[Suggestion] - Animated AF Armour

I'm not talking about anything all that fancy, just a few tweaks I can't imagine are that difficult. Obviously depending on how the character model system works its hard to say if its at all possible. So considering the Class only weapons have some nice little animations when drawn, it maybe not be impossible.

The artefact armour is some of the most awesome & unique looking gear in the game, they really stand out and could be given some further special treatment.
To many of the armours in this game are just re-textures/different shaders and this needs to be offset.
I've yet to see this done in any other MMO (other than the obligatory cloth physics etc.).
So why not add some animations like those class-only weapons?

These are just a few suggestions, not all of them are great and some I haven't got a clue about but I've had a chat with some people in the game and they seem to like the idea;

Warrior
The visor on the fighter's burgeonet flips down when weapon is drawn.

Dragoon
This one is difficult. DRG is my main and I hate not wearing the helmet with the body peice, so I thought of something different. I like the cool effect when Drakes start to glow when attacked, so why not have something similar (rather more subtle though) on the DRG armour that kicks in maybe when you reach Power Surge III? Some cool looking inscriptions/markings on the armour appear?

Monk
Monk AF was a difficult one but after a few minutes it was rather obvious. Some sort of yellow/golden aura effect when weapons are drawn.

White Mage
Another obvious one. Probably more complicated as it would need the character to animate as well. Character pulls their hood over their head.

Black Mage
Glowing eye(s). Like the dude in the first BLM cutscene. Maybe add a little trail like the Dragur from Skyrim.

Paladin
? No idea. Not really played as PLD yet.

Bard
? No idea again. I rarely play as BRD, nothing jumps out at me.

Any suggestions? Or do you hate the idea entirely. In which case I'll go cry in the corner.

No thanks, maybe if the gear wasn't so easy to get and oh ya, was actually better then the gear you should be using.

Yes I like this idea. This is something the dev can implement when we're upgrading our AF armors.

the 2.0 concept art showed the PLD sword curtana glowing so I have no doubt AF armor will be upgradable too.

AFs mostly crap anyway, saves them for real epic gear if they are gonna do.something fancy

some people just like to shit all over ideas, lol.

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Originally Posted by madolyn

some people just like to shit all over ideas, lol.

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Np. I work in the games industry so I'm used to it. But I see their point, and that is always the issue, these items will be eventually replaced by something else, something better, I have taken this into consideration. But rather than dismissing the idea entirely because I only mentioned AF, this sort of thing can be applied to any uber gear anyway. I've not seen many people running around using the Class-Only gear, if only to show it off and yet the animations were justified despite if people didnt actually use them ... yet.
Look at FFXI and how close the Relic & AF armours where, essentially they were retextures, theres no reason why the same animations couldn't be applied to gear with similar models without all the additional re-rigging & animation data etc.

One of the devs already said that in 2.0 the warrior mask and white mage hood can be moved up and down. It just couldn't have been implemented in the current version.

I'm not sure if this is translates into fact, but in the 2.0 screen shots they showed the warrior with the mask down on the AF helm. I think this was in the shot from the trailer.

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Originally Posted by madolyn

some people just like to shit all over ideas, lol.

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It's not shitting over ideas..it really does look tacky seeing glowing armor, especially if it's not tastefully done. What we do know is SE is trying to work on things like Warrior's visor going down or up and WHM's hood going up or down depending on what you choose. Stuff like that they're already trying to do.

Walking around looking like a glow stick..yeah this isn't exactly the MMO for that.

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Look at FFXI and how close the Relic & AF armours where, essentially they were retextures, theres no reason why the same animations couldn't be applied to gear with similar models without all the additional re-rigging & animation data etc.

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Yep considering Relic were Hydra Corps armor, it was to show they were higher rank than those who just get the standard gear tailored for them (back during Crystal War, since for the most part we're getting them stuck in coffers after the fact) and Empyrean Armor were the version of armor tailored in the Abyssean timeline, which had to be made to kill enemies stronger than those that live in 'our time.'

The thing about DRG glowing is it technically wouldn't make sense from a lore standpoint, unless they completely change the storyline and final cutscene of the game that tells us we'd essentially be corrupted by Nidhogg if we're going to be start glowing.

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Originally Posted by MikkoAkure

One of the devs already said that in 2.0 the warrior mask and white mage hood can be moved up and down. It just couldn't have been implemented in the current version.

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Awesome. Can't wait.
These ones make sense, my others were just suggestions as not to leave the other jobs out. But it looks as if its just based on the head gear anyway, which is really all I was after.

"Walking around looking like a glow stick..yeah this isn't exactly the MMO for that."

Glowing is not in everyones taste, but neither are magical, shining, bursting, flaming, sparkly weapon skills. Most medieval warriors don't strap fireworks to their swords, but theyre in this game regardless.

I love the DRG armour. But I would never suggest such an effect on ANY peice of armour would be on all the time. It would lose its impact if was on all the time. Which is why I suggested that "something" happens when you reach Power Surge III, because we all know how often that happens... not very often, fights dont usually last that long, either that or the DRG doesnt survive.
But its these little touches that make a peice of armour special and encourage you to wear it when you don't need to wear your mega-uber gear.

Maybe if they have 'mechanical' parts like the weapons.

Otherwise, I prefer more practical looking armor.

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Originally Posted by MikkoAkure

One of the devs already said that in 2.0 the warrior mask and white mage hood can be moved up and down. It just couldn't have been implemented in the current version.

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All they need to do now is add in vanity slots which allow players to equip more than one "head piece" XD. Pirate eye patch with warrior AF head sure! Materia crown with a monocle sure! If they are able to make it where you can change the "graphic of the WAR/WHM head piece I hope they also have plans to implement a way to bring more variety to the character design since it is kind of a let down to have pirate eye patches that you can't use because they take up the head gear slot lol.

This would be awesome if they could bring it into the game.

Also, too add to it, I would love to see DRG armor be less spikey when not in active mode then *SHINK* spikes flip up when you draw your pole arm! Flippin cool!

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Originally Posted by Meister

tldr

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yea sure, more load for my PC
can you put something to turn it off, maybe like a hammer or something?

While I don't think this is something that should apply to all AF and job specific gear, it'd be nice to see something like this.

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Originally Posted by Meister

Dragoon
This one is difficult. DRG is my main and I hate not wearing the helmet with the body peice, so I thought of something different. I like the cool effect when Drakes start to glow when attacked, so why not have something similar (rather more subtle though) on the DRG armour that kicks in maybe when you reach Power Surge III? Some cool looking inscriptions/markings on the armour appear?

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I'd do something simpler, like the spikes in the back of the chespiece collapsing (like the S foils on an X-wing) when out of combat, but spreading to their current positions when you draw your weapon. The wing effect without actually giving it wings.

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Originally Posted by Duelle

The wing effect without actually giving it wings.

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Because dragon flying without wing

As long as its not tacky glowing on every piece of end game gear, some active mode effects could be cool. Aion did the whole glowing thing in active mode and it just looked stupid because every piece of high end pvp gear -had- to glow.

Things like visors and hoods would be nice. Things that actually flow with the graphics and seem to fit the artistic style of the gear, nothing forced.

I think the visors and hoods moving might actually be planned in 2.0 (the concept art shows them lowered and raised..)

As far as the other stuff, glows and such... No.

The thing is, every time you add vfx type stuff to a game you simultaneously boost the initial wow factor, and diminish the game's realism. Its a temporary gain for a long-term loss. (face it, how cool will that stuff be after seeing it 5,000 times?)

The devs should save glowing eyes, and stuff like that for cutscenes, boss mobs, or other areas where it makes the most impact.

Why are some people against glowing objects?

Even some GM equipment glow to some degree. The BLM relic staff glows too.

We even have partially glowing shields.
http://ffxiv.zam.com/Im/width=189/185779.jpg

It's not that I'm against glowing shit, it's that when *every* piece of gear glows, it just looks retarded and tryhard.

Sounds like a good idea for some of the AFv2/relic gear :P not overdone, of course though

I wish we could toggle the blm mask off >_>"

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Originally Posted by Andrien

Why are some people against glowing objects?

Even some GM equipment glow to some degree. The BLM relic staff glows too.

We even have partially glowing shields.
http://ffxiv.zam.com/Im/width=189/185779.jpg

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Well that's because it's also a lamp. With fire inside.

I'm alright with glowing as long as it makes some sense and isn't loud and tacky. If you do have it, keep it subtle. Let it add to the piece instead of distracting from it. No 'EVERYONE LOOK AT ME AND HOW SHINY I AM' gear please.

Rather than "pimping" the gear that usually already looks awesome, I'd rather the art guys focus on giving us a lot more gear/weapon designs and improve character animations. i.e. Instead of just a regular cast animation with music notes, bards should actually play instruments.

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Originally Posted by Nazrakin

Rather than "pimping" the gear that usually already looks awesome, I'd rather the art guys focus on giving us a lot more gear/weapon designs and improve character animations. i.e. Instead of just a regular cast animation with music notes, bards should actually play instruments.

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I like it pimpy!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1.../Shot00061.jpg

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Originally Posted by Elexia

It's not shitting over ideas..it really does look tacky seeing glowing armor, especially if it's not tastefully done. What we do know is SE is trying to work on things like Warrior's visor going down or up and WHM's hood going up or down depending on what you choose. Stuff like that they're already trying to do.

Walking around looking like a glow stick..yeah this isn't exactly the MMO for that.


Yep considering Relic were Hydra Corps armor, it was to show they were higher rank than those who just get the standard gear tailored for them (back during Crystal War, since for the most part we're getting them stuck in coffers after the fact) and Empyrean Armor were the version of armor tailored in the Abyssean timeline, which had to be made to kill enemies stronger than those that live in 'our time.'

The thing about DRG glowing is it technically wouldn't make sense from a lore standpoint, unless they completely change the storyline and final cutscene of the game that tells us we'd essentially be corrupted by Nidhogg if we're going to be start glowing.

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Estinien has Nidhogg's eye in the story missions for DRG. When you meet him for the first time, the eye around the center of his breastplate begins to glow, signifying that your character also has the power to become Dragoon.

It's pretty simple to add a small effect like that. I think it'd be pretty neat, and I like the OP's ideas.
Also, AF should be entirely upgradeable, just like relic, so they can come close to filling BIS.

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Originally Posted by Elexia

It's not shitting over ideas..it really does look tacky seeing glowing armor, especially if it's not tastefully done. What we do know is SE is trying to work on things like Warrior's visor going down or up and WHM's hood going up or down depending on what you choose. Stuff like that they're already trying to do.

Walking around looking like a glow stick..yeah this isn't exactly the MMO for that.



Yep considering Relic were Hydra Corps armor, it was to show they were higher rank than those who just get the standard gear tailored for them (back during Crystal War, since for the most part we're getting them stuck in coffers after the fact) and Empyrean Armor were the version of armor tailored in the Abyssean timeline, which had to be made to kill enemies stronger than those that live in 'our time.'

The thing about DRG glowing is it technically wouldn't make sense from a lore standpoint, unless they completely change the storyline and final cutscene of the game that tells us we'd essentially be corrupted by Nidhogg if we're going to be start glowing.

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nah, its still shitting on ideas.

and there are ways to do certain things without it looking tacky. nobody said you had to glow like a chem stick.

also, though af armor may not be that good, there are people out there that still consider it an achievement...regardless of how meaningless it is.

It would be great to have animated AF gear, but not "Animated" all the time, only in battle mode.
Something like
"The helmet closes down in battle mode"
Or
"Paladin armor gets thinker / Shield opens up and its size gets doubled."

If it's done tastefully, in moderation. I can see armor and weapon effects being interesting.

Some of things we currently have actually look nice, the shifting/glowing weapons, for instance. They're not horrendus, and they give a sense of uniqueness to each of them.

I for one would like the option to lift the visor on Dragoon's helms or flap up the White Mage's hood. Or go all glowy-eyed and dark faced for BLM AF. These are simple effects that mean something for the players, rather than just being tacky.

About AF gear falling out of use and fashion. They could fix that pretty easily, by allowing upgrades, or even allowing the gear to be meldable. (make breaks destroy just the meteria and severely damage the item meaning make it go from 100% to 1%, instead of breaking it.) That would solve the bulk of the issues with AF pieces.

The main issue was AF gear was initially supposed to be "on par with double melds", which I could say DRG's body is since Enhance Invigorate does essentially what a double STP materia meld would do.

Yes, I also want custom glowstick materia and colored neon lights for my boots and stuff.

Make it happen.

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Originally Posted by Sabaku_Usagi

I wish we could toggle the blm mask off >_>"

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Yeah me too... I don't like the mask that much, but it looks really weird without a hat as well. I'm hoping we have these sort of options in 2.0 (I remember them talking about WHM hood on/off, stuff like that).

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Originally Posted by Elexia

The main issue was AF gear was initially supposed to be "on par with double melds", which I could say DRG's body is since Enhance Invigorate does essentially what a double STP materia meld would do.

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Yeah, but that really dosen't matter when the craved stat on Body piece from melds is Piety. It'd be nice of AF gained set effects like certain pieces of the GC gear. It'd add to the value of the set as a whole and not make these pieces sub standard.

It can be something that people can quest to update to justify the upgrade.

Another thing I want to point out is that we got a number of weapons that transforms when you're in active mode. I would like to see them do the same for armors.

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Originally Posted by Yucie

Also, AF should be entirely upgradeable, just like relic, so they can come close to filling BIS.

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No thanks. I like not wearing the MNK/DRG AF because I have better gear that doesn't look uncanny.

As far as shiney glowing armor goes i prefer the idea if was rare and activated on a WS or spell that in some way made some sense. The idea of a DRG AF glowing a bit purple like the drakes do isn't bad really. Its how often and how bright that every single person would have a different opinion on also.

Maybe the gold edging could glow purple on Dragon fire dive or some such. but i doubt you'll ever find a player consensus on when and how often. So i would personally go with the suggestion and let the Devs decide.

As far as AF upgrading. I don't mind the idea of questing to upgrade armor but without a Vanity slot type option i wouldn't want to be stuck wearing the same thing forever either. As cool as the DRG is i'm not sure it will always be so cool. Some times i'd rather be wearing a Vintage Haub style etc. So if AF upgrading came hand in hand with vanity slots it would sound just fine.

I want to put my AF gear on wired hangers...
http://gifsoup.com/view4/3906599/wired-hangers-o.gif
WHAT'S WIRED HANGERS DOING IN THIS CLOSET!?

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It's not shitting over ideas..it really does look tacky seeing glowing armor, especially if it's not tastefully done.

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Uh, if there's one thing we probably DON'T have to worry about it's SE having art team that's not capable of having tastefully done art and visual effects.