My feedback on the graphics update for characters in the benchmark
I like the new graphics, but there are a few elements of the character changes which I think should be changed or improved. Without further ado:
1. Lack of shadow intensity and contrast:
The intensity of the shadows on characters' hair and faces have been reduced, and there is less contrast between lighter and darker areas. It makes the lighting look too flat sometimes, or too even. This is most noticeable on lighter hair colours, which look like they have no shadows at all. I prefer how this looked before.
Example:
https://i.imgur.com/pQPt3ZA.png
https://i.imgur.com/0rahJJi.png
(I borrowed pictures of SuriKett and Silvarae's characters to better illustrate this)
2. Changes to character faces, specifically female Midlander face 5
Some of the faces have been given design changes which alter the way characters look.
For example, female midlander face 5 has been given extra makeup around the eyes which wasn't there before. I would like this to be either removed or changed into an optional 'Facial Feature' instead.
https://i.imgur.com/MhNVIAN.png
Solution:
https://i.imgur.com/NaFJfqd.png
3. Lips look too matte
There is no longer any gloss/reflection in the lips now, which makes them look a bit flat. I would like the glossy texture to be brought back somewhat, or alternatively for a matte/glossy option to be added to the character customization screen.
https://i.imgur.com/qJdVE1w.png
4. Lack of chin contrast
In the benchmark, it's hard to see the definition between the chin and neck, since the shading/lighting on the chin has been reduced. Example:
https://i.imgur.com/WKjifMc.png
5. Eyes
The old eye reflection has been replaced with dynamic reflections. This looks good when the lighting is right, but sometimes the new reflections aren't visible enough which results in the eyes looking a bit dark. I'm not exactly sure how to fix this, to be honest.
https://i.imgur.com/C3Q3HPt.png
(Reissss's character used for example)
Closing thoughts:
Generally, I like the graphics update and am happy with how my character looks minus the added eyeliner. However some people's characters that I've seen look better in the old graphics. I think the new system is almost there, and just needs a few tweaks and fixes to truly be an upgrade for everyone.
I understand there has been a lot of negative feedback, so I would like to balance this by showing everyone how much better my character looks under indoor lighting now:
https://i.imgur.com/PlBIPl1.png
What a massive improvement. I hope that with some small tweaks, all screenshots can look as good as this.
