I'm not sure how the process is from the switch to current to Dawntrail. For example if models or meshes have to be remade in some cases with possible discrepancies, but throughout the course of making my post i've discovered that there seems to be an issue with the preservation of the eye types from current to Benchmark 1.1

I noticed first specifically with Eye Type 3 for Face 2 of Highlander Female. Largely, I was satisfied with the transition to the new graphics and in particular the upgrade from the previous benchmark, but these eyes in idle seem more half-lidded and stoic which impacts the feel of the character too much for my liking. Here is an example comparison:

Eye Type 3 Face 2



A simple fix I thought after realizing the difference, is to have the eyes a bit more open on the inner end to match the shape of the previous. It wouldn't take much, and as you can see they're more half-lidded over the iris in the new version. In the close up especially you can notice that the new topside of the eyes are more flat and sharp as opposed to the mildly more open and rounded.

The way I saw it, Highlanders largely have more options for a serious and stoic aesthetic and there aren't as many options for something more "cute" or "sweet". These eyes being more sleek and sharp ends up eliminating one of those options. Type 4 and 6 are the closest, but definitely don't carry the same feeling.

But right here in the middle of writing this, I realized all eye types seem to be more half lidded compared to current client counterparts.

Type 1



Type 2



Type 4



Type 5



Type 6



The eyes appear to be drawn according to being closer to current client's cast shadow shape rather than their actual previous shape. This is why i ended up finding mine off from what's expected. You can see it particularly strongly in 5 where the eyes are dramatically sharper because the cast shadow was closer followed. At first I thought it was a design decision, and I was confused given the fact that my other characters (non highlander or hyur) all seemed the same. I haven't looked at other faces, but Face 2 for highlander female in particular seems to be instead impacted by a conversion flaw rather than design decision as far as I can tell

I would kindly ask if the overall look in the eyes could be better preserved as they were. Because it seems like it may have not been entirely intentional and instead was in warranted haste. I know there must be a lot of feedback to sift through, so
Thank you for reading.