Blizzard out of ideas
I admit, I love Blizzard's games, Starcraft & Diablo are among my all time favorites. The Warcraft games would be my least favorites but doesn't mean I don't enjoy them.
I felt this game got more credit than it was REALLY worth... not so much in terms of gameplay, but in advancing the Warcraft story and universe. It was a fun game (no match to Starcraft IMO), but did Blizzard just run out of ideas? Seriously, did they get lazy after crafting the nice graphics and gameplay and say "woops, we forgot to make an interesting story".
It just bugs me that no one ever seems to acknowledge that Blizzard obviously put no effort into the story. It's clear that they just took key elements from they're other 2 successful games and mashed them together.
Am I wrong? Just a little odd how Arthas was a human hero that became corrupt and turned against his own kind by becoming a key figure for the undead army although still very rebellious against them. Just as Kerrigan became Infested by the Zerg and turned against the Terrans, while at the same time was pretty rebellious and wanted to rule the Zerg herself. BOTH elements essentially leading to their expansion packs.
Yes it wasn't the main element of Warcraft III's story, but the corruption of the World Tree sure was. Wait...... didn't Baal seek to corrupt the World Stone at the end of Diablo 2?
I know Blizzard loves Easter Eggs, and like to incorporate small things in each of these 3 franchises for fun.... but this seemed a little lazy, and over the top. I had a hard time getting into this game's story because of these obvious revamps. This game got great ratings (which it deserved), but I don't think anyone called them out on this. I just feel this is well-deserved criticism.
I just hope they don't do something like this again with Starcraft 2, although I guess it wouldn't be possible to steal from Warcraft III what has already been stolen.