Suggestion: Differentiate Playable Race's Tribes More

[xXRaineXx]

My static was talking about this a couple days ago. The answer is simple, the designs were made by Japanese for Japanese. We are not interested in crazy look races, it has to be either 1. cool 2. cute 3. cute 4. cute. That's probably why Au'Ra were designed to look like humanoids instead of actual lizard people.

[WellFooled]

I agree with Niwashi, this would have been a very cool feature if it had been included from the beginning of the game, but not now after the various clans are all well established.

Running with the ongoing example of Elezens; even if all Duskwight features were given to Wildwoods so it would be possible to keep a current Duskwight's features the same, it would still force a change in the character's lore. Even if my character looked identical to how he is now, I wouldn't want him to be anything else but a Wildwood and I'm sure there are Duskwights who feel the same.

But again, Niwashi has a great solution. I would love to see a third clan added to the various races.

[Mimilu]

But again, Niwashi has a great solution. I would love to see a third clan added to the various races.

The problem with adding a third tribe is that you would then have two tribes that are almost identical and a third that is far more different.

[KaijinRhada]

Would it perhaps be a good compromise to include a differentiating look to each clan as a choice in character creation (sort of a features check box)? Thus if players want the current look of the races, they can, and those that want something different can also choose to do so. It may be more complicated, but it could alleviate the troubles that would come from such an addition.

[Mimilu]

Would it perhaps be a good compromise to include a differentiating look to each clan as a choice in character creation (sort of a features check box)? Thus if players want the current look of the races, they can, and those that want something different can also choose to do so. It may be more complicated, but it could alleviate the troubles that would come from such an addition.

That's not a bad idea. :-D
They could add two unique faces to each tribe, putting them on par with male Midlanders, who have six faces already. >w>

[Magis]

All races' tribes should have been different from each other as Highlanders vs Midlanders.

Based on lore, the Xaela females are probably the biggest disappointment. Xaela are tribes of hardy hunters, gatherers and warriors (each with different culture) yet the females are just as cute and dainty as their Raen cousins. The males could've been a bit more muscular, too.

The biggest letdown is what Au Ra were originally going to look like and what we got.

[dinnertime]

The biggest letdown is what Au Ra were originally going to look like and what we got.

To be honest, there's not much change from the females coming from the third picture aside from looking very voluptuous (though, we've been lied before with concept art of other races not looking like their in-game counterpart). The second one is literally a succubus.

I uderstand why they didn't go with the first one, lore wise. It would've been cool if it happened but I'm also fine with Au Ra the way it is now.

[WellFooled]

The problem with adding a third tribe is that you would then have two tribes that are almost identical and a third that is far more different.

Why is that a problem?

[KaijinRhada]

That's not a bad idea. :-D
They could add two unique faces to each tribe, putting them on par with male Midlanders, who have six faces already. >w>

They could also do with a body type selection or something for every race and gender that would be wanting for a clan difference (give something else to Hyur since they already have it?). Alas, limitations, but maybe one day! Maybe... ;-;

[Anova]

The biggest letdown is what Au Ra were originally going to look like and what we got.

Great find.

Something to remember is that there are designs and aesthetics that don't cross over between the JP and NA mainstream audiences. Trust me when I say there are a lot of designers who do push the envelope on both sides of the Pacific, but you're much more likely to see those in indie games than AAA flagship titles. One look at the original designs and I immediately realize Au'ra would have been unpopular in JP.

I would like different body types too, but understand it is a lot of work to develop distinct body models that appeal to NA and JP design sensibilities. You're basically designing an entirely different race for each one, not to mention completely different sets of armor for all existing armor pieces. It's not impossible, but it is a lot of work and there needs to be a benefit to match. If someone did a study on Xbox users or the NA market and reported that it would increase their subscriptions in NA by 50%, that'd be something to get the execs to sign up on. Otherwise, I'm afraid designers have as much say as we do on the final look of these things.

Somewhat related to the topic of executive meddling: Anyone else remember Vaan from FFXII? SE execs literally forced the character in to the game because they needed a young prettyboy to sell the game in JP, and he's only relevant in the first 5 hours of the story. There's also Mr. Tinkle of Zelda fame... both are pretty much hated in the NA community, but loved in JP.