The patch added a long-awaited feature too: antialiasing. I was expecting to see something different, maybe, but I am a bit worried now. Please don't get me wrong: I am not a graphics-maniac at all. But watching some (new) screenshots of the game I asked myself... can this "thing" be a 2012 videogame?
Just a random example. Look at this screenshot, taken from this news:
Click it and watch the full-size version. Can you see the details and the overall quality of the textures? No, you cannot, because -to be really honest- it looks like a 10 years old game. The 3d models are quite simple (crates, tables, bodies, ...). The textures... well you can love or hate them, but if you ever played World of Warcraft I am sure you will find all of this quite familiar.
Two more examples (2nd one without antialiasing), focused on models and textures:
My overall feeling is that we are watching something in low-quality, that completely lacks any attention to little -yet important- details. I really hope Blizzard will add some better textures (via "ultra-high" settings, maybe) because right now I can't say it looks modern and "well done". I don't discuss the amazing mechanics behind this title, we are all here for the fun after all. But... is this for real? I mean do they expect us to love this graphic engine in 2012?
I am not in the beta but I -like many others- managed to play around with the client on my computer (hint: use Google to find how) to carefully analyze the graphics. I was not impressed, at all. It looks like World of Warcraft zoomed out. Nothing less, nothing more.
Not to sound annoying and repetitive but... if you check any random screenshot of Titan Quest (a 2006 title) you will immediately notice an insane difference. Amazing textures, *tons* of details, impressive models. All of this was made 5 years ago by a software house that no longer exists. How can a titan like Blizzard release a "meh..." 3d engine 6 years later?
Hold on a darn second, did you change your site domain? Wow...
ReplyDeleteI don't know what to say about the graphics man... to be honest they look ok if you are not zoomed in all the way. It's only when you go for the closeup that the lack of detail starts to show.
We can't deny that Blizzard has some very talented graphics artists. The only explanation I can come up with is that they're trying to keep hardware requirements as "friendly" as possible, catering to a lowest common denominator. But I guess that's no excuse for not including some high quality textures.
I think we should wait for the final game before passing judgment. There's still a slim chance that they will give us better textures.
What do you think of the interface? It looks pretty slick and sharp to me.
Darth I have to agree with you. Loque, is it possible that the best graphical settings might not yet be available?
ReplyDeleteWhen I play SC2 on minimum requirements it is playable but looks like WC3. However, when I play on max settings it is better than pretty much any RTS I've ever seen. Especially with the physics engine.
Here's hoping everything looks great when the game ships for those who want to play on the higher settings.
Oh, I'm also not seeing the images you were trying to show. Could be me but I'm assuming they aren't linked.
@Darth
ReplyDeleteI just linked blogger to this domain, that I registered back in time and forgot to link.
@Markco
I bet it'sa javascript. Can you see the zoomed version? Check this, for example: http://i.imgur.com/J1OjQ.jpg
Yeah I wanted to say the exact thing about SC2. I just played a little bit of the demo and the graphics aren't that great. But if I'm zoomed out it doesn't seem to matter a lot.
ReplyDeleteLoque one small request if I may. Is it possible for you to enable the comments setting which lets you follow responses to comments you've posted?
Yeah the environmental detail looks dated but you can see how the character models have pretty good detail, especially compared to games in the past. I can definitely see your concern but my guess is these are not screenshots with the graphics on high. Also it is still Beta so there's no telling what they have turned off.
ReplyDelete@Darth
ReplyDeleteSubscription has always been enabled. Just click the "Subscribe by email" link. it's on the bottom-right of the comment box.
@Sixteentons
From what I've read, all the linked screenshots are at maximum (available) settings. I hope they will add better texture, but I am not that sure we will see anything better at this point.
Dang, that must be something new. I have never seen it until now. Or maybe I'm blind???
ReplyDelete