The New Neriak - has no soul, has no character.

[Maroger]

<p>The new Neriak is an ugly souless place. If you remember the Neriak of EQ1 you will be appalled at how the beauty has been destroyed by the Art Department. Apparently they never looked at the Neriak of EQ1.</p><p>I had almost exclusively Dark Elf Characters and spent many months in Neriak. I loved the city and I HATE THE NEW ONE.</p><p>All the wonderful little shops are GONE -- where is Maiden's Fancy, Furrier Royal, Adamant Armorer -- all gone  -- replaced by cheap looking outdoor stalls taken from Fallen Gate -- How lazy can art deparment get.</p><p>ONe of my favorite stores was the BLIND FISH -- where you could sit and see the underwater scene -- but that gottten taken away.  It was agreat location. I remember guild meetings in the Blind Fish. It was one of the most exotic locations in Neriak and the most fun.</p><p>Where is THIRD GATE -- sorry I can't find it.</p><p>What happened to the design -- why did you have to replace the Egyptian Look with that cheap Oriental look from Taiwan. The great lighted signs that hung over the water ARE GONE.  The BANK is no longer called THE BURNISHED COIN.</p><p>What in heaven's name are oriental Kung FU monks doing outside the Indigo Brotherhood - send them back to Taiwan where they came from.</p><p>The whole design looks as if you just ripped out Fallen Dynasty, colored it Purple and called it Neriak.</p><p>It would have been better to take the 3D design from EQ1 and just improve some of the existing texture than totally destroy Neriak. YOu have ruined NERIAK and all your gibberish about lore will never change the fact that the city has been destroyed by the Art Department and outsourcing it to Taiwan. </p>

[Tandy]

<p>I was a big fan of neriak in eq1 also. The new neriak looks great to me.</p><p>There are no monks in neriak....there are however bruisers since every race can be any class in eq2 there has to be trainers there.</p><p>I dont think the city looks cheap at all..different for sure but enough of the old neriak is there to make you realize 500 years HAS gone by.</p><p>No reason to be nasty about who designed the zones either, the race of the designers has nothing to do with the overall tone of the zones.</p>

[Vekkiz]

i love Neriak, infact i prefer it over the old version from EQ1, i think that oriental look works well for the Dark Elves

[Themaginator]

Wow your post seems quite racially charged. ummmm Gosh i dunno it sure feels ALOT like old neriak to me....and most of those stores and locations you mentioned(except Maiden's Fancy) are still there.  Also im sorry but Neriak was never egyptian, its always had an oriental style.  Finally we dont care about your rant on the lore forums this isnt the place for this go away

[Maroger]

<cite>Tandy wrote:</cite><blockquote><p>I was a big fan of neriak in eq1 also. The new neriak looks great to me.</p><p>There are no monks in neriak....there are however bruisers since every race can be any class in eq2 there has to be trainers there.</p><p>I dont think the city looks cheap at all..different for sure but enough of the old neriak is there to make you realize 500 years HAS gone by.</p><p>No reason to be nasty about who designed the zones either, the race of the designers has nothing to do with the overall tone of the zones.</p></blockquote><p>I think because the design was outsourced to Taiwan, that Neriak lost its Ancient Egyptian Character. </p><p>The Neon Signs of eyes were straight from Ancient Egypt - the Eye of Horus and the Sun God ,Aten, in particular.</p><p>Also some of the symbols in the doors were directly taken from Egyptian Hieroglyphics. Obvously by outsourcing to Taiwan a group of people with no understanding of the ANcient Egyptian Art used in Neriak simply superimposed cheap oriental rip-offs from the Fallen Dynasty.</p><p>They may have had bruisers but they weren't running our in Asian Kung-fu Gear -- what we have now is the dueling monks from Fallen Dynasty slapped down in Neriak without anyeffort to make them look and dress like Dark Elves -- a total rip-off from Fallen Dynasty -- how lazy and sloppy can you get.</p><p>They couldn't even be bothered to leave the name of the Bank THE BURNISHED COIN. </p>

[Themaginator]

ok but i still dont see how you can say the zone looks bad, my gosh

[Tandy]

<p>Realistically can you expect stores to be named the same thing after 500 years? the city vanished from the rest of the world...was locked away and left on its own for a LONG time.  Things change, names change, rules change etc.</p><p>The new neriak is enough like the old that you can tell its the same place...just 500 years later.</p>

[Ama]

<cite>Maroger wrote:</cite><blockquote><p>The new Neriak is an ugly souless place. If you remember the Neriak of EQ1 you will be appalled at how the beauty has been destroyed by the Art Department. Apparently they never looked at the Neriak of EQ1.</p><p>I had almost exclusively Dark Elf Characters and spent many months in Neriak. I loved the city and I HATE THE NEW ONE.</p><p>All the wonderful little shops are GONE -- where is Maiden's Fancy, Furrier Royal, Adamant Armorer -- all gone  -- replaced by cheap looking outdoor stalls taken from Fallen Gate -- How lazy can art deparment get.</p><p>ONe of my favorite stores was the BLIND FISH -- where you could sit and see the underwater scene -- but that gottten taken away.  It was agreat location. I remember guild meetings in the Blind Fish. It was one of the most exotic locations in Neriak and the most fun.</p><p>Where is THIRD GATE -- sorry I can't find it.</p><p>What happened to the design -- why did you have to replace the Egyptian Look with that cheap Oriental look from Taiwan. The great lighted signs that hung over the water ARE GONE.  The BANK is no longer called THE BURNISHED COIN.</p><p>What in heaven's name are oriental Kung FU monks doing outside the Indigo Brotherhood - send them back to Taiwan where they came from.</p><p>The whole design looks as if you just ripped out Fallen Dynasty, colored it Purple and called it Neriak.</p><p>It would have been better to take the 3D design from EQ1 and just improve some of the existing texture than totally destroy Neriak. YOu have ruined NERIAK and all your gibberish about lore will never change the fact that the city has been destroyed by the Art Department and outsourcing it to Taiwan. </p></blockquote><p>Wouldn't this be more appropriate in the test area? </p><p>Have to say personally I loved the way Neriak looks and it deffinately has a dark sinister feel.  It feels as dark as freeport does yet has a community that is more "abiding" but just slightly.  </p><p>There are some places that are gone from the EQOA version that were probably in EQ1 that I would have liked to see.  However some of these things were kept in which is very nice.  The best one is the bridge near the waterfall with the purple fish in it.  </p><p>Another thing to remember bud is "The Rending/Great Shattering" occured so i'm betting alot of stuff got destroyed.  I have even seen some ingame lore about why one area isn't exactly working and that I couldn't be told about the plans just yet.  </p>

[shadowscale]

with all the references to outsourcing to Taiwan. im wondering if this post will get locked. definitly the wrong forms for this though.

[Cusashorn]

<p>First off: NERIAK IS NOT EGYPTIAN IN DESIGN! You keep spouting that Eye of Horus thing, but thats the ONLY THING.</p><p>2nd: Things change. Deal with it.</p><p>3rd: Yes, this is the wrong forum for this topic.</p>

[Vollux]

<p>It isn't the correct forum but it is here.  </p><p>Personally I always felt the closest Human Race to the Dark Elf race/craftsmanship/art was ancient Asia.  Matter of fact if there ever was a live action EQ movie you would have to get the actor that played Shang Tsung from the Mortal Kombat movies throw a white wig on him and paint him blue - you got yourself one evil Dark Elf.</p><p>The bank is still called The Burnished Coin and mentions something about coin weighing.  There are two banks in Neriak perhaps you just went to the one for the lower classes? </p>

[Iad]

I'm not impressed with the new Neriak either.

[Vekkiz]

just no pleasing some people...

[Kamimura]

Maroger wrote: <blockquote><p>The Neon Signs of eyes were straight from Ancient Egypt - the Eye of Horus and the Sun God ,Aten, in particular.</p><p>Also some of the symbols in the doors were directly taken from Egyptian Hieroglyphics. Obvously by outsourcing to Taiwan a group of people with no understanding of the ANcient Egyptian Art used in Neriak simply superimposed cheap oriental rip-offs from the Fallen Dynasty. </p></blockquote> Erm, sorry, but no. The Eye of Horus.. okay, I can kinda see that one around here in Neriak in EQL. It's still there in EQ2, though. There is no picture of The Aten - anywhere. Oh wait.. here in the tower of the spurned is a sort of spiral.. with some squiggle lines.. that might be him. But, then again.. probably not. I see some suns, but they in no way resemble Egyptian style sun disks. I do see some Celtic style knots around (something like a triquetra here).. and a snake with wings.. which doesn't seem Egyptian, more Aztec really.. or around that area. I see one symbol on a door which could be somewhat consitered a hieroglyph (I am familiar with it from one writing of the name of Nut) - however since it also appears flipped on the same door.. and truly is nothing special, just a line with some points.. yeah, I am not seeing it. You're going to have to show me these doors, because I can not find them anywhere. I'm not seeing the whole Ancient Egyptian theme which went missing. Also.. have you seen the guild hall for The Dead in EQL? You want to tell me that is not Asian? Sure, I wish they had left some of the older well loved spots of Neriak in, but I don't think it's just some cheap rip off or anything like that. The style fits with Neriak.

[Cusashorn]

The entire city of Neriak and NPCs in Darklight Woods all have a western European culture to them. Most of thier voices reflect a light british accent, and when you think about it, the archetecture does too.

[Dragowulf]

<cite>Cusashorn wrote:</cite><blockquote>The entire city of Neriak and NPCs in Darklight Woods all have a western European culture to them. Most of thier voices reflect a light british accent, and when you think about it, the archetecture does too.</blockquote> i dont see the western euro culture that you see in neriak.

[Themaginator]

its funny Neriak is by far one of the most intricate most lively cities and the game and peopel cant still say its crap...i think some play just so they can complain

[Maroger]

<cite>Cusashorn wrote:</cite><blockquote>The entire city of Neriak and NPCs in Darklight Woods all have a western European culture to them. Most of thier voices reflect a light british accent, and when you think about it, the archetecture does too.</blockquote>Then why did I see a Dark Elf guard in distinctly Ancient Imperial Japanese/CHinese uniform.???

[Maroger]

<cite>Dragowulf2 wrote:</cite><blockquote><cite>Cusashorn wrote:</cite><blockquote>The entire city of Neriak and NPCs in Darklight Woods all have a western European culture to them. Most of thier voices reflect a light british accent, and when you think about it, the archetecture does too.</blockquote> i dont see the western euro culture that you see in neriak.</blockquote><p>I didn't see anything faintly Western European in this Neriak - it was in the old Neriak mixed with Ancient Egyptian -- but this new Neriak is disticntly Asian and NOT NERIAK.</p><p>I would rather they have just imported the 3D architesture from EQL and put it in EQ2. </p>

[Dragowulf]

<cite>Maroger wrote:</cite><blockquote><cite>Dragowulf2 wrote:</cite><blockquote><cite>Cusashorn wrote:</cite><blockquote>The entire city of Neriak and NPCs in Darklight Woods all have a western European culture to them. Most of thier voices reflect a light british accent, and when you think about it, the archetecture does too.</blockquote> i dont see the western euro culture that you see in neriak.</blockquote><p>I didn't see anything faintly Western European in this Neriak - it was in the old Neriak mixed with Ancient Egyptian -- but this new Neriak is disticntly Asian and NOT NERIAK.</p><p>I would rather they have just imported the 3D architesture from EQL and put it in EQ2. </p></blockquote>Wait...stop for a second.   Where in EQ1 Neriak was there pyramids and Sphinx statues?

[Cusashorn]

<p>There was nothing egyptian about EQlive's Neriak. That was the Shissar in Luclin.</p><p>Just because one neon symbol looks egyptian, you label the entire city's archetecture as egyptian. I dont see any pyramids. Where's the heiroglyphics?</p>

[Kamimura]

Maroger wrote <blockquote><p>I didn't see anything faintly Western European in this Neriak - it was in the old Neriak mixed with Ancient Egyptian -- but this new Neriak is disticntly Asian and NOT NERIAK. </p></blockquote><p>Read my last post. Neriak was in no way ancient Egyptian. Okay, except for maybe the eye. Oh yeah, the eye.. it's still there though. Old Neriak had an Asian style building.. much more clearly so than your 'Egyptian' eye. So, there is a history of this style of building in Neriak of EQL. Much more so than the style you are claiming. (And hey, since the Queen liked the Dead, maybe she was a fan of that style.. and now that she is in charge, had more built that way. Who knows. It has been 500 years, after all.)</p><p> It is fine if you want to say you do not like the new Neriak, that is your opinion and you are welcome to it. Don't make up random crap to try and justify what you're saying here, though. </p>

[RoninSenshi]

<p>In EQ1, the Lodge of the Dead had the appearance of a Dojo type structure.</p><p>And honestly, elves in themselves are pretty asian in appearance (Sharp Features, for example).</p><p>Again, I haven't been able to log in to actually see the new Neriak, and in EQ1 the only Asian like building that I can remember was the building I mentioned, the Lodge of the Dead so.. I just hope they haven't overdone it.</p>

[Maroger]

<cite>ShintouShinai wrote:</cite><blockquote><p>In EQ1, the Lodge of the Dead had the appearance of a Dojo type structure.</p><p>And honestly, elves in themselves are pretty asian in appearance (Sharp Features, for example).</p><p>Again, I haven't been able to log in to actually see the new Neriak, and in EQ1 the only Asian like building that I can remember was the building I mentioned, the Lodge of the Dead so.. I just hope they haven't overdone it.</p></blockquote><p>Alas they have overdone it. In a lot of cases they just lifted the buildings from the Fallen Dynasty, colored them Purple or Blue and parked them in Neriak. As someone said, it looks like the Fallen Dynasty in a cave.</p><p>Also they took the open air stalls that are in Fallen Gate and stuck them in the Underground and other areas of Neriak.</p><p>In short this is an update done on the cheap -- colored it blue and purple and called it Neriak. They even stuck the Monks from Fallen Dynasty in the Courtyard of the Indigo Brother hood - how insulting.  They couldn't even give up a new evil race -- just warmed over Fae from EOF with different color wings -- all and all I would rather they hadn't done it.</p><p>There is more to lore than creating a background story -- if you miss or mess up the look and feel that backround story is irrelevant. And actually sound like you created it to justify Neriak on the Cheap </p>

[Themaginator]

<cite>Maroger wrote:</cite><blockquote><cite>ShintouShinai wrote:</cite><blockquote><p>In EQ1, the Lodge of the Dead had the appearance of a Dojo type structure.</p><p>And honestly, elves in themselves are pretty asian in appearance (Sharp Features, for example).</p><p>Again, I haven't been able to log in to actually see the new Neriak, and in EQ1 the only Asian like building that I can remember was the building I mentioned, the Lodge of the Dead so.. I just hope they haven't overdone it.</p></blockquote><p>Alas they have overdone it. In a lot of cases they just lifted the buildings from the Fallen Dynasty, colored them Purple or Blue and parked them in Neriak. As someone said, it looks like the Fallen Dynasty in a cave.</p><p>Also they took the open air stalls that are in Fallen Gate and stuck them in the Underground and other areas of Neriak.</p><p>In short this is an update done on the cheap -- colored it blue and purple and called it Neriak. They even stuck the Monks from Fallen Dynasty in the Courtyard of the Indigo Brother hood - how insulting.  They couldn't even give up a new evil race -- just warmed over Fae from EOF with different color wings -- all and all I would rather they hadn't done it.</p><p>There is more to lore than creating a background story -- if you miss or mess up the look and feel that backround story is irrelevant. And actually sound like you created it to justify Neriak on the Cheap </p></blockquote>DUDE None of the buildings in Neriak are from freakin Fallen dynasty i dare you to find ONE building that is the same building, give me a screenshot! i know you cant do it, all FD had was houses and stuff, and that one Pagoda. these things look NOTHING like FD. and dude those monks existed in EQ1 why are you so horribly insulted by Asian culture. oh and hey there <img src="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y20/BigAl55/EQ000040.jpg?t=1178472209" border="0"> This is not a Zigurat its a Pagoda <img src="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y20/BigAl55/EQ2_000198.jpg?t=1178472259" border="0"> Wow SO IS THIS!! OMIGOSH <img src="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y20/BigAl55/EQ000034.jpg?t=1178473311" border="0"> Not Asian BUT NOT EGYPTIAN so yes you have been proven wrong, now show me those FD Neriak comparison pics EDIT Yeah btw you cant tell me the pic of EQ2 Neriak has no soul i mean wow that palace is breathtaking

[Mirander_1]

Frankly, it'd be more appropriate to say they copy/pasted stuff out of Fallen Gate, then just made the buildings look intact.  And really, if they hadn't done that, it would have been, well, stupid, as Fallen Gate was once part of Neriak, and the two places <i>should</i> have a unified visual theme.

[Nainitsuj]

Sashtan@Mistmoore wrote: <blockquote>Wow your post seems quite racially charged. ummmm Gosh i dunno it sure feels ALOT like old neriak to me....and most of those stores and locations you mentioned(except Maiden's Fancy) are still there.  Also im sorry but Neriak was never egyptian, its always had an oriental style.  Finally we dont care about your rant on the lore forums this isnt the place for this go away </blockquote> Uhh.. It's dark ages Castles mixed with Egyptian.  After 6 years of playing nothing but dark elves it's kinda easy to tell that the tiwan art department messed up.

[Kamimura]

<cite>Nainitsuj wrote:</cite><blockquote> Uhh.. It's dark ages Castles mixed with Egyptian.  After 6 years of playing nothing but dark elves it's kinda easy to tell that the tiwan art department messed up.</blockquote>Dark elf girl in EQL myself.. bigger obsession with ancient Egypt. I'm still waiting for one person to show me how Neriak was ever ancient Egyptian in style. <img src="/smilies/136dd33cba83140c7ce38db096d05aed.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" />

[Themaginator]

<cite>Nainitsuj wrote:</cite><blockquote>Sashtan@Mistmoore wrote: <blockquote>Wow your post seems quite racially charged. ummmm Gosh i dunno it sure feels ALOT like old neriak to me....and most of those stores and locations you mentioned(except Maiden's Fancy) are still there.  Also im sorry but Neriak was never egyptian, its always had an oriental style.  Finally we dont care about your rant on the lore forums this isnt the place for this go away </blockquote> Uhh.. It's dark ages Castles mixed with Egyptian.  After 6 years of playing nothing but dark elves it's kinda easy to tell that the tiwan art department messed up.</blockquote>they didn't mess up anything i don't see how it doesn't look awesome its a mix of the old Neriak with some new flare why does it have to look EXACTLY like the old Neriak. i mean wow how hard is it to please you people...of course yall are the average SoE forum posters so....yeah... no way to please ya, i think more time is spent complaining about the game rather than playing it.

[Vekkiz]

Calm... Sashtan.. Calm.. dont let these people get to you, take joy in the new Taiwan design, Frankly i love it

[DrkVsr]

<p><span style="font-size: small"><span style="color: #993300">One thing need to remember: this is still in trial, plenty of time for the DEVs to listen (yeah right <img src="/smilies/2786c5c8e1a8be796fb2f726cca5a0fe.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" />&nbsp<img src="/smilies/8a80c6485cd926be453217d59a84a888.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /> and fix things</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: small"><span style="color: #993300">Neriak of old may not have had such a visible Egyptian feel to it but it certainly did not have an asian feel at all (except for the Lodge of the Dead), and ah do remember the rogue guild had more of a Mederteranian (SP?) look to it (and remember, Egypt is on the Med too <img src="/smilies/69934afc394145350659cd7add244ca9.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" />)</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: small"><span style="color: #993300">Yes, The Shattering/Rendering tossed things around (specially on the surface) and things would need to be rebuilt, some things would be totally changed which is fine, but would they really keep a famous placename and stick it on a totally different type of building? (was it the Blind Fish that had the hookers/exotic dancers or the other pub?)</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: small"><span style="color: #993300">One thing that made Neriak famous (at least amongst fans of the place) were the Neon signs every where</span></span></p>

[eniah]

The new Neriak is one of the most beautiful places in all of Norrath. It has soul, it has character and it has so much more... Actually, my heart was beating faster when I first walked through it with my camera.

[Nocturnal Aby]

<cite>DrkVsr wrote:</cite><blockquote><p><span style="font-size: small"></span></p><span style="font-size: small"><span style="color: #993300">Yes, The Shattering/Rendering tossed things around (specially on the surface) and things would need to be rebuilt, some things would be totally changed which is fine, but would they really keep a famous placename and stick it on a totally different type of building? (was it the Blind Fish that had the hookers/exotic dancers or the other pub?)</span></span> <p><span style="font-size: small"><span style="color: #993300">One thing that made Neriak famous (at least amongst fans of the place) were the Neon signs every where</span></span></p></blockquote>The Maiden's Fancy was the place with the dancers. in their skivies

[Cusashorn]

You were mentioning how the water in Neriak doesn't seem to be connected to any major body of water. In Neriak there is the Sea Gate that opens up a portal that brings ships into the city and out.

[Nocturnal Aby]

Now it does, but it didn't in EQ, that's what I was refering to.

[Cusashorn]

<p>yeah but this time they actually put in an explanation.</p>

[Galn]

Only complaint I have about the city is the fact that the city is made up of a bunch of buildings, bridges and some lights/"things" on the walls... PLEASE, decorate the barren floors and walls with something, maybe even add some glowing objects all over the place, perhaps even the ceiling to kinda look like stars..

[Velsha]

lol... do any of you even know what ancient Egyptian architecture looks like? Hell, Freeport looks closer to Egyptian/Babylonian architecture than Neriak ever did. I personally love the way the new Neriak looks, and I don't see how anyone could claim graphics that were barely attractive in 1999 could be better looking than anything they've done now. I really think the new city looks awesome, and so much more attractive than Freeport.

[Xev]

<cite>Velshara wrote:</cite><blockquote>lol... do any of you even know what ancient Egyptian architecture looks like? Hell, Freeport looks closer to Egyptian/Babylonian architecture than Neriak ever did. I personally love the way the new Neriak looks, and I don't see how anyone could claim graphics that were barely attractive in 1999 could be better looking than anything they've done now. I really think the new city looks awesome, and so much more attractive than Freeport.</blockquote>I'm really excited to start my new Arasai Shadowknight there and I'm sure I'll agree with you.  From the pictures I've seen, it looks great.  I really like the asian influence in the zone and it looks like it will retain the same feel as it had in EQ1.  Freeport really needed this...I hated starting characters there (although I did enjoy some of the quests in the graveyard).

[Alycs]

<cite>Velshara wrote:</cite><blockquote>lol... do any of you even know what ancient Egyptian architecture looks like? Hell, Freeport looks closer to Egyptian/Babylonian architecture than Neriak ever did. I personally love the way the new Neriak looks, and I don't see how anyone could claim graphics that were barely attractive in 1999 could be better looking than anything they've done now. I really think the new city looks awesome, and so much more attractive than Freeport.</blockquote> Thank you for this.  Freeport DOES look closer to ancient Egyptian architecture. /shrug  Just one of my hobbies. As for Neriak.  I never played 1.  And you know...with posts like these...I'm very glad! Flat out...Norrath is NOT the same world as it was prior to the Shattering.  One...a very global event occurred, almost wiping out life on the planet.  It certainly CHANGED the surface structure.  Uhm...to change surface structure you end up with the WHOLE surface...to include the stuff right under the top..such as oh, I don't know..underground cities?!?.. as well. Also, it's been 500 years since the Shattering.  Look at England 500 years in the past.  That would be oh...Queen Elizabeth I, the Virgin Queen of England.  She died in 1509.  England was a VASTLY different place then than it is now.  Yes...there ARE outside influences.  BUT...nothing stays stagnant.  If it does...it dies.  SOOOOOoo...you can have Neriak of 500 years ago...a deserted and empty city. Also, take into account...Queen Cristanos(sp) is rulling and has been since the Shattering.  Now...looking at history, we see how the Monarch/Ruler/BIGhighmucketymuck influences how things look.  Shoot...the look of Neriak could change tomorrow due to a whim she had. SOOOOOooo OP....before you grouse and complain and have more bile spewing from your oral orifice...please remember those few things. Personally...I think it looks great.  There's a few things I would change...and have put in my /feedback so I'm not going to add it to this message.  /shrug  But for me, those are simple aesthetics.

[Kamimura]

<cite>Alycs wrote:</cite><blockquote> Also, it's been 500 years since the Shattering.  </blockquote> Do you mean 500 years since EQL..? It's only been about 15 or so since the shattering.

[Devasq]

Not sure why people are set on this Asian influence.  From what I have seen of Neriak it looks somewhat similar to Neriak of old but as the lore states Queen Cristanos while sealed in there all this time started to feel as if she were a god..... oddly the new Neriak looks an awful lot like Plane of Hate after it was revamped in EQ1.  Almost seems ironic that its called Neriak, City of Hate.

[Kryussius]

Not surprised it's called the City of Hate.  The Teir'Dal within most likely remained loyal to Innoruuk while in seclusion. I played Teir'Dal in EQ1, and loved Neriak above all the other cities in that game.  I'm digging the hell out of the new Neriak.  Old Neriak had nothing to do with Egyptian architechture at all.  A glowing eyeball or two does not a theme make. The new Neriak is dark and foreboding the way it should be.   There was a drastic difference in how the old Foreign Quarter and Fallen Gate look, so it shouldn't surprise people that Neriak has undergone changes due to updated graphic and design capabilities. The place looks good.

[Vonotar]

<cite>Maroger wrote:</cite><blockquote><p>I had almost exclusively Dark Elf Characters and spent many months in Neriak. I loved the city and I HATE THE NEW ONE.</p></blockquote> Hummm.. a Dark Elf player hates Neriak?  Isn't that actually a complement from a Dark Elf?

[Gwenae]

<p>I absolutely adore the new Neriak.  I'm equally happy that it's back along with many familiar places along with some new.  I don't recall being able to get into any castles in EQ1 within Neriak.  I'm loving what they did, and I'm looking forward to starting or moving my dark elf characters back to Neriak once this is live. </p><p>Some will be happy with it and some won't.  You cannot please everyone all of the time.</p>

[Darlordofthesith8969]

<cite>Maroger wrote:</cite><blockquote><p>The new Neriak is an ugly souless place. If you remember the Neriak of EQ1 you will be appalled at how the beauty has been destroyed by the Art Department. Apparently they never looked at the Neriak of EQ1.</p></blockquote>I think they have done a good job, the thing you have to remember is  that this is not EQ1 it is EQ2. I cannot wait for it to go live <img src="/smilies/8a80c6485cd926be453217d59a84a888.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" />

[liveja]

<p>I disagree entirely that the new Neriak is "ugly", or that it has no "soul" or "character". Granted, those are all valid opinions for expression; but beauty is in the eye of the beholder, & this beholder says the new Neriak looks pretty nice.</p>

[Kethaera]

I agree with Livejazz, the new content is beautiful. The developers did a nice job.

[Nainitsuj]

Sashtan@Mistmoore wrote: <blockquote><cite>Nainitsuj wrote:</cite><blockquote>Sashtan@Mistmoore wrote: <blockquote>Wow your post seems quite racially charged. ummmm Gosh i dunno it sure feels ALOT like old neriak to me....and most of those stores and locations you mentioned(except Maiden's Fancy) are still there.  Also im sorry but Neriak was never egyptian, its always had an oriental style.  Finally we dont care about your rant on the lore forums this isnt the place for this go away </blockquote> Uhh.. It's dark ages Castles mixed with Egyptian.  After 6 years of playing nothing but dark elves it's kinda easy to tell that the tiwan art department messed up.</blockquote>they didn't mess up anything i don't see how it doesn't look awesome its a mix of the old Neriak with some new flare why does it have to look EXACTLY like the old Neriak. i mean wow how hard is it to please you people...of course yall are the average SoE forum posters so....yeah... no way to please ya, i think more time is spent complaining about the game rather than playing it. </blockquote><p> Dec 2004 to present and only 1k posts.  Yes.  I spend hours a day on this forum.  And my super low post count says so.</p><p>I only complain when the devs do something wrong.  Outsourcing this to Hentai SoE was wrong.  I am now I'm posting.  What's your problem?</p>

[Obadiah]

I agree with Kaethera's agreement with livejazz. Looks great. I also - perhaps in vain - see this thread and others like it in the Expansion section as very good reasons for introducing NEW areas/content in future expansions/updates rather than revamping old ones. Personally I would MUCH rather move FORWARD than backward, and avoid all of the comparisons and nostalgia. SOME Old-World content is and was great. But if we could move on now that'd be swell. Just my opinion.

[Talz]

<cite>Obadiah wrote:</cite><blockquote>I agree with Kaethera's agreement with livejazz. Looks great. I also - perhaps in vain - see this thread and others like it in the Expansion section as very good reasons for introducing NEW areas/content in future expansions/updates rather than revamping old ones. Personally I would MUCH rather move FORWARD than backward, and avoid all of the comparisons and nostalgia. SOME Old-World content is and was great. But if we could move on now that'd be swell. Just my opinion. </blockquote>I don't know.  I kind of think they should stick to what made EQ1 what it was.  It had a feel to it that while lessened by PoP books still felt like a world.  I never had that feeling in EQ2.  The thing about trying to please purists though, is you never can. I think my Station Pass expires this week.  I canceled awhile ago because the game was boring.  I did all the solo content I could without locking experience in random zones for an OCD quest count.  My guild can do the EoF zones but when it comes down to a choice between going camping this weekend or sitting at my computer hoping my T7 fabled gloves... well let's just say it's an easy choice to make.  Maybe I'll resubscribe to play a dark fae a bit. My point being, to the people so angry about Neriak... just be glad we got it.  This is a very fast game and at this point anything new is good.

[Savanja]

Its been said so often from the beginning, I'm not sure how else it could be expressed.  EQ2 is NOT a newer version of EQ1.  They are completely different games.  Why would developers want to keep regurgitating already done content in a new graphical update?  True artists take something that they are asked to remake, and they do it in their own style. I'm not a giant fan of soga style art.  I don't play with any of the soga character skins on, but I respect the fact that they interpreted Neriak in their own way and found beauty in it.  Not everyone will like it, as how it is with all art. Being different does not make it wrong. By the way.  We knew ahead of time that this would be done by soga who also did the Fallen Dynasty art, so it really wasn't a surprise.

[Severite]

<p>I too played a DE nec in EQL, and while I could wish Neriak was bit more like its forbear in basic zone design (placement, etc....), the FEEL of it is fairly similar, the only feelie that seems lacking to myself, is how the DE looked down on all casters except Necromancers, as necromancy was the only true caster art, and how the guards always seemed diefferent once you got into third gate.  Otherwise, I LOVE this version, it has a lot of the feel, and is quite breathtaking really, and I LOVE the voice of Christanos, I suspect that she doesn't think of herself as a god so much because she is power hungry and delusional, but more in tune with the fact that (I suspect) that hate came down and has been secretly running things; which makes sense in that it explains why she never rtied to dig to the surface, she didn't want the others to know what she was doing, but what do i know?</p>

[Suraklin]

Glad Neriak is back. Now if they'd just find a way to bring back Halas <img src="/smilies/283a16da79f3aa23fe1025c96295f04f.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" />

[Valsehna]

<p>Not playing on test, I won't really see any of this until the release, except via graciosly posted screenshots, so I cannot give opinions in regards to the look.</p><p>I can say though, that as someone else noted, the little shops are no more, and that is one thing I will be sad to see missing...The Burnished Coin, The Refined Palate, The Bounty of the Earth, and the Blind Fish, Maiden's Fancy and more.  Notable landmarks are always missed.</p><p>I have heard that the housing interiors are very, very small, and that is my other concern.  Moving out of Freeport would be great, but I am interested to find out more about the housing situation in Neriak.</p>

[Sassinak]

I believe the main bank is still called the Burnished Coin, and it's had quite an upgrade since the old days when it was underground.  (The underground is now the tradeskill area.)

[liveja]

Valsehna@Antonia Bayle wrote: <blockquote><p>I can say though, that as someone else noted, the little shops are no more, and that is one thing I will be sad to see missing...The Burnished Coin, The Refined Palate, The Bounty of the Earth, and the Blind Fish, Maiden's Fancy and more.</p></blockquote><p>The Burnished Coin is there, & is still a bank. The Blind Fish is there, but is no longer a tavern. I didn't note the rest of them.</p><p>The new Neriak is very very cool. I already like it better than either Qeynos or Freeport. </p>

[DrkVsr]

<cite>Gwenae wrote:</cite><blockquote><p>I absolutely adore the new Neriak.  I'm equally happy that it's back along with many familiar places along with some new.  I don't recall being able to get into any castles in EQ1 within Neriak.  I'm loving what they did, and I'm looking forward to starting or moving my dark elf characters back to Neriak once this is live. </p><p>Some will be happy with it and some won't.  You cannot please everyone all of the time.</p></blockquote><p> <span style="font-size: small"><span style="color: #993300">Ah don't remember any building in Old Neriak you could not get into, certainly don't remember any castles (apart from the cleric guild)</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: small"><span style="color: #993300">The only part of Old Neriak ah really want to see retained (The original Blind Fish with it's glass wall looking out to the stinking little hairball swimming around would have been nice, but not likely <img src="/smilies/9d71f0541cff0a302a0309c5079e8dee.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" />) is the little area in 3rd Gate between the Cleric castle and the Lodge of the Dead: the corner with the huge neon sign, will have to get a copy of the pics ah took off of mah other HD (used it as a backdrop for taking photos of mah N`Ron characters)</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: small"><span style="color: #993300">Depending on how deep Neriak actually was it's possible they would either suffer little-to-no damage (if deep enough) or total cave-in (if not deep enough)</span></span></p>

[Cocytus]

<p>1. Yes, outsourcing the design was the bad idea.</p><p>2. Yes, I think Neriak looks good.</p><p>3. Yes, I think Neriak looked cooler in eq1.</p><p>4. Sony needs to fire the EQ2 zone devs anyway, because by enlarge the zones suck. They're small, sectioned, largely closed off...They don't have the immersive "huge/realistic" feel that EQ1 had. Therefore they need to ninja some employees <img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /> I like the game but zone design sucks. I haven't looked around Darklight forest, but what i have seen of it looks almost exactly like Nektulos from eq1, which is a step in the right direction.</p><p>5. EQ2 NEEDS A CONTINENT. Too many islands, not enough huge chunks of land. EOF comes closest to this... but still off. The annoying part...There are  so many islands....but no ocean zones? Can we say halfassed/lazy :/</p><p>Neriak is cool, yeah. Looks great. I still liked it betterin EQ1, but I don't see anything wrong with the eq2 version aside from the lack of the Maiden's Fancy. What, did Neriak decide to become politically correct and say that women aren't allowed to be objectified?</p><p>Men are in the House of Cristanos though. I'd be annoyed if the Innoruukians liked her, but since they don't, that's acceptable.</p>

[Drewx]

<p>As a longtime EQ fan I've played many EQ Games.</p><p>I played EQlive(EQ 1 whatever), EQoA, and current am still playing EQ II.</p><p>Playing my Dark Elf Shadowknight in EQoA I saw Neriak before it was that glorious dark bastion of evil. In EQOA Neriak...was a mountain, to enter the city you ran down a drity rocky trail past a mini-market, then you ran across the Bridge of the Dead, and large rock archways one leading to the Inn where Rogues trained, one leading to the headquarters of the Indigo Brotherhood, and another leading to the main marketplace that also branches into the domains of the various Dark Evlin Houses like J'Narus, etc. At that time theblind Fish tavern was an inn, with wooden tables littered with mugs and papers. One wall had a fish TANK with a handful of fish in it. A medium sized Fish tank like you'd see in someone's house. The bank was not a big place...it was a STAND no different than a lemonade Stand. I loved seeing Neriak in EQoA...since i had alwaysb een playing EQ 1 until then...to see how the city was getting up and started was incredible. As EQoA takes place 500 years before EQ 1 I was thrilled to see some difference. Now in EQ II I get to witness as Neriak returns...considering that it's been 1000 years since I've walked within it I'm excited to see it's changes. I spoiled myself and looked at threads with screenshots, I like the changes but also am alittle dissappointed.</p><p>Considering how much time Neriak has been sealed off I was hoping it'd actually be a mystical, dark, fancy, runic city littered with it's classic mix of Undead and Dark Elvin Guards (who still weild those awesome Katanas and Washashi's. With blue flames, runes, wisps, and fancy buildings. I didn't expect to see any old buildings return...but see NEW Buildings that perhaps were references or rebuild to commemorate the old buildings, or brand new alltogether. This new Neriak is awesome imo. Though I'll laugh if I see that banker still at his Lemonade stand...cough...erm Bank stand...</p><p>What disappoints me is Neriak still appears cavern like. I was hoping that after 1000 years my home wouldn't still be trapped in a mountain.</p><p>Hopefully the Neriak Dock will act like Freeports and allow access to the Docks of Ro, Thundering Steppes, and Nektulos. Possibly have ships come to the dock like in TS and Nek that take you to Butcherblock, and the Desert of Ro.</p><p>I'm happy to have Neriak back...I wish they had annouced this earlier...as I would have saved moving into my 3 room home for moving to Neriak. Hopefully the rooms will get an expansion...andsome walling options that you can PREVIEW for free.</p>

[shadowscale]

i noticed that people keep saying neriak was outsourced. where did anyone read that? can one of you link the article? or are they just assuming that with the style that it was outsourced?

[Lotus]

<cite>shadowscale wrote:</cite><blockquote>i noticed that people keep saying neriak was outsourced. where did anyone read that? can one of you link the article? or are they just assuming that with the style that it was outsourced? </blockquote> Since I haven’t seen a clear dev response as well, I’ll answer this question as best as possible. -The SoE design team designed everything out related to environments before the concept art process started. -Concept art was primarily created by the SoE concept team.  Even some of the original EQ1 concept art was pulled. -All first pass terrain, buildings and textures for Dark Light and Neriak were completed at the SOGA office. -All polish, tweaks to geometry, textures, lighting and zone settings were done by our environment team. -All particles and special effects were done at SoE by our particle team. -All audio, SoE. -All Arasai and creature stuff, my team.  Woot! -Everything design related was complete here at the SoE office.

[liveja]

<cite>Lotus wrote:</cite><blockquote>-Concept art was primarily created by the SoE concept team. Even some of the original EQ1 concept art was pulled. -All first pass terrain, buildings and textures for Dark Light and Neriak were completed at the SOGA office </blockquote><p>Thanx for the explanation Lotus. Both zones look excellent, & I love the way you guys took the zone lines out of Neriak <img src="/smilies/e8a506dc4ad763aca51bec4ca7dc8560.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /> <img src="/smilies/e8a506dc4ad763aca51bec4ca7dc8560.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /></p>

[Josgar]

<cite>Lotus wrote:</cite><blockquote><cite>shadowscale wrote:</cite><blockquote>i noticed that people keep saying neriak was outsourced. where did anyone read that? can one of you link the article? or are they just assuming that with the style that it was outsourced? </blockquote> Since I haven’t seen a clear dev response as well, I’ll answer this question as best as possible. -The SoE design team designed everything out related to environments before the concept art process started. -Concept art was primarily created by the SoE concept team.  Even some of the original EQ1 concept art was pulled. -All first pass terrain, buildings and textures for Dark Light and Neriak were completed at the SOGA office. -All polish, tweaks to geometry, textures, lighting and zone settings were done by our environment team. -All particles and special effects were done at SoE by our particle team. -All audio, SoE. -All Arasai and creature stuff, my team.  Woot! -Everything design related was complete here at the SoE office. </blockquote> Technically it was not outsourced, because its not like they are redirecting it to some weird india company that is not part of their company... they sent it to the SOGA team...

[Zenith]

<p>Let me start off by saying I have never seen the orginal EQ1 Neriak. I've always been a fan of the Fallen Dynasty design and have secretly wished for a long time now they's put more content with that theme in the game. (I've always REALLY wished they'd let us get some more house items from there)</p><p>I really like the Neriak that I've been exploring on Test. It's huge, complicated and interesting enviroment. Yes I feel it could use a bit more "life" but all the cities could use a lot more lively flavor. I like the design of the city, the rigidness present in it's people and buildings. The OP mentioned the old Neriak had an underwater scene in one of the bars, that would truely be awesome to see but that's more "lively" then any of the major cities really has right now.</p><p>For a free content update it's good work and I like it. If I ever make an evil character that's where he'll live. It was mentioned WAY back in the EoF beta that a few months after EoF launched there'd be "loving for the evil folks." It's nice to see SoE made good on that, I can't wait to see it go live.</p>

[Maroger]

<cite>Josgar wrote:</cite><blockquote><cite>Lotus wrote:</cite><blockquote><cite>shadowscale wrote:</cite><blockquote>i noticed that people keep saying neriak was outsourced. where did anyone read that? can one of you link the article? or are they just assuming that with the style that it was outsourced? </blockquote> Since I haven’t seen a clear dev response as well, I’ll answer this question as best as possible. -The SoE design team designed everything out related to environments before the concept art process started. -Concept art was primarily created by the SoE concept team.  Even some of the original EQ1 concept art was pulled. -All first pass terrain, buildings and textures for Dark Light and Neriak were completed at the SOGA office. -All polish, tweaks to geometry, textures, lighting and zone settings were done by our environment team. -All particles and special effects were done at SoE by our particle team. -All audio, SoE. -All Arasai and creature stuff, my team.  Woot! -Everything design related was complete here at the SoE office. </blockquote> Technically it was not outsourced, because its not like they are redirecting it to some weird india company that is not part of their company... they sent it to the SOGA team... </blockquote><p>Outsourcing does not necessarily mean "India" although it does to a lot of people. OUTSOURCING means sending work outside of the continental US to be done by non-US workers.</p><p>In this case it was OUTSOURCED to Taiwan -- hence the poor textures which did NOT adhere to the original concept of Neriak. Neriak COmmons was primarily based on the concept of a Medieval walled City - that Medieval City concept was thrown out the window.</p><p>Textures in Neriak are too heavily based on Fallen Dynasty which is Asian themed. Neriak was never an Asian themed location -- it was based on Western. Medieval Europe with some deisgn elements taken from Egyptian Hieroglyphs and Hieratic script. </p><p>Also many of the buildings were massive stone structure arising like islands from interior lakes water. All of that has been lost.  There was even a bar where you could at the underwarer life in the underground lakes-- that bar is now above ground and is an ugly guild signature locations -- what a disgrace. </p>

[liveja]

<cite>Maroger wrote:</cite><blockquote><p>Outsourcing does not necessarily mean "India" although it does to a lot of people. OUTSOURCING means sending work outside of the continental US to be done by non-US workers.</p></blockquote><p> Note that of 5-6 lines from Lotus' post, only 1 of them related to "outsourcing". It's also quite obvious that the SOGA team worked from concept art given to them by SOE.</p><p>I think you're trying to make mountains out of molehills.</p>

[Cele]

<cite>livejazz wrote:</cite><blockquote> <blockquote><p>Outsourcing does not necessarily mean "India" although it does to a lot of people. OUTSOURCING means sending work outside of the continental US to be done by non-US workers.</p></blockquote></blockquote><p>Actually, outsourcing does not mean the work goes outside the US.  It simply means it goes outside the core business.  </p><p>For example, I manage at a collection agency here in the US.  Student loans guarantors "outsource" their defaulted loans to us.  The wireless company I used to work for 'outsourced' their after hours calls to a third party her in the US. </p><p>The work can certainly go overseas, however, it is not a requirement to be considered outsourced.</p>

[Kamimura]

<cite>Maroger wrote:</cite><blockquote><cite>Josgar wrote:</cite><blockquote><cite>Lotus wrote:</cite><blockquote><cite>shadowscale wrote:</cite><blockquote>i noticed that people keep saying neriak was outsourced. where did anyone read that? can one of you link the article? or are they just assuming that with the style that it was outsourced? </blockquote> Since I haven’t seen a clear dev response as well, I’ll answer this question as best as possible. -The SoE design team designed everything out related to environments before the concept art process started. -Concept art was primarily created by the SoE concept team.  Even some of the original EQ1 concept art was pulled. -All first pass terrain, buildings and textures for Dark Light and Neriak were completed at the SOGA office. -All polish, tweaks to geometry, textures, lighting and zone settings were done by our environment team. -All particles and special effects were done at SoE by our particle team. -All audio, SoE. -All Arasai and creature stuff, my team.  Woot! -Everything design related was complete here at the SoE office. </blockquote> Technically it was not outsourced, because its not like they are redirecting it to some weird india company that is not part of their company... they sent it to the SOGA team... </blockquote><p>In this case it was OUTSOURCED to Taiwan -- hence the poor textures which did NOT adhere to the original concept of Neriak. Neriak COmmons was primarily based on the concept of a Medieval walled City - that Medieval City concept was thrown out the window.</p></blockquote>Just curious.. but did you not read Lotus' post, right there? ALL of it? <img src="/smilies/2786c5c8e1a8be796fb2f726cca5a0fe.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /> (Oh hey, what happened to the "Neriak was like ancient Egypt!!" theory..?)

[Alycs]

<cite>Kamimura wrote:</cite><blockquote><cite>Alycs wrote:</cite><blockquote> Also, it's been 500 years since the Shattering.  </blockquote> Do you mean 500 years since EQL..? It's only been about 15 or so since the shattering.</blockquote> Sorry for taking so long.  I'm getting a lot of different feeds on this one.  I never played 1.  I have seen many different bits of lore, some of them from PTB's...and am not thoroughly lost.  Everything I've seen, except the 300 year thing.  So..in truth..is it 15 years, 300 years, 500 years...what?  Can someone point me to the right direction? Now..I could see when it FIRST came out to being 15 years...but for the amount of time that has passed on Norrath, and the changes wrought...I honestly can't see it only being 15.  I CAN see the time in Norrath progressing as it doesn't in SWG.  /shrug

[Maroger]

<p>I am planning to prepare some screenshots of the beautiful Neriak of EQ1 to show everyone what is missing. </p><p>But alas I have to find some place to upload them and so many sites want too much private information that I don't trust using them. I think it is an invitation to SPAM -- I think that is the only purpose of some of these sites. <img src="/smilies/e78feac27fa924c4d0ad6cf5819f3554.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /></p>

[Aera]

If I ever want to see old Neriak I can go and roll a DE anytime I want on EQL.  Why would I want to run around the exact city from a game I stopped playing four years ago?  I, too, have fond memories of running around Neriak but that was back in '99 when the game was still pretty new and just being able to run around in a fully 3D fantasy world was amazing.  It didn't matter what the city looked liked or how it was designed.  I actually to this day don't like some of the decisions the devs who designed Neriak's mapping in EQL made, but I love it for what it is anyway. More importanly, which I think you find hard to understand or accept, is that you can't force nostalgia.  Honestly, even if they had recreated Neriak I am sure someone would have found something to gripe about it. C'est la vie.

[Norrsken]

Love the city tbh. And, outsourcing means you get some other firm than your own to do the dirty work for you. For better or for worse. IT can be within the same [Removed for Content] city, as well as on the other side of the world. Two main reasons to do this; You yourself doesnt have the manpower or expertise to pull it off inhouse, or you want it cheaper than it would be inhouse. Cheaper usually means quality gets thrown out the window. Now, afaik, SOGA is a sony firm, so its not outsourcing, no matter where it is. <img src="/smilies/8a80c6485cd926be453217d59a84a888.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" />

[xpraetorianx]

Ill say something here, I did expect the city to be a little 'Brighter", right now its pretty dark.. I bumped my gfx up to MAX to see if it was just that i was hiding effects...  but no.  Its so dark its a little hard to get around sometimes... with no Map yet and exits not really defined, its a little plain.  When i firist entered I liked the effects on the roof and the door entrance but I think it needs a little more Ambient Light in my opinion

[Xs-142]

Anyone know if the Arasai will get an update on looks? I mean, body and such.. Would be nice to NOT look like them treehugging hippies..

[liveja]

<cite>Maroger wrote:</cite><blockquote><p>I am planning to prepare some screenshots of the beautiful Neriak of EQ1 to show everyone what is missing. </p></blockquote><p> I'm well-aware of what the OLD Neriak looked like. I couldn't care less.</p><p>Old is OLD. Get over it.</p>

[Scaresoul]

<p>Ok, wow.</p><p>New game, new zones.  They look good.</p><p>To the OP, you're a spaz.  Calm down, enjoy the game or don't, but man take a breath.</p>

[Ktok]

<p>Hey, you're getting your city back, and it's updated to *look* like a game today should rather than, oh I duno, what was new and shiny at the end of the 20th century. Stop crying. Most of us don't have our home cities back yet, and some of us *raises a Vah Shir hand* probably never will. Heck some of us have to *hunt* in our old home towns (Rivervale, Kaladim, Ak'Anon, New Tunaria/Felwithe and possibly Cabilis from the sound of it), so if your biggest complaint is "oh no, shops closed down and names changed" consider yourself lucky.</p><p>Take your meds and lay down. Good lord. Freakin' emo dark elves... </p>

[Velsha]

<cite>Ktok wrote:</cite><blockquote><p>Take your meds and lay down. Good lord. Freakin' emo dark elves... </p></blockquote>HEY! Don't generalize us all for one who's slightly insane and weeping for 1999 graphics!!! I am very pleased with the look of the new Neriak and can't wait to move in!!!

[Drewx]

<p>Seriously...you all want the original EQ 1 Neriak?</p><p>"This new City is new! It's as if 500 years have past and a great disaster nearly destroyed the world changing everything!!" No really? Do you people even read the LORE? The background. Jeez be freaking greatful we got Neriak back and Fallen Gate is just that...a fallen gate of neriak. "I want all the shops from 500 years ago to be back intact" 500 years is along time. Yes for nostalga seeing some NAMES return is nice. But for reals...we don't need all that old stuff. I'm guessing you'll want Rivervale turned into a city, Freeport overrun with Orcs and Undead again, leveling up just once to take 3 weeks to a month, the moon back in one peice and the name changed in Everquest 1 The High-Def Saga.</p><p>If you truely want all the old EQ I content back in all it's glory then why not play EQ I? This is just irritating now.</p>

[Valsehna]

<p>All of this mean-spirited sniping over the City of Hate.  It **really** must be working as intended!  And we're not even there yet. Ha!</p><p>Can't wait. <img src="/smilies/283a16da79f3aa23fe1025c96295f04f.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /></p>

[Tallika_Runwithbears]

<cite>xpraetorianx wrote:</cite><blockquote>Ill say something here, I did expect the city to be a little 'Brighter", right now its pretty dark.. I bumped my gfx up to MAX to see if it was just that i was hiding effects...  but no.  Its so dark its a little hard to get around sometimes... with no Map yet and exits not really defined, its a little plain.  When i firist entered I liked the effects on the roof and the door entrance but I think it needs a little more Ambient Light in my opinion </blockquote>adjust your contrast.  gamma only does so much in the darkness.   and i dont know why only some people have maps and some dont.  i have had maps from beginning for the city but all the other people i play with dont have the zone maps.

[otlg]

<cite>Maroger wrote:</cite><blockquote> <p>Outsourcing does not necessarily mean "India" although it does to a lot of people. OUTSOURCING means sending work outside of the continental US to be done by non-US workers.</p><p>In this case it was OUTSOURCED to Taiwan -- hence the poor textures which did NOT adhere to the original concept of Neriak. Neriak COmmons was primarily based on the concept of a Medieval walled City - that Medieval City concept was thrown out the window.</p><p>Textures in Neriak are too heavily based on Fallen Dynasty which is Asian themed. Neriak was never an Asian themed location -- it was based on Western. Medieval Europe with some deisgn elements taken from Egyptian Hieroglyphs and Hieratic script. </p><p>Also many of the buildings were massive stone structure arising like islands from interior lakes water. All of that has been lost.  There was even a bar where you could at the underwarer life in the underground lakes-- that bar is now above ground and is an ugly guild signature locations -- what a disgrace. </p></blockquote><p>Hrmm.. let's see here... first of all:</p><p> out·source /ˈaʊtˌsɔrs, ‑ˌsoʊrs/ Pronunciation Key - Show Spelled Pronunciation[<b>out</b>-sawrs, ‑sohrs] Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation verb, -sourced, -sourc·ing. -verb (used with object) 1.(of a company or organization) to purchase (goods) or subcontract (services) from an outside supplier or source. 2.to contract out (jobs, services, etc.)3.to obtain goods or services from an outside source </p><p>Companies all over the world can outsource... whether to other countries or companies.  So get over your the view that it applies to the USA only.  Secondly as many folks have pointed out, certain elements of the original Neriak had an 'Asian' theme.  The fact that the person responsible for the one Asian building in 'old Neriak' is now the Queen should give you some hint as why things may have change a bit <b>over 500 years!!</b></p><p>Why don't you just go play EQ1 if you love the way it used to be.  500 years ago London England looked a hell of a lot different.  And I'm personally very [Removed for Content] off that we have high-rise buildings in New York when it was an Indian village ~500 years ago.  The horror, the shame... <sigh></p><p>Stuff changes over time... get over it... The SOE team has stated that THEY did the concept art for the zone in the head studio in the US.  Obviously *they* are happy with the content.  When you become a designer at SOE maybe then you can change it.. until then either a) put up with it or b) quit playing the game cause you sure as heck aren't going to change such a big investment on Sony's part (especially when most folks I've talked to LIKE the new zones).</p>

[Kamimura]

<cite>Alycs wrote:</cite><blockquote> Sorry for taking so long.  I'm getting a lot of different feeds on this one.  I never played 1.  I have seen many different bits of lore, some of them from PTB's...and am not thoroughly lost.  Everything I've seen, except the 300 year thing.  So..in truth..is it 15 years, 300 years, 500 years...what?  Can someone point me to the right direction? Now..I could see when it FIRST came out to being 15 years...but for the amount of time that has passed on Norrath, and the changes wrought...I honestly can't see it only being 15.  I CAN see the time in Norrath progressing as it doesn't in SWG.  /shrug </blockquote>When EQ2 first started, it had been 500 years since EQL. The Shattering didn't happen right away. You can tell that the Second Rallosian War happened before the Shattering, for example. Many people seem to remember the shattering, except for a human child in either FP or Qeynos who asks why one moon is shattered. When the game first came out, we were told it was about 15 years ago (the rending was a little longer). 300 years, about, since the war of the Fay. Some time may have passed in EQ2, but it hasn't been hundreds of years if time is passing. There were a couple good time lines in the lore forum, if you search or ask around there. <img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" />

[Drewx]

<p>Haha if some of you saw EQoA's Neriak man would you be loving this New Neriak.</p><p>I remember my first 10 minutes in Neriak in EQoA was trying to findout what was a wall and what was ground. It was THAT dark. This new Neriak isn't dark at all.</p><p>Go to your performance and look in the settings until you find brightness. EQ II naturally has very dark brightness. I guess to enhance nighttime and shading... Neriak actually has abit of a blue glow everywhere.</p><p>IMO the only thing here we can ALL agree on that is a problem with Neriak...is the extremely tiny housing that even the smallest Arasai/Fae, and Gnome find clostrophobic.</p><p>Plus that bug that won't let you leave the house. My poor arasai died from starvation...</p>

[Galithdor]

<cite>Ktok wrote:</cite><blockquote><p>Hey, you're getting your city back, and it's updated to *look* like a game today should rather than, oh I duno, what was new and shiny at the end of the 20th century. Stop crying. Most of us don't have our home cities back yet, and some of us *raises a Vah Shir hand* probably never will. Heck some of us have to *hunt* in our old home towns (Rivervale, Kaladim, Ak'Anon, New Tunaria/Felwithe and possibly Cabilis from the sound of it), so if your biggest complaint is "oh no, shops closed down and names changed" consider yourself lucky.</p><p>Take your meds and lay down. Good lord. Freakin' emo dark elves... </p></blockquote> Hey...your a evil guild leader! <img src="/smilies/69934afc394145350659cd7add244ca9.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /> Darcnova is a dark elf fool! lol

[morningmists]

<p>If there's no floating neon sigils</p><p>and if there's no clanking castle cates</p><p> then this neriak is just an imposter</p>

[Valsehna]

<cite>morningmists wrote:</cite><blockquote><p>If there's no floating neon sigils</p><p>and if there's no clanking castle cates</p><p> then this neriak is just an imposter</p></blockquote> Oooh...I really would like to hear that creaky clanky gate sound back. Creeaaaaaaak.

[EtoilePirate]

I never played EQ1, so I don't have the same sentimental attachment to any of the zones that other players have. But as a city and as a zone, Neriak is one of my new favorites.  I love the Arasai newbie experience in a way I never, ever loved the Fae one.  Have you been to Neriak at night?  It's dark, and spooky, and gorgeously, gorgeously lit up in indigos and purples and blues.  I'm adoring it entirely on its own merits.

[liveja]

<cite>EtoilePirate wrote:</cite><blockquote>But as a city and as a zone, Neriak is one of my new favorites. I love the Arasai newbie experience in a way I never, ever loved the Fae one. </blockquote><p>Yes, yes, yes. There are downsides, of course (tiny housing for the loss, SOE!!!!!) but overall the new Neriak is quickly becoming my fave city, & I think Darklight Woods is the best n00b zone I've seen yet <img src="/smilies/e8a506dc4ad763aca51bec4ca7dc8560.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /> <img src="/smilies/e8a506dc4ad763aca51bec4ca7dc8560.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /></p><p>Neriak is beautiful, & as for the soul, the character ... OP, that's up to you to find for yourself.</p>

[DORK-Hollywood]

Lol at people thinking he's racially inclined because he said Taiwan. Come on quit being liberal nerds... ;rolls eyes; The graphics of the zone are ok, but they did shortcut. I do like the layout, as it's similar to that of way old Neriak we see in EQOA. I don't believe the old spots like the bar and fish shop should be named the same, as they obviously are run by different owners and it's been a signigifantly long time. I do think that the foreigners and foreign races are entirely inappropriate. The Dark Elves have always stressed racial purity and anti foreign policy(ies). It seems Luclan and Cristanos struck some sort of deal; part of which enables the Overlord to dump over population to Neriak, hence the need for the foreign quarter. The contradicting part, is that the Queen in the past brought down Neriak around her, to ensure the survival of the remaining Dark Elves. Why is it suddenly open to adventurers, and as well, diplomacy with non Dark elves? Either they fudged the lore again, or the Dark Elves are no longer purists. Though my biggest gripe, is that all 'dark' aligned races can enter the city. Neriak should have been an open, non instanced zone, that was a place to find lore, adventure, quests and to raid(even if trash). Since many races can enter without aggro, then it's a moot point.  I would have loved to see it only friendly to Dark Elves, with a few LIMITED quests that could bring you just within indifference faction ONLY if you were dark aligned to begin with. I don't see how people who could not enter Neriak without aggro might complain. There's nothing there for anyone, except supplies and a place to make a new house...woooooooopie! ;puts her thumb in her mouth making a popping noise and twirls her finger around her ear; Ultimatley, Neriak is just a Kelethin equivilant. Another town with a dark version of the same race(despite a different name) so that it would balance out with the starting point in EoF, when it should have been an 'evil' version of Felwithe.

[VahKhan]

<p>Can't believe how disappointed I was at the lack of the Blind Fish.  Like the rest of the zone, but the ONLY reason I went there in the first place was to have a drink again in my favourite Norrathian Inn.  I so wanted to sit near the glass underwater window once more......</p><p>So so disappointed.  </p><p>The rest, like I said, very good actually..just tainted it...miss me Blind Fishy..</p>

[DonalDubh]

ZOMGZ what a clueless and racially charged rant! And from someone who obviously spent 5 minutes in the new Neriak and formed his entire opinion on the spot! The Burnished Coin is there and has been from DAY ONE on test. It is in the Dockside Markets (aka Neriak Commons). I will admit to being somewhat surprised that all the children in The New Foreign Quarter are all from Fallen Dynasty. Where are the young Teir'Dal?

[Mishelle]

Personally, I love Neriak. I was never a real fan of the place, being an EQ1 and EQ2 Freeportian. But I tell ya what, I strolled in there and I was enthralled. I most definitely liked it more then Kelethin. I'm not sure why all the hate on the architecture. I'm no architect myself, but I am an artist, and I like to think I can recognize something beautiful when I see it. I think an Oriental design is fitting and pretty similar to the Dark Elves. It's a society formed from a very close-knit community that grew in size and mission. They are renound for the craftsmanship, which is apparent in their city. I love the NPC interaction too. I saw a kid getting bullied by two Drow. I walked up, one says "Back off". I figured this was just NPC banter, since I couldn't attack them, so I went closer. Sure enough, I then had two angry blue-con Dark Elf NPCs wailing on me. Suffice it to say, I killed them both in short order, but I love that realistic interaction. I also love the entire aura of the place. Qeynos makes you want to cuddle with fluffy bunnies. Kelethin makes you feel very very small and natural. Freeport makes you feel kinda depressed and abysmal. Neriak makes you feel a certain Je ne sais pas. It's dark and you can sense this is a place of cruelty, but urbane, sophisticated cruelty. Definitely an Imperial city.  All in all, I approve. <img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" />

[Drewx]

<p>I like this new Neriak. The buildings are awesome, the music, the guards, the teleporters, the mix of Dark Elves and Undead. Hell on the live servers I got jumped by Vampires...that was SO cool! I do wish the old fish tank, and some old spots but this new Neriak just feels unique. More NPC voiceovers would be nice...too many NPCS say nothing,</p><p>What kills neriak alittle for me is...I admit the Arasai are not as bad as I originally stated...hell they make good fuel for the Forge of Blue Flame. However...seeing the Vampire presence in Neriak was much more interesting and amazing. After playing through the Bloodline Chronicles and learning the Vampire Lore...then seeing them living alongside the Dark Elves was just incredible.</p><p>I know people hate hearing it...but honestly...thanks to the vampiric presence IN MY OPINION it feels more like Vampires would have been a better race than Arasai. Unlike the Arasai the Vampires have their own Quarter pretty much, co-exist with the Dark Elves rather well (minus the feeding), have enough varying character models, actions, colorschemes, lore/background, and are downright evil!</p><p>TO ME they seem to fit the role of a co-existing Neriak race more than the Arasai, also they have a bigger "wow...this is cool" factor than the Arasai. I think SOE actually wanted to make em playable but couldn't overcome one major problem. Vampire + Sun = dust pile. Unless they had some Lore where Cristanos made some charm or spell that protected them from the sun, or maybe the charm/spell would weaken them by 10% or 20%(to keep em playable) when exposed in the sunlight but prevent them from dieing. Hell they sorta dropped the ball on lore anyways...so... Meh thats my only true Neriak regret. I honestly feel Vampires are a nicer addition to the ecology than Arasai. I know a large number of people on AB who feel the same way. *shrugs*</p><p>Oh well. New city! It just needs a Sinking Sands Teleport...</p>

[dieschatten]

it must be funny when it is daytime on Emerad halls and the half raid has 20% penatly on his Spells ^^

[Drewx]

<cite>dieschatten wrote:</cite><blockquote>it must be funny when it is daytime on Emerad halls and the half raid has 20% penatly on his Spells ^^</blockquote><p> Lol...*shrugs* that would suck so bad but be hilarious at the same time.</p><p>Would be worse yet still funny if day break came and half the raid turned to dust mid battle.</p>

[liveja]

<cite>Drewx wrote:</cite><blockquote><p>Oh well. New city! It just needs a Sinking Sands Teleport...</p></blockquote> There's [Removed for Content] carpet out in DL Woods, at the Wanderlust Faire. It's near the mailbox.

[Grothargh]

if you dont like it, dont go there. if you hate the game, dont play it, dont come here makin grief.

[Gharik]

I think the design is very nice, I was impressed. Shuffles ftw. He needs to say stuff.   <img src="/smilies/8a80c6485cd926be453217d59a84a888.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" />

[Celline-Layonaire]

<p>It has soul. Especially this : extremely fun part of Neriak is = Mage & Necro(inside the Darklight Castle backyard) class scripted events.</p><p>/Nuff said</p>

[-Arctura-]

(( i believe, correct me if i'm wrong here, that the Blind Fish Tavern could NOT be as it was in EQ1, facing the water with an underwater section... because of the way the game engine in EQ2 works in regards to the water volumes or something... Like i said, i dont really know the Eq2 engine, but i know that it was always a chore in Unreal Engine to try to get a water volume to function properly adjacent to a room or zone, perhaps separated by a thin sheet of glass or something. There was probably a proactive decision somewhere in the creation of Neriak that 'the Blind Fish glass underwater thing is taking too long, we want to release this content THIS MONTH! So we must push it out and go with a generic tavern'. I am fine with this, while i miss the EQ1 version and would LOVE to see it like it was (i believe everyone would....) I am NOT dissapointed with Neriak 2.0 Kudos to the Environmental Artists, you have done Neriak Justice, in my opinion. <img src="http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g69/Arctura000/DarkShadow2ONEXX.gif" border="0">

[Seraki]

<p>I'm basically ignoring much of the arguments here and replying to the OP.  </p><p>First a little background on me.  I have a BFA in fine art so I'm a bit of an art critic, but I like to think I'm a fair one. I played EQ2 from beta 2 until just over a year ago.   I had some issues with some of the changes that were going on then and moved to WoW.  ( Amazingly enough the graphics there are not as bad as people say when your actually in the game).   Recently I became very unhappy with new changes in WoW and I missed my wood elf LOL.   So I tried out the trial and found I liked some of the newer changes that have happened in my 1 year absence.   I noticed some graphic changes also .. some subtle and some more drastic.   Some I like ... some I don't like so much, but not to a degree that it kept me away.   </p><p>On Neriak: </p><p>For the most part I like the new Neriak.   However it could be better.  The lighting in the entire city is too murky.   While it shouldn't be too bright ( because after all it is Neriak).  The over all lighting it has looks dingy and makes a lot of the surfaces seem dull.   There seems to be only a limited number of surfaces also that react to specular light and shadow.   This is a big issue as it makes the new zones stand out with a very different feel from the older zones.   Its also a big issue because the 3-D feel and specular light and shadow effects are a hallmark of this game.  In a lot of game reviews this game has in the past got some of the highest marks in graphic quality for this very reason. </p><p>The zone gates and door ways in Neriak ( including the reworked Fallen Gate) look really dull though .. and kind of flat.   The surface of the rock walls and the city floor is pretty bad,  *shrug* and since it makes up a lot of the city surface it kind of drags it down a bit.   The roads are kind of bad too .. or lack of roads.  What there is of them is kind of hard to see as .. there is that over all lack of lighting and contrast in the out of house areas.   [Edit: I checked agian and the glass on the doorways is nice like the windows ( same texture).  Also I found 1 henge on the doorways that reacts to specular light ... but you have to be close enough to see it when you open the door.   there is a dropshadow on it also but its very mat so still looks kind of flat]</p><p>Now you can adjust your graphic options to help some but keep in mind that when you jack up the lighting and particle effects a lot in your options it can cause a lot of lag. </p><p>The architecture is very nice, I like it and it has the same mood as old Neriak but with a richer feeling.  I like the windows too although showing some light in some of them would have been nice.   The forge is a really nice piece of work.  The houses are nice inside too and I like that many of the main buildings have multiple levels cause it helps make the zone feel bigger.   The Eye of Innoruuk in the waterfall is a nice touch too ( I noticed it follows you no matter which way you go around it )  </p><p>Like I said over all I like the zone a lot, IMO if we could just give shuffles a polish cloth and some oil to shine up some of the surfaces a bit maybe add a bit more drama to the lighting I think it would be perfect.</p><p>I do miss the blind fish as it was though *sigh* ... ah well those are spoils of war.</p>