Should we talk about new bear animations?

[Quiv]

I know this has been mentioned in other threads (and I don't know how to move those posts into this one yet ) but I figured this could use its own dedicated thread. Frankly I don't know if everyone knows about this change, and how it completely changes bears (for good or ill, you decide).

Here is a Wowhead video outlining the new bear animations that will affect the HD version of our pets. So far on alpha, they old model bears use the old animations, but this affects the HD bears and the druid bears (including the druid bear NPC in Silverpine, for example).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aB-iWQL0BLs

MR GM video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9rmVwMbTQp0

[Valnaaros]

I personally like what they've done thus far. It is clear that they sren't complete yet, but I like the direction that they're going in. I've seen feedback concerning the stiffness of the animations, so Blizz should be aware of that if they aren't already. They still have a few good months to finish them up

[Vephriel]

I'm really happy with them the more I see them. They feel so much more appropriate for a bear, and running around in alpha as a druid to get a feel for them sold me. I'd grown used to the posture of bears in game because they've always been that way, but it really was a bizarre stance, especially how they seemed to walk on their forearms rather than their paws. The new animations are a welcome and overdue change I think.

((off topic but I love your sig, Quiv ))

[Teigan]

So far, so good! They look more dignified and fearsome.

[Quiv]

I love their walk. Its intimidating. The run feels oddly less fluid and more like hopping, but I'm sure they'll sort out anything that needs to. I do love the idle turning head roar, thats a lot smoother.

If anyone is concerned, Arcturis is still uses the old bear animations, much like the rares that still have the old bear model.

(also thanks Veph!)

[Xota]

I was expecting to dislike the new look, I liked the big butt bear. But I'm not going to lie, I prefer the new stance.

[Wain]

I liked the big butt bear. But I'm not going to lie

Don't you mean, "and I cannot lie"?

I really like the new animation, too. It's wonderful they've put thought into it. But I've had my big-butted bear for so long it's hard to think of him any other way. So I'm actually kinda glad his skeleton hasn't changed fr the old model, even if the new one is a good job.

In other bear-related news, the TCG bear mount model folder just had the bear2 skins copied to it. Of course those skins don't work on the existing model, but it makes me wonder if an update to that model is on the way. Then again it could have been an accident.

[Valnaaros]

An update to the Amani Bear can be viewed on this Reddit post.

[Wain]

An update to the Amani Bear can be viewed on this Reddit post.

Ah, so they have changed already. There's a bit of a clash of texture styles there - the vibrant and higher-contrast armour with the foggy, low-contrast new bear skin. It makes it look like a bit like a photoshop job.

[Valnaaros]

That it does, which is quite a shame. :/

[Teigan]

I actually think it looks fine, because it's better than it did look.

[Equeon]

This is amazing. Would that these came at the same time as the new models back in Legion, so we wouldn't have all that hunchback nonsense.

[Divixon]

i quite like it, new change. less slugly look

[Quiv]

After the initial HD update (and the ensuing bear-pocalypse), I am glad to see this update seems to be much more positively received!