My feedback on the graphics update for characters in the benchmark

[Underscore]

I like the new graphics, but there are a few elements of the character changes which I think should be changed or improved. Without further ado:


1. Lack of shadow intensity and contrast:
The intensity of the shadows on characters' hair and faces have been reduced, and there is less contrast between lighter and darker areas. It makes the lighting look too flat sometimes, or too even. This is most noticeable on lighter hair colours, which look like they have no shadows at all. I prefer how this looked before.
Example:


(I borrowed pictures of SuriKett and Silvarae's characters to better illustrate this)


2. Changes to character faces, specifically female Midlander face 5
Some of the faces have been given design changes which alter the way characters look.
For example, female midlander face 5 has been given extra makeup around the eyes which wasn't there before. I would like this to be either removed or changed into an optional 'Facial Feature' instead.

Solution:


3. Lips look too matte
There is no longer any gloss/reflection in the lips now, which makes them look a bit flat. I would like the glossy texture to be brought back somewhat, or alternatively for a matte/glossy option to be added to the character customization screen.


4. Lack of chin contrast
In the benchmark, it's hard to see the definition between the chin and neck, since the shading/lighting on the chin has been reduced. Example:



5. Eyes
The old eye reflection has been replaced with dynamic reflections. This looks good when the lighting is right, but sometimes the new reflections aren't visible enough which results in the eyes looking a bit dark. I'm not exactly sure how to fix this, to be honest.

(Reissss's character used for example)




Closing thoughts:

Generally, I like the graphics update and am happy with how my character looks minus the added eyeliner. However some people's characters that I've seen look better in the old graphics. I think the new system is almost there, and just needs a few tweaks and fixes to truly be an upgrade for everyone.

I understand there has been a lot of negative feedback, so I would like to balance this by showing everyone how much better my character looks under indoor lighting now:



What a massive improvement. I hope that with some small tweaks, all screenshots can look as good as this.

[LordMcMutton]

My theory at the moment is that they've applied their Subsurface Scattering shader to all facial overlays(lipstick, makeup, tattoos, etc) in addition to the skin. It's way too strong at the moment, resulting in the loss of shading as the SSS 'eats' the shadows that would create any details.

[Antharaes]

And you had to create a new topic about this why.... ? No room to comment on one of the other topics regarding the very same subject ?

[LordMcMutton]

And you had to create a new topic about this why.... ? No room to comment on one of the other topics regarding the very same subject ?

Manners, please.

There are quite a lot of threads on the topic- I can see how it would be easy to miss a true 'general' topic on the matter. The majority are about very specific things.

[Underscore]

And you had to create a new topic about this why.... ? No room to comment on one of the other topics regarding the very same subject ?

Because I wanted to share my opinions on it. Also a good number of posts about it amount to:

"My character got butchered!!" *doesn't elaborate and posts two identical-looking pictures*

[Antharaes]

Manners, please.

There are quite a lot of threads on the topic- I can see how it would be easy to miss a true 'general' topic on the matter. The majority are about very specific things.

What a load of bs. That is if you don't me saying, so excuse the foul language, have to watch my manners after all.

[LordMcMutton]

What a load of bs. That is if you don't me saying, so excuse the foul language, have to watch my manners after all.

I see we're being childish, now.

Looks like we can safely ignore anything this one has to say, Underscore

[Bun_Vivant]

Manners, please.

This is the most hilariously out-of-place comment I've seen in a while. Where do you think you're posting, anyway? And ...

Looks like we can safely ignore anything this one has to say

... who is this "we" you think you speak for?

[Avoidy]

Good general analysis, OP.
At this point, with a front page full of critical threads about the benchmark, there's no way they can launch it as-is and say they didn't receive feedback at least.

And you had to create a new topic about this why.... ? No room to comment on one of the other topics regarding the very same subject ?

Who cares? This place is an unmoderated disorganized dumpster fire with a barely functional search feature that's slow as molasses anyway. Oh no! People are discussing a recent addition to the game with multiple threads! Legit, keep it coming. Let it cook. Worst case scenario some thread about "post your lalafell!" or whatever gets dropped to page 2.