Will EQ2 Ever Look Like The 2002 Alpha?

[Laurence]

Come on? Hasn't retail hardware caught up with their 6 year old ambitions yet?<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HokbrASX-uo" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HokbrASX-uo</a>

[Jalanix]

I'm really glad the female armor doesn't look like that.I wouldn't mind more variation in the armor - but at least have it make some sense <img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" />

[Cadori Seraphim]

<cite>Jalanix wrote:</cite><blockquote>I'm really glad the female armor doesn't look like that.I wouldn't mind more variation in the armor - but at least have it make some sense <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY<img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" />" /> </blockquote>Why? In a fantasy game why does anything need to make sense?As it stands now people can put on skimpy little dresses that show a TON of skin over their current armor.. this makes sense to you?Gnomes and trolls and elves make sense to you?This is a game, not real life.

[Jalanix]

<cite>Sidori@Crushbone wrote:</cite><blockquote><cite>Jalanix wrote:</cite><blockquote>I'm really glad the female armor doesn't look like that.I wouldn't mind more variation in the armor - but at least have it make some sense <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY<img mce_tsrc=" />" /> </blockquote>Why? In a fantasy game why does anything need to make sense?As it stands now people can put on skimpy little dresses that show a TON of skin over their current armor.. this makes sense to you?Gnomes and trolls and elves make sense to you?This is a game, not real life.</blockquote>I never said the way things are now make sense. I would never consider putting a skimpy dress on my character because those armor designs don't mesh well with any classes except maybe casters.  And I do think it is silly to be able to wear cloth armor over plate and use the graphic.  A very unfortunate feature IMO.  I'm sorry, but as a female gamer I'm a bit sick of the "Platemail Bikini". I want my character to look nice, but not like I should be standing on a street corner instead of slaying evil foes.  No, nothing in a fantasy game *needs* to make sense.  But there is a difference between being able to suspend disbelief enough to allow magic and elves and trolls and thinking that I can have my stomach completely exposed and my armor class will be the same (or higher) than someone completely covered up.  Please. <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/2786c5c8e1a8be796fb2f726cca5a0fe.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" width="15" height="15" />At the very least, if they insist on doing this, make male characters wear something like the "Uber Tarzan Loincloth of Manliness" or "Mighty G-string of the Dragon" as well.  <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/97ada74b88049a6d50a6ed40898a03d7.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" width="15" height="15" />

[Vendolyn]

<cite>Jalanix wrote:</cite><blockquote><cite>Sidori@Crushbone wrote:</cite><blockquote><cite>Jalanix wrote:</cite><blockquote>I'm really glad the female armor doesn't look like that.I wouldn't mind more variation in the armor - but at least have it make some sense <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY<img mce_tsrc=" />" /> </blockquote>Why? In a fantasy game why does anything need to make sense?As it stands now people can put on skimpy little dresses that show a TON of skin over their current armor.. this makes sense to you?Gnomes and trolls and elves make sense to you?This is a game, not real life.</blockquote>I never said the way things are now make sense. I would never consider putting a skimpy dress on my character because those armor designs don't mesh well with any classes except maybe casters.  And I do think it is silly to be able to wear cloth armor over plate and use the graphic.  A very unfortunate feature IMO.  I'm sorry, but as a female gamer I'm a bit sick of the "Platemail Bikini". I want my character to look nice, but not like I should be standing on a street corner instead of slaying evil foes.  No, nothing in a fantasy game *needs* to make sense.  But there is a difference between being able to suspend disbelief enough to allow magic and elves and trolls and thinking that I can have my stomach completely exposed and my armor class will be the same (or higher) than someone completely covered up.  Please. <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/2786c5c8e1a8be796fb2f726cca5a0fe.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" width="15" height="15" />At the very least, if they insist on doing this, make male characters wear something like the "Uber Tarzan Loincloth of Manliness" or "Mighty G-string of the Dragon" as well.  <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/97ada74b88049a6d50a6ed40898a03d7.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" width="15" height="15" /></blockquote>Barbarian in a loincloth, rawr!Yeah, plate bikini isn't exactly something I'd want to wear, either.  Those knee pads would make a fly girl proud, hah.

[Gladiia]

<p>Is that what we can expect when the finally complete the skeletal revamp?  I thought it looked great.</p>

[Cadori Seraphim]

<cite>Jalanix wrote:</cite><blockquote><cite>Sidori@Crushbone wrote:</cite><blockquote><cite>Jalanix wrote:</cite><blockquote>I'm really glad the female armor doesn't look like that.I wouldn't mind more variation in the armor - but at least have it make some sense <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY<img mce_tsrc=" />" /> </blockquote>Why? In a fantasy game why does anything need to make sense?As it stands now people can put on skimpy little dresses that show a TON of skin over their current armor.. this makes sense to you?Gnomes and trolls and elves make sense to you?This is a game, not real life.</blockquote>I never said the way things are now make sense. I would never consider putting a skimpy dress on my character because those armor designs don't mesh well with any classes except maybe casters.  And I do think it is silly to be able to wear cloth armor over plate and use the graphic.  A very unfortunate feature IMO.  I'm sorry, but as a female gamer I'm a bit sick of the "Platemail Bikini". I want my character to look nice, but not like I should be standing on a street corner instead of slaying evil foes.  No, nothing in a fantasy game *needs* to make sense.  But there is a difference between being able to suspend disbelief enough to allow magic and elves and trolls and thinking that I can have my stomach completely exposed and my armor class will be the same (or higher) than someone completely covered up.  Please. <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/2786c5c8e1a8be796fb2f726cca5a0fe.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" width="15" height="15" />At the very least, if they insist on doing this, make male characters wear something like the "Uber Tarzan Loincloth of Manliness" or "Mighty G-string of the Dragon" as well.  <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/97ada74b88049a6d50a6ed40898a03d7.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" width="15" height="15" /></blockquote>First off, if they were to add the option to have armor like the one you see in the vid, you WOULD be able to choose NOT to wear it. Thats simple. If it were the only thing available to wear I can see a valid complaint.. as it is now though the only things available to wear atm are the copy paste bull crap we have had for years.. Second off, I really dont see how you think that armor in the vid looks anything resembling a [Removed for Content]. I really dont.

[Jalanix]

<cite></cite>Choose to not to wear it in favor of something with lesser stats? That got really old in WoW.  Granted, I could see the benefit of the appearance slots in that case <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" width="15" height="15" />You're right though, I've never seen a street [Removed for Content] that was dressed that revealingly <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/97ada74b88049a6d50a6ed40898a03d7.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" width="15" height="15" />.  In all seriousness though, I'm not really a prude.  I even had a few sets of skimpy armor on my character in WoW for when I was just standing around waiting for a group - because most of them were more detailed and prettier than battle-ready armor.  However, I did hate how we were expected to fight in the stuff.  It was like you hit level 40 and can wear plate armor - and for female characters it appears to offer less protection than my old chain stuff!

[Cadori Seraphim]

<cite>Jalanix wrote:</cite><blockquote><cite></cite>Choose to not to wear it in favor of something with lesser stats? That got really old in WoW.  Granted, I could see the benefit of the appearance slots in that case <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" width="15" height="15" />You're right though, I've never seen a street [Removed for Content] that was dressed that revealingly <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/97ada74b88049a6d50a6ed40898a03d7.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" width="15" height="15" />.  In all seriousness though, I'm not really a prude.  I even had a few sets of skimpy armor on my character in WoW for when I was just standing around waiting for a group - because most of them were more detailed and prettier than battle-ready armor.  However, I did hate how we were expected to fight in the stuff.  It was like you hit level 40 and can wear plate armor - and for female characters it appears to offer less protection than my old chain stuff!</blockquote>Your appearance slot is there for a reason and doesnt give you the stats of any of the armor worn <img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /> Thats mainly what I meant about choosing not to wear the skimpier stuff.I really think if they did add a more skimpier flavor of armor to that game that it would be a good thing. I get not everyone likes that type of armor, and if tastefully done I think it would do wonders for the game.As long as they give options for both so people can choose not to wear it if they dont want to. (er show it I mean)

[Jalanix]

<cite></cite>I realize that.  In fact, I even mentioned it <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/2786c5c8e1a8be796fb2f726cca5a0fe.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" width="15" height="15" />.  That doesn't change the fact that the existence of armor like that is silly.  Especially for a game that prides itself on more realistic graphics <img src="/smilies/8a80c6485cd926be453217d59a84a888.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /> I wouldn't mind seeing more detail on armor though.  That armor was really quite pretty and I'm sure would be absolutely gorgeous on the male models <img src="/smilies/8a80c6485cd926be453217d59a84a888.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" />

[Branlach]

<p>I really wish EQ2 would look like that. While I'm not the greatest fan of chainmail or plate mail bikinis for females, the armors shown in that old E3 demo look at least a hundred times better than most armors we currently have.</p><p>It also reminded me of another thing I've always missed... armored skeletal knights in Stormhold (they are supposed to be <b>knights</b> after all, not just some risen commoners). As the appropriate models already exist in the game (armored skeletons can be seen around the old tower near the Teir'Dal starting area), I see no reason not to replace the undead in Stormhold with them.</p>

[Odalia]

<p>I am a female gamer and <u>I</u>  want something more sexy then what we have, the dresses for the aperance slots just don't cut it. I'm a druid I want some thing that dosent cover me from neck to foot. </p>

[Jalanix]

<cite>Odalia@Unrest wrote:</cite><blockquote><p>I am a female gamer and <u>I</u>  want something more sexy then what we have, the dresses for the aperance slots just don't cut it. I'm a druid I want some thing that dosent cover me from neck to foot. </p></blockquote>I'm a druid as well, and I think my leather armor makes me look plenty sexy! Though, before I respecced my AAs to the melee path, I did wish there was some sort of leather robe.  TBH I certainly wouldn't argue against armor that was fitting for the class.  Druids really don't have anything like that.  Even if it was just something for the appearance slots, like made out of vines and leaves and animal skins or something <img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" />

[Vendolyn]

There are some Gis druids can wear.  I saw someone link a no trade one last night, I hit control click to try it on...and drool.  I think they're sexy without going too far.

[Jalanix]

<cite>Vendolyn@Unrest wrote:</cite><blockquote>There are some Gis druids can wear.  I saw someone link a no trade one last night, I hit control click to try it on...and drool.  I think they're sexy without going too far.</blockquote>Yeah I do think the Gis look nice - on monks.  I wouldn't wear one on my druid just because (to me) it doesn't look that druidic <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/97ada74b88049a6d50a6ed40898a03d7.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" width="15" height="15" />.  I think some of the cloth robes look fantastic too, but still wouldn't wear them for the same reason. 

[Vendolyn]

Try the i<a href="http://eq2.allakhazam.com/db/item.html?eq2item=92435" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">tem link</a> next time in game, it's gorgeous and has great stats for the melee line!  *squeals*One Gi I'd happily wear with my Warden ;p

[Laurence]

*snaps fingers* enough about the babe...People, please, you seem to have strayed from my original point. I was NOT asking, when will we have skimpy armor. This was just ONE set of armor they chose to have in the demo (probably because the devs enjoyed working on it). Note that they also showed a human male and talked about the armor on a skeleton and it's easter egg text.I was asking, when will they have a proper skeletal model and variation on armor, rather than the same old armor over and over in different colors and textures. Listen to what the guy in the video is saying about how wonderful the model system is and how easy it is to add new armor and make it fit any race. When EQ2 was released they did a serious downgrade on the graphics and took all this cool stuff out. I want to know when it will look awsome like in this demo.The fact is compared to many other games, out characters are awfully uniform. With the system they demoed here, we wouldn't have that problem.Look at the player crafted armor for instance, now compare the handcrafted and mastercrafted from one tier to the next, its basicly the same over and over, maybe with different patterns. Try for example going to the broker, start an advancd search: type: cloth armor, slot: chest, item name type in "robe", and click ok, then try previewing as many robes as you can find, notice any similarities? They're all exactly the same! Even the 3-string detail on the chest. And whats with the pants being stitched in to every robe? And the flappy bits that swish back and forth when your run? Leather and plate chest items even use the same model a lot of the time. Helmets bend as you turn your head!Theres something seriously lacking in this game's armor.

[chobitz]

<p>As a female gamer and a fantasy art fan, I would LOVE a "chain mail bikini". There is tons of precedent in fantasy art for that look. Its quite common actually. </p><p>Oh and BTW before someone says "but those are male artists" not all are. Some famous fantasy artists like Olivia etc even draw NUDE female fantasy subjects.</p><p>Personally I'm getting sick of 100% covered up armor. My female chars don't even look female when all covered up. I liked WoW, Lineage 1 & 2, and Rappelz's female armor. More female fantasy armor please and less realistic covered up armor.</p><p>Of course I would never say everyone must feel like I do. Thank God for the appearance slots..</p>

[dawy]

<cite>Vendolyn@Unrest wrote:</cite><blockquote><cite>Jalanix wrote:</cite><blockquote><cite></cite></blockquote>Barbarian in a loincloth, rawr!Yeah, plate bikini isn't exactly something I'd want to wear, either.  Those knee pads would make a fly girl proud, hah.</blockquote>A plate bikini..the mind boggles

[Laurence]

I guess nobody wants a serious discussion on the lacking armor variation then?Oh well. When in rome...*sighs* yeh elf babes!

[Jalanix]

<cite>Laurence@Antonia Bayle wrote:</cite><blockquote>I guess nobody wants a serious discussion on the lacking armor variation then?Oh well. When in rome...*sighs* yeh elf babes!</blockquote>I'm sorry <img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /> I didn't mean to derail your thread.  I just thought you were referring to the graphical quality, not so much the armor models exclusively.  I think the graphics as they are now are beautiful and still better than anything else out there atm. As far as armor goes, isn't the lack of different models because they never did do the skeletal revamp and thus have to make each piece of armor for each race separately? There was already a thread about this a few days ago.  Even if they do manage to make that work eventually, it will still be a balancing act between giving us variation and not making the armor too over-the-top like in WoW.  I do want variation as well, but I'd rather the armor remain realistic.  No skyscraper shoulderpads for this character please!And to whoever mentioned actually liking Lineage II, I hated it! I made a dark elf caster and For the first 10 levels I had to walk around wearing a corset and g-string as "armor".. my light elf ranger got to wear a skirt.. but then every animation made it lift up to show my undies anyway.  <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/97ada74b88049a6d50a6ed40898a03d7.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" width="15" height="15" /> I'm all for wanting my character to look female.. but also to look respectable <img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" />

[Laurence]

<cite>Jalanix wrote:</cite><blockquote><cite>Laurence@Antonia Bayle wrote:</cite><blockquote>I guess nobody wants a serious discussion on the lacking armor variation then?Oh well. When in rome...*sighs* yeh elf babes!</blockquote>I'm sorry <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY<img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" />" /> I didn't mean to derail your thread.  I just thought you were referring to the graphical quality, not so much the armor models exclusively.  I think the graphics as they are now are beautiful and still better than anything else out there atm. As far as armor goes, isn't the lack of different models because they never did do the skeletal revamp and thus have to make each piece of armor for each race separately? There was already a thread about this a few days ago.  Even if they do manage to make that work eventually, it will still be a balancing act between giving us variation and not making the armor too over-the-top like in WoW.  I do want variation as well, but I'd rather the armor remain realistic.  No skyscraper shoulderpads for this character please!And to whoever mentioned actually liking Lineage II, I hated it! I made a dark elf caster and For the first 10 levels I had to walk around wearing a corset and g-string as "armor".. my light elf ranger got to wear a skirt.. but then every animation made it lift up to show my undies anyway.  <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/97ada74b88049a6d50a6ed40898a03d7.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" width="15" height="15" /> I'm all for wanting my character to look female.. but also to look respectable <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY<img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" />" /> </blockquote>Every outfit should be unique, but in a subtil way. I don't want WoW shoulders either, but please no more recolouring the same armor.

[Cadori Seraphim]

<cite>Jalanix wrote:</cite><blockquote><cite></cite>I realize that.  In fact, I even mentioned it <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/2786c5c8e1a8be796fb2f726cca5a0fe.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" width="15" height="15" />.  That doesn't change the fact that the existence of armor like that is silly.  Especially for a game that prides itself on more realistic graphics <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/8a80c6485cd926be453217d59a84a888.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY<img src="/smilies/8a80c6485cd926be453217d59a84a888.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" />" /> I wouldn't mind seeing more detail on armor though.  That armor was really quite pretty and I'm sure would be absolutely gorgeous on the male models <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/8a80c6485cd926be453217d59a84a888.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY<img src="/smilies/8a80c6485cd926be453217d59a84a888.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" />" /> </blockquote>*You* think its silly, I get that. I am sure alot of others, however, wont. Add to that I am sure there are those who will agree with you <img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" />It would be good, either way, to have armor like that as an option.

[Jovie]

<p>The one thing that i noticed is the fact that the female eyes actually looked normal and not like a girl that just got done getting her smoke on.</p><p>Why do female eyes look that way in the final build?</p>

[flesyMeM]

<cite>Laurence@Antonia Bayle wrote:</cite><blockquote>Come on? Hasn't retail hardware caught up with their 6 year old ambitions yet?</blockquote><p>Actually, the answer is the reverse of the question itself. Their 6 year old ambitions haven't caught up to retail hardware. This game was designed in anticipation of the nextgen single-core processors of that time--which never came to the market and never will.</p>

[Gladiia]

<cite>Highway@Guk wrote:</cite><blockquote><cite>Laurence@Antonia Bayle wrote:</cite><blockquote>Come on? Hasn't retail hardware caught up with their 6 year old ambitions yet?</blockquote><p>Actually, the answer is the reverse of the question itself. Their 6 year old ambitions haven't caught up to retail hardware. This game was designed in anticipation of the nextgen single-core processors of that time--which never came to the market and never will.</p></blockquote><p>Kind of a bummer to.  Wouldn't it be nice if dual/quad core processors could be designed so that when running a minimum of applications most of their processing power was combined into a 'mock-single-core' to take simple speeds to extreme levels?  </p><p>Just to toss the equation to the other side and all...</p>

[SisterTheresa]

<p>In response to the OP</p><p>This smells like something just for show.  You know how some game companies "fake" screenshots?  If the game was supposed to look like that in 2002 they why is it so much "different" or "worse" in 2008?  C'mon ...</p><p>Remember they can get greater programs for EQ2.  They just fancied stuff up.</p><p>Now if they did make it like that, not only would more than half the population of the game need a complete pc overhaul to even run it ... I would too!</p>

[AntelechVisilicos]

The first two demos looked great (that guy had nostrils and everything!).  The last one with female armor just looked...stupid though.  Honestly it didn't even look sexy.  The helmet looked like something a special ed kid'd have to wear.

[Shemyaza]

<p>the eq2 devs must really hate youtube. every-so-often someone digs up those clips and throws it in their faces. </p><p>i'd like to know what type of pc those demos were running on so long ago.</p>

[Xanrn]

<p>Everquest has never had chainmail bikinis.</p><p>I for one do not want to throw 8 years or so of art direction out the window.</p><p>As for appearance slots, they work the same way as the million and one illussions giving items or spells.</p>

[Wyeth]

I've played this game for 3 years and just turned the Texture and Character Resolution to Maximum the other night was was BLOWN AWAY.  Everything looked so much better (with the expected hit to FPS) but yes, this game does look like the video if you have the hardware to see it.

[Grimlux]

<cite>Wyeth wrote:</cite><blockquote>I've played this game for 3 years and just turned the Texture and Character Resolution to Maximum the other night was was BLOWN AWAY.  Everything looked so much better (with the expected hit to FPS) but yes, this game does look like the video if you have the hardware to see it.</blockquote>HAHAHA no it doesnt. The video from the 2002 alpha was just a botched up version of the game to get people excited. The armor models shown are NOWhere near what we have, oh and goodluck getting your spells to look like that too no matter what setting you have it on.

[Valentina]

<cite>Sidori@Crushbone wrote:</cite><blockquote><cite>Jalanix wrote:</cite><blockquote><cite></cite>I realize that.  In fact, I even mentioned it <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/2786c5c8e1a8be796fb2f726cca5a0fe.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" width="15" height="15" />.  That doesn't change the fact that the existence of armor like that is silly.  Especially for a game that prides itself on more realistic graphics <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/8a80c6485cd926be453217d59a84a888.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY<img mce_tsrc=" />" /> I wouldn't mind seeing more detail on armor though.  That armor was really quite pretty and I'm sure would be absolutely gorgeous on the male models <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/8a80c6485cd926be453217d59a84a888.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY<img mce_tsrc=" />" /> </blockquote>*You* think its silly, I get that. I am sure alot of others, however, wont. Add to that I am sure there are those who will agree with you <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY<img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" />" />It would be good, either way, to have armor like that as an option.</blockquote>I agree... and that is the true value of the appearance tab... nobody gets stuck with a look they don't like because of the stats.  The appearance tab really frees EQ2 devs up to be far more creative with item designs... now we just need them to do so, (and, I guess, we need the skeletal revamp for this to happen).

[Gungo]

<p>After 2 years of wasted development time i heard the skeletal revamp was being shelved by the new lead artist dev. </p><p>Anyone able to confirm or deny that rumour?</p>

[Sasandra]

<cite>Xanrn wrote:</cite><blockquote><p>Everquest has never had chainmail bikinis.</p><p>I for one do not want to throw 8 years or so of art direction out the window.</p><p>As for appearance slots, they work the same way as the million and one illussions giving items or spells.</p></blockquote><p>Huh? /boggle</p><p>i'm guessing you never once actualy played any other Everquest based game to make that statement. EQ had lots of skimpy armor, EQ2 inface is the one that threw away 8 years of art style as it's the only Everquest based game without proper high fantasy style armor.</p><p>EQ1:</p><p><img src="http://everquest.allakhazam.com/equipment/fashion2/luclin_darkelf_female_banded.jpg" alt="" width="249" height="459" border="0" /> <img src="http://everquest.allakhazam.com/equipment/fashion/Banded_DE_Female.jpg" alt="" width="253" height="418" border="0" /></p><p><img src="http://everquest.allakhazam.com/equipment/fashion2/luclin_halfelf_female_gnomeskin.jpg" alt="" width="432" height="576" border="0" /></p><p><img src="http://pages.prodigy.net/sasandra/EQ1_dark_elf.jpg" alt="" width="435" height="478" border="0" /></p><p><img src="http://everquest.allakhazam.com/equipment/fashion2/luclin_darkelf_female_shiningmetallicrobe.jpg" alt="" width="800" height="600" border="0" /></p><p>Champions of Norath:</p><p><img src="http://image.com.com/gamespot/images/2003/reviews/915265_20031124_screen008.jpg" alt="" width="720" height="480" border="0" /></p><p><img src="http://image.com.com/gamespot/images/2003/ps2/champsofnorrath/0827/champ_screen007.jpg" alt="" width="640" height="448" border="0" /></p><p>Champions: Return to Arms:</p><p><img src="http://image.com.com/gamespot/images/2005/006/reviews/920597_20050107_screen004.jpg" alt="" width="720" height="480" border="0" /></p><p><img src="http://image.com.com/gamespot/images/2004/screen0/920597_20040504_screen001.jpg" alt="" width="640" height="448" border="0" /></p>

[ZexisStryfe]

The skeletal revamp WILL happen. There is no way they can shelf it because the Sarnak already use it.

[Norrsken]

<cite>Highway@Guk wrote:</cite><blockquote><cite>Laurence@Antonia Bayle wrote:</cite><blockquote>Come on? Hasn't retail hardware caught up with their 6 year old ambitions yet?</blockquote><p>Actually, the answer is the reverse of the question itself. Their 6 year old ambitions haven't caught up to retail hardware. This game was designed in anticipation of the nextgen single-core processors of that time--which never came to the market and never will.</p></blockquote>Actually, there are at least 2 new materials with which to make CPUs that would be capable of boosting the core speeds to about 10GHz rather easily while pretty much removing the excessive heat that todays materials suffer.but those are still under research and will probably not end up in retail in a fwe years to come, at best.

[Kursa]

Sasandra, a lot of the pics are Xed out.

[Nanran]

Hey, does anyone remember the video demo that showed the inn in east freeport where they were bragging about continually, scripted npc events?  A Ratonga came in and started a fight with some casters that were dining in there.  That was neat, also had it where the dragon came down in Cazic and the lizardmen went running away to the zone entrance.

[Sasandra]

<cite>Kursa wrote:</cite><blockquote>Sasandra, a lot of the pics are Xed out.</blockquote><p>Weird, are you behind a firewall? cause i'm able to see all of them on 3 different computers.</p>

[Dreyco]

The technology at the time of Alpha was never able to utilize what they were displaying.  It was too system intensive.But even now, with a toned down version of that, this game is leaps and bounds ahead of what is currently available on the market.  It also still looks amazing.  That in itself is something that the team should be proud of.They can keep pushing the envelope a little bit as technology gets better.  Who knows what we'll see in the coming years.

[Qandor]

<cite>Laurence@Antonia Bayle wrote:</cite><blockquote>I guess nobody wants a serious discussion on the lacking armor variation then?Oh well. When in rome...*sighs* yeh elf babes!</blockquote><p>Well, the thread never had a chance due to the lighting fast play of the "chainmail bikini" card in the third reply. Really skillfull play on that posters part. </p><p>No, we will never see armor like that in EQ2 since SOE would lose ALL their Tailban subscribers. Besides it would totally ruin their long range plans of a limited playerbase. They would prefer to not do anything that might accidently attract subscribers. In any event, all available funds are being siphoned off to to bankroll Smedley's next hair brain scheme. Investing in the ACTUAL franchise product is just out of the question.</p>

[ke'la]

<cite>Grimlux wrote:</cite><blockquote><cite>Wyeth wrote:</cite><blockquote>I've played this game for 3 years and just turned the Texture and Character Resolution to Maximum the other night was was BLOWN AWAY.  Everything looked so much better (with the expected hit to FPS) but yes, this game does look like the video if you have the hardware to see it.</blockquote>HAHAHA no it doesnt. The video from the 2002 alpha was just a botched up version of the game to get people excited. The armor models shown are NOWhere near what we have, oh and goodluck getting your spells to look like that too no matter what setting you have it on.</blockquote>I agree the armor and caractor models suck, compaired to that video. However, I am sorry but with the exception of the "Sphear Cage" in the video I have accually seen those tree spell effects, the crystal growth is a buff my Warden gives, and the Light from above is basicly on every spell Clerics use and most other heals. The one partical effect I miss on my druid that dissapeared when they revamped the spells to occamidate being the same class from 1-cap, is the what I call the "Broccolli" spell that basicly made it look like your whole group turned into trees, it was a great effect and had a great sound to go with it. IMO, many of the partical effects in game are better then what was in that video, such as the Hand grasp root that comes out of the ground. Also last I checked the zone art is FAR better then what is in that video.

[Brickzapper]

<cite>Jalanix wrote:</cite><blockquote><cite></cite>At the very least, if they insist on doing this, make male characters wear something like the "Uber Tarzan Loincloth of Manliness" or "Mighty G-string of the Dragon" as well.  <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/97ada74b88049a6d50a6ed40898a03d7.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" width="15" height="15" /></blockquote>Have you ever grouped with a monk?  They are mostly men and they all love to look as close to naked as possible.

[Gungo]

<cite>Vulkoor@Antonia Bayle wrote:</cite><blockquote>The skeletal revamp WILL happen. There is no way they can shelf it because the Sarnak already use it.</blockquote><p>Time is money in a projects life they hae several status updates to determine the progress on a particular project. If the management at the time feels the project does not meeet thier expectations or it becomes likely viable to scrap the project then to proceed down wasted development time. </p><p>With a recent change in supervisory management and the manager in charge of the new skeletal developement. It is highly likely this project which alreayd wasted 2 years of development cycle is scrapped if it is not close to completion. SoE is already looking at its next eq2 expansion and that time is better spent to deliver a better quality project then having artists clocking up development time on a dead end project. The problem lies not in the project, the project likely failed because the artists were to uninspired, lazy, and wasted to much cycle time on this project. </p>

[Cadori Seraphim]

<cite>Qandor wrote:</cite><blockquote><cite>Laurence@Antonia Bayle wrote:</cite><blockquote>I guess nobody wants a serious discussion on the lacking armor variation then?Oh well. When in rome...*sighs* yeh elf babes!</blockquote><p>Well, the thread never had a chance due to the lighting fast play of the "chainmail bikini" card in the third reply. Really skillfull play on that posters part. </p><p>No, we will never see armor like that in EQ2 since SOE would lose ALL their Tailban subscribers. Besides it would totally ruin their long range plans of a limited playerbase. They would prefer to not do anything that might accidently attract subscribers. In any event, all available funds are being siphoned off to to bankroll Smedley's next hair brain scheme. Investing in the ACTUAL franchise product is just out of the question.</p></blockquote>There is no way you can state that they will never do something (or vice versa), unless you are a developer (or higher up) yourself. Your post is more confusing then anything as at first glance it looks like a joke..

[Erithe]

<cite>Xanrn wrote:</cite><blockquote><p>Everquest has never had chainmail bikinis,</p></blockquote>EQ2 maybe, but have you logged onto EQ1 recently?  All I have to say is "Half elf or Wood elf" and half the people here will know exactly what I mean.  Half elves had thongs.  Wood elves were skimpy.  There was black caster armor at one point that looked like Dominatrix gear.Hell, at this point, I'd kill for some cleavage.  Seriously.  And I'm female.   A little belly showing on something OTHER than a Gi.  They've said they're upgrading the models so that there will be more armor choices.  Many people at fan faire saw demo's to that effect.  So, basically, we're going to get more armors (we hope) b/c of that.  Though it may take a while.But, on the derail, as a caster, Please PLEASE, anything other than layers of wool!!!! No female in her right mind wears layers of wool except in the dead of winter.   Seriously.  Urg.  I'm a caster, I don't have to be covered from chin to toe.

[-Arctura-]

(( here you go. A tasty reminder of what once was the Status outfitA shame they added that front flap thing =(  I remember once reading an article from an EQ2 dev saying Eq2 will have "no chainmail bikinis".. so I guess this outfit got revamped... <img src="http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g69/Arctura000/nov_ss1_lg.jpg" alt="" border="0" />

[rosscoliosis]

Rofl, wow, never saw that one before. But that really is just tacky. Some sort of skirt, even a really short one, would just plain look better than that. But yeah, remember the a**-less chaps on the inkie girls in eq1? Haha

[Moralpanic]

<cite>Wyeth wrote:</cite><blockquote>I've played this game for 3 years and just turned the Texture and Character Resolution to Maximum the other night was was BLOWN AWAY.  Everything looked so much better (with the expected hit to FPS) but yes, this game does look like the video if you have the hardware to see it.</blockquote>Either you haven't seen it on max or you haven't seen the video. What is the point of lying about this anyways? EQ2 does look nice on max or high settings, but nowhere near as good as the video. But i would be happy with EQ2 limitations, if they had MORE variety.

[-Arctura-]

<cite>Moralpanic wrote:</cite><blockquote><cite>Wyeth wrote:</cite><blockquote>I've played this game for 3 years and just turned the Texture and Character Resolution to Maximum the other night was was BLOWN AWAY.  Everything looked so much better (with the expected hit to FPS) but yes, this game does look like the video if you have the hardware to see it.</blockquote>Either you haven't seen it on max or you haven't seen the video. What is the point of lying about this anyways? EQ2 does look nice on max or high settings, but nowhere near as good as the video. But i would be happy with EQ2 limitations, if they had MORE variety.</blockquote>(( lets clear up some things here.First of all, the only differences between the Demo and current EQ2 graphics on the live servers are:- that 'paladin armor' didnt make it to live- the specular levels of the armor and skin are not as high ingame as they are in the demo. - the lighting in Stormhold is different.- the human male hairstyle is different, and again, with less specular.Either than that, it looks just the same as how I see it on maximum settings.So in essence, all you are really seeing is more specularity on the materials. Things look shinier in the demo for that reason.

[Laurence]

<cite>Highway@Guk wrote:</cite><blockquote><cite></cite>This game was designed in anticipation of the nextgen single-core processors of that time--which never came to the market and never will.</blockquote>Leaving aside the issue of number of cores... has anyone ever explained why EQ2 is so CPU-intensive in the first place? Shouldn't 3D games delegate as much work as possible to the GPC, and make the CPU do only what the GPU can't? Seems like upgrading your graphics card for EQ2 makes only a small difference while upgrading your CPU makes it way better. For most games I've played, it's the other way around.I'm guessing the single-core/dual-core problem wouldn't only be a minor issue if it haden't been so CPU-intensive to begin with, or am I wrong?<cite>Moralpanic wrote:</cite><blockquote><cite></cite>I would be happy with EQ2 limitations, if they had MORE variety.</blockquote>I agree, but I guess why pay the art staff to make a whole lot of different armor, when you can just get them to make a couple of sets, recolor it and hope nobody complains? Bloody lazy. <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/2786c5c8e1a8be796fb2f726cca5a0fe.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" width="15" height="15" />

[Dreyco]

Honestly, I can see why they were thinking that way.  But they did anticipate the wrong direction in where technology would go.If there was one unversal truth, it is that CPU's will be faster and able to handle more processing, and RAM will continue to grow in allotted values over the years.  Thus, the game would continue to evolve and run better, no matter how you look at it, and without having to pay much attention to how Direct X would change, or how graphics technology would change, which is one of the faster innovations taking place right now.

[Kursa]

<cite>Laurence@Antonia Bayle wrote:</cite><blockquote>I guess nobody wants a serious discussion on the lacking armor variation then?Oh well. When in rome...*sighs* yeh elf babes!</blockquote>no one wants to talk about that because there is currently well over 200 topics on that very subject here....possibly more.

[Shemyaza]

<cite>Dreyco wrote:</cite><blockquote>Honestly, I can see why they were thinking that way.  But they did anticipate the wrong direction in where technology would go.</blockquote><p>i can't think of one other company that thought this way. </p><p>iirc, they <i>did</i> try and add multi-core support but it ended up messing up running speed or something. i wasn't playing eq2 at the time so can't be more specific. so they either lack the talent to get it done right, they don't consider it worth spending time and money on, or the game engine is made up of so much spaghetti soup it's incapable of running multi-cores.</p><p>then again, this game engine - desinged from scratch and made specifically for eq2 - can't even do proper robes. one would think that would have sent alarm bells ringing during development.</p>

[Laurence]

<cite>Shemyaza wrote:</cite><blockquote><cite></cite><p>then again, this game engine - desinged from scratch and made specifically for eq2 - can't even do proper robes. one would think that would have sent alarm bells ringing during development.</p></blockquote>Hadden't looked at it that way, guess if they can't get the basics right, efficient use of resources is a bit much to ask. <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/e8a506dc4ad763aca51bec4ca7dc8560.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" width="15" height="15" />

[Moltove]

As for the bikini-mail...Heh, as a male, even I find them a bit too much. It's not that things don't have to make sense, but they should be "realistic", as in items that don't have so much magical properties (their excuse for being unique and different) should act as they do in rl. A bikini isn't going to protect you. Mobs don't swing once every second or two. You're going to get hit. And when you do, technically your arm should be across the room.Also, armor shouldn't be used as a "just incase I blink at the wrong time" tool. shields and bracers are perfect for a parry and many close combat moves. Most a warrior in a bikini will do is cause a mob to get a little tight in the pants; granted, it might distract him but...heh..that's not really what's going to be put into game, now is it?I hope this kinda makes sense.My idea is more armor customization. If someone wants to wear a bikini, give them an option to do that, but let someone else with the same set wear a bit more. I can live with our current sets, though I'm tired of them, but a bit more customization will go a long way. specific rim dye, or even the armor itself. Maybe you have to con an Armorer to do it for you? Something. There's a lot of potential stored up.

[Svetty]

<cite>Erithe wrote:</cite><blockquote><cite></cite>All I have to say is "Half elf or Wood elf" and half the people here will know exactly what I mean.  Half elves had thongs.  Wood elves were skimpy.  There was black caster armor at one point that looked like Dominatrix gear.Hell, at this point, I'd kill for some cleavage.  Seriously.  And I'm female.   A little belly showing on something OTHER than a Gi.  They've said they're upgrading the models so that there will be more armor choices.  Many people at fan faire saw demo's to that effect.  So, basically, we're going to get more armors (we hope) b/c of that.  Though it may take a while.But, on the derail, as a caster, Please PLEASE, anything other than layers of wool!!!! No female in her right mind wears layers of wool except in the dead of winter.   Seriously.  Urg.  I'm a caster, I don't have to be covered from chin to toe.</blockquote>I played EQ1 for about 5 years and I always thought the half elves looked a little trashy with that thong.  I do have to admit to getting the black dominatrix gear and 2 cleric usable whips for my cleric, though, and running a little whipping house in Kelethin occasionally.  I made a decent amount of cash doing that!  <img src="/smilies/69934afc394145350659cd7add244ca9.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" />  I, also, am not very keen on the robes in EQ2 for casters they are all so generic.  The loved most of the robes in EQ1.  The biggest difference was the robes in EQ one all didn't look the same.  Everything I have seen in my years playing EQ2 (played since beta) are all the same style with just different colors and patterns.  It is kind of depressing.  Personally, I think showing a little skin on the female characters isn't all that bad but going to the extreme of having something like that paladin armour or a "chain mail bikini"  would be too much.  As I have gotten older that disconnect in my brain seems to have slipped away and the thought of teenage boys fapping it to my character just kind of creeps me out now. 

[DngrMou]

If I had the option, I'd dress my swashy in a loin cloth.  And black pirate boots!