Some feedback on AVWW - (face melting aesthetics)

[Martyn van Buren]

I was just suggesting on Mantis that buildings could do with more spaces like the outdoor boss arenas, which might make them feel more various --- that would be inter-building variety rather than by-region building variety, tho.

http://www.arcengames.com/mantisbt/view.php?id=7361

[ScrObot]

Regarding key bindings and spells, I like to assign my scroll wheel up and down to switch rows (you can't do it in the normal "keyboard" keybinding  button, it's the bottom one, I forget the name offhand, mouse axis or something), and arrange things in different rows. Then, for example, I'll have my 3 favorite ranged spells (of different elements) in slot 1 across 3 rows, so simply scrolling up or down switches between them easily. I stick a melee spell in slot 3 and platforms/crates in slot 2.

Once I figured this out, things became much easier for me; far less pausing, no need to drag spells around between slots in combat, etc.

[Mánagarmr]

*can't really be bothered to trawl the entire thread.*

People are still complaining about graphics...really?

[Reactorcore]

*can't really be bothered to trawl the entire thread.*

People are still complaining about graphics...really?

I guess it doesnt bother you since you're already wearing glasses.

[tigersfan]

*can't really be bothered to trawl the entire thread.*

People are still complaining about graphics...really?

I guess it doesnt bother you since you're already wearing glasses.

What does wearing glasses have to do with anything?

That said, right now, we're just simply not in a position to make changes in the art. I'm not saying it'll never happen, but there are a ton of other things that are simply higher priority right now.

Also, I'll point out that the art really is a subjective thing. While there are clearly many people who dislike it, there are also many folks who simply adore it. We've received a TON of compliments on the art, both publicly and privately.

[The Wuggly Ump]

Right, I'm not bothering with the tree retextures I mentioned because Quaix's tweaks are so stunningly effective at both reducing my eye strain and making the game more attractive. In fact, for the first time, I've occasionally seen the game as pretty.

*can't really be bothered to trawl the entire thread.*

People are still complaining about graphics...really?

I guess it doesnt bother you since you're already wearing glasses.

What does wearing glasses have to do with anything?

Some of us are getting eye strain from the small fonts and garish textures. That is, in fact, one of the main points in the original post in this thread. So it has a lot to do with it. That and it's a joke.

For what it's worth though, I'm wearing glasses too and with the original textures, my eyes hurt after an hour or two.

[Coppermantis]

I think that AVWW is very pretty. I like the aesthetics and don't get what all the complaints are about.

Although, the missile launchers in JtP missions are horribly ugly. That's the exception, probably.

[mrhanman]

This picture pretty much sums up the way I'm beginning to feel about this thread, and those like it:



Can't we just drop this and move on to something more pressing, that the devs might actually be interested in fixing/improving in the near future?

[Misery]

*can't really be bothered to trawl the entire thread.*

People are still complaining about graphics...really?

I guess it doesnt bother you since you're already wearing glasses.

What does wearing glasses have to do with anything?

That said, right now, we're just simply not in a position to make changes in the art. I'm not saying it'll never happen, but there are a ton of other things that are simply higher priority right now.

Also, I'll point out that the art really is a subjective thing. While there are clearly many people who dislike it, there are also many folks who simply adore it. We've received a TON of compliments on the art, both publicly and privately.

Art is indeed very subjective.  I think I've seen pretty much this same thread for a great many forums I've been at for specific games.

*I* really like it.   I think the artstyle is great, and very unique.   




......and that image with the horse there, I'm TOTALLY saving that.   That's just super.

[TechSY730]

I know a redrawing of art or major adjustments to the graphics engine is out of the question for the forseeable future, but how about something like a batch saturation/brightness adjustment for background elements, like what Quaix has done? That seems like a simple enough change to make.

However, as some people like the current "bright" background elements, that may not be such a great idea to "merge into trunk".
What would really be great would be to make it choosable (like in the options, choose between a high saturation or a low saturation background elements/textures), but that is starting to get into graphics engine rework area, so maybe not.

Anyways, yea, I can see how there are more pressing issues at the moment.


Quaix, can you post that texture pack into a new thread on the "Mods & Maps" subforum, so others who are looking for such a texture pack can find it easier?

[Quaix]

Sure.

Taking the feedback into account, I won't touch the LayerBases (stuff you walk on).

So far I'm considering doing:

 - Three levels of desaturation: -20, -40, and -60%
 - Blurred and non-blurred versions of each

That's six combinations already. Anything else I should try?

[The Wuggly Ump]

Sure.

Taking the feedback into account, I won't touch the LayerBases (stuff you walk on).

So far I'm considering doing:

 - Three levels of desaturation: -20, -40, and -60%
 - Blurred and non-blurred versions of each

That's six combinations already. Anything else I should try?

Awesome! I hope you're still planning to desaturate the LayerBases, I'd rather have 'em unblurred but some of 'em are in desperate need of less color.

[junker154]

*can't really be bothered to trawl the entire thread.*

People are still complaining about graphics...really?

Yes and it is a critical issue of this game.

Graphics look hideous and horribly mashed together, personally I do not mind. But it is one of the main issues. Most of the mechanics/gameplay are pretty well thought out and work well despite some minor flaws. I really think that the main issue are the graphics and the devs should do something about it if they want  to improve the game.

I know the usual saying: Gameplay>Graphics. But if the graphics are so horrible at first glance, it will put off possible customers. That is undeniable and do not start a discussion about console kiddies and how spoilt they are, it does not change that art in this game is somewhat badly designed. It has nothing to do with it. Graphics should be cohesive and well presenting the game.

I do not want to bash Arcen or you, but if they want to increase sales and such they should present the game in a more lets say "user friendly" way and something that looks easier on the eyes.

[TechSY730]

Sure.

Taking the feedback into account, I won't touch the LayerBases (stuff you walk on).

So far I'm considering doing:

 - Three levels of desaturation: -20, -40, and -60%
 - Blurred and non-blurred versions of each

That's six combinations already. Anything else I should try?

As The Wuggly Ump mentioned, having a desaturated texture packs for the LayerBases, in addition to the 6 mentioned above, would be good, though they probably shouldn't be blurred.

So that would bring it up to 6 archives of the non-LayerBases background stuff, and 3 archives of the LayerBases stuff.
Thanks for you hard work on this. I think lots of people will appreciate the "less bright" background objects.


As I noted earlier, I think the art itself is fine except for the saturation and brightness, and this fixes that.

[Dan_Cilantro]

from the upcoming patch notes:

Texture Pack Support

    There is now a dropdown in the Graphics tab that allows you to select from any installed Texture Packs, if any are installed.

    The location of the Particles.xml file has moved from the Configuration folder to the Images folder so that it can more easily be a part of the new TexturePacks functionality.


Is this to facilitate player-created stuff?