[.95] The game is looking pretty.

from Elemental Forums

Made a number of critical posts today, so I wanted to balance it out with some positive feedback.

 

To be honest, I've not really been much of a fan of the visual look of the game, going back to EWOM. But I have to say, the improved graphics on the cloth map make a lot of difference. I really like the softer, prettier, more colorful painted look it has, as opposed to the old one which was a pretty harsh transition.  The glowy beacon effects of the elemental shrines are nice. I also enjoy seeing the new fully painted load screens, and would love to see more of these.  The outlines/cartoon style of the earlier games, which I never really cared for, seems more subdued.

 

All the incremental improvements made over the course of development are really starting to come together. For perhaps the first time in the series' development, I'm enjoying the atmosphere in beta 4.

39,942 views 9 replies
Reply #1 from Elemental Forums Top

Well, I tried. Shame we can't have more positive feedback posts  that get as much attention as the critical ones. But I suppose that's the nature of the beast. While it is very important to deal with the issues the game has, I feel bad for being so critical all day, and not being able to dwell on all the ways the team's hard work is paying off.

 

Anyway, pretty!

 

Reply #2 from Elemental Forums Top

Been a few positive feedback posts a couple of times, I usually try to spray positiveness to the other threads instead of contain it, you can post a bug in a positive way, for example ;).

Sincerely
~ Kongdej

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Reply #3 from Elemental Forums Top

Good Move, Bingjack, in making this Post !  It's not like we have to be fanboys, here; and, in fact, we shouldn't be!    But ... "a little credit, where credit is due" ... is never a bad thing. 

I think the Artwork in E:FE is steadily improving.  Besides the new Load Screen, we have several new cut-screens as well.  As you point out, the Cloth Map has been improved substantially.  We also have all (the sheer volume) of costumes, characters, landscapes, and weaponry.  I think Landscape changes have been subtle; but a slight brightening of several features has been a real improvement, in my mind.  Best of all, the Artwork has some real continuity and cohesiveness; which, in turn, helps add to the feeling of immersion in the Elemental World.  The game is really developing its own look ... or more accurately, the Art team behind it, is really developing an atmospheric, unique look.  So, I'll repeat here something I said in another thread:

Special Shout-out to the Art Direction Team:  specifically, Art Director: Paul Boyer; and his team: Akil Dawkins, Jue "Leo" Li, Kay Fedewa, James Arvin, Scott Tykoski, and Cristian Scubli.  You folks rock!  You are creating, polishing, and extending a unique look to this latest generation of 4X game ...

 

Reply #4 from Elemental Forums Top

Quoting Bingjack, reply 1
Well, I tried. Shame we can't have more positive feedback posts  that get as much attention as the critical ones. But I suppose that's the nature of the beast. While it is very important to deal with the issues the game has, I feel bad for being so critical all day, and not being able to dwell on all the ways the team's hard work is paying off.

 

The nature of a beta is that the developers want critical posts.  They'd rather receive these now than later, and while I'm sure they appreciate the positive comments, it's not what a beta cycle is for.  Of course, they want critical posts that are both sensible and constructive--not "The game stinks, there's nothing redeemable in it, it's the same old WoM."  If you think the game is really starting to come together, and I certainly do, than it's important to pass that along.  But pointing out every little niggling problem is really what they want right now.

Reply #5 from Elemental Forums Top

Quoting Glazunov1, reply 5


The nature of a beta is that the developers want critical posts.  They'd rather receive these now than later, and while I'm sure they appreciate the positive comments, it's not what a beta cycle is for.  Of course, they want critical posts that are both sensible and constructive--not "The game stinks, there's nothing redeemable in it, it's the same old WoM."  If you think the game is really starting to come together, and I certainly do, than it's important to pass that along.  But pointing out every little niggling problem is really what they want right now.

 

Thanks for explaining this to me. My harmless attempt to provide some positive feedback for my own sense of balance with the number of detailed critical posts I've made this week, which was quickly falling of the forum radar, would have probably destabilized the entire process had not some "I Speak For The Devs" guy happened along to bump it and illuminate the beta concept.

 

You know what I'm wondering though? Sometimes in this pre-release software, I'm discovering unexpected technical behavior. Occasionally, it just stops working. Right now, I'm just writing about them in my diary, which I keep under my pillow. I've composed a few sonnets about them. But it seems to me the final version would probably be better if it didn't do these things.  There should be something I could  do to help with this. Perhaps some sort of ritual.  Any thoughts?

 

 

Reply #6 from Elemental Forums Top

Bingjack, I must say sorry if I was rude, I am happy you say good things about the game, I am positive the developers (and other forum members) enjoy looking at some positive stuff once in a while, the developers mostly due to so they can see what they are doing right in our eyes :D

Sincerely
~ Kongdej

Reply #7 from Elemental Forums Top

Iambic pentameter is sooo antiquated...

Reply #8 from Elemental Forums Top

Quoting Kongdej, reply 7
Bingjack, I must say sorry if I was rude, I am happy you say good things about the game, I am positive the developers (and other forum members) enjoy looking at some positive stuff once in a while, the developers mostly due to so they can see what they are doing right in our eyes

Sincerely
~ Kongdej

 

No need for anyone here to apologize for anything. Except possibly for Mqpiffle dissing iambic pentameter.

Reply #9 from Elemental Forums Top

I am going to try this good post thing.

When you load the screen for the very first turn...everything is clear to me. I dont have to mouse over a space to see the bonusus or ability to build. I dont have to do anything at all but just look . All tiles bonuses- mana clay wheat- are instantly viewable and I know exactly what i need. I can process the entire screen in 10 seconds and the only thing i ever have to mouse over is the lvl hero to remember exactly what their bonuses are. Note- playing karavox so i have to remember all heroes not just light side or dark.