http://www.wildstar-online.com/en/blog/wildstar_wednesday_february_state_of_the_game.php?

Originally posted by zevni78
A very bright and cartoony dark horse...

One thing I have learned in many years of MMOing. Is that game play always trumps graphics. If they have somwthing awesome, people will play it. 

Originally posted by Nanfoodle

Originally posted by zevni78
A very bright and cartoony dark horse...

One thing I have learned in many years of MMOing. Is that game play always trumps graphics. If they have somwthing awesome, people will play it. 

For once I kind of like the cartoony graphics.. I'm gonna give it a try if it launches before The Repopulation.

Originally posted by Aerowyn
best thing about the cartoony graphics is they age a ton better than ones that go for the realistic approach

That is very true.. But the artists have to be very creative to get my attention ;)

With visuals, it always comes down to art direction, doesn't it?

I do like beautifully detailed realistic graphics, but when I think back on MMOs I played, it turns out the visuals that made a really lasting impression on me are the stylized ones.

Along with fitting music and ambient sound design, they can really conjure up impressive moods. Not just "fun ones", either... WOW is "cartoony" to a lot of people, but it does melancholy and despair as well as fun and adventure.

What I'm most curious about in WildStar is how it's going to do the dark stuff. I like their humor, but when it comes to being a long-term resident of a gameworld, I can't go on fun and humor alone. :)

Originally posted by Nikopol

With visuals, it always comes down to art direction, doesn't it?

I do like beautifully detailed realistic graphics, but when I think back on MMOs I played, it turns out the visuals that made a really lasting impression on me are the stylized ones.

Along with fitting music and ambient sound design, they can really conjure up impressive moods. Not just "fun ones", either... WOW is "cartoony" to a lot of people, but it does melancholy and despair as well as fun and adventure.

What I'm most curious about in WildStar is how it's going to do the dark stuff. I like their humor, but when it comes to being a long-term resident of a gameworld, I can't go on fun and humor alone. :)

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eQi2t6_y_PU&feature=youtube_gdata_player

Watch this... great vid and its not all rainbows and bunnies.

It ressembles Warcraft, doesnt it.

Do you think it is possible that WoW had any influence on the graphic of this game?

Something like "lets make it cartoony similar to WoW, so that it feels like home for the WoW crowd (or any crowd simply because the most popular MMO uses this type of graphic)?"

I actually think that the graphic style may play its role in the process of attracting and maintaining current WoW players. Would you agree with that?

It does remind me of WoW graphics on some level,  if WoW was made a new. Still unique enough that it stands out on its own. I think the graphics will grow on many not just WoW fans. I personally think MMOs get to dark and depressing at end game. WS bright style will make their grity looking zones from becomes depressing.

GW2 is one MMO that had lost me when it comes to this. Leveling you are impacted by how stunning everything looks and at end game Orr (end level) area is so depresing. 

Originally posted by coretex666

Do you think it is possible that WoW had any influence on the graphic of this game?

Something like "lets make it cartoony similar to WoW, so that it feels like home for the WoW crowd (or any crowd simply because the most popular MMO uses this type of graphic)?"

I rather think various graphical styles were considered and as others have said, stylised graphics age better - so if they're planning to be around for a long time then it is the better option. It also promotes brand recognition - a strong art style enables you to pick out the game's screenshots from a crowd.

Originally posted by Nanfoodle

Originally posted by Nikopol

With visuals, it always comes down to art direction, doesn't it?

I do like beautifully detailed realistic graphics, but when I think back on MMOs I played, it turns out the visuals that made a really lasting impression on me are the stylized ones.

Along with fitting music and ambient sound design, they can really conjure up impressive moods. Not just "fun ones", either... WOW is "cartoony" to a lot of people, but it does melancholy and despair as well as fun and adventure.

What I'm most curious about in WildStar is how it's going to do the dark stuff. I like their humor, but when it comes to being a long-term resident of a gameworld, I can't go on fun and humor alone. :)

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eQi2t6_y_PU&feature=youtube_gdata_player

 

Watch this... great vid and its not all rainbows and bunnies.

Thanks for that. The last part doesn't look bad at all. Not Shadowmoon-Valley-dark, but I guess you never know until you get the sounds as well (or really just play the thing!)...

This is one of the few games I'm watching closely this year. Here's to hoping it's fun, immersive and at least a bit fresh.