01/13/15 - Character Creation Preview

[jtoddcoleman 8,836]

01/13/15 - Character Creation Preview

Screenshot #1: Character Creation 

Since this is the first screenshot we're releasing of the game, we thought it would be fitting to make it a preview of character creation -- the first thing most players will encounter when playing the game.  

 

Why show character creation first?  A few reasons:

 

- This a functional prototype of character creation (with actual 2D and 3D game assets), not just a mockup. The character (the Knight archetype) is a fully modeled and animated avatar.  

 

- That character will give you a small taste of the Character art style.  Compare this character to our concepts, you can see that we're shooting for a fairly literal translation of the style.

 

- This shot shows off the initial class (archetype) selection options, exposing the wide array of base characters (archetypes)

 

- It also provides solid hints at the inner working of a handful of core systems: Combat, movement, skills, advancement and (of course) character creation / customization

 

- It showcases the user interface style.  As you can see, we're going for a streamlined and modern look -- emphasizing quick access to game information over the standard "parchment and leather" fare.

 

There is more to this one than meets the eye... the clues are there, for those with a solid design instinct and an eye for detail.  

 

 

 

Happy hunting,

 

Todd

ACE

 

P.S. btw, don't take any of these numbers as gospel.  Many of these values will change (probably have already) -- and in fact, the scale will even change -- as the various systems snap into focus.

[haliit 103]

poorly made socks, I actually really like the art style. Hyper-realism is overrated. 

 

Really interested to know more about the Archetypes and how much flexibility we have within them

[sarin 664]

I see creation points !!!! I like that for sure!

[rubixroll 80]

Love the art style, the problem with realism is that it is not only hard to pull of right but also very expensive.

As for the classes (archetypes), its looking really good and customisable.

 

I won't try and guess the classes since it seems like the list can scroll and the class below the mage (4th second row) is slightly covered by the sword (Maybe on purpose?).

 

Another thing that we can deduce is that with so many classes, it is very likely that with so many classes there will be the option of multiple alts or maybe permadeath. 

 

Also what are these hunger stats I read?

Does that mean the game will have a realistic stamina system? If you look closely, there is a stat called warmth conversion meaning that your character gets cold in cold area. Guess that means no more going to Northrend in underwear.

 

Finally look at the top tab, it says promotion classes.

Does this mean that maybe we'll get a second tier of jobs which are more powerful?

Edited January 13, 2015 by laskatan

[kopko 153]

Really impresive

[meneek 92]

I'm wondering how much we will be able to change the LOOK of our character.  As I and others have said before, I don't want to run around with thousands or even hundreds of characters that look just like me.

[nick 304]

Hunger resistance. Interesting.

[haliit 103]

Based on the number of Archetypes/base classes, and the little snippet we see of "Promotion Classes", I hope we get a similar dynamic to Shadowbane where you have Promotion classes that can be reached by multiple base class routes.  I loved how differently you could play a class in Shadowbane depending on if you came at it from Rogue or Mage, or Rogue or Fighter, etc. 

[sarin 664]

I'm wondering how much we will be able to change the LOOK of our character.  As I and others have said before, I don't want to run around with thousands or even hundreds of characters that look just like me.

Looking at the default archtype selected than looking at the actual character leads to believe it has some depth to it. They both look quite different facially.

[psychedelics 194]

+-24 archetypes already >>> Awesome

 

Hunger resistance >>>> Awesome

 

Creation points >>>> Awesome

 

Loved that interface style!!

[ashentemper 213]

Based on the number of Archetypes/base classes, and the little snippet we see of "Promotion Classes", I hope we get a similar dynamic to Shadowbane where you have Promotion classes that can be reached by multiple base class routes.  I loved how differently you could play a class in Shadowbane depending on if you came at it from Rogue or Mage, or Rogue or Fighter, etc. 

 

At least based on the image at the top, it looks like there is around 16 Archetypes. But my guess is those are also faction specific... at least if you look in the order of them, they seem to be by race/faction (although I could be wrong).

[Phylor.the.Jester 916]

So far, things look good. The dream still lives!

[dead sparrow 207]

That stat page appears to scroll down quite a bit more. Really curious what's down there. 

 

Hunger resistance...this would seem to go, not just a pvp route, but a survival route as well...or indicate some of the non-pvp roles? Perhaps there's a mighty Baker class (there is a chubby dude hidden behind the guys sword). But being serious, the hunger resistance does add an interesting angle.

[Iridian ShadowWeaver 1,100]

I really like the selection of female characters. Bottom row, second from the right; yeah, that's mine right there

 

The art style is appealing and clean of line. Elegant even. Love the muted colors. 

 

Can't wait to play with the character creation options!

[haliit 103]

At least based on the image at the top, it looks like there is around 16 Archetypes. But my guess is those are also faction specific... at least if you look in the order of them, they seem to be by race/faction (although I could be wrong).

 

Hard to tell based on pre-alpha interface, but if there were a faction element to this portion of character creation, you'd think there'd be something about it on the menu. Could just be that this early they aren't concerned about making the distinction, though, 

[nehemia 944]

Now there's interesting mechanic: Dash count: 2. Seems like we've got some manual dashes we can use.

 

Also: The raccoon is hiding behind the knight's sword. Raccoon archetype confirmed.

 

That also proves that we will have RNG in the game, (hallelujah).

Edited January 13, 2015 by nehemia

[ashentemper 213]

Hard to tell based on pre-alpha interface, but if there were a faction element to this portion of character creation, you'd think there'd be something about it on the menu. Could just be that this early they aren't concerned about making the distinction, though, 

 

That's the fun in speculation  But, if you're a fan of ASoIF (Game of Thrones) and, to an extent, Shadowbane, the world was divided up by factions/regions. Doesn't mean its a hard line faction (like WoW) where you couldn't be Race A in Faction B, but it may have to do with starting areas.

[Eldreth 182]

Dibs on the horned llama!

 

(OK, stag is probably more accurate but I'll be damned if I'm not calling it a horned llama!)

 

Looks great so far. Can absolutely see the relation between the concept art and the knight's model.

[talmanar 0]

I like it, the concept art is cool

[psylent night 70]

Bottom row, far left. 

 

Playable, bipedal Harts.

 

Are you gods?