Updated benchmark

[Domina]

Posted this in another thread but just adding mine to the pile in the hopes the feedback will actually be passed on.
Far away:


Close up:


The main gripes being the eyes shapes being more rounded rather than angular/sharper.

The eyebrows being less defined on lighter hair tones when mixed with certain hairstyles makes it look like you have no eyebrows.

The upper eyelashes being trimmed, I would like to see it similar to how it is in the current game as the change makes the eyes look rounder as well.

I think these issues might seem miniscule up close but as soon as you zoom out they become more pronounced. This is Viera face 1

[kikovoras]

I like the benchmark update - the lighting, especially, is 100 times better and more pleasing to the eye. I play a male Viera (Rava). My main issues with the 1st benchmark were the flatness of the face, the dead eyes, and the weird lip colour/lipstick. Thankfully, these aspects have been updated. However, one thing I actually *enjoyed* in the 1st benchmark was that for the face I use (male Viera face nr 3) they darkened the nose shading. But in the updated benchmark, I was disappointed to see that it's practically gone now. It's barely visible on pale characters, let alone on darker-skinned ones.

BASE GAME/NO BENCHMARK



BENCHMARK 1



BENCHMARK 2



Nose shading is practically gone. And not only on dark skin. Here's my friend's Viera, same face:



Here is my female Viera character for comparison (note how much lighter the nostril area is):



I am aware of the fact that some people complained about the nose shading being "too dark" in benchmark 1 - however, getting rid of it/making it barely visible is not the way to go. I love how Viera are designed as a race and their noses are a unique racial trait - if one wishes to remove that trait, then they are no longer Viera, but simply a Hyur with bunny ears. To me, it's the equivalent of getting rid of the scales on Au'Ra or removing fangs from Miqo'te.

There is a nose shading toggle for face 1 - I think the solution for this nose fiasco would be adding a nose shading toggle for ALL faces, both Rava and Veena.

I think it's imperative to take into consideration how character-building shows on darker skin. A lot of details disappear or are barely visible once you choose anything that's not pale skin.

[Loops]

I'm grateful to the development team for all of the effort that was put into updating the lighting for the benchmark, character creation, and the game itself. It is a major improvement on the visual quality of my skin.

I am, however, very disappointed that none of the other issues that I had with visual changes were not addressed. I am somewhat lucky that the changes made to my appearance are seemingly easy fixes, and I am hopeful that with the continued disappointment that the team decides to make these adjustments.

These are the issues that I still have with Miqo'te (F) Face 3:

• The eyelashes on Eye Shape 3 are too dense on the inner eyelids (by the nose), and it causes my eyes to appear much more round as others have noted. The previous eyelashes were less dense and swept towards the outer eye, making the shape of my eyes more apparent.
• As others have notes, the corners of my mouth look unnatural as if I am pursing my lips; this appears to be the case on every mouth option.
• Facial Feature 1 (bushy eyebrows) paired with Eyebrows 2 are wider, shorter, and do not fully taper off on the inner brow.
• Facial Feature 4 (nose scar) has been moved to be significantly lower than it was before.

Here are screenshots and a slide comparison for review:
https://imgsli.com/MjY5MzUx

Thank you again to the development team for all of your hard work, especially so close to the launch of the expansion. My hope is that your leaders provide you with the opportunity to address the issues that we have with preserving our beloved characters.