Forums » Suggestions
Aesthetics
I personally believe that the game engine is excellent. However, I think with a bit of time and effort it could be made far more visually appealing.
To this effect, I suggest minute ship model differences between variants of basic ship types. As an example, an EC-89 would be the basic 3D model, while the model for the EC-98 (basic fighter) would show changes, like a more streamlined appearance. The EC-101 would be wider, with visible evidence of greater armor (as befits its "Armored" designation), while the EC-107 might bear different, larger exhaust vents and two prominent small-weapon barrels protruding forward from the sides.
Factional variants (such as the Valent EC-101 Type B) would be dealt with in a similar way, first altering the models in a way corresponding with their purpose designation. A cargo variant like the EC-101 could have a 3D model with a visibly expanded or bulbous underbelly. Furthermore, the faction symbol or logo could be emblazoned by default upon a surface of the craft, or removed by choice.
These changes might influence gameplay in a small way, in addition to making the game more aesthetically pleasing and drastically more varied. Experienced players would not even have to target a ship to know what variant they were attacking and what kind of resistance to expect; they could just look at the outline or silhouette of the craft.
To this effect, I suggest minute ship model differences between variants of basic ship types. As an example, an EC-89 would be the basic 3D model, while the model for the EC-98 (basic fighter) would show changes, like a more streamlined appearance. The EC-101 would be wider, with visible evidence of greater armor (as befits its "Armored" designation), while the EC-107 might bear different, larger exhaust vents and two prominent small-weapon barrels protruding forward from the sides.
Factional variants (such as the Valent EC-101 Type B) would be dealt with in a similar way, first altering the models in a way corresponding with their purpose designation. A cargo variant like the EC-101 could have a 3D model with a visibly expanded or bulbous underbelly. Furthermore, the faction symbol or logo could be emblazoned by default upon a surface of the craft, or removed by choice.
These changes might influence gameplay in a small way, in addition to making the game more aesthetically pleasing and drastically more varied. Experienced players would not even have to target a ship to know what variant they were attacking and what kind of resistance to expect; they could just look at the outline or silhouette of the craft.
I approve of this. However, I'd much, much rather see new content making its way into the game instead of small visual tweaks.
It would take a while; I too, prefer Guild focuses on more content than eye candy for the moment, since after all they always add some in each major update.
I have a feeling they've got a whole bunch of ships ligned up, and that they will blow us away with every single one of them.
Still, having visual differences from variant to variant would be great, yes.
The problem, ofcourse, is the initial client download size.
50 ships * 5 variations = 250 ships
250 meshes, normal maps, textures, specularity maps and whatnot.
With good quality textures, it's allready big enough...
If they split the models up, making a basic model with an attatched model for the variants (i.e bigger underbelly for cargo variants that is really a separate model welded onto the frame of the original), that would probably solve this.
Still, I'll have to agree that More Stuff To Do should have a much higher priority.
Still, having visual differences from variant to variant would be great, yes.
The problem, ofcourse, is the initial client download size.
50 ships * 5 variations = 250 ships
250 meshes, normal maps, textures, specularity maps and whatnot.
With good quality textures, it's allready big enough...
If they split the models up, making a basic model with an attatched model for the variants (i.e bigger underbelly for cargo variants that is really a separate model welded onto the frame of the original), that would probably solve this.
Still, I'll have to agree that More Stuff To Do should have a much higher priority.
Great idea, Demonen! Much of the model changes that I had envisioned in my examples involved additions to the frames of the ships, such as visible gun barrels or the bulbous underbelly. They could even add a raised fin structure to signify the basic fighter model.
But, as a whole, I agree with the idea that new content like the kind featured in the "toys" thread should be higher priority. Perhaps visual supplements could be staggered over various releases.
But, as a whole, I agree with the idea that new content like the kind featured in the "toys" thread should be higher priority. Perhaps visual supplements could be staggered over various releases.
That is being discussed right now over here:
http://www.vendetta-online.com/x/msgboard/3/13331#178511
Particularly, how "pshysical" addons would affect gameplay.
http://www.vendetta-online.com/x/msgboard/3/13331#178511
Particularly, how "pshysical" addons would affect gameplay.