From a game mechanical perspective I appreciate how far out we can zoom the camera. However I've found that when I am doing so, a lot of the beauty of the game is lost.
I am not advocating for reducing the max camera distance. I like the option. However, I suggest all of you currently in A1 try running around with the camera zoomed in for a while. It feels quite different, and much more visually pleasing IMO. Especially for you streamers out there, please give it a shot. I've noticed most of you are zoomed pretty far out. I've only seen one so far that really zooms in regularly and let the viewers see the beauty and the details.
Ashes is a very detailed game graphically, but at max camera distance you simply don't notice most of it. The structures, NPCs, foliage, and mobs all have a really great level of detail when you zoom in. I took a couple of screenshots from places you've all seen, but to be honest they don't really do the difference from camera zoom justice. It's something you need to try and experience for yourselves
First picture here is an area you've seen a lot of times if you are a tester or watch the streams. I bet most of you rush past that wagon without further thought to get to Sergeant Landry so you can start killing those animated armor. I usually do.
However, if you zoom the camera in, you start noticing the details. The intricate wood carvings, and you actually see the sign there with the text "The Stitch", which, if nothing else, makes you go "hmm" and wonder what that is all about.
Next screenshot is from the cave with the flower quest. Zoomed all the way out it's pretty enough, sure. I'd wager most people just click E and move on, however.
Zoomed in, you can really see how beautiful and intricate and detailed the flower actually is. There's animation there as well that you obviously don't see in the screenshot. I really appreciate that level of attention to detail.
