Yoshida: Changes will be made to both the geography and the design of the areas. Some areas will be changed rather drastically, so I'd love if you all could discuss how you think the changes will be made while you're all looking forward to it.
At Yoshi's request, lets talk area redesign.

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I think personally, it is critical to give each section of the major starting zones a unique character.

There is a beautiful white tree on the north side of the Black Shroud. This tree immediately says to me, I AM HERE. I AM NOT THERE.

Beastman tribe camps, outposts, or just random one off houses, campfires, unusual vegetation and so on. All of this i think would be critical to giving each area character.
There is lots that can be done with geography too. The long draw distance is great for view points, or secret paths etc..

Discuss!