Sentinel’s Fate In-game Armor and Highland Stalker Video! [Archive]

Kiara

12-18-2009, 10:31 PM

<table width="500" align="center"><tbody><tr><td height="636">Last week, we brought you a sneak peek at the Armored Highland Stalker mount and the figurine that comes with the Collector's Edition of Sentinel's Fate! This week, we have the in-game appearance armor that comes with the retail and digital download versions of the expansion. <table width="500"><tbody><tr><td width="254"><a href="http://eq2players.station.sony.com/images/en/features/articles/exp06/mount/robes_learned_and_reasoned.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://eq2players.station.sony.com/images/en/features/articles/exp06/mount/robes_learned_and_reasoned_th.jpg" border="0" width="250" height="156" /></a></td> <td width="236">The Guarding of the Reasoned comes with the retail boxes and the Guarding of the Learned with the digital downloads.</td></tr> <tr><td colspan="2"><div><a href="http://download.station.sony.com/patch/web/eq2/lynxmount_final.wmv" target="_blank"><img src="http://eq2players.station.sony.com/images/en/features/articles/exp06/mount/mount_ingame_th.jpg" border="0" width="490" height="300" /></a></div></td></tr></tbody></table> Even better, we have a short video of the armored and unarmored options for the Highland Stalker mount that come with the Collector's Edition of Sentinel's Fate. Click the picture above for the movie, or for a smaller download, **<a href="http://download.station.sony.com/patch/web/eq2/lynxmount_final_sml.wmv" target="_blank">click here</a>**!</td></tr></tbody></table>

Dragowulf

12-18-2009, 11:28 PM

Why are their eyes closed? They look like Cheshire cat.Animations are great but the art/model of the cat is just horrid. I'm sorry, but it's honestly constructive criticism.

TheOrder20

12-18-2009, 11:52 PM

Agreed. I notice the model clipping itself in several places and the face is just unpleasant to look at.

fireriv

12-19-2009, 12:26 AM

To bad too had potential, everyone wanted a cat mount but we got a mutant thing instead.

Korven

12-19-2009, 12:36 AM

Is the Guarding of the Reasoned the red or the blue robes?

DukeOccam

12-19-2009, 12:38 AM

I really like the armored one, and it's looking like I'm going to be pretty satisfied with it. I do have to agree a little bit on the unarmored one though. Its face just looks...weird. I think it must be the fur tufts. Realistic-looking fur is hard to do, and while it's one thing just showing a furry pelt, it's another thing entirely when the fur is such a major feature of the model.

Dragowulf

12-19-2009, 01:19 AM

I've rewatched and paused the video so many times and I still can't see his eyes, even when they look open.

Grumpy_Warrior_01

12-19-2009, 02:53 AM

I think both mounts look great, you can bet I'll be pre-ordering. Thanks for the video clip, the animations are amazing. Now I just have to decide which one I like better :D

Pahya

12-19-2009, 06:35 AM

I really, really like the armor and am very happy to see the art team stretching their muscles and adding a bit of flavor.

Jacra

12-19-2009, 09:53 AM

Hm. I like the ingame armor a lot (which one is which one btw?), thumbs up! The animation of the stalker is nice too. But the model of the head is still ... uhhhh ... they look ugly, sorry, animated version doesn't help this. Too big for the rider and the head is way out of proportion in my opinion.

789mkii

12-19-2009, 02:05 PM

As a possible change now,If the size of head is reduced a little more, it is likely to become better?For exsample 100%→90%→80%→75%<img src="http://img684.imageshack.us/img684/9743/reaperminiatures.jpg" />

fireriv

12-19-2009, 02:22 PM

Gonna name mine cringeer

zelocka01

12-19-2009, 03:06 PM

Actually looking at it I think it’s not so much that the head is too big as the body behind the head is too unfluffy and flat. You have a super fluffy head and then basically a flat fur body. That’s making the head look out of place. You need to fluffy up that area from the neck to the mid shoulders and the head won’t look out of place.

DukeOccam

12-19-2009, 03:25 PM

I think 789mkii has a point. The head looks just massive. His 80% or 75% heads look much more natural. A normal lynx's head isn't that big:<img src="http://www.nationalforestlawblog.com/Lynx.jpg" width="640" height="480" />I tried to get a screencap from the video, but that's not working out so well. Just pause it right after the two mounts are done rearing up. The head on the unarmored one is as tall as the rest of the body. It does look a little like the luck dragon from Neverending Story, lol.

Graywindnz

12-19-2009, 06:50 PM

While the armor looks great it looks like the designers are adding padding to the females Chest piece again!!! We had this problem with most of the TSO robes can we not get this done right??

pinba11

12-19-2009, 07:25 PM

Since when do Lynx has a docked tail ?What is it with SOE designers and cutting tails off , it looks wrong , so wrong !

Solarax

12-19-2009, 08:12 PM

the cats still have bicepts!thier legs are 30% shorter than they should be and the haunches are all wrong.

Jarnvargr

12-19-2009, 08:18 PM

The armor looks fine and the armor & animation on the mount is great. But the head ...? Is lynx going to be the only choice, and will it remain so out of proportion with its body?If the answers are yes ... then the mount is certainly not encouraging me to pre-order.

Littlelove

12-19-2009, 08:42 PM

<cite>Xenar@Runnyeye wrote:</cite><blockquote>Since when do Lynx has a docked tail ?What is it with SOE designers and cutting tails off , it looks wrong , so wrong !</blockquote>Since when did Lynx ever have long tails?Make the head smaller and the legs longer. Otherwise you would have to pay me to buy the collector's edition. This just looks ridiculous.

acctlc

12-19-2009, 08:59 PM

Personally I'm liking what I see of the mounts. Considering what the wargs with their drool, and the dire bears looked like..that kitty is gorgeous. Whether or not they are 30 dollars gorgeous is personal preferance but to me seems like most ppl are nitpicking at this point. Just hope the actual riding animation isn't rough..definitely looks smoother than those ridiculous rhino's tho. I hope my fae looks like she's riding a little lynx kitten if it properly scales to a model that small!

pinba11

12-19-2009, 09:00 PM

<cite></cite> My mistake was thinking of the wrong feline lolThat head does need to be smaller for sure

Dragowulf

12-19-2009, 09:13 PM

I hope you all know there are several Lynx breeds. Such as North American, Eurasian, bobcat, the list goes on.None of the Lynx pictures below have huge heads and their eyes are all easily visible, abnormally large actually (but it still looks good). None of them look like the Cheshire cat. They do have smallish tails though (Some have longer tails, others don't).The one shown in the video closely resembles the bottom picture in thickness, but it doesn't have the fur so it looks like an overly large, big, obese cat.<a href="http://img13.imageshack.us/i/bobcat1t.jpg/"><img src="http://img13.imageshack.us/img13/5915/bobcat1t.jpg" border="0" /></a><a title="ImageShack - Image And Video Hosting" href="http://img25.imageshack.us/i/bobcat04.jpg/" target="_blank"><img src="http://img25.imageshack.us/img25/5001/bobcat04.jpg" border="0" /></a><a title="ImageShack - Image And Video Hosting" href="http://img12.imageshack.us/i/bobcatlying.jpg/" target="_blank"><img src="http://img12.imageshack.us/img12/1188/bobcatlying.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="http://img25.imageshack.us/i/horsleypaullynxmtnflora.jpg/"><img src="http://img25.imageshack.us/img25/9905/horsleypaullynxmtnflora.jpg" border="0" /></a>

Malacha

12-19-2009, 09:14 PM

So I'm guessing with the animations done and a fancy new video, these are pretty much good to go? Ok, so yeah, my opinion doesn't change. Head is way too big, body is too long, the whole thing is ridiculously large and fat for a cat. The animations are chunky, not even remotely the smooth sleekness you would expect from a cat. Instead of the entire body tilting up and down, the legs should be doing most of the work. Did you bother to actually watch a lynx run before making an animation?<a href="http://www.break.com/usercontent/2007/5/Lynx-vs-bunny-301884.html" target="_blank">Video of Lynx running</a> (warning, its chasing a bunny, if you do not want to see a bunny being caught by a lynx, don't watch)

Dragowulf

12-19-2009, 09:26 PM

<cite>Malachani wrote:</cite><blockquote>So I'm guessing with the animations done and a fancy new video, these are pretty much good to go? Ok, so yeah, my opinion doesn't change. Head is way too big, body is too long, the whole thing is ridiculously large and fat for a cat. The animations are chunky, not even remotely the smooth sleekness you would expect from a cat. Instead of the entire body tilting up and down, the legs should be doing most of the work. Did you bother to actually watch a lynx run before making an animation?<a href="http://www.break.com/usercontent/2007/5/Lynx-vs-bunny-301884.html" target="_blank">Video of Lynx running</a> (warning, its chasing a bunny, if you do not want to see a bunny being caught by a lynx, don't watch)</blockquote>That video was intense. That Lynx was literally running/hopping like a bunny using what appears to be around at least 85% of it's running strength coming from the hind legs.

Froed20

12-20-2009, 12:14 AM

<cite>Dragowulf@Nagafen wrote:</cite><blockquote><cite>Malachani wrote:</cite><blockquote>So I'm guessing with the animations done and a fancy new video, these are pretty much good to go? Ok, so yeah, my opinion doesn't change. Head is way too big, body is too long, the whole thing is ridiculously large and fat for a cat. The animations are chunky, not even remotely the smooth sleekness you would expect from a cat. Instead of the entire body tilting up and down, the legs should be doing most of the work. Did you bother to actually watch a lynx run before making an animation?<a href="http://www.break.com/usercontent/2007/5/Lynx-vs-bunny-301884.html" target="_blank">Video of Lynx running</a> (warning, its chasing a bunny, if you do not want to see a bunny being caught by a lynx, don't watch)</blockquote>That video was intense. That Lynx was literally running/hopping like a bunny using what appears to be around at least 85% of it's running strength coming from the hind legs.</blockquote>That's because it's in deep snow. Reference-wise, I wouldn't rely on that footage too much because it was fighting against the snow and had to launch itself higher just to stay above it unlike the rabbit. It would run more like any normal cat if it was on a flat solid surface.Animation-wise, I'd look at the timing first. Right now, the lynx is moving it's body way too slow compaired to how fast it's actually moving, it's spending a little too much time in the air between the contact poses. Looking at the run, you may want to cut the frames by half to get the right feel. Also, I don't know how many controls the back legs have, but they seem a little stiff at the knee joints. Loosening them up a little more may help. Of course, I'm just an amature and am still learning the ropes, but that's what I can see if it helps any <img src="/smilies/69934afc394145350659cd7add244ca9.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" />

Pahya

12-20-2009, 12:59 AM

While I don't agree that the body is too long or the animations are bad, given the extremely limited and oddly angled view that we've had of them, I do agree that the head is too big. They look like they have perma /cutemode on.

Aerfen

12-20-2009, 03:00 AM

<cite>Kiara wrote:</cite>Even better, we have a short video of the armored and unarmored options for the Highland Stalker mount that come with the Collector's Edition of Sentinel's Fate.Kiara, can you define "options" for us? Does that mean that the armor is removable or does that mean that you either get the Armored mount OR the Un-Armored mount?

salty21db

12-20-2009, 03:17 AM

I love all these pictures of lynx's and people goin "omg it dont look like a lynx at all!!!" hmmm i wonder if that would have to do with the fact that this is a fantasy world that is created all the time by SOE. Fantasy + realism comparisons = ???? Honestly though that "cat" or w/e it may be can look however they want it to look, it doesnt have to be comparible to anything in rl to be honest...thats what fantasy is.*Edit* - one more thought. although im sure the designers appreciate criticism this mount is optional for an extra 30 dollars...so being completely voluntary i highly doubt after months/year/years of designing they are setting lookin at these forums going...."oh no quick lets fix this 2 months before expansion cuz the forums are up in arms based on it not lookin exactly like a lynx in rl!!!" lol, get real.

hellfire

12-20-2009, 04:41 AM

Should just substitute the developers sabertooth cats first seen in DoF beta instead of these lynx coming in for SF.

hellfire

12-20-2009, 04:46 AM

Pahya

12-20-2009, 05:35 AM

It's nothing to do with it not looking like a real world lynx. It's everything to do with it looking downright doofy with a head half the size of it's body.

Malacha

12-20-2009, 07:34 AM

<cite>Pahya wrote:</cite><blockquote>It's nothing to do with it not looking like a real world lynx. It's everything to do with it looking downright doofy with a head half the size of it's body. </blockquote>This ^^^Its not so much (for me at least) that it doesn't look like a lynx (even if it has been touted as a Lynx by the developers!) but more that it looks comical and completely out of place within the realm of Norrath and what we have become accustomed to. The body proportions are all out of whack. It is nothing like the other cat-like mobs in the game. It could have been a sensational way to introduce smaller mounts (something MANY people have been practically begging for) but instead its just another huge mount with lopsided proportions and an even worse lumbering run that doesn't even match the run speed.

Aurel

12-20-2009, 11:16 AM

I do think a percentage of the "problem" (for lack of a better word) has been that in the past, when we have been faced with a real-world animal, it has often very closely resembled its real world counterpart (<a href="http://img707.imageshack.us/img707/5581/lesanimaux.png" target="_blank">click for examples</a>), so that when the word 'lynx' came about, people expected that same trend to follow. Lucy is a Highland Stalker that resembles a lynx. However, due to her environment (I assume she is native-born to the environment she is screenshotted in?), and selective breeding by Barbarians to create a war beast to suit their fancy, this is what Lucy has grown up into. Perhaps generations ago she was identical to a lynx, but that was bred out of her genetics long ago. *nodnod*

Akaran2

12-20-2009, 11:34 AM

Sony, I love what you guys put out 95% of the time. LU13 irritated me to no end and the lack of chain healer armor in RoK didn't go over well, but I rarely ever complain about the content. Oh, and the puppeteers in Ravenscale.That being said, I agree with everything said so far.The head is still too big, the underside of the cat looks... wierd, to say the least. The animation really seems to match that of a Warg. The armored one looks awesome - but you can barely tell it's feline. Honestly, it looks like a cross between Garfield and Alice in Wonderland. It still needs to be tweaked, absolutely no offense to the dev designing it.Even my wife agrees with me, and she's as big of a fan as I am but we rarely see head to head on things like this.I know the art guys worked hard on this and I am pretty sure you guys ended up getting hurt on staffing lately. But this isn't winning me over... for that I'm sorry.

TheSpin

12-20-2009, 12:45 PM

I love the art in this game lots and lots and lots. This and certain aspects of the playable sarnak race are the only 2 things that I'd say can use improvement.Lynx is a fuzzy/furry cat, and while the mount head looks a little bit furry, the fur is missing on the rest of the body. The lack of thick fur over the body exaggerates the already oversized head and really ruins the whole thing for me. The armored one looks cool as far as mounts go, but unfortunately you can't really see any of the animal underneath. Because you can't see the cat under the armor, I see no real incentive owning it over any other armored mount (and most of my characters would prefer an unarmored version) .I'd suggest you can the whole lynx thing and make it a panther/leopard. You could get by with the same model for both of these cats and just change the coloring. Also, extend the stride a little bit so the legs and entire body are really stretching themselves while running. Tone downt he armor a bit. Finally, eyes are important for a cat; an armored cat should have visible eyes, and an unarmored cat should have attractive eyes.

Froed20

12-20-2009, 04:13 PM

<cite>salty21db wrote:</cite><blockquote>I love all these pictures of lynx's and people goin "omg it dont look like a lynx at all!!!" hmmm i wonder if that would have to do with the fact that this is a fantasy world that is created all the time by SOE. Fantasy + realism comparisons = ???? Honestly though that "cat" or w/e it may be can look however they want it to look, it doesnt have to be comparible to anything in rl to be honest...thats what fantasy is.*Edit* - one more thought. although im sure the designers appreciate criticism this mount is optional for an extra 30 dollars...so being completely voluntary i highly doubt after months/year/years of designing they are setting lookin at these forums going...."oh no quick lets fix this 2 months before expansion cuz the forums are up in arms based on it not lookin exactly like a lynx in rl!!!" lol, get real.</blockquote>This is supposed to be the main selling point for dishing out the extra 30 bucks. If they want to make a profit, looking at what people are saying about it would be quite beneficial to their own interests. As far as the design goes, everyone's already voiced their opinion, and it's consistant... the head's a bit too big. Yeah, it's not supposed to be an actual lynx. I doubt you'd find one big enough to ride in real life, let alone one that wouldn't tear your face off for attempting to. But it appears to be based off one, and it's supposed to be cat-like (assuming that is the dev's intentions based off the design) ... which it isn't quite achieving yet. Yeah, two months before the expansion is a hard deadline to meet, but if they DO choose to do so, they have an entire thread full of suggestions they can reffer to.

Solarax

12-20-2009, 04:41 PM

the long and short of it weather it is fantasy or a real animal is the same1 lots of customers are in agreement that it isnt working2 dimentionally its very far off of anything feline . the shoulder and leg muscles alone are completely wrong for how a cat lopes / stalks.if they are afraid of the realism aspect of a 300lbs barb on its back just make the kitties scale larger but all feline stalking cats have a grace that is sinious and lithe thier muscles have higher density and are physically stronger than a humans so smaller package can still support much greater weight than us pound for pound and the majority of the arguement is based on spinal support anyways in which we would be leaning over more easily distributing our weight.some pics of cats stretching will help to see the length the legs need to be otherwise what you have now is a hairy rhino that is slightly skinny.i am really sorry for all the work they put into the model but it just isnt working.there are literally tons of films on cats running and stalking that can be looked at not just pics and in all of them you can see the contrast between this model and how real ones with thier muscles work especially in shoulder areas and hind quarters . your KUNZAR TIGER in KJ has a better model already set up...

Malacha

12-20-2009, 05:33 PM

<cite>Soulskar@Splitpaw wrote:</cite><blockquote> your KUNZAR TIGER in KJ has a better model already set up...</blockquote>You know, this is the oddest thing about this whole mount... the game already comes with a basic cat skeleton that is amazing and beautiful and GRACEFUL as a cat should be. Why could they not start with a larger version of the already-existing cat model, and then tweak from there? Instead we have this monstrosity of misproportion.

Maroger

12-20-2009, 09:51 PM

<cite>TheSpin wrote:</cite><blockquote>I love the art in this game lots and lots and lots. This and certain aspects of the playable sarnak race are the only 2 things that I'd say can use improvement.Lynx is a fuzzy/furry cat, and while the mount head looks a little bit furry, the fur is missing on the rest of the body. The lack of thick fur over the body exaggerates the already oversized head and really ruins the whole thing for me. The armored one looks cool as far as mounts go, but unfortunately you can't really see any of the animal underneath. Because you can't see the cat under the armor, I see no real incentive owning it over any other armored mount (and most of my characters would prefer an unarmored version) .I'd suggest you can the whole lynx thing and make it a panther/leopard. You could get by with the same model for both of these cats and just change the coloring. Also, extend the stride a little bit so the legs and entire body are really stretching themselves while running. Tone downt he armor a bit. Finally, eyes are important for a cat; an armored cat should have visible eyes, and an unarmored cat should have attractive eyes.</blockquote>Why don't they go with a tiger. I would like a tiger - the lynx is pretty ugly -- with and without the armor (not as bad as the Wargs though). Actually the real Highland Stalker would have looked better than this lynx does with the big head.I think they should go with a Tiger -- esp as a great model is already in the game and ready to go -- see Kunzar Jungle.

Kendricke

12-21-2009, 01:23 PM

<cite>Bigron@Unrest wrote:</cite><blockquote>If it moves like a duck,sounds like a duck and is even named a duck having it look not like a duck is acceptable cause its a fantasy game i suppose .</blockquote>I can still recall the original posts from beta back in 2004 where players were complaining about the original horse models and other players would argue that they didn't need to look realistic because "it's a Norrathian horse - they're different!".Years later, SOE put in the time, effort, money, and resources to remodel every horse in the game. Rework = $$$.

Kiara

12-21-2009, 02:58 PM

<cite>Aerfen@Lucan DLere wrote:</cite><blockquote><cite>Kiara wrote:</cite>Even better, we have a short video of the armored and unarmored options for the Highland Stalker mount that come with the Collector's Edition of Sentinel's Fate.Kiara, can you define "options" for us? Does that mean that the armor is removable or does that mean that you either get the Armored mount OR the Un-Armored mount?</blockquote>So sorry! The second is correct. When you /claim the mount, you will have the option to choose armoured or unarmoured. Whichever you choose at the time is the one that you'll always have.

Landiin

12-21-2009, 04:36 PM

I just puked in my mouth a little after watching that.. Give us a cat like the chick in Avatar rode.. Now that would be a [Removed for Content] mount..

Aerfen

12-21-2009, 05:47 PM

<cite>Kiara wrote:</cite><blockquote><cite>Aerfen@Lucan DLere wrote:</cite><blockquote><cite>Kiara wrote:</cite>Even better, we have a short video of the armored and unarmored options for the Highland Stalker mount that come with the Collector's Edition of Sentinel's Fate.Kiara, can you define "options" for us? Does that mean that the armor is removable or does that mean that you either get the Armored mount OR the Un-Armored mount?</blockquote>So sorry! The second is correct. When you /claim the mount, you will have the option to choose armoured or unarmoured. Whichever you choose at the time is the one that you'll always have.</blockquote>Thanks Kiara!! <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/49869fe8223507d7223db3451e5321aa.gif" border="0" />

Mychel

12-21-2009, 06:03 PM

Which robe is which?

denmom

12-21-2009, 10:14 PM

Omg, it's a boobie armour...noooo..../sighSeriously, all of the new robes that are worn on females inflate their breast size by at least three to four cups! It's bad enough to see the larger races with balloons (Erudite, Barbarian, High Elf) but when worn by a Fae, Arasai, Ratonga, Gnome, or any of the smaller races who have small breasts naturally, it's downright wrong!Please, please change the female model breast size of the robes back to how it was: properly proportionate.If all of the new armour that comes with Sentinel's Fate does this to female characters, SOE has just guaranteed I'd not put it on my two female Ratonga. Which is a shame, too...from what I've seen, some of it looks really nice.I want to play Everquest 2, not Norrathian Busty Bimbos.As for the lynx...the back is too long...it just doesn't look right. And the face of the unarmoured lynx looks too large and babylike, and the eyes are too squinty.I wish the lion model already in game was used.Nothing but criticism, I know, but it's what came to mind right off after seeing the armour and the lynxes. <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/136dd33cba83140c7ce38db096d05aed.gif" border="0" />

Solarax

12-21-2009, 10:54 PM

<cite>789mkii wrote:</cite><blockquote>As a possible change now,If the size of head is reduced a little more, it is likely to become better?For exsample 100%→90%→80%→75%<img src="http://img684.imageshack.us/img684/9743/reaperminiatures.jpg" /></blockquote>do you notice that in these pics the shoulders and legs are properly proportioned unlike what is in the video.if oyu watch the video it is especially apppearant when you see them rear up and kick thier tiny little stubby legs like the arms of someone with their arms tied to them at the elbows.btw i think the 90% pic looks right for the head size

Kamimura

12-21-2009, 11:49 PM

I'm also wondering which robe is which..

feldon30

12-22-2009, 10:27 AM

Reading left-to-right and just as far as the "look" of the robe, I'm gonna go with Guarding of the Reasoned as the RED robe which is the Retail version ($40 or $70), and the Guarding of the Learned as the BLUE robe which is the Digital Download.And I'm starting to agree with some of the other suggestions as far as the visibility of the eyes, and the size of the head. I know Odus is all about smart people, but does my mount have to be Bigheaded? <img src="/smilies/8a80c6485cd926be453217d59a84a888.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" />

Sennyu

12-22-2009, 12:11 PM

I think that my oppnion of the mount was best summerised by someone in another of the threads saying that the linx mount looked like a bobble head couch. I have long awaited cat mounts in EQ2 but this isnt even close to what I had envisioned. Oh yeah, and what on earth is with the spikey armor on it?!?!?! are spikes the new "in" thing now or something I see them poping out everywhere in game now...

Silkraven

12-22-2009, 02:07 PM

I like the cat mount waaaay more than the bear but $70!! for the pre-download?? That is outrageously expensive, at least for me and my budget <cries>

Grundle

12-22-2009, 02:22 PM

I think the Lynx mount is hideous with or without armor.Why not use a model already in game like the leopards in TD? They are supposed to be spotted but look black to me. I would dish out 70$ for a mount like that, or a lion mount (which would totally rock!) 70 for that creature your offering ain't happenin here.No offense to the artist intended.I don't see anything special about the robes, they have the same design as the robes I have seen in game with some of the trimmings altered.

Kurindor_Mythecnea

12-24-2009, 09:57 AM

<cite>Seliri@Nagafen wrote:</cite><blockquote><img src="http://img163.imageshack.us/img163/8084/cougarmount.jpg" width="459" height="357" />I would've been more pleased if this was the release, despite how unrefined it looks. It surely impresses one with more feline appropriate features, those that at least blend into current visuals. I think we'd all be a lot more pleased if this mount was used over the lynx which seems to be "just" a little bit inadequate when it comes to sizing, coat consistency, and overall, smoothly aesthetic dimensions.</blockquote>QFE.

Window

12-24-2009, 10:15 AM

I'm going to have to echo the sentiment that those mounts look even worse in motion than they did in a screenshot. There is no feline grace to them at all.

Zabjade

12-24-2009, 03:42 PM

Needs more monks in the video, and new Monk Gi's that are actually designed for a monk to survive in ;p As for the mounts I just hope I can get a Kitty that does not feel the need to have a spike mohawk.

Kamimura

12-24-2009, 09:29 PM

<cite>feldon30 wrote:</cite><blockquote>Reading left-to-right and just as far as the "look" of the robe, I'm gonna go with Guarding of the Reasoned as the RED robe which is the Retail version ($40 or $70), and the Guarding of the Learned as the BLUE robe which is the Digital Download.</blockquote>That's what I was thinking, but an official response would be nice so it's known for sure. <img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" />

Kiara

12-24-2009, 10:52 PM

<cite>Sorako@Crushbone wrote:</cite><blockquote><cite>feldon30 wrote:</cite><blockquote>Reading left-to-right and just as far as the "look" of the robe, I'm gonna go with Guarding of the Reasoned as the RED robe which is the Retail version ($40 or $70), and the Guarding of the Learned as the BLUE robe which is the Digital Download.</blockquote>That's what I was thinking, but an official response would be nice so it's known for sure. <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" /></blockquote>I honestly am not sure which is which! I keep getting them mixed up <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/499fd50bc713bfcdf2ab5a23c00c2d62.gif" border="0" /> I'll check when we all get back into the office after the holidays and let you know for sure <img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" />

Ace235228

12-24-2009, 11:13 PM

Does anyone know if the mount is one per character or one per account? That's the major selling point for me. Theres no way i'm paying an extra $30 for a goofy looking mount that almost looks worse than the Warbear (I didn't think that was possible) if it's only one per account.

Kiara

12-24-2009, 11:18 PM

One per character <img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" />

Ace235228

12-25-2009, 12:45 AM

<cite>Kiara wrote:</cite><blockquote>One per character <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" /></blockquote>...Argh. Ya got me.. Guess i'll buy the CE after all.. Whats the Runspeed/Stats? Or is it like the goofy warbear where it levels up with your character?

Kiara

12-25-2009, 01:46 AM

65% and no leveling <img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" />

TheGeneral

12-25-2009, 03:43 AM

I'm curious... is any of the player feedback on the new mount being taken seriously?

Calthine

12-25-2009, 03:57 AM

Kander mentioned a bit ago that this isn't the final mount. Or wasn't on Dec. 15. <a href="http://forums.station.sony.com/eq2/posts/list.m?start=30&topic_id=464575" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://forums.station.sony.com/eq2/...topic_id=464575</a>

Ace235228

12-25-2009, 01:30 PM

<cite>Kiara wrote:</cite><blockquote>65% and no leveling <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" /></blockquote>Wait.. No leveling? So my level 10 could have a 65% runspeed mount?

Solarax

12-25-2009, 01:33 PM

<cite>TheGeneral wrote:</cite><blockquote>I'm curious... is any of the player feedback on the new mount being taken seriously?</blockquote>yes they did take some of it like the runspeed seriously. it was 50% before

hellfire

12-25-2009, 03:01 PM

<cite>Margoth@Crushbone wrote:</cite><blockquote><cite>Kiara wrote:</cite><blockquote>65% and no leveling <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" /></blockquote>Wait.. No leveling? So my level 10 could have a 65% runspeed mount?</blockquote>Well my level 1 can have a 55 speed mount aready.

Zabjade

12-25-2009, 08:33 PM

Good! No leveling on the mount, comparable with my current horse, I think!(Rime) Now if I can just get him/her through the door and up the spiral stairway to the Qeynos barber.....Still need to De-Glass-Tank the Monks BTW and show what the new Expansion's Gi's will look like...<img src="/eq2/images/smilies/908627bbe5e9f6a080977db8c365caff.gif" border="0" />

Invincible

12-25-2009, 08:40 PM

The one without armor just looks so....stupid. Looks like a good looking cat mount smoked a little something and typed /cutemode IMO.

Purr

12-27-2009, 08:22 PM

OMG... this mount running is so wrong on so many levels. It's supposed to be a fast mount. Please, dear Artist, take a look at any video of a running/hunting cheeta or even lion or tiger. A cats joints and body build make for a completely different movement than this *cough couch* It looks like somebody put the warg animation on a cat mesh. The face looks wrong, too, head is far to big etc etc.I think all felines can agree: this >thing< is not a member of the cat family. Not even a remote cousin. It's an abomination.Purr~PS: We, too, would like to know which Robe is which. Hoping the blueish/purple one is the Learned. Also a question to Kiara: The pre-order page shows buying the expansion with Station Cash is an option. What's the price on that, please? I'm assuming 4000 StationCash?

stayx

12-28-2009, 08:03 AM

Hmm i need to use this mount but i'm located in germany, did you plan to make this available for players that cannot order the collectors edition (european order problem)?

KetaDreams

12-31-2009, 01:06 AM

Even though it is a bit goofy looking (head's too big, the tufts make it look as if the mount just got out of a bath), and the eyes could be much more cat-like...I'm just happy to finally have a cat mount in the game. I hope there will be more in the future (yes, I know no other highland stalker types will be in game..supposedly).I have a hunch that the graphical settings that the video was taken in have something to do with the appearance...I really think it will look much better once I get it. <img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" />

Stardrama

12-31-2009, 01:16 AM

OK! Collector Edition it is!!! Armored ride has my vote!

FeyHammer

01-01-2010, 07:01 AM

Thanks for sharing the video and info. My vote is the unarmored cat looks odd, the armored one looks much better because the armor is good looking and covers up most of the "cat".For those of us more into performance than appearance, could you please tell us if the mount has any additional stats besides increased runspeed? Something akin to the lava-threaded flying carpet, would be excellent!

Alwayz

01-06-2010, 07:22 PM

I apologize if this info has been posted elsewhere...What other stats come with this mount ... + to?? Other than +65% run speed and the appearance (which isn't going to matter much once 200,000 + people have the same thing), what else would I get for $30. more? If this is all, then I believe I will pass.

Kiara

01-06-2010, 07:37 PM

There are no other stats on the mount.And I'd almost forgotten! The red is the learned.

Alwayz

01-06-2010, 08:23 PM

<cite>Kiara wrote:</cite><blockquote>There are no other stats on the mount.And I'd almost forgotten! The red is the learned.</blockquote>Wow...really? So for $30. you only get:<ul><li>In-box Item: Armored Highland Stalker figurine</li><li>In-box Item: EverCracked! The Phenomenon of EverQuest DVD Documentary (surely to be uploaded later)</li><li>In-game mount – Armored Highland Stalker</li></ul>Too bad and sad. I understand you get frustrated when someone complains about the game you treasure and I apologize if these comments seem insulting to you but, that's a lot of extra money just for a 65% mount with nothing else.This is one customer who has 4 accounts that will not be spending the extra, sorry. Give us some stat bonuses or something else in-game ....even extra station cash as compared to the cheaper version.... to entice people like myself to buy the collectors. Times are tough, we want something for out money =)Thanks for allowing me to rant.

Jonaroth

01-06-2010, 09:41 PM

<cite>Alwayz@Oasis wrote:</cite><blockquote><cite>Kiara wrote:</cite><blockquote>There are no other stats on the mount.And I'd almost forgotten! The red is the learned.</blockquote>Wow...really? So for $30. you only get:<ul><li>In-box Item: Armored Highland Stalker figurine</li><li>In-box Item: EverCracked! The Phenomenon of EverQuest DVD Documentary (surely to be uploaded later)</li><li>In-game mount – Armored Highland Stalker</li></ul>Too bad and sad. I understand you get frustrated when someone complains about the game you treasure and I apologize if these comments seem insulting to you but, that's a lot of extra money just for a 65% mount with nothing else.This is one customer who has 4 accounts that will not be spending the extra, sorry. Give us some stat bonuses or something else in-game ....even extra station cash as compared to the cheaper version.... to entice people like myself to buy the collectors. Times are tough, we want something for out money =)Thanks for allowing me to rant.</blockquote>/agree. I have 4 accounts I have to buy this expansion for (maybe adding 1 or 2 more in the upcoming weeks)... 30 extra bucks per account for a stupid mount is kinda a waste. Even for 1 account is a waste.

Jgok

01-07-2010, 08:24 PM

<cite>Alwayz@Oasis wrote:</cite><blockquote><ul><li>In-box Item: EverCracked! The Phenomenon of EverQuest DVD Documentary (surely to be uploaded later)</li></ul></blockquote>Later?<a href="http://video.ign.com/dor/articles/1044480/evercracked-the-phenomenon-of-everquest/videos/evercracked_prt_ep1_111209.html" target="_blank">Episode 1</a> - Nov 12<a href="http://video.ign.com/dor/articles/1044480/evercracked-the-phenomenon-of-everquest/videos/evercracked_prt_ep2_111909.html" target="_blank">Episode 2</a> - Nov 19<a href="http://video.ign.com/dor/articles/1044480/evercracked-the-phenomenon-of-everquest/videos/evercracked_prt_ep3_112509.html" target="_blank">Episode 3</a> - Nov 24<a href="http://video.ign.com/dor/articles/1044480/evercracked-the-phenomenon-of-everquest/videos/evercracked_prt_ep4_120309.html" target="_blank">Episode 4</a> - Dec 03<a href="http://video.ign.com/dor/articles/1044480/evercracked-the-phenomenon-of-everquest/videos/evercracked_prt_ep5_121009.html" target="_blank">Episode 5</a> - Dec 10The blurb from SOE about this documentary...<blockquote>EverCracked! celebrates EverQuest’s legacy by taking a look at the past, present and future of the franchise. The film includes never-before-seen footage and interviews with industry moguls and longtime players. EverCracked! details the events, products, personalities and art that graced the world of Norrath over the years, with many tongue-in-cheek moments that befit EverQuest’s own sense of fun and humor.</blockquote>I don't really care about the DVD, personally. I'm getting the CE for the mount (and hoping they'll tweak it a bit beyond that video before release date) and for the $10 DD coupon on my second account.

Twilightreign

01-09-2010, 06:51 PM

I'm actually pretty ticked about the bonuses for this year. Last year we got a mount in the normal box.. and this year we get a silly piece of armor? I feel kind of ripped off, actually. I'm very dissappointed. I'd love to have the lynx mount, but I can NOT see spending $60 extra between my boyfriend and myself, for a pixelated kitty cat. What does that robe do, anyway?

Katonka

01-10-2010, 01:19 PM

<cite>Alwayz@Oasis wrote:</cite><blockquote><cite>Kiara wrote:</cite><blockquote>There are no other stats on the mount.And I'd almost forgotten! The red is the learned.</blockquote>Wow...really? So for $30. you only get:<ul><li>In-box Item: Armored Highland Stalker figurine</li><li>In-box Item: EverCracked! The Phenomenon of EverQuest DVD Documentary (surely to be uploaded later)</li><li>In-game mount – Armored Highland Stalker</li></ul>Too bad and sad. I understand you get frustrated when someone complains about the game you treasure and I apologize if these comments seem insulting to you but, that's a lot of extra money just for a 65% mount with nothing else.This is one customer who has 4 accounts that will not be spending the extra, sorry. Give us some stat bonuses or something else in-game ....even extra station cash as compared to the cheaper version.... to entice people like myself to buy the collectors. Times are tough, we want something for out money =)Thanks for allowing me to rant.</blockquote>Re-look,you dont get all that for $30And I agree Twilight....so basically we really get nothing for pre-ordering that people buying it from the shelf when it comes out get? Thats kind of....a let down <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/c30b4198e0907b23b8246bdd52aa1c3c.gif" border="0" />

Solarax

01-10-2010, 03:00 PM

you get an ugly mount that a level 1 can use is what it ammounts to.

The Akulan

01-12-2010, 02:38 PM

would be nice to actually have the chance to get any of them ... apparently not an option if you are not inside the US

Galldora

01-14-2010, 03:52 PM

Oh wow, after the run speed was upped to 65%, I preordered and stopped worrying about the mount, so I hadn't noticed that an unarmored version was added. Thanks ever so much! <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/283a16da79f3aa23fe1025c96295f04f.gif" border="0" /> <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/e8a506dc4ad763aca51bec4ca7dc8560.gif" border="0" />Yes, $30 is a lot of cash, but my understanding is it's one per character, 65 percent run-speed, usable at any level and now also available with or without armor. Clearly the development team listened to forum feedback and responded, both increasing run speed and adding the unarmored version that so many folks asked for. Personally, I can't wait to get my kitties!

Aanadorn68

01-25-2010, 12:14 PM

Holy crap, I just watched the video of the cat mount. I honestly thought you guys were being crybabies on the mounts appearance, but after watching the video my eyes popped out in disbelief as to how FUGLY the mount is. It boggles my mind how large the head is and the sheer amount of people that have pointed this out in posts, this is a definite must do for the devs.I didn't think it was possible to be on the same level of ugliness as the direbear, but the devs haven't disappointed in that aspect, it's pretty darn close. Are there 2 teams responsible for mounts or something? I just cannot believe the same team that made the INCREDIBLE RAF flame horse mount (which IMO is the best looking mount in the game) made the direbear and lynx mounts.I'll probably consider getting it though, 65% +10%AA and 5% well tended mount, 80% is just too nice for overland soloing timesinks. It's a shame there are no other stats, but I don't think any of the other stats were gamebreaking, although the +10% xp boost was a nice stat. Hmm, 10% xp boost, or doing the timesinks faster, wonder which ends up being better.Last, I really really hope the devs consider an appearance slot for mounts, and/or the option to hide the mount. I'll take the lynx, but let me put my RAF mount in an appearance slot please!!

xeyda

01-26-2010, 01:12 PM

I don't suppose there has been ANY official word on tweaking this hideous mount to something at least a little less visually offensive?The LP wargs look more like cats than this stalker thing.

Nekroghoul

01-26-2010, 08:58 PM

<cite>Alwayz@Oasis wrote:</cite><blockquote>Wow...really? So for $30. you only get:<ul><li>In-box Item: Armored Highland Stalker figurine</li><li>In-box Item: EverCracked! The Phenomenon of EverQuest DVD Documentary (surely to be uploaded later)</li><li>In-game mount – Armored Highland Stalker</li></ul>Too bad and sad. I understand you get frustrated when someone complains about the game you treasure and I apologize if these comments seem insulting to you but, that's a lot of extra money just for a 65% mount with nothing else.</blockquote><ul><li>In-box Item: Armored Highland Stalker figurine -> Wasted resources going straight to a landfill</li><li>In-box Item: EverCracked! The Phenomenon of EverQuest DVD Documentary -> Wasted resources going straight to a landfill</li><li>In-game mount – Armored Highland Stalker -> Dear SOE, please see images below on how to design a cat mount:</li></ul><img src="http://img714.imageshack.us/img714/6468/ageofconanriseofthegods.jpg" width="1038" height="748" /><img src="http://img687.imageshack.us/img687/6468/ageofconanriseofthegods.jpg" width="1280" height="800" />

xeyda

01-26-2010, 09:28 PM

I want one of THOSE! *points up*

andycunny

01-26-2010, 10:37 PM

hire this guy tbh <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/97ada74b88049a6d50a6ed40898a03d7.gif" border="0" />

MrWolfie

01-28-2010, 04:31 PM

LOL. What if SOE had designed tiger mounts:<img src="http://i48.tinypic.com/25f3xw2.jpg" width="1280" height="800" />

Nekroghoul

01-28-2010, 11:18 PM

ROFLMAOI gotta wonder if SOE hires interns with zero experience to design mounts. Or do they just have one guy with bottle bottom eyeglasses in a basement who does nothing but create one mount per year and quietly complains that people keep taking his stapler.

Xtrahypr

02-04-2010, 11:18 PM

I ordered this Collectors Edition based on a 65% run speed mount for each of my toons...now I find out it's been nerfed to 50% and no stats??? The armored mount is nice but why would I pay $30.00 extra for worse mounts than I have now? I am sorry gang but I need to go cancel my Collectors edition and get the Standard box set.

irish

02-05-2010, 09:06 AM

It is 65%, it was 50% for like a day or two before they changed it.

Xtrahypr

02-05-2010, 04:10 PM

Check this out...<a href="http://eq2players.station.sony.com/news_archive_content.vm?month=122009&id=3375">http://eq2players.station.sony.com/...=122009&id=3375</a>I placed my pre-order in November based on information Kierra posted here on the forums (65% run speed mounts). If the official advertisement on EQ2 Players isn't correct I would really like to know, but at this point it will need to be posted in a similar fashion to the advertising at the link above. Saddly I just do not trust the information coming off the forums any longer with regards to un-released content and I am really disgusted with the whole process of Sony releasing information for the Pre-order but then changing it quietly before shipping.

Kiara

02-05-2010, 04:13 PM

It wasn't quietly changed.It was very publically changed because of player feedback.The runspeed is 65%.And it's Kiara. Not Kierra.Thanks.

alabama

02-05-2010, 05:24 PM

this artwork on the mount is commical. ill spend my extra 30 bucks somewhere else thanks.

Brook

02-05-2010, 07:12 PM

Love the new sig Kierra.And the mount is hideous, certainly not worth it to me.

Phiyah

02-15-2010, 02:29 PM

<cite>Graywindnz wrote:</cite><blockquote>While the armor looks great it looks like the designers are adding padding to the females Chest piece again!!! We had this problem with most of the TSO robes can we not get this done right?? </blockquote>I know... what's up with that? <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/385970365b8ed7503b4294502a458efa.gif" border="0" /> Are all the designers men? <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/b2eb59423fbf5fa39342041237025880.gif" border="0" />

TheGreatZoro

02-26-2010, 09:56 PM

Just thought I'd mention... 99% of RL implants are purchased by women.Apparently many women want to size up. Personally, I couldn't care less, at least they have nice looking armor.Oh, and are there quested versions of the cat later, perhaps with stats, that we can attain?

Birna

02-27-2010, 04:04 AM

<cite>TheGreatZoro wrote:</cite><blockquote>Just thought I'd mention... 99% of RL implants are purchased by women.</blockquote>...because men has let us know the size of our [Removed for Content] is important..... <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/2786c5c8e1a8be796fb2f726cca5a0fe.gif" border="0" />Anyways......:pNow that we have seen that the designers can make nice robes, will this new design become available for other than fluff armour? Quest rewards? Mastercrafted? <img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" />