Alpha 2 Feedback: graphics and design

ctpax4o

First off, let me just say thanks for keeping non-Alpha participants out of your forums—it’s not like anyone outside a few insiders is watching streamers, right?

I’ll keep this brief, though I think what I’m about to say has implications worth considering.

About ten years ago, when a new game launched, the first thing you’d hear from every backseat gamer was, "Wow, the graphics are amazing!" That was how games made their first impression, and frankly, for the layman, it was the only way to tell one game from another.

Now, as I watch your game on Twitch—though, I’m not sure which one it is. Throne and Liberty? AoC? Or just another UE5 game? Honestly, it doesn’t matter—they all look the same.

Your game lacks graphical identity. Take a game like MU Online, which hasn’t changed much in 20 years. It may be a bit of a "Pinocchio" compared to today’s titles, but here’s the thing: in ten years, MU will still have its own distinctive look, while Ashes (and similar games) will just be another obsolete UE5 relic.

It’s honestly disappointing to see so much effort, time, and hope invested in a project that feels, well... soulless. I’d urge your management to make a real change while there’s still time to salvage this. Obviously, you’re not sure where to go with this, so here’s some free advice:

You need a unique, stylized design. Think non-realistic, fantasy-driven—something memorable, like a Picasso. Something that, even if you’re not a fan, is instantly recognizable for its originality. Trust me, in five years, games that look like yours will be popping up everywhere. Don’t believe me? Feel free to wait and see.

Best of luck,
GV

Chicago

ctpax4o wrote: »

First off, let me just say thanks for keeping non-Alpha participants out of your forums—it’s not like anyone outside a few insiders is watching streamers, right?

I’ll keep this brief, though I think what I’m about to say has implications worth considering.

About ten years ago, when a new game launched, the first thing you’d hear from every backseat gamer was, "Wow, the graphics are amazing!" That was how games made their first impression, and frankly, for the layman, it was the only way to tell one game from another.

Now, as I watch your game on Twitch—though, I’m not sure which one it is. Throne and Liberty? AoC? Or just another UE5 game? Honestly, it doesn’t matter—they all look the same.

Your game lacks graphical identity. Take a game like MU Online, which hasn’t changed much in 20 years. It may be a bit of a "Pinocchio" compared to today’s titles, but here’s the thing: in ten years, MU will still have its own distinctive look, while Ashes (and similar games) will just be another obsolete UE5 relic.

It’s honestly disappointing to see so much effort, time, and hope invested in a project that feels, well... soulless. I’d urge your management to make a real change while there’s still time to salvage this. Obviously, you’re not sure where to go with this, so here’s some free advice:

You need a unique, stylized design. Think non-realistic, fantasy-driven—something memorable, like a Picasso. Something that, even if you’re not a fan, is instantly recognizable for its originality. Trust me, in five years, games that look like yours will be popping up everywhere. Don’t believe me? Feel free to wait and see.

Best of luck,
GV

Optimistic of you to think ashes will have even released in 10 years

patrick68794

That's weird, I didn't think this game looked anything like Throne and Liberty. Pretty different art direction and T&L is far ahead in terms of actual fidelity. The two are very different looking games.

Caeryl

It does have a very same-y quality to it, because it's built so much for UE5. The hair issues are the same as DD2 with the pixelated ends. The pseudo realism doesn't have any notable traits that mark it as Ashes of Creation over any other game.

I don't want them to lean cartoony, but they really do need to find some area of the game's visual identity that actually gives it a defining style.

Bkx

The upside of not leaning too hard into a stylized aesthetic is you aren't going to turn players off before they've even tried the game. You do have to hold their attention in other ways, but that's par for the course in MMOs anyway. Graphics being memorable isn't going to keep people around - after all, no-one's playing MU Online.

xDrac

I agree in that it lacks a distinct visual style and identity and it looks like a run off the mill UE5 game. Beautiful and gorgeous yes. But a generic one.