[Dawntrail Benchmark Feedback] Concern with updated character model

[sunderedmp]

Hello,

While I understand the decision to update the 10 year old models was a huge and complicated one, I personally believe there was not enough discretion with certain choices and smoothening of some of the character features.

It's unfortunate that players were promised an update that would not require them to change features of their characters if not needed. But I see many expressing feelings of not even recognizing their characters. Even those who make adjustments to their now altered characters struggle to feel satisfied. Unfortunately, there are some vital features that have been changed so much that it is impossible to recreate the original charm of characters.

These older models are not perfect, but in my opinion they had a charm. When I look at the updated character features presented in the benchmark and see them smoothen out so much.. I feel emotionless.

In a reply, I will only be talking about my personal opinion with my character. Though please, feel free to add your own experience and thoughts.

[sunderedmp]

Here is a comparison of my character: Face 5 Midlander, Eye Shape 4, Mouth 4

I'm in acknowledgement that character creation lighting is not the best; But I am focusing on specific points currently.

6.x / Benchmark



When I first saw him with updated graphics, I immediately thought: Wow, he's changed. It's not a nice feeling, with a creation you've poured so much heart and love into.

EYES
I think the eyes have become too bold. They are not subtle. It takes too much attention, and makes it hard to look anywhere else for a while. It is almost like he was given eyeliner. The bottom eyelid really bothers me, because it feels like he is being forced into a weird unnatural expression. I would really appreciate some form of curvature/sharpness the original has, which promotes a much more relaxed muscle. As well helps convey personality of the character. If that makes any sense. Also, please bring back the original catchlights, they bring life to their pupils.

6.x / Benchmark



LIPS
The lips feel in my opinion too smooth, to where features and clarity is lost. I also noticed that the gloss like texture was taken away from lipstick options, which is unfortunate. I think it is unfair to characters who style themselves in a "pretty" or more "beautiful" way. My real issue is the lack of depth and form with the lips. I was very disappointed to see that the line had been changed (?) from a slight curve to something more straight. This is more noticeable in other races and when the mouth is opened. I feel this decision to have a straighter, or smoother line just looks odd for some if not most characters.

6.x / Benchmark



Basically:

The graphics are beautiful, but a lot of emotion and charm is lost. A lot of definitive details that are vital to many characters are lost too. I would say this: Just because we can have things be smooth, doesn't mean they should be. I wish a little more care, was put into remodeling. To ensure that players would not feel so disheartened when loading their characters up. I think a lot of the stylization was lost as well, in search for a more "4k experience". I personally think the new models are a bit... bland. They feel lifeless. Beautiful but lifeless. Change is hard, but when you promise your players an experience where they wouldn't feel forced to change - It does feel a bit redundant to take such liberties changing things.

These are my points for now. I will post more if I have more to say. Thank you.

[ShiroLialeth]

I already said this in another post but yeah I feel the same about one of my characters. The new eyes and lips just make him look completely different.
Benchmark / 6.0


The eyebrows, face tattoos and hair in general is also lighter. The scar is also affected by the light in certain angles (white outline around it), which isn't the case for 6.0.
Benchmark / 6.0


Female Miqo'te face 4 has a slight seam/ dark line at the tip of the nose which is kind of noticeable when you zoom in.


I've also noticed a lot of issues with some hairstyles not being properly fitted to the head, like hair 115 for F Miqo.

[lunartears]

Feeling the same way about my character, could write so much and go into detail but it feels tiring.

Au Ra player checking in, I am personally upset about the lip changes on my character. I made my character's lips white as I wanted her to have a very pale ghostly appearance and it went well with the glossiness of the original lips. Now I feel that the new lips are too flat for my WoL and too visible compared to my original perception. To me, it looks like her lips have been filled I much rather preferred the "more mouth than lip" before, it's the entire reason I chose the "Light" option and white.

Old on left and new on the right:







Granted I am not a fan of change but this is very noticeable to me, it's the first thing my eyes are going towards now. I'm not a fan of how the eyes or nose look either, I feel like this is not my WoL anymore.

As said at the end, I am also not a fan of the eyes and nose, the original image of my character feels softened, somehow more ugly but also uncanny. I much preferred the "gentle but sharp" appearance.

[GreenLeafy]

I'm right there with you for the miqo changes. My WoL feels like he lost all the bubbly warm feel to him and just became an asshole with a kpop filter on lol. The new eyes/nose/lips are really throwing me for a loop. I did not sign up for WoL looksmaxxing.