Zone Aesthetics

[northernsky]

I am looking forward to splitting the zones up into themed areas...
But I do like the theme of each zone now..... The thing is, that theme should only be used in 1/3 of each zone.. with 2 other themes per zone being added

They stated several times that they plan to include 3-4 very characteristic zones in every region to favor uniqueness and build a stronger theme.

Imagine if every zone had 3-4 Mor D'hona-like sites with the fallen airship entangled in a dragon's bones, or the crags from XI, or a volcano etc. I don't think they would need complete redesign, just make sure to integrate these spectacular new elements well in the current landscape with a form of progression within the region between those different zones.

[Rydin]

They stated several times that they plan to include 3-4 very characteristic zones in every region to favor uniqueness and build a stronger theme.

Imagine if every zone had 3-4 Mor D'hona-like sites with the fallen airship entangled in a dragon's bones, or the crags from XI, or a volcano etc. I don't think they would need complete redesign, just make sure to integrate these spectacular new elements well in the current landscape with a form of progression in the region between those different zones.

I know.. and we've mentioned that in te thread... I just wanted peoples opinions on what they like to see in a zone

[northernsky]

I know.. and we've mentioned that in te thread... I just wanted peoples opinions on what they like to see in a zone

Yeah initially I quoted your opening post but in the time I finished my post a few others popped.

What I wanted to do was to highlight that saying that current themes are nice but should cover maybe 1/3 of the current regions seemed pretty accurate since they plan to introduce 3-4 strong themes in each region.

Then I replied to your opening point: I think that including said themes in the current regions would greatly improve aesthetic without having to completely redesign the maps.

[Platinumstorm]

Yeah initially I quoted your opening post but in the time I finished my post a few others popped.

What I wanted to do was to highlight that saying that current themes are nice but should cover maybe 1/3 of the current regions seemed pretty accurate since they plan to introduce 3-4 strong themes in each region.

Then I replied to your opening point: I think that including said themes in the current regions would greatly improve aesthetic without having to completely redesign the maps.

One interesting thing is how they talk about 3-4 themes in each region when they do the redesign.

Look at Thanalan though:
Main area - trunk trees.
East - Desert
North/South - Canyons
North - Ceruleum Towers
West - Low ravines

Are those what constitute a theme? If that's the case then Thanalan already meets their requirement for themes, but lacks assets within each theme. Or is a theme supposed to be the objective of the area?

[northernsky]

One interesting thing is how they talk about 3-4 themes in each region when they do the redesign.

Look at Thanalan though:
Main area - trunk trees.
East - Desert
North/South - Canyons
North - Ceruleum Towers
West - Low ravines

Are those what constitute a theme? If that's the case then Thanalan already meets their requirement for themes, but lacks assets within each theme. Or is a theme supposed to be the objective of the area?

Here is a part of an interview with YoshiP and Iwao (the map designer it seems):

Famitsu: Can you explain in more details about the large scale change being made to the map?

Yoshida: The method is already made and sample is also done so now working on the level design and work on the amount/resources. For concept it will be memorable place where once you step in you will not forget. For each zone/area having about 3 themes is the goal.

Iwao: It will function as a landmark

Taken from Reinhart's thread: http://forum.square-enix.com/ffxiv/t...l=1#post281974

Now I'm not so sure but the 1st time I read it I focused on "memorable place" more than "theme" so I hoped it would be more like something stunning that melts in the zone theme rather than a different type of landscape that is the theme like you describe in your post.