesus in brazil
vlad May 24th 2008 10:41AM
or the 500,000 other giant statues on this planet.
they do lok close but really all periods and zones have a peticular stly that is easily replicated if your a 3d modeler.
Hilus May 24th 2008 12:03PM
IT IS based on the Jesus of Brazil. What's more: this giant Jesus is on the top of a mountain in the city or RÍO DE JANEIRO (january river). And guess what's the name of this zone in Booty Bay?...exactly, Janeiro's cape.
SCH May 24th 2008 1:18PM
Yes, whole Stranglethorn Vale has a strong South-American similarity. And a bit of Africa, Jaguero isle feels a bit like Madagascar. Hmm Jaguero~Janeiro...?
Elmo May 24th 2008 11:11AM
I once was at a castle in the Czech Republic and it was 100% like Stormwind castle.
the stone was as white, the shapes of the windows etc. it just wasn't as steep as SW castle and had a square. but the architectural style...
Elmo May 24th 2008 11:28AM
I found a picture of it.
http://i.idnes.cz/06/083/cl/PET152c1a_martinaprouzova_hluboka.jpg
Tenchan May 24th 2008 11:31AM
Magister's Terrace has a far more East European style than the very West European Neuschwanstein.
Now I need to go look up actual pictures of Ngorogoro.
Pulyx May 24th 2008 2:01PM
And neither of you remembered the statue on Booty Bay that is based on the Christ Redeemer on Rio de Janeiro. (Janeiro's Point on STV)
Hilus May 24th 2008 4:16PM
Hahaha, Pulyx, just go and read posts 6 and 8...
Lanth May 24th 2008 3:30PM
Silithus, with its rocky formations reminds me of The Pinnacles.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Pinnacles_Desert
Krahog Jun 1st 2008 10:53AM
And not just buildings and structures, but names also. there is a province in sweden called Dalarna. Switch two letters, and guess what.