Ever since Cataclysm many of us Worgen druid players felt terribly underwhelmed by a few of our shapeshifting forms. The introduction of the very well-done and racially distinct Zandalari and Kul Tiran druid forms have only added more salt on this wound.
I have contemplated some meaningful changes to the aesthetic of multiple Worgen druid forms to provide greater distinction and thus more satisfaction to us disenfranchised druids of the pack.
- Moonkin Form
As a balance spec, this esp. was most disappointing to me that it turned out to simply be copy-paste Night Elf incarnation with a slight re-coloring. I was recently doing some world quests in Voldun and came across an object that briefly turned me into a stone monument. Seeing my moonkin’s color change into a pallet of grays made me think, “wow even THIS looks way better than the default Worgen moonkin form”.
a) Change the overall color scheme to various tones of dark gray and black to fit into the ominous tone of the Worgen
b) In vein of the bear form (my favorite shapeshift form, tied with Air Travel form) change the chest ormanents to be spiky-Gilnean military aesthetic (this can be taken even futher with the armor appearance Incarnation: Chosen of Elune talent too)
c) Antlers are fine, but do more to imply a more lupine influence. Put a wolf tail in the mix, make the claws even more prominent on the hands and feet
d) Why does it have Night Elf ears? Make them Worgen ears!
e) Instead of purple markings on the feathers do more of an autumn orange or yellow which befits the Gilnean aesthetic more appropriately
- Land Travel Form
Not even a re-coloring, but a 100% copy-past of Night Elf (the same complaint can be made of the relation between Darkspear Troll/Tauren as well).
a) I can see this as being a much simpler fix than that of Moonkin. Basically re-color the stag form in a dark color scheme of blacks and grays and make the markings yellow/orangish in contrast.
b) building off the previous suggestion make those eyes glow bright yellow (or even whatever color the specific Worgen player chose)
- Aquatic Travel Form
Nothing communicates Worgen in this form, while Zandalari and Kul Tiran accomplishes this effectively.
a) Something along the lines of the seals you see in Kul Tiras could work. There you see a Wogen-like mane with a more aggressive feel. Add this with the suggestions I put forth for land-travel form.
- Cat Form
While less dissapointing than Moonkin and Travel forms, could still use an upgrade to make it on par with the Bear form.
a) Make the armor more intense with more prominent spikes sticking out of its armor bands like the Bear form
- Tree Resto Form
Personally I think ALL races deserve greater distinction as opposed to simple leaf-coloring.
a) Throw some claws and teeth into the mix
And that’s all I’ve got for now. These same principles should honestly be applied to the poor Darkspear Troll druid forms which are lacking as well in their tropic, colorful character.