Animated models now on Wowhead

by Eliah Hecht Oct 29th 2008 at 6:00PM

Just when I think Wowhead is feature-complete, they go and add something that never even occurred to me. This time around it's animated models in their 3D model viewer (high-quality Java version only). So if you can't manage to bag that elusive Squashling, at least you can see what it looks like, in full motion (be sure to click Java, if it isn't selected already). So far, animations are available for pets, mounts, player models, and NPCs, but items are coming soon (Terestrian's Stranglestaff, anyone?). Not only that, but they're already working on expansions for what sorts of animations are shown. Currently it just shows "idling" behavior; in the future, you should see a lot more, up to and including "/dance" (for player models) and casting animations.

I'm really excited about this (especially with my main computer in the shop, leaving me unable to play WoW at the moment). It lets me gaze at all sorts of interesting things:

Raid bosses I'm never going to see
Strange new mounts
Awesome small pets
Character models in any gear you want (using the compare tool)

And the Flying Carpet. It will be mine, oh yes. What are some of your favorite models?

Tags: 3d, 3d-models, animation, models, wowhead

Filed under: News items, Screenshots

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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

Greg Oct 29th 2008 6:15PM

I dont want to come off as that guy that goes "OMFG THIS IS SO OLD I DID THIS 2 HOURS AGO!" But i was using wowhead about a week ago and i used java to view the high res models and it was animated, i thought it has always been like that *shrug*

peagle Oct 29th 2008 6:21PM

For what it's worth this didn't work on my browser with Java 6 update 7. It required a download of the most recent version 6, update 10.

And yes, it is neat.

Thander Oct 29th 2008 9:58PM

Works fine on mine with Java 6 Update 7.

Evi Oct 30th 2008 2:08PM

I'm having the same issue with Java 6 update 7. Weird.

spacehyena Oct 29th 2008 6:39PM

*wants proto-drake* *WANTS NOW*

I love the design...it's very DnD-ish wyvern, rather than the leonine Horde type.

Lemons Oct 29th 2008 7:35PM

I can't wait to see the Lich King /dance :P

Suzaku Oct 30th 2008 7:24PM

Sorry to disappoint you, but he hasn't had a dance emote since they gave him a unique animation set (he originally used the human animation set).

BooDizz Oct 29th 2008 8:13PM

Speaking of the Squashling, I have have stupidly nice RNG these last 2 days. I finally won the roll from the Horseman drop, only to trick or treat straight after and get another.

Then this morning before i went to work i got in a quick trick or treat and guess what, i picked up my third Squashling!

Do ya think Blizz has upped the drop rate since the 'QQ i cant get my meta achievments'?

Garfunkel Jenkins Oct 30th 2008 9:50AM

took me 9 days of HH runs and as many ToT's as I could but I finally got the squashling yesterday! Woot!

But I agree, I already had the hallowed helm, but through ToT now I have 4 (too bad i can't give away or trade) - maybe the drop rate has been changed...

mask quest is removed next patch??
The Hallowed will be a cool title

hold up Oct 29th 2008 8:31PM

Kinda cool feature because

a) you can see what your Tier gear looks like on races that arent supposed to wear it.

b) while its loading you can get almost a full second of naked blood elf.

Cat Oct 29th 2008 9:52PM

Don't mean to dump on WoWHead as I love that they've done this, but hasn't this been available with WoW Model Viewer forever, including customisable gear and all the animations?

Thander Oct 29th 2008 10:00PM

This is much easier to use and doesn't require installing any programs (besides your browser). Wowhead works anywhere with an Internet connection(assuming Java installed) including places you may not have permission to install a program.

Cat Oct 29th 2008 10:45PM

Yeah of course, but from the text of the post and some of the comments, it sounded like they weren't aware of WoW Model Viewer. Like I say, I love that WoWHead has done it a browser.

Shadowfire Oct 29th 2008 10:20PM

This has been done before its nothing special.

Clasifyd Oct 30th 2008 8:55AM

Terestian.

Just a pet peeve of mine, no offense.

Vlatch Oct 30th 2008 11:35AM

Mother Sharaz is one of my favorites. There's tons of bosses that just look amazing in 3D.

http://www.wowhead.com/?npc=22947#

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