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

[Doopliss]

I think this is a fantastic, simple explanation on how the brain perceives and simplifies stylistic character design. Although I know the 3D images are not 1-1 with the artwork, this is also how my brain automatically read the two faces, and is similar to the level of difference I felt toward my fem Xaela and fem Viera.

I often fumble my words, so I'm very glad to have something like this to show to my friends. Thank you.

[Loggos]

I think this is a really great example of how slight changes to proportions can change how the "soul" of the face is read. I feel bad saying it but I feel like everyone let down by the less severe look has been misled somewhat by wishful thinking in regards to the Au Ra female faces. They have -always- looked very milky and gentle to me and like any harshness in their face is very subjective. I'm not saying anyone is wrong in feeling this way - personally I prefer severe faces and the illustration on the right is very close to how i -wanted- that Aura face to look from when they were first implemented. I'm not even denying that there are differences to how the new face looks but they have never looked that severe and it's a shame they've strayed even further from it.

No I see what you mean haha. Female au ras were unfortunately always on the milque-toast side as opposed to male au ras but face 4 did have a bit more bite. I think the smaller pupil and the more convex lip shapes really changed the soul as you put it. And also, the old face 4 does have a very skeptical look and does very much not smile whereas the new face 4 has a subtle smile that in my eyes wasn't there before.
Also if you look at Sadu, the Stormblood NPC, they really did play her harsh look up. I don't think it's a coincidence that they used the slightly more severe looking face 4 for their bloodthirsty hot-headed pvp addict.

Like, look at that devilish smile. I do think some of the edge and sternness was put into that face on purpose.
https://youtu.be/FDg1cSmLWaQ?t=409