Curse

Paul_Bunyan · Nov 30, 2005, 06:51 PM // 18:51

Why do you think they opted to not include any sort of bow string graphics on the bows? I think it's pretty cheesey personally, as even though they are thin, they would be clearly visible.

I've seen other games put in a small 1-2 pixel string graphic on bows and it looks down right cool.

My personal opinion is because of lazy programmers

Hey ANet, why not set the nerf bat down for one minute and add some string animations?

Athis Strider · Nov 30, 2005, 07:42 PM // 19:42

While it may seem to be a chessie move on the programmer's part its actually not. If you add up all of the small details like the one you described, it becomes a substantial problem for the game developer. They are trying to balance great graphics Vs. Pc systems. Because there are many ppl out there with lower end pc's, the programmers have to cut as many small details as possible in order to encompass a larger group of diversified gaming pc's.
Notice that the way you see your armor "in Town" is not the same way others see you. In fact, if you look at other ppl in town their armor and capes look "fuzzy", yet not to them. This was another way for programmers to lessen the graphical burden on players.

Athis.

Paul_Bunyan · Nov 30, 2005, 08:02 PM // 20:02

True, but with all the other eye-candy that is still active even on the lowest settings, strings would not make any difference.

pearhk · Nov 30, 2005, 08:14 PM // 20:14

simulate an elastic string is not an easy task

opps
we are not technician ! :P

Paul_Bunyan · Nov 30, 2005, 09:03 PM // 21:03

You wouldn't have to simulate an elastic string...Well, it would be simulating one, but in a very simple and subtle way.

You would just need to create a small string image (just a pixel or so in size) that's suitable and of variable repeating length...Then set it so it repeats itself between two points, making a string-like image, then when the bow's at rest those 2 points would be the ends of the bow, then once you pull an arrow out the string would conform from the two ends of the bow to the posterior end of the arrow, then just have it follow that same path as the arrow flies until it reaches its original position. That's how it's usually done it seems.

That's like 3 math equations, not all that complicated, heh. I mean, we have strings to add to the bows, we might as well see them, right?

The Acolyte · Nov 30, 2005, 09:09 PM // 21:09

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paul_Bunyan

You wouldn't have to simulate an elastic string...Well, it would be simulating one, but in a very simple and subtle way.

You would just need to create a small string image (just a pixel or so in size) that's suitable and of variable repeating length...Then set it so it repeats itself between two points, making a string-like image, then when the bow's at rest those 2 points would be the ends of the bow, then once you pull an arrow out the string would conform from the two ends of the bow to the posterior end of the arrow, then just have it follow that same path as the arrow flies until it reaches its original position. That's how it's usually done it seems.

That's like 3 math equations, not all that complicated, heh. I mean, we have strings to add to the bows, we might as well see them, right?

Seems simple, but don't forget that what you are referring to is a 2d image, with only an x and y axis. GW is 3d in that it uses x, y, and z axis. So the formula is more complicated than that. However, I don't see any harm in requesting it from Anet, and if they setup some usability tests to confirm there is little performance impact I wouldn't mind seeing strings.

/signed (caveat: performance testing first plz

)

{IceFire} · Nov 30, 2005, 11:28 PM // 23:28

/signed, my comp pwnz right now, there shud be on-off button for it in options for crappy pc users.

Sereng Amaranth · Dec 01, 2005, 03:16 AM // 03:16

/signed

One note though, then the other team would kind of know what skills you're using, and what defenses would work.

Paul_Bunyan · Dec 02, 2005, 09:11 AM // 09:11

Or they could just click on you and see exactly what skills you are using

R A C · Apr 21, 2006, 09:01 PM // 21:01

WOW! OH NOES! HE'S USING A BOW!
(Sorry about the caps)
/signed.

bulletsmile · Apr 21, 2006, 09:47 PM // 21:47

/signed

Hunter Sharparrow · Apr 21, 2006, 11:50 PM // 23:50

/signed. It's just a simple addition to the cg animation for the male and female ranger. Wouldn't be hard for them at all just a little time consuming.

Shika Xblade · Apr 22, 2006, 02:43 AM // 02:43

/DEFINITELY NOT SIGNED
this is absolutely rediculous. If it wont make much difference, why are you requesting it? Compltely absurd. Why not make critters running around, and you can see the wind, and there are ashes left behind from fire spells, and charred armor, and moving mouths (peeve of mine). Why not have all of that instead of a better game? Half the time you wouldnt even be able to see this thing anyway imo because most ppl are all the way zoomed out. I think you're taking for granted the fact that this would take a significant update for a function that most people would not notice. Also, i dont think u get the graphic precission this would take. You're talkin making a transforming polygon that bends, recoils, and returns to normal in a span of 1.6 seconds or so. Again, is this really necesary? Its quite useless, and IMHO you would prolly forget it was even there after like 2 weeks...

xiaotsu · Apr 22, 2006, 04:31 AM // 04:31

I noticed they didn't have any...but there are a number of bows that would look horrible with strings, like the storm bows for example(my opinion). Normal flat bows and long bows? Sure, strings would be nice, but is it necessary? Nah. It's not a problem, it doesn't ruin the gameplay, it doesn't effect you in any way, and as Shika said, you'd forget it was there in a short amount of time.

/not signed

jackie · Apr 22, 2006, 05:16 AM // 05:16

Well it would be a nice little detail. I wouldn't demand it but if they someday include this to updates that would be a big +++

Hunter Sharparrow · Apr 22, 2006, 02:50 PM // 14:50

Quote:

this is absolutely rediculous. If it wont make much difference, why are you requesting it? Compltely absurd. Why not make critters running around, and you can see the wind, and there are ashes left behind from fire spells, and charred armor, and moving mouths (peeve of mine). Why not have all of that instead of a better game? Half the time you wouldnt even be able to see this thing anyway imo because most ppl are all the way zoomed out.

It's a cosmetic change. People like eye candy. If you don't like the idea just because it's a cosmetic change and not a change in the game play then why did you even bother replying to the topic?

Quote:

Also, i dont think u get the graphic precission this would take. You're talkin making a transforming polygon that bends, recoils, and returns to normal in a span of 1.6 seconds or so.

Take a good hard look at the graphics of this game. Do you honestly think that a team of professional game graphic disigners would have a problem adding something so simple? They could do it in their sleep.

Banin Galori · Apr 22, 2006, 03:56 PM // 15:56

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hunter Sharparrow

It's a cosmetic change. People like eye candy. If you don't like the idea just because it's a cosmetic change and not a change the the game play then why did you even bother replying to the topic?

Take a good hard look at the graphics of this game. Do you honestly think that a team of professional game graphic disigners would have a problem adding something so simple? They could do it in their sleep.

Indeed. Frankly, no one's simulating anything. It's called a pre-rendered animation, people... It's not like you actually need to calculate the position of the string in real-time or anything.

Eh, small change, not a big deal... why not...

/signed

mathijn · Apr 22, 2006, 03:58 PM // 15:58

/signed

Awesome Nuke · Apr 22, 2006, 06:26 PM // 18:26

Quote:

Originally Posted by Banin Galori

Indeed. Frankly, no one's simulating anything. It's called a pre-rendered animation, people... It's not like you actually need to calculate the position of the string in real-time or anything.

Eh, small change, not a big deal... why not...

/signed

LoL, so Right.

Adding a string to bows wouldnt take more than 5 hours to do.. and believe me I do 3d arts and anims... Just need to time the string animation to the caracter's arm and your done. BTW strings on bows dont need any physics programming, since strings are tights they dont move when you run around.

The only real reason why there arent any strings on bows, ladies and gents, is because bow shadows would be ugly. Anyone ever noticed how the Storm bow renders shadows? Its like a big bulky shadow on the ground, and not based on the actual animated electricity. Thats because the Electricity is not modelled, its simply a 2d plane sheet that has an animated texture on it and that sheet casts shadows as a whole on the ground.

Now to render a string correctly without having to cast a shadow that looks like a rock in your hands, you would need to MODEL that string, and that would be ressources consuming. We already are displaying 25+K polygons onscreen at this time and we dont need another useless 500 for a simple bow string

I hope my explanations are clear

Flame · Apr 22, 2006, 08:50 PM // 20:50

Not to mention the fact that, if they added bow strings, then Rangers would have to take them off when it rains, or else it's not realistic! Not to mention that you need to buy new strings, since the old one wore out. And buy arrows, too, since you can't fire a bow without arrows. And all that firing of bows would wear down your gloves, so you'd have to get them repaired all the time...

It's a game. It doesn't have to be realistic. I think Rangers use their psychic power to launch arrows, so do not need strings. Why else would it take the same source of power as throwing a fireball in order to shoot an arrow with more power?