how do i know when an attack is direct hit or crit?

[AkashiXI]

You can train your eye to see the difference. I main Bard so I see crits very often, and the difference between a direct hit and critical hit is very noticeable. I think they did a great job making it both subtle and defining at the same time.

[BluexBird]

Another way to tell the difference is by playing Warrior. Trust me, you'll know when your Fell Cleaves land a crit, a direct hit, both... or neither.