Character graphical changes are NOT in an acceptable state, please make it optional

[Anzaman]

Not every character will end up a 1 to 1. Folks either accept. Change races. Or move on.

People were expecting improved model and texture quality. They have changed way too much with the "updated" visuals.

If I recall, even World of Warcraft had toggle option to keep using old models when they did their graphical rework.

[ValG]

People were expecting improved model and texture quality. They have changed way too much with the "updated" visuals.

If I recall, even World of Warcraft had toggle option to keep using old models when they did their graphical rework.

And some textures you can hardly call them an upgrade... The waxy skin might be debatable (I think it should be improved don't get me wrong) but things like the lips and some of the hairstyles definitely feel like a downgrade...

[Jeeqbit]

Here is the thing - this is the point where the community can, and should, provide feedback for the devs to hear.

I agree that the feedback should be provided, but I disagree that this is the point where it will be likely to make a difference. People are going to design their characters with the benchmark, so it would be problematic if what they made in the benchmark isn't what they get in Dawntrail.

There are subjective issues with the new models, as indicated by OP, that need to be tackled before the expansion is released.

If the issue is an actual bug, like a clipping issue, it could be put in the bug forum. I saw one get posted there. But many of the posts aren't bug-related and are just saying they don't like the change.

[ovIm]

I agree that the feedback should be provided, but I disagree that this is the point where it will be likely to make a difference. People are going to design their characters with the benchmark, so it would be problematic if what they made in the benchmark isn't what they get in Dawntrail.

Here is where I have to disagree - Square Enix can also just release an updated version of the benchmark with any fixes.
And, additionally, it is not wrong for paying customers to expect the product provided to match a certain quality. You say people can use a fantasia, I say that its unrealistic to expect people that have played a character for sometimes close to 10 years (ARR release) to change drastically because of something outside of their power to influence. Also, I checked the creator multiple times, not all of the issues are alleviated by fine tuning the models through Fantasia, since the character editor simply does not have as many features as other, more recent games.

If the issue is an actual bug, like a clipping issue, it could be put in the bug forum. I saw one get posted there. But many of the posts aren't bug-related and are just saying they don't like the change.

Could you link that thread perhaps? I was unable to find a feedback thread like that, and would like to contribute :)

[LianaThorne]

Seems the English forum isn't the only ones having complaints as some JP comments are cropping up over there regarding them. It might actually get their attention if it keeps up.

[SpiritMuse]

You say people can use a fantasia, I say that its unrealistic to expect people that have played a character for sometimes close to 10 years (ARR release) to change drastically because of something outside of their power to influence.

I'm one of those people. I have played as this character for about 10 years. I have Fantasia'd a lot in between patches, but every time for MSQ I would go back to this character, because it was his story. I have written a backstory for this character. I have drawn this character in a fanmade artbook that was sent to the developers.

With these new updates, the added darkness to the eyes in particular gives the character a very different vibe and personality now. And no amount of Fantasia can fix this, because all the eye options are like this. I cannot fully recreate my character in this character creator.

[GreenLeafy]

Here is where I have to disagree - Square Enix can also just release an updated version of the benchmark with any fixes.
And, additionally, it is not wrong for paying customers to expect the product provided to match a certain quality. You say people can use a fantasia, I say that its unrealistic to expect people that have played a character for sometimes close to 10 years (ARR release) to change drastically because of something outside of their power to influence. Also, I checked the creator multiple times, not all of the issues are alleviated by fine tuning the models through Fantasia, since the character editor simply does not have as many features as other, more recent games.



Could you link that thread perhaps? I was unable to find a feedback thread like that, and would like to contribute

I don't really comment on forums often but I have to in this case -thank you so much for voicing the fact that for some people the excuse of just using a fantasia doesn't really cut it when you've been playing the game for literal years with the same look. I've been playing for 8 years with the same face and loading it up into the benchmark my heart absolutely sank how different my miqo'te looks. Regardless of how much tinkering you can do (albeit still not much due to the FFXIV chara creator being somewhat limited compared to most games) its impossible to bring back the same face or at the very least feel that he had to begin with. Looks so much more dull and lifeless now.
Its just heartbreaking seeing that the character you've grown attached to and sentimental about , tied with memories and screenshots with you and so many other people, is about to irrevocably change and be lost forever and you literally have no control over it. Sucks.

[Tethan]

Seems the English forum isn't the only ones having complaints as some JP comments are cropping up over there regarding them. It might actually get their attention if it keeps up.

Yes I have been going over the JP threads and included some more specific examples in my post. It seems that they are disappointed by the same things as we are and it does give me some hope they might feel forced to address this.

[Xeronia]

Having looked at several examples at this point I can't say this is really ready to ship and would want a toggle to use old models while new models are being evened out a bit more. The biggest issue to me is the eyes in general and how big the pupils now are on some races causing the eye color to become very muted.

[Raim]

I know they cant keep making massive changes to it, but the skin just looks off for most races. Its sleek, shiny and almost plastic in appearance. Doll like.