Yeah that video is nice.

wow, what an amazing video... yeah threads over, video = gg.

The graphics do look crap, compared to the top MMORPGs. Though its probably the best for a free MMORPG.

that video was hot.

A very nice thread for someone like myself, looking for more impression on the game's graphical appearance.

While I like some of the game#s ideas in regards to gameplay, the overall appearance both, in graphics as well as in it's sound, always was a pushback. However, it's always good to do more research to try and find out if it would really be gamebreaking on the individual level, as graphics is far from overly important for sure.
Well, what I saw brought together in this thread to me means Aion is not a game for me. I just dislike the style too much to be able to get immersed in the game. Things like mixing up medieval style with baroque elements are just a no go for my taste.

BUT, and that's important in regards to the OP, it's completely over the edge to go and state the gfx of this game would be bad or even mediocre. - They are not.
As far as I can see, Aion does nearly everything right within it's own style. The environment is pretty low polygon, textures seeming pretty simple as well. The details on trees and foilage  are really nice and well done as well as character models. Draw distance seems not to live up to the priase I heard here and there, but still be very decent. Given the fact the game is advertising large scale battles, some compromise is inevitable anyway.
The overall design is extremely well done in a technical/craftsmanship way. The engine used should be able to combine the above with decent gameplay and performance.
I think Aion will have great graphics for everybody who likes the style. Everybody awaiting this game impatiently should know better than to fall for one or the other troll trying to belittle what indeed will become one of the biggest hits on the MMO market in 2009. If the title would bring anything really fresh and different in regards to gameplay to make up for my problems with it's style (as it does for all those with a strong focus on PvE), I'd indeed try it out myself.

I like the look and feel of a baroque enviroment. It just feels right for this game and setting.

 wapedia.mobi/en/Baroque

Originally posted by lukyjay

The graphics do look crap, compared to the top MMORPGs. Though its probably the best for a free MMORPG.

And what game do you propose to look better in the P2P realm?

Originally posted by almerel

Originally posted by lukyjay

The graphics do look crap, compared to the top MMORPGs. Though its probably the best for a free MMORPG.

 

And what game do you propose to look better in the P2P realm?

Don't mind him...He is just using an OLD school computer. Everything looks like crap on it.

Here is an updated image of my character in the Abyss. I just took it yesterday. I don't see where people think that the graphics suck in AION.

The Abyss

Nice pic! I'd love to see it on my screen to get a better feel for it...Yeah I might just have to get that when it comes out

Originally posted by Devastati0n

*

"No the game just doesn't look that awesome graphic wise.

The hair looks like one texture plastered on. No real shadowing.

I mean seriously look at the "chainmail" on his chest. THAT is laughable. It doesn't look bad, but ths crap that is AOC looks a million times better. Yes I know its still beta which mean the comment of "No high res patch yet ? The Model doesn't look all that define, looked like a f2p game " is a valid one. All betas I've been in put the hi res stuff in later in beta so is this final graphics? If so yeah looks like a million other F2P games. ESPECIALLY if you have a 280 GTX and are running it on anywhere near high graphics."

Thats what fatpanda says....

Do you guys agree with him? You think the game looks like any other?

 

Right click and save the images for best view

 

Answer is yes ,i already pointed this stuff out.

Without even trying i can point you to a game with every bit as good textures.I do not count Fauna because honestly does not impress me and i do often turn it off.Lighting /shadows yes,lighting more so means a lot.The player models and the definition in there gear is what the argument is about.

SHAIYA..there models are equally just as good as anything in AION,why?well it sure looked to me like SHAIYA copied a lot from LINEAGE,guess who runs Lineage? lol yep same NC.

From what i have seen on users posted videos of AION,there maps have no content in them either,witch is why the comparison to F2P is a valid one.

The one poster mentioned AOC,lol there is no comapring the two,AOC maps are ALL full of content there is hardly ever a barren spot as is common in AION maps.Like i said fauna does not count because any game engine can generate what ever fauna you want it to,so filling in areas with that means nothing.

I am talking about the effort to make that wooden cart ,or tha trockpile or that dead carcass,all the little things that go into making a map look realistic.I can post the yo utubs videos if i have to ,showing DEAD maps with nothing but one land texture and the mountains surrounding the players in combat.I mean such lack lustre maps offer nothing to realism or PVP combat,might as well have players fight i na square box with one big blue texture,i can make that in like 15 seconds.

 i am posting anyhow,because some people just like to argue facts.Notice all the flying  in the first one,just as i said it would be lol,and notice the lifeless maps offering nothing to PVP.Notice the VERY limited flying ..lmao ya right..lies as i said it was.Last 2 vids i assume there was no flying implemented yet,but they show the lifeless maps offering nothing to PVP.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hu2XedTxEcU&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CmMUlY-AyPc&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ccSjOpMyzvs&feature=related

Originally posted by Wizardry

Originally posted by Devastati0n

*

"No the game just doesn't look that awesome graphic wise.

The hair looks like one texture plastered on. No real shadowing.

I mean seriously look at the "chainmail" on his chest. THAT is laughable. It doesn't look bad, but ths crap that is AOC looks a million times better. Yes I know its still beta which mean the comment of "No high res patch yet ? The Model doesn't look all that define, looked like a f2p game " is a valid one. All betas I've been in put the hi res stuff in later in beta so is this final graphics? If so yeah looks like a million other F2P games. ESPECIALLY if you have a 280 GTX and are running it on anywhere near high graphics."

Thats what fatpanda says....

Do you guys agree with him? You think the game looks like any other?

 

Right click and save the images for best view

 

Answer is yes ,i already pointed this stuff out.

Without even trying i can point you to a game with every bit as good textures.I do not count Fauna because honestly does not impress me and i do often turn it off.Lighting /shadows yes,lighting more so means a lot.The player models and the definition in there gear is what the argument is about.

SHAIYA..there models are equally just as good as anything in AION,why?well it sure looked to me like SHAIYA copied a lot from LINEAGE,guess who runs Lineage? lol yep same NC.

From what i have seen on users posted videos of AION,there maps have no content in them either,witch is why the comparison to F2P is a valid one.

The one poster mentioned AOC,lol there is no comapring the two,AOC maps are ALL full of content there is hardly ever a barren spot as is common in AION maps.Like i said fauna does not count because any game engine can generate what ever fauna you want it to,so filling in areas with that means nothing.

I am talking about the effort to make that wooden cart ,or tha trockpile or that dead carcass,all the little things that go into making a map look realistic.I can post the yo utubs videos if i have to ,showing DEAD maps with nothing but one land texture and the mountains surrounding the players in combat.I mean such lack lustre maps offer nothing to realism or PVP combat,might as well have players fight i na square box with one big blue texture,i can make that in like 15 seconds.

 i am posting anyhow,because some people just like to argue facts.Notice all the flying  in the first one,just as i said it would be lol,and notice the lifeless maps offering nothing to PVP.Notice the VERY limited flying ..lmao ya right..lies as i said it was.Last 2 vids i assume there was no flying implemented yet,but they show the lifeless maps offering nothing to PVP.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hu2XedTxEcU&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CmMUlY-AyPc&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ccSjOpMyzvs&feature=related

 

I'm sorry, Shaiya is NOT as good. I played Shaiya nad felt it was 2nd rate at best with regards to graphics.

Originally posted by jmmcglo

Here is an updated image of my character in the Abyss. I just took it yesterday. I don't see where people think that the graphics suck in AION.

The Abyss

It'd be best to ignore them. I mean CryEngine FFS!

Trolls. Don't feed them.

Originally posted by stayontarget

Originally posted by almerel

Originally posted by lukyjay

The graphics do look crap, compared to the top MMORPGs. Though its probably the best for a free MMORPG.

 

And what game do you propose to look better in the P2P realm?

Don't mind him...He is just using an OLD school computer. Everything looks like crap on it.

Or he doent have his glasses on.

This is an odd thread lol.

Graphics debate by proxy... O.o

In all, just tell your friend, who ever he is, that he's entitled to his opinion. He doesn't think the game looks that great, and that's fine. Plenty of others probably agree with him. Plenty of others don't.

Best part is... He doesn't have to play if he doesn't like it.

With all due respect to those still stubbornly saying Aion's graphics aren't superior to any F2P currently released, quit being ridiculous: 

Check out this thread for POST release screenshots for more goodness.

I remember the Devs saying that if there is one word to decribe the look of Aion it's 'luxurious'

Well, I think they hit the nail on the head.

Originally posted by Cynthe

With all due respect to those still stubbornly saying Aion's graphics aren't superior to any F2P currently released, quit being ridiculous: 

 

Check out this thread for POST release screenshots for more goodness.

Them graphics suck. Low quality textures and they are using to much polygon. Look at the tree! Whats with her eyes also? Not to mention the hair looking like a texture painted on her head.

Originally posted by lukyjay

Them graphics suck. Low quality textures and they are using to much polygon. Look at the tree! Whats with her eyes also? Not to mention the hair looking like a texture painted on her head.

Sucky graphics = too many polygons now? Are you even trying to make sense?  :p

The hair textures is physiqued (it moves) and is the exact same as the Age of Conan hairs, possibly the most graphically demanding MMO atm. In fact Aion's hairs are superior to AoC's in my book.

Her eyes are that way because that's the way her player made her... There's also nothing 'wrong' with them either. My avatar is also an Aion character and there's nothing odd or wrong with those eyes.

The textures are very well painted and yes it does look hand painted, I don't see how that's a bad thing, it is not meant to be photo realistic like Conan or Vanguard (lol), although it is still rather close.

The only reason I can see you people rebutting is because you simply don't like the style. But you just can't say it looks 'sucky' lol.

And if you insist then list me MMO games that are better and we'll compare, but I highly doubt you'll find anything, unless it's AoC and they have their own issues.

Originally posted by lukyjay

 

Them graphics suck. Low quality textures and they are using to much polygon. Look at the tree! Whats with her eyes also? Not to mention the hair looking like a texture painted on her head.

More poligons = more quality. Do you never heard about this? 

Fail.

Originally posted by Cynthe

Originally posted by lukyjay

Them graphics suck. Low quality textures and they are using to much polygon. Look at the tree! Whats with her eyes also? Not to mention the hair looking like a texture painted on her head.

 

Sucky graphics = too many polygons now? Are you even trying to make sense?  :p

The hair textures is physiqued (it moves) and is the exact same as the Age of Conan hairs, possibly the most graphically demanding MMO atm. In fact Aion's hairs are superior to AoC's in my book.

Her eyes are that way because that's the way her player made her... There's also nothing 'wrong' with them either. My avatar is also an Aion character and there's nothing odd or wrong with those eyes.

The textures are very well painted and yes it does look hand painted, I don't see how that's a bad thing, it is not meant to be photo realistic like Conan or Vanguard (lol), although it is still rather close.

The only reason I can see you people rebutting is because you simply don't like the style. But you just can't say it looks 'sucky' lol.

And if you insist then list me MMO games that are better and we'll compare, but I highly doubt you'll find anything, unless it's AoC and they have their own issues.

 

 

I meant the opposite with polygons.

Like i said, the graphics are way above standard for a f2p game, but for games in general, they are below average.

---

Like i said, the graphics are way above standard for a f2p game, but for games in general, they are below average.

---

lukyjay is quite entitled to his opinion regarding artstyle. No matter how much this is explained regarding poly count or anything else, it will simply boil down to lukyjay does NOT like the art style, and there is nothing wrong with that. As I read his post I think that's the heart of it; he doesn't care for the style of art and he's using poly count or whatever to bolster that.

lukyjay is wrapping his argument in a technical package. He's not making a honest artistic appraisal by just saying "I don't like this style of art." If he did, the conversation would be easier to have.

Some people love Wow's stuff, some hate it. Some love the LOTRO's stuff, some hate it. People like Warhammer's stuff, some hate it. No matter how much technical jargon is brought in, ultimately there is the 'gotcha' factor that takes over. Aion clearly doesn't have it for lukyjay. It's really an eye thing, but it appears he's trying to make it a logical "head" argument as to why it fails for him.

I think we can leave it at that without going technical. It's a personal taste thing more than anything.

I think you probably would find 7-8 out of 10 people who would find all the screens and videos available for Aion extremely nice. But there's still that 20-30% who wouldn't, no matter what.

Let's just put lukyjay in that last group and let this one die. :)

Originally posted by Cynthe

With all due respect to those still stubbornly saying Aion's graphics aren't superior to any F2P currently released, quit being ridiculous: 

 

Check out this thread for POST release screenshots for more goodness.

Well it is obvious here,some one is looking past the graphics and just at the pretty colours lol.Asian games are famous for using BRIGHT colours,it might look all pretty and such but it does equate to better graphics.

I can spot literally hundreds of areas in this pic that point out a texture pasted onto meshes instead of any definition or seperation.Hard to tell but  that ribbon on the dress,is it actually a seperate brush?or is it just part of the whole texture pasted onto the dress?

Look at the BLUE[ridiculous colour for leaves lmao]rigth above the players head?The mesh was so badly done you can easily see the fake looking branches and leaves.

Look at the christmas decorations up on the static buildings..lmao that is ONE simple texture ,there is no actual reef or lights or ribbons.

Look at the ground stone work.I know maybe fetching it here because a screenshot makes it hard to tell,but it sure as heck does not show any hi res texture,there is no shader or graininess to make the stone work look real.

HAHA typical asian type weapons,is that a bow or staff,i can't even tell,anyhow it somehow slipped through the bench lmao.

Do any of those STATIC buildings have working doors? or do any have any actual windows you can se out of?That looks like one big wall brush,it does have some curves in it ,so yes they did a bit of effort in making the brush.Where is the LIFE in the map?any NPCs walking around?not likely Asian type games tend to throw a NPC standing in front of a static building and never moves.

It is an outdoor area correct?well where is the shadows from the tree above the player?why is the WHOLE ground dark like one big shadow covers the whole ground?yet over to the left a bit there is sun shining on the ground?no shadows there either lol.

This is why some people should not comment on graphics they see ONLY what they want to see,in this case pretty colours,sometimes out of place colours.

Originally posted by Wizardry

Originally posted by Cynthe

With all due respect to those still stubbornly saying Aion's graphics aren't superior to any F2P currently released, quit being ridiculous: 

 

Check out this thread for POST release screenshots for more goodness.

That looks really sweet. She looks like a helper of Santa-Claus.

The weapons in the thread you linked look great too. Thanks.

None of what you pointed out Wizardry equals to bad graphics, because ALL modern MMOs have one or two or more of these 'problems'. You can't just pick the graphics apart you have to view the whole and see if you like it.

I don't care if people don't like the style, but be big enough to actually say that and not just a dumb 'it's crap, it sucks' Because that's both a lazy response and a lie.

back to luckyjay, what games? Give me examples or go home. :)

Oh well I guess I can start:

LotrO? The environment is similar but take a good look at their NPCs, absolutely horrid things.

WoW? You can't really compare they have the most basic graphics anywhere, but it is well done right???? Yeah see that's what matters.

AoC? Probably the best graphics out right now, of course they are higher quality then Aion, but how do sieges fare again? Oh that's right..... Performance not that great for everyone. Also if we're going to bitch about trees, there no worst leaves, flora and fauna in other games... Yet AoC is still regarded as being very beautiful.

Warhammer? Haven't played it but from the screens it looks on par with Aion but with duller colors to match the grittiness, I don't know if I can say one is better then the other.

Darkfall? Humm the graphics are very old, however from the few screens I've seen it's really not that bad at all considering and probably performs really well.

Spellborn? Charming graphics, and beautiful textures, again with the painted look, this is very comic like and I really can't say if Aion or Soellborn are 'better', they are both appealing and light enough for good performance.

Wizardry: This is why some people should not comment on graphics they see ONLY what they want to see,in this case pretty colours,sometimes out of place colours.

I guess you're done commenting here? Because most of what you said is found in any MMO, or at least those that use heavy textures as opposed to heavy meshes, and which one is harder on your PC? I tend to go with meshes, the more points you have the more 'space' it takes boggling the game down. That's why the decorations are like that...

The shadow? She's in a street with buildings all around her.... People walking, I don't know I haven't played the game I can't tell you that. But since I know there's a variety of NPCs including beast races and children, I'm not going to care much if 30 of them walk around in one spot or not.

Also it suprises me you're so vehement on this debate as you are an FFXI player, am I correct? Aion to me is very close to FFXI, beautiful artistry with simple but effective mesh count with awesome textures that are also used intelligently.

I don't understand your problem with tiling textures, everyone does that in an MMO you have to, to again cut down on space and make sure the game loads and performs well. LotrO tiles and repeats the same texture a lot.

Heh. ^_^