Curse

TsunamiZ · Sep 25, 2006, 07:41 PM // 19:41

i dont think we should need to buy more appearance options. its just a matter of face / hair selections should be equivalent in quantity as prophecies--especially if anet charges the same amount for the expansions.

shinrinningu · Sep 25, 2006, 10:31 PM // 22:31

Quote:

Originally Posted by Matix411

I like that idea of putting render packages in the GW Store, pity I just cancelled my credit card though, alas ...

This would be a horrible idea and would definitely cause an uproar in the community. Why charge the playerbase for something they already deserve if they were to buy a new chapter or each consecutive chapter, especially considering the fact that the variety in selection keeps decreasing (especially for us males)? It wouldn't really be a programming nightmare to implement an option where you are able to access character customization options from previous chapters (if you own them) because most of it is already done.

Ashe_Lienn · Sep 25, 2006, 11:50 PM // 23:50

I like the fact that you can't just use the old faces in the new games. Not because of RP or any of that, just because it's a new story, in a new place, with new people, and it'd be stupid to be running around with an old face. I hope ANet stick to their choice with that particular point.
What would be good though, would be having more new faces and hairstyles to choose from when the new chapters came out. At least on the Dervish and Paragon who don't have a lot of old faces already...
Although, looking at the triple-screenshot from the OP, the faces in each expansion get less game-like and more attractive with each expansion... Now if they could just combine that with more brand new choices they could leave character creation alone until the next one and work on improving other elements of the game.

Matix411 · Sep 26, 2006, 04:16 AM // 04:16

Quote:

Originally Posted by shinrinningu

It wouldn't really be a programming nightmare to implement an option where you are able to access character customization options from previous chapters (if you own them) because most of it is already done.

Good point.

Sinborn · Sep 26, 2006, 04:35 AM // 04:35

I would be riled if the face was an integral part of GWs gaming. Unfortunately, GW is not a hyper-intensive MUD that makes aesthetics important. Concerning combat, I don't care how your character looks, I want it on the floor, dead.

However, the diminishing number of selections is a tad perturbing, but only because of the nightmarish inconsistency with elementalist colors throughout the expansions. The prophecies elementalist colors aren't restricted to any geographical area because they're practically impossible within the human spectrum XD.

Commander Ryker · Sep 26, 2006, 03:05 PM // 15:05

Quote:

Originally Posted by lyra_song

Hee hee...i dont think i need to spell it out how that statement sounds racist.

I dont think any racism is intended, but i just wanted to point it out. just be a little careful with that statement to the more thin-skinned people.

Well, maybe you do need to spell it out because I just don't see it. Who is going to be offended by the caveman reference? There are no cavemen left to be offended. You seem to be the only one who thought it was a racist statement.

Quote:

Originally Posted by lyra_song

Being area specific drastically cuts down your possible face/hair choices.

OMG, no you didn't say that! Especially after calling someone racist for the caveman reference. That is the most racist and ignorant thing I've seen in this thread......so far (granted I'm still on the first page, so there's time

). What you are saying, basically is that all <pick a race> looks alike, so there will not be as many choices to make.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mordakai

The reason why you find it "a little weird" is simply because you don't see Fantasy heroes of color in movies or TV very often, if at all.

Wesley Snipes-Denzel Washington-Morgan Freeman(not an action star, I just love him.)-Danny Glover-Isaac Hayes FTW!!! Ok, so they are not out there as much as others, but they are out there.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Horseman Of War

Even two generations after MLK jr., its still a major problem in our schools, law enforcement, television... If anything Im very happy that a game like nightfall can present something to bring a sense of cultural respect to native african traditions, even if just through a fantasy setting.

I totally agree.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Horseman Of War

racism ftl. I hate white people more than anything, and Im mostly white.

HUH?

I like people, regardless of any indentifiers.

I agree there should be more faces to choose from. However, I do not agree that they should be from previous chapters. NF is supposed to be based in an african like setting, then they should be african faces. I do not want to see black caucasians running around. That would just be wrong. And just like any race, there are the good looking and bad looking....let's see a selection based on that. I don't remember anyone bitching about the oriental characters in Factions, let's don't start now.

If I do make a new character in NF, it will look african, dark skin and all.

rollntider · Sep 26, 2006, 04:07 PM // 16:07

lets not forget there are persian and caucasian in the region of africa, (just as there are other races in europe) I think a diverse choice is more than needed. I saw many dark colored characters with caucasian features and hair....I think there should have been black, white, asians, persians, etc...in the first 2 chapters. Cmon Anet give us more choices....and dont charge us for it please...

lyra_song · Sep 26, 2006, 04:09 PM // 16:09

Quote:

Originally Posted by Commander Ryker

Well, maybe you do need to spell it out because I just don't see it. Who is going to be offended by the caveman reference? There are no cavemen left to be offended. You seem to be the only one who thought it was a racist statement.

OMG, no you didn't say that! Especially after calling someone racist for the caveman reference. That is the most racist and ignorant thing I've seen in this thread......so far (granted I'm still on the first page, so there's time

). What you are saying, basically is that all <pick a race> looks alike, so there will not be as many choices to make.

Comparing an african influenced face to a caveman could be interpreted as racist and offensive . Of course im not offended, since its completely unintentional.

See...i never called anyone racist. I dont think you're a racist so stop telling me i said you were. :P

read the following:

I (me) think (my opinion) it sounds racist (not implying that it is racist).

Someone who is more sensitive could take your post as a racist statement very easily. Thats why i said you should be a more careful because some people might flip out on you.

I stand by my statement. Being area specific limits your choices. I'm not being racist. Its called a gene pool.

Yes there are stand outs, but by law of average, phenotypes will fall within certain ranges in one area. Eye color, hair color, facial structure, height etc. Mutations and outside genetic sources can influence a gene pool, but it will not impact the overall expression of an average phenotype.

And yes Morgan Freedman is the man. ^_^

On a side note:
I have no problem hanging out with any color, any race, any relegion, state of mind (crazy people!) or sexual preference since i adapt very easily. The only people i dont asociate with are hard-drug users (weed is ok) and drunks.

Racism sucks, however its a reality of life and you cant change some people.

PM me if you wanna continue arguing. lets not derail the thread.

-----
BACK ON TOPIC

I agree that faces need to stay chapter specific, simply because it does give indentity to a character.

On the topic of hair: I want perfect white hair for my future Dervish but i cant get it >.< Anet please give us at the very least hair color dye-ing!!

SpeedyKQ · Sep 26, 2006, 04:18 PM // 16:18

I tried to make three different character concepts last weekend and not one of them worked out.

I wanted a black female ranger with an African name and appearance. There were lots of female ranger hairstyles, and exactly ONE of them looked African, and it was hidden behind a big do-rag. Otherwise straight hair all around.

I wanted a white, male, blond-haired paragon. Opposite problem. Every face, every hairstyle looked African. No matter what I did, every paragon with blond hair and a white face just looked odd.

And last, I wanted a male dervish with a middle-eastern appearance. Nope. Again, every face, every hairstyle looked african. This seems especially silly since weren't the real-life dervishes middle-eastern rather than black african?

Lady Lozza · Sep 27, 2006, 12:12 PM // 12:12

Quote:

It wouldn't really be a programming nightmare to implement an option where you are able to access character customization options from previous chapters (if you own them) because most of it is already done.

Firstly we don't know for certain if x hair and y face will match up... Maybe they will, maybe they won't. We don't know. If they don't - THAT has to be fixed. To allow for the full range of skin tones offered, I'm guessing all the faces would have to be effecitvely re-colourised. Why, well I'm taking a punt here, but I think you will find they control skin tone by certain filters. I'm guessing that is why the coloured skins look so darn horrible in Prophecies, the original colour was designed on peachy-pink tones trying to re-colour that through a filter to warm dark brown tones isn't as easy as it sounds.

Next the interface itself has to be changed either completely, or the simple solution - allow for scrolling in the individual windows. Can you imagine the nightmare of character creation scrolling through all those faces?
"Oh I think the one I liked was back on line 10... Or maybe it was 11... Oh dang I've lost it now..."

And I'm sure there are others.
For goodness sake, 10 options allows for a large number of combinations. If you want true customisation, play Oblivion.

Side Note: Oblivion character creation was great, the first time you do it. After that... I was clawing my eyes out second time around.

ChaoticCoyote · Sep 27, 2006, 12:57 PM // 12:57

I'd really like more customization options -- maybe the ability to create a non-anorexic female, or perhaps a male character who isn't ready for Wide World Wrestling. And yes, beards.

This is, after all, and RPG, and ANet shows a real lack of creativity when it comes to character models. What keeps people playing an RPG is a connection to their characters.

Gedrand · Sep 27, 2006, 04:36 PM // 16:36

To sum it up, I was really excited about the Paragon. However, it seemed like for faces I could either have a big scar or pick from a few other faces which looked highly alike. As for hair, I could be bald or have four different styles of braids. That pretty much killed it for me, and I was really excited about the Paragon before that. Faces and hairstyles are important to me as a role player since they help me feel attached to my character.

Looking at the females, it seemed like the faces and hairstyles were much more distinct. I agree that faces and hairstyles should fit in with the concept and regionality of a profession, but I think that Anet could have done a *much* better job within that theme.

However, it is only one small thing, and I generally find myself satisfied with the choices Anet makes and trust in them, but I guess not everything can meet my hopes!

shinrinningu · Sep 27, 2006, 07:52 PM // 19:52

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lady Lozza

Firstly we don't know for certain if x hair and y face will match up... Maybe they will, maybe they won't. We don't know. If they don't - THAT has to be fixed. To allow for the full range of skin tones offered, I'm guessing all the faces would have to be effecitvely re-colourised. Why, well I'm taking a punt here, but I think you will find they control skin tone by certain filters. I'm guessing that is why the coloured skins look so darn horrible in Prophecies, the original colour was designed on peachy-pink tones trying to re-colour that through a filter to warm dark brown tones isn't as easy as it sounds.

Next the interface itself has to be changed either completely, or the simple solution - allow for scrolling in the individual windows. Can you imagine the nightmare of character creation scrolling through all those faces?
"Oh I think the one I liked was back on line 10... Or maybe it was 11... Oh dang I've lost it now..."

And I'm sure there are others.
For goodness sake, 10 options allows for a large number of combinations. If you want true customisation, play Oblivion.

Side Note: Oblivion character creation was great, the first time you do it. After that... I was clawing my eyes out second time around.

There are a few ways they can do it but the only thing I was suggesting is if they were to allow us to access those options. They do not necessarily have to put it all in one interface, rather, they could split them into different modules or into different interfaces and make them chapter-specific. Also, they do not necessarily have to mix in the different hairs or skin tones with the different faces in each chapter. They can keep them in seperate UIs or menus and not have to mix anything and that would allow us to choose faces and hair from other chapters while customizing our character for a specific chapter.

For example, in Nightfall, if I wanted to customize my character with options from Factions, I would open up a UI that have customization options from Factions only and would not be allowed to choose hair, skin tones, etc. from other chapters to mix with the Factions options. The body of the character would be irrelevant because by now, all bodies would be accustomed to the armors of each chapter (i.e. a Tyrian character being able to wear Factions armor).

But yes, I see what you mean by the different combinations that would have to be rendered to fit each other if we are asking for the ability to mix and match with each chapter as we choose and that is what some people in this thread would be asking for. This task would probably be taken by the artists of Anet and I have no say in the difficulty of it.

As for Oblivion... I don't see how that is relevant to anything.

I've played it and yes, it has cool customization options but not really my cup of tea. Also, it's mostly in first person or when you're playing in third person, you usually are only allowed to see the back of your character. Besides, Oblivion's options and Guild Wars' options aren't really that similar. In Oblivion, it's more "down to the bone" while in Guild Wars, you just click on things and adjust the height. I prefer Guild Wars' approach because I wouldn't have to bother with sliders of filters.

/end offtopic

cherikku · Sep 27, 2006, 08:52 PM // 20:52

Would anybody be opposed to the following idea?

When you create a character, the game asks you to choose your character's birthplace - this already exists in the game (it asks you to choose the campaign).
AFTER this, the game could ask you to choose an ETHNICITY - Tyrian (or Ascalonian), Canthan, or Elonian. Choosing one would take you to the appropriate face and hair options for that ETHNICITY. Of course, your choice of ethnicity would be limited by the chapters you own.

This looks like something that would be very simple to program. And it makes perfect sense from a role-playing point of view, for reasons i described in my previous posts. If you don't want to go look for them, here they are in a nutshell: It is silly to assume that, for instance, all people born in Elona are of the Elonian ethnicity. This is because people from each continent have been able to travel to other continents for hundreds of years. It is entirely possible for a person of Canthan race to be born and raised in Elona or Tyria.

While I would still like to be able to put Canthan hair on a Tyrian, I admit that I am not a programmer/artist and I cannot say if that kind of thing is even possible without extensive work. However, this suggestion seems like something that is simple to program, and it would at least alleviate SOME people's concerns about the decreasing hair/face options.

TsunamiZ · Sep 27, 2006, 08:59 PM // 20:59

the solution can be as simple as adding more face / hair options to the character creation screen [based on what chapters you own] and have them in scrollable windows so the options can fit the space. a lot of extensive options are already in scrollabe windows in the character creation screens.

TsunamiZ · Sep 27, 2006, 09:03 PM // 21:03

considering you can already bring existing tyrian / cathan characters to nightfall, forcing people to make elonian looking characters before starting nightfall won't do much other than restrict people's character creation choices--and restricted to a very lacking range of choices.

Pete1975 · Sep 27, 2006, 09:58 PM // 21:58

As far as I can remember the faces and hair styles from the factions preview were the same choices you had when Factions was released. Which imo is pretty lame. I want to make my characters different from other people and not have them in a world of clones.....

ANET MAKE MORE FACES AND HAIR STYLES please

Lady Lozza · Sep 28, 2006, 10:24 AM // 10:24

Half the problem with clones in NF will be the problem that has been pointed out 1001 times already: People seem to refuse to make characters not of their own ethnicity.

arcanemacabre · Sep 28, 2006, 10:30 AM // 10:30

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lady Lozza

Half the problem with clones in NF will be the problem that has been pointed out 1001 times already: People seem to refuse to make characters not of their own ethnicity.

This will only be a problem for the people who cannot, will not, or simply choose not to RP, and tend to stick with either a character that reminds them of themselves or a character they personally find attractive (which most likely will be of their own ethnicity). The problem here is that GW is about 80-90% filled with people that think this way.

Tis' a shame, but people are free to make their own choices. I don't necessarily call it racism, just habit, really.

Lady Lozza · Sep 28, 2006, 11:18 AM // 11:18

Oh, I was so excited about NF being African/Arabic. I was a part of a table-top game years ago where my character was a staff (offensive type) wielding desert nomad with warm brown skin and coppery hair. I don't know whether to make my paragon like that character, or my dervish. Anyhow, her story was that she had lost the desert of her home due to some fairly nasty conflict. Even by the end of the game which lasted longer than we expected, she still hadn't managed to find her way back and make peace with what her homeland had become. Elona is perfect for her! It will be like she is coming home, and I'm really quite excited about it.

Also (even though I'm lily white) the darker tones in NF are lovely, I don't understand why people can't bring themselves to create a character with such skin tones. I really can't. Just like people saying the Asian faces of Factions were ugly. I'll admit to saying that I thought a couple of them look similar, but (with the exception of a few) they were hardly ugly. Oh and a paragon with dark, dark skin and white and gold armour

very nice, that's what I did in the preview and I loved it.