[NetEase] Justice Online's Bold Move: Shamelessly 'Paying Homage' to Classic WoW Weapons

Recently, NetEase's 'Justice Online' stirred up controversy within the community due to its latest weapon skin releases. Many players pointed out that the game's new gear looks suspiciously identical to iconic legendary weapons from 'World of Warcraft', leading many to label the move as 'pengci'—a Chinese slang term for blatant, opportunistic mimicry meant to grab attention.

Furthermore, players shared additional comparison shots for the 'Thunderfury, Blessed Blade of the Windseeker' and 'Thori'dal, the Stars' Fury'. This triggered long-time veterans of NGA (a popular Chinese gaming forum originally dedicated to WoW) to voice their frustration, calling the designs a 'brazen' attempt to rip off classic aesthetics.

The comments section was ablaze. Some veteran players jokingly expressed disbelief that they would ever have to explain what Frostmourne, the Warglaives of Azzinoth, or Invincible's Reins were on a site like NGA. Others pointed out the irony of the situation, given the recent fallout between NetEase and Blizzard, suggesting this might be the company's way of 'paying tribute' in the most controversial way possible.