504 replies to this topic

[Karranthain]

One thing that I highly dislike about modern RPGs are the outlandish and outright ugly armour and designs. If you'd allow me some examples (incoming hyperbole and large images) :


This




Certainly looks better than this :



Second example :









In the examples, I've juxtaposed somewhat ornamental and a bit fantasy looking pieces of equipment with ones that look more like toys (which I consider to be a general tendency in fantasy cRPGS). Is the continuing urge for so called "epicness" really worth it? I think there's plenty of historical (and not so historical) arms and armour to draw inspiration from. Non-practical equipment is a real eye sore most of the time, IMHO.

And yes, I realize that the game is isometric, and we won't see arms and armour in great detail - but that'll only make the task that much easier.

While we're at it, please consider using something similar for item descriptions :

Edited by Karranthain, 16 September 2012 - 02:43 PM.

[Audiocide]

And please no gigantic weapons. A simple dagger shouldn't be as long as your arm, and a warhammer shouldn't look like it weighs 150 pounds.

Edited by Audiocide, 16 September 2012 - 02:22 PM.

[Karranthain]

And please no gigantic weapons. A simple dagger shouldn't be as long as your arm.

Yeah, simplicity is beautiful most of the time.

[Posbi]

Good lord, please this! Go with at least a semi-realistic look of things. I remember on thing that stopped me from getting Dragon Age 2 after playing the demo was this ridiculous Anime feel its clothes, armor and oversized weapons had. Please, Obsidian, don't go for 200 pound swords and spiky bikini chainmail armor!

[LadySpace]

Yeah, massive agreement over here. You can have varied and aesthetically pleasant designs without having to make everyone over level 6 look like they just waltzed drunkenly out of a WoW raid. Absolute realism isn't necessarily a requirement, but keep it within the realms of good taste and good sense.

Edited by LadySpace, 16 September 2012 - 02:24 PM.

[Karranthain]

Yeah, massive agreement over here. You can have varied and aesthetically pleasant designs without having to make everyone over level 6 look like they just waltzed drunkenly out of a WoW raid. Absolute realism isn't necessarily a requirement, but keep it within the realms of good taste and good sense.

Indeed, I'm not advocating absolute realism - for an instance, Lord of the Rings movies do this right most of the time I feel. But it still retained that fantasy feel.

Edited by Karranthain, 16 September 2012 - 02:27 PM.

[RogueBurger]

I agree in principle. However, in an isometric game, I'm mostly concerned with being able to tell my characters apart at a glance. To that end, I'd like to see a lot of variance in armor style, color, and size. But, I do concur that it should all be at least somewhat realistic and practical looking.

[JayDGee]

I agree you can do fantasy weapons without them looking like they were designed by me when I was 5.

[The Sharmat]

Pauldrons. Pauldrons everywhere.

[Audiocide]

They could use legendary weapons, like an oversized greatsword that requires a ridiculously high strength score, or armor that uses exotic materials. But keep ridiculous, spiked, impractical looking designs to a minimum, please.

[Nonek]

I liked the simple chainmail shirts and coats of neverwinter nights 2 for this very reason, they seemed rugged and eminently sensible for a sellsword. And my anally retentive pet peeve is watching plate mail flex and twist during conversation and melee, not a problem with an isometric game however.

[PsychoYoshi]

I, for one, think we need more DA: O-esque Mage full-length dresses and fabu-hats.

Problem?

[catmorbid]

Yes please. I wouldn't mind even a historically very accurate arsenal and armour, with perhaps some tasteful fantasy flavour such as with materials. Also, can we have magical items that DO NOT have a huge halo around them - if we're to have any.

[Karranthain]

Yes please. I wouldn't mind even a historically very accurate arsenal and armour, with perhaps some tasteful fantasy flavour such as with materials. Also, can we have magical items that DO NOT have a huge halo around them - if we're to have any.

That's another thing I forgot to mention - please limit particle effects on weapons to a minimum (or better yet, offer a toggle). It isn't a surprise most games that use those end up having user mods removing them soon after...

By the way, edited post, added one more image.

Edited by Karranthain, 16 September 2012 - 02:45 PM.

[Delterius]

I, for one, think we need more DA: O-esque Mage full-length dresses and fabu-hats.

Problem?

Full lenght dresses aren't exactly as ridiculous as Anime swords.

Mind you, original post. I agree. The second picture portrayals a awfully small dagger.

Edited by Delterius, 16 September 2012 - 02:47 PM.

[Arrgeron]

I'd have to agree, the more simplistic the better. To each their own though, lots of variety is a must.

I'd like to see more realism here too, nothing crazy like dark souls or anything impossible like that, but weapon swings should feel more heavy if your not used to it. You should walk slower in heavier armor, ect. Needs to happen.

Oh, and don't cut armor pieces. Don't take from Bethesda in the sense of armor, keep as many options as possible.

[Gyges]

Simplicity is great, but for unique weapons (at which when you hit the 2,2m mark ill be expecting plenty) do experiment as you wish with the form. As long as their primary motive of design isnt compensative im fine with it. But an exotic look is never a bad thing since you can vary only so much with the longsword. So huge size =/= good design. And for tfsm's sake avoid the cliche sword with aura, it doesnt look cool.

Edited by Gyges, 16 September 2012 - 02:55 PM.

[Audiocide]

Also, can we have magical items that DO NOT have a huge halo around them - if we're to have any.

This too.

[Karranthain]

Simplicity is great, but for unique weapons (at which when you hit the 2,2m mark ill be expecting plenty) do experiment as you wish with the form. As long as their primary motive of design isnt compensative im fine with it. But an exotic look is never a bad thing since you can vary only so much with the longsword.

Yeah, but there plenty of ways to make the designs both satisfying and practical. Could be more ornamental, or exotic etc. etc.

[Troller]

Well, if a mage is able to blow up a mountain with a single spell, I think warriors should be able to use a huge two handed sword that can chop a tree with one hit too...