Lackluster Graphics in FFXIV

[Statham]

For me, graphics is really not a Final Fantasy, that's all.

Good character but empty landscape, it's not really beautifull

[BelgianRofl]

Wow, Abigail... just.... wow.....

[Rhianu]

Every single option has to be coded, implemented and even more tested. Every single option can lead to problems, glitches and crashes. That's why software houses don't implement every single option.

They have to draw a line, simply because development resources are limited.
So they will give you a *range* of options, and in fact FFXIV's engine is quite scalable, but they will basically never give them all.

Sure, obviously there has to be development time allotted to create all the different options, but that's not a valid argument against adding options, especially in an MMO. These days people expect PC games, especially MMOs, to provide a wealth of customization and options to the player.

[Abriael]

Sure, obviously there has to be development time allotted to create all the different options, but that's not a valid argument against adding options, especially in an MMO. These days people expect PC games, especially MMOs, to provide a wealth of customization and options to the player.

Did you not notice that this game has a rather extensive configuration program, backed up but another configuration menu in game (which is something I personally don't like, by the way, as a single configuration menu is a much better option)?

The engine is not really less scalable than most, and offers a pretty standard range of options. Quite enough for me to manage to run the game perfectly on my gaming computer, and still play it on my extremely antiquated number 2, with most options off or minimized.

This without mentioning that most MMORPGs launch with a limited range of options (often more limited than FFXIV), and add more down the line.

[Meleena]

OMG is this topic still going on?
How much can Belgianrofl fail in a single day?

http://www.blogcdn.com/wow.joystiq.c.../03/az_leo.jpg
VS
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2..._zero/Beta.jpg

Final Fantasy XIV picture is not even on High settings, AKA Belgianrofl's point = Destroyed.

Game, set, match.

[Rhianu]

This without mentioning that most MMORPGs launch with a limited range of options (often more limited than FFXIV), and add more down the line.

So then can we agree that water reflections and shadows should be added as a configuration option sometime down the line?

[Abriael]

So then can we agree that water reflections and shadows should be added as a configuration option sometime down the line?

I sure wouldn't be opposed to that, when the hardware will have evolved enough to run the game at an acceptable level of detail with those options on. If to turn those on even people with the most powerful PCs have to crank half the game down, then it's useless to implement them, and it's better that they use their development resources to implement things that everyone can enjoy.

Spending development resources needs to be justified by usage. Between options that can be enjoyed only by few and options that can be enjoyed by everyone, the second should pretty much always take priority.

[BelgianRofl]

OMG is this topic still going on?
How much can Belgianrofl fail in a single day?

http://www.blogcdn.com/wow.joystiq.c.../03/az_leo.jpg
VS
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2..._zero/Beta.jpg

Final Fantasy XIV picture is not even on High settings, AKA Belgianrofl's point = Destroyed.

Game, set, match.

Would you please read the original post? Your addition to the thread is waay off topic. Also, we've already established that the polygons in FFXIV are nice. It's the misuse of lighting technology that makes the game look shotty. Compare the 2005 FFXIV Tech Demo with what it is today. The technology is available... just add it to the game....

[BelgianRofl]

I sure wouldn't be opposed to that, when the hardware will have evolved enough to run the game at an acceptable level of detail with those options on. If to turn those on even people with the most powerful PCs have to crank half the game down, then it's useless to implement them, and it's better that they use their development resources to implement things that everyone can enjoy.

Spending development resources needs to be justified by usage. Between options that can be enjoyed only by few and options that can be enjoyed by everyone, the second should pretty much always take priority.

The problem with your argument is that there are currently options available in the game that tax the system waay more than they should considering the actual effect the option gives.

The argument you keep avoiding is that there are technologies that will make the game look a lot more realistic, and tax the system waaay less than the current maxed-options already in place.

[Meleena]

Would you please read the original post? Your addition to the thread is waay off topic. Also, we've already established that the polygons in FFXIV are nice. It's the misuse of lighting technology that makes the game look shotty. Compare the 2005 FFXIV Tech Demo with what it is today. The technology is available... just add it to the game....

What? Can't hear you over the wrong title you gave this thread!
I think you say you lost because your argument is not valid?

You said something about an FFXIV tech demo in 2005?
Failed again, this one is looking far better:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yzC51...7066312881D834