what do you think of EQ2's graphics?

7Fold · February 2006

I dont care to much for the graphics. I can tell there well polished with a high poly count, but I really dont care for the art style. I mean the graphics arent horrible, but they dont have the impact like the first Everquest did when it came out. Yes in terms of Updated graphics EQ2 might be better, but the art in the First Everquest was much better, and the world was much easier to become immersed in.

Cleffy · February 2006

EQ2 isn't anywhere close to showing realism with its monochromatic skintones and barely any attempts to show real human details.

Here is a picture of a real woman next to an EQ2 woman. Notice the badly defined ears, no wrinkling, monotone skin, and no brow of the EQ2 character. Also notice how the specular maps make it look like it was made of clay.

A real human body has around 5 variations in skin tonality throughout thier body. The EQ2 characters have a Base skin tone and Blush.

Here is a real male head next to a matrix Online male head. Notice how the nose is defined through the use of a dark reddish tone. As well as the definition of the cheek bone through the shading inbetween the jowl and cheek. Also notice how the clothe have details painted into them like wrinkles and highlights. The varying amount of highlighting also shows the variation in material. The tie is obviously made of something different then the vest.

Onto Lineage 2. Notice how the hair shows individual clumps of strands and where the hair connects to the head rather then being a base color, and secondary color and having a filter render effect fiber running through it.

On this picture you can see the lack of thought when it came to texturing here. Moss is growing everywhere, rather than in moist areas with light, as what would happen in real life. The bump mapping on the winged demon is the same as the bump mapping on the floor, and the warrior is just a slab of light greay with absolutely no dirt on his armor at all despite the impossibility of it.

You should play some Korean games, because they match closer to real life by hand painting in the detail; much more so then EQ2 has ever done. The advantage is you can play them on a low grade system but get better graphics because the developers spent time working on the textures and making things look right rather then throwing in shaders and using technical jargon to make it sound like it has awesome graphics.

shamall · February 2006

As you can see in the post above, the graphics of EQ2 are good but its the artwork or lack of good art work that kills it. The picture of the matrix character shows how good artwork can make up for not having the best graphics engine. The same thing can also be said for WoW. It doesn't have the best graphics but some of the artwork in areas like the jungle area of Faralas amazed me with its detail and overall look.

Ranma13 · February 2006

Funny how everyone mentions graphics but nobody mentions what really matters: GAMEPLAY.

Vayle · February 2006

Im sorry, but If I see another crappy game with anime characters in it.. Im gonna FLIP OUT!

Phoenixs · February 2006

Technically: Good. The only thing lacking here is a seamless world (A must for mmo's). The engine boasts most modern effect. System requirements could be lower.

Artistic: Bad. I don't like the style. It's to "clean". There is no dirt or cracks anywhere. Just look at the expansion dungeons, everything is clean. Reminds me of hospitals. Some things are done really bad too. Dragons etc. The dragons look horrible, specially the animations. Terrible dragon animations.

shamall · February 2006

Originally posted by Ranma13

Funny how everyone mentions graphics but nobody mentions what really matters: GAMEPLAY.

That might be because the original poster asked what do you think of EQ2's GRAPHICS not gameplay.

Gameloading · February 2006

Originally posted by Ranma13
Funny how everyone mentions graphics but nobody mentions what really matters: GAMEPLAY.

Wait! hold up Everquest 2 has gameplay!? since when?

Jorev · February 2006

Overall the graphics are ok, but the character models are horrible.

The character models are stiff, lack a lifelike appearance.

Compared to a game like Chronicles of Spellborn, currently under production, which has amazing graphics, truly vibrant, and character models that are full of texture and exude life.

gLitterbug · February 2006

Well maybe nobody talks about gameplay here because the thread's title is: what do you think of EQ2's graphics?

So with that out of the way I'm glad to read that lots of people here actually know that there is a difference in art direction and quality and the capabilities of the graphics engine.

Askatan are you an EQ2 artist? That would explain something right there.

hercules · February 2006

EQ2 is all about the setting.Unlike other games where lowering the setting removes just a bit of eye candy in EQ2 it makes it totally different.

The core of the game is designed around real high end G cards and when we forced to go lower then this it likes a "skeleon" feeling.

I know this because i tried it on 4 systems!

If you can get it on a medium setting its good looking.Get it on very high setting(u need x850,7800 or the new 1800/1900) in most cases.cards that did not even exist before EQ2 came out even.X850 came out 2 months post release) it is one word " jaw dropping".

This will remain EQ2 achilles heel as it really cut off the main market.

Lasastard · February 2006

I agree with many others - EQ2 is - from an artists point of view - completly uninspired and "generic"....the engine itself is quite powerful, but the artwork (textures etc) sucks sooo badly.

qotsa · February 2006

LIke other have said...The engine looks like it's capable of something really nice looking. But the artistic side of it is bad. Everything is either brown or gray and looks like it's a made out of plastic. Boring and uninspired.

Obadno · February 2006

Everyone who says there is no skin-tone variation needs to turn there graphics up

I have my Model detail turned all the way up, you can see variation in skintone, and youcan see the skin ttexture as well as things like specular lighting on glyphs, and eys, or on the skin of Trolls, and Froglocks

Anyone who thinks the graphics lack artistic detail needs to turn the graphics up and take a closer look

anarchyart · February 2006

People with really sucky computers don't like EQ2's graphics, wonder why? You need to have a high end computer to see the true glory of EQ2's graphics. Until you at least see them on one, don't judge too harshly.

c4bloy · February 2006

I am just playing the free trial. From what I'v seen of things so far, I might even subscribe. Despite SOE.

anarchyart · February 2006

Originally posted by Askatan

you guys have no idea about CG whatsoever and obviously are just repeating what other people repeated before.

Good call. That is what most people who post negatively about anything SOE do. F***ing sheep.

sewash · February 2006

Originally posted by qotsa
Like other have said...The engine looks like it's capable of something really nice looking. But the artistic side of it is bad. Everything is either brown or gray and looks like it's a made out of plastic. Boring and uninspired.

This general theme that has appeared several times in answer is where my thoughts lay as well.

I am an EQ2 player. I think the graphics in many ways are wonderful - but the personality to it is drab.

I won't say this in an insulting manner however, because compared to the other options out there, and the other 'give and takes' you have to settle for - I choose this one.

EQ2 has a SUPERB tool to work with. It is clearly a powerhouse. But it is just as clearly used by the WRONG artists. I think they could have done SOOOOOO much with their engine, but yes, the world is often drab- although superbly rendered in its drabness...and many models look like clay-although very detailed clay. There are parts that are Beautiful. There are races that dont suffer the claymation effect (Kerra come to mind, and ratonga) and some although clay-ish/plasticy still look quite nice..gnomes, barbarians..oddly the one area where i think they really dropped the ball on character models - was humans. I think out of ALL the races, they suffer the most from the gumby syndrome..though trolls run a close second.

So - what do i think of EQ2's graphics? well, they are impressive yet lackluster at the same time. The world has some wonderful places..but a lot that just look drab as all heck. Characters have some great detail, but they did some of it really in odd ways. The blame for the issues EQ2 has in these regards belongs on the shoulders of the Artists..EQ2 doesn't suffer graphically, I would rate EQ2 TOPS in graphics,but it cries out in pain for better artwork.

These are two very seperate issues that some people who don't like it seem to lump together. Graphics good, world/character art and good use of the tool they have..yawn.

anarchyart · February 2006

Originally posted by sewash

EQ2 has a SUPERB tool to work with. It is clearly a powerhouse. But it is just as clearly used by the WRONG artists.

That is soo subjective as to be stupid to even discuss, and a little hurtful to the talented artists who worked on the game. The graphics and artwork are superb and done in their own style. The animation is realistic and modeled after real people. Some people just like to bitch I think and those are the people who say the art in EQ2 is no good. That or SOE made love to the family pet. Just my opinion.

Resetgun · February 2006

EQ2 character models suck - other graphics are ok/great.

there is not enough variety in character models - not enough different kind armor/clothing options
there might also have uncanny valley effect (models are realistic looking, but they are not realistic enough and same time they still are looking like very humanoid ---> they are looking artificial and dead - uncanny valley effect)

sewash · February 2006

That is soo subjective as to be stupid to even discuss, and a little hurtful to the talented artists who worked on the game. The graphics and artwork are superb and done in their own style. The animation is realistic and modeled after real people. Some people just like to bitch I think and those are the people who say the art in EQ2 is no good. That or SOE made love to the family pet. Just my opinion.

While it is true that the entire nature of art is subjective - the intent of this thread is the graphics of EQ2..and that is what i am trying to seperate in the entirety of my post. I don't feel that the people who are saying the graphics suck - are actually using the correct expression for saying what it is about it they don't like. I do not see how its possible to think the graphics of EQ2 suck because the rendering ability of the engine is not a subjective issue - but it is very possible to not have the artwork and designs contained therein agree with your personal tastes. I find a lot of it to be very lifeless. yes it is rendered very well, but it is still very lifeless. Not your opinion fine, but it is mine. I DO like the graphics, that is my answer to this thread, but i think the question lends itself to the wrong direction of answers, because I suspect the negative answers are driven off the art or the characters/world and not the graphics. Different art designs in this same engine would lead to totally different answers.

At no point did I disparage the actual 'animation' and definately not the rendering...I play the game, I enjoy the game, but the world lacks personality. I dont want the clown colors or WoW, I hated WoW. The art here just seems to really lack feeling and character, and on character models there are some areas where they really shot themselves in the foot. Is that insulting to the artists? very possibly, but as an artist you put yourself on the chopping block because what you do is part of who you are. . But there is a lot that they really could have done better on given the tools they have. For example - just to cite on thing that sticks out in my mind- I don't like what they did with over half the human eyebrow options, you want to talk about absurd...have you seen those things? They dont fit in with the rest of the face, they look pasted on top...if you played WoW and tried placing a beard option on a gnome in that game you may understand what I mean here.The problem is, revisiting this AGAIN for clarities sake- is that people are confusing this, an Artistic issue (and open to interpretation) with the quality of the graphics, which are superb.

Yes EQ2 is targetted to high end systems for ideal appearance. Yes the graphics in and of themselves are amazing the higher you go (I play on balanced most the time and its impressive even there)..but no, the artwork is not for everbody, even if they are running SLI on some insane rig and can play smoothly on extreme and everything is as detailed as possible...it would still suffer from the same artistic issues (were you one to not care for them)

I don't think the art design of the character and world however, should be confused with graphics. Nor do I think people who don't like them, and voice that, have unresolved personal issues or are SOE haters - they just may not like what was done with it, and thats all there is to it. The title of this thread includes the phrase "Do You Think"..requiring by its nature subjective responses. You don't agree with people who don't like the art that is fine - but if you get your panties in a bunch because they dont, then don't look at us for being the ones with issues..

in summary..and to repeat myself for the ten billionth time, the art and the graphics are not the same things, I am just saying bear that in mind before you answer the question ::::20::

Mykis · February 2006

I can't get into a game if I can't stand the way my toon, along with yours, looks and moves. Maybe it's a girl thing, I don't know. IMHO EQ2 SoGa models give u totally effeminate looking male toons (few exceptions are noted) and repulsively hideous female ones. Moving in that graceless flat footed run, looking like you've got a 2by4 wedged between your legs, was great in the early 90's, but just doesn't cut it today. The ONLY way I could even play this game long enough to get into content was to use first person view. If the artists were striving to generate an automatic aversion reflex in me to the EQ2 toons, they have succeeded. Considering that SoE has been in the MMO business since before time, its disappointing that they are being so completely outdone by the competition in almost every area of game development.

zeedaam · February 2006

Originally posted by Askatan

Originally posted by zeedaam

The thread was about EQ2 graphics, not personal attacks on others' opinions. So I'm guessing that you do like the graphics... noted.

this THREAD might be intended about the graphics of EQ2, but it is de facto hijacked by SOE haters (count me in) that have no idea about graphics and do not even care (DONT count me in).

As you rightfully said, I am attacking others' opinions and I like the graphics.

However I have a problem with your attitude. You accept flaming from the anti-EQ2 crowd here, but you attack me for actually sticking to the topic. That is strange.

I replied to flames, I didnt start to. You are unwilling or unable to see this, so I cannot take you seriously as well.

Same goes for your statement on "your backyard". This is just nonsense. you could say the same on Lord of the Rings. "looks too realistic" lets hate the movie.

realistic or not has nothing to do with graphics. you said so yourself before. we are talking about computer graphics here and if you CANNOT TELL ME another game that looks BETTER than EQ2, then all you are saying is: I do not like computer graphics, because blablabla.

"good" or "bad" is always a comparison. EQ2 has the best and most deatiled textures, the best shaders and the most polygons in todays MMORPGs.

that you do not like the fact that FINALLY a fantasy game tries to go for the photorealistic look, is NOT part of this topic.

neither is how muh you hate SOE, how "valuable" your downloading time is (see above) or how great you are with flaming.

making false claims about lack of detail in textures (utter nonsense. the most detailed of any game), the animation (you can adjust it in settings) or the plastic looks (the plastic look WAS in the beta, now it looks much better and not plastic at all) doesnt help.

when I see lies, false rumors or wrong statements, it is my pleasure to make it right. even if I have to kick some ass.

YOU do not have a problem with lies or rumors obviously. because YOU did not step in, or set any false statements right.

so dont complain to ME about what and what is not right to say in this thread

Askatan

Hey, everyone was commenting on the graphics. Be it bad or good, that was the topic. You turned it personal. I just pointed that out, without even flaming you I might add.

My opinions of EQ2 go beyond graphics however, that's why I'm playing the game right now. It has depth, Lore, lots of content, and I love the combat system.

Cleffy · February 2006

Ohh your talking about the Graphical engine capabilities. The engine can definetly do alot, with the exception of a few rendering effects that came after its release. It will definetly be the most powerful engine until Huxley is released. Still don't confuse it with me saying the graphics in EQ2 are good. I still think they look terrible aside from the Froglocks and 1 barbarian model I have seen.

Ragosch · February 2006

I agree basically about that what Sewash said about art in EQ2. But I dont agree that it does not lack from a technical point of view also.

As I already said the polygons of the terrain looks flat in the near what makes the whole scene look very artifical. This could be overcome by procedural detail enhancement which would add mesh detail to those near flat and very big areas - those areas cover about 25% of the screen, so it is important and not just beside the points.

And it would be so easy to add those details and reflect the roughness of terrain much better this way. So my judgement is still that the graphics of EQ2 lack of modern techniques - a single textured triangle covering 10-20% of the screen is simply not enough, sorry.

Ragosch

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