8/8/2006 RPG Vault Media Update #2 - More Mirdain environment & dwarf shots

[Virtra]

We've got new screenshots!

Link to all screen shots:
http://rpgvault.ign.com/articles/724/724082p1.html

Individual screen shots:
Pic 1 (http://mediaviewer.ign.com/ignMediaPage.jsp?media_id=3824862&object_id=16821&channel_id=227&page_title=Darkfall+Peek+%2327&adString=network%3Dign%26site%3Drpgvault %26pagetype%3Dmediaimgfat&return_url=http%3A%2F%2Frpgvault.ign.com %2Fobjects%2F016%2F016821.html)
Pic 2 (http://mediaviewer.ign.com/ignMediaPage.jsp?media_id=3824861&object_id=16821&channel_id=227&page_title=Darkfall+Peek+%2327&adString=network%3Dign%26site%3Drpgvault %26pagetype%3Dmediaimgfat&return_url=http%3A%2F%2Frpgvault.ign.com %2Fobjects%2F016%2F016821.html)
Pic 3 (http://mediaviewer.ign.com/ignMediaPage.jsp?media_id=3824860&object_id=16821&channel_id=227&page_title=Darkfall+Peek+%2327&adString=network%3Dign%26site%3Drpgvault %26pagetype%3Dmediaimgfat&return_url=http%3A%2F%2Frpgvault.ign.com %2Fobjects%2F016%2F016821.html)
Pic 4 (http://mediaviewer.ign.com/ignMediaPage.jsp?media_id=3824859&object_id=16821&channel_id=227&page_title=Darkfall+Peek+%2327&adString=network%3Dign%26site%3Drpgvault %26pagetype%3Dmediaimgfat&return_url=http%3A%2F%2Frpgvault.ign.com %2Fobjects%2F016%2F016821.html)
Pic 5 (http://mediaviewer.ign.com/ignMediaPage.jsp?media_id=3824882&object_id=16821&channel_id=227&page_title=Darkfall+Peek+%2327&adString=network%3Dign%26site%3Drpgvault %26pagetype%3Dmediaimgfat&return_url=http%3A%2F%2Frpgvault.ign.com %2Fobjects%2F016%2F016821.html)

[Phooey]

Yay for new screenshots!

[Buckk Dich]

wewt

edit: Ok, WHAT IS UP WITH THAT GUY'S HEAD!?!?!?!?

[Tongue]

Nice

Darkfall peek # 27 on the way?

[YarghMojo]

Heh more of the Elfless Elf town...

Pretty though, i like the shot of the pots and scrolls, interesting to finally see some items in the world.

[Kamakizz]

Yay, to bad I don't care for dwarfs.

[Metamorphosis]

Pretty though, i like the shot of the pots and scrolls, interesting to finally see some items in the world.
We saw a wheel of cheese on a table in a really old screenshot..

Anyone else think they're trying to stretch these updates out abit too thin? Instead of showing off the Mirdain with the city they just show off the city via dwarf tour so they can release Mirdain pics another week.

[JimLad]

Haven't we already seen this place? :/

Also what's with all the flat objects? It reminds me of that game Hexen.

[doma]

Screens. Nice :)

[Atnas]

I don't care about the mirdain city, the only way I want to see it in, is in flames.

[Barbot]

Tree huggin hippys.

[Ashindir]

That was a cute little alchemy table. That will be where I sell my potions to you fools.

[LanMandragon]

is there actually an article this week?

Great screenies.

[kehmesis]

Eagerly waiting the article...

EDIT: Or not... ;)

[Agge]

I havent complained on the graphics yet cause I always thought it looked okay or even real nice at times... But... This... .... .... .

This look like total shit in my most honest opinion, maybe I wont play a mirdain after al :/

/agree to the hexen coment.

[InFlamesx]

I havent complained on the graphics yet cause I always thought it looked okay or even real nice at times... But... This... .... .... .

This look like total shit in my most honest opinion, maybe I wont play a mirdain after al :/

/agree to the hexen coment.

actually... i agree to... the 2d graphics.. that swivel to make it LOOK like 3d (old school style people used to use for bushes and stuff) is weak... look at the fence.. and one stone fence top.. and the potion sign...

im more about gameplay.. but this still looks rough :-/

allthough.. what more could u expect from 24 people

[iza]

Yeah those fences are really, really lame. Other than that everything looks alright.

I'd expect more from 1 person :P

[Sabrok]

guys got no %$#@in head!

[Dronjak]

Nice nice

[LanMandragon]

I really really like the development of the mirdain town. I really like the development of everything. THe colors are just right, it looks real, the buildings look actually functional, as does the armor and weapons. Really looking forward to this more with each update.

[Xile Firebane]

I usually let my brother know when there's an update, especially with new screens. I think I'll keep my mouth shut this time.

[Sarusan]

Looking at those graphics, i feel like game isnt ready even in 75% for beta yet...

But oh well, i wont complain, dont kill me :ohno:

I couldnt stop myself, this looks like a freaking paper-made objects, thin like printpaper, sharp like a paper, come one ! Not even talking about bridge...
Cant imagine how these structures will burn or fall down at sieges.

[Sarmatian]

Oh sweet, it's like last week all over again. :sly: Out of all the things in Darkfall, we get the same stuff that was posted last week? I have no problem with Darkfall still being a year away, but FFS quit toying with us.

[gold]

lol. sorta funny, even the new people are getting warn out with this endless drag on of screenshots.. :( dont get me wrong, i always love to see new darkfall world, even the graphics arnt bad to me, but hahh.. its now getting to the point of its just wearing people out.


hopefully, we will actually see some real info, or even screens of all the races. or maybhe character creation screens?. oh knows... something more then just the darkfall world.. like i said. if anyone wants to see what darkfall looks like, go to the 03 archieves.... :(


enjoy.

[KalTheo]

Yes they're just screens, but this game has more going on in very screen than most others. The grass alone makes them more interesting than most the areas of WoW.

[vlc]

Well, it looks like utter chaos to be honest, much to overloaded.
Just no good work from a artist stand of view.

[gold]

"is a fantasy online world in development at Aventurine, a Greek-based company that absorbed the originator of the project, a Norwegian team called Razorwax, and has advanced it to the stage where it seems on track to launch later this year. Set in a world called Agon, it features six playable races. Humans, Dwarves and the elven Mirdain maintain generally friendly terms among themselves, while Orks and the wolf-like Mahirim, although not quite so amicable, usually aren't hostile to each other. The same cannot be said of the Alfar, pale outcasts who openly loathe all but their own kind."


not sure if anyone noticed this change.

".....where it seems on track to launch later this year. Set in a world called Agon,....."
this was on #27 and 28


"...absorbed the originator of the project, a Norwegian team called Razorwax, and has advanced it to the stage where preparations are currently being made to begin beta. "
that was on #26
launch what beta or the game later this year?. LOL.

[Marrock]

Very nice.

[r4nge]

WATCH OUT! *fanboi comin thru*

Stop whining bout sprites. They serve the purpose and help your fps. Remember people: gameplay, gameplay, gameplay. When I get a game I turn everything up, play and go "coooool" then I turn it all the way down and forget it. "set it, and forget it"

[Hellidol]

nice pics ...now start beta :P

[Nerma]

I think its safe to say that item dropping is definitly in game, what with the potions and scrolls nicely lined up on the table. Yes some of it could look better, but if it proves to play well, that wont stop me. I think these shots were taken with a low end graphics card anyway, just like the ones last week.

[Chungo]

This, in no way, was an update.

[Airius Droc]

not sure if anyone noticed this change.

I noticed. If I were in a position to make a decion on this, I'd want to lauch in November to max out sales during the holidays. But I'd also want at LEAST a 3 month beta. So who knows...

If I had to guess, I'd say that we're still looking at a 2007 release. But what do I know? Nothing.

Here's a question about the Mirdain, the article stats that the Mirdain try to let nature go unchecked, even in the busiest cities. If that's the case, won't out of towners get a lot of rashes and ticks from walking through all that brush? I mean, when I get lazy and don't mow my lawn for an extra week my legs break out. The Mirdain must have magic weed eating technology...

:)

[Asmodeus]

This, in no way, was an update.
agreed. the only new thing i saw where the pony tail and items in the table. nothing significant.

[The_Parasite]

"
not sure if anyone noticed this change.
".....where it seems on track to launch later this year. Set in a world called Agon,....."
I didn't notice, but don't hope they rush it too much, as to realease it with tons of bugs... on the graphics note, 2D stuff made to look like 3D just isn't pretty up close... then again, if it works, look good in the distance, and the gameplay make up for it, then I don't care much.
(but then again, I thought the game "UPLINK" rocked)

[kehmesis]

People used to whine about the screenshots... That was followed by 2 years of starving. Now shut the fuck up and enjoy!

Who gives a fuck about the fuckin' fence, I want to chop your fuckin' head off!

[Trine]

I think its safe to say that item dropping is definitly in game, what with the potions and scrolls nicely lined up on the table. Yes some of it could look better, but if it proves to play well, that wont stop me. I think these shots were taken with a low end graphics card anyway, just like the ones last week.

I think it is safe to say that there is a picture with an art piece that is a table-object of which includes some bottles and scrolls.

Is it safe to say that an item dropping system will be definitely in the game? Maybe! I wonder how many loot based MMO games lack an item dropping system. Do you mean item dropping is implemented? I would think that is not safe to say at all.

It is however nice to see more missing UI.
I like not seeing populated zones (NPC, Critter or otherwise).
Most refreshing is the revelation that the same flora inhabits,what appears to be, the entire world and is not for its namesake, particular to region.

Just cant wait for DFO!

[Shadow Walker2020]

I dont know what everyone is complaining about, the screenshots look good to me.

The mage guild tower looks cool. I wonder if theres anything good to steal in there? Guess I'll just have to wait and see.

[Exodeus]

yay, mirdain city \o/

[Slag]

Give it some more time df alredy has a good base and im sure the final will be more than ahead on the graphics when it is all said and done.

[Porthios]

Hmm, the game doesn't look very close to beta. And I'd hope that beta is still a good 6 months away. At the earliest I think that it should start in December. Ideally, I'd start beta next spring and release during November or early December.

[-Zephyr-]

wut a great update, *sarcasm*

not bad screens but same old stuff

[Lorak]

Elven city once again with no elves?

This is starting to get old.

Vanguard (carebear I know), Is still 10 months from release. But I have seen screenshots of every race, and a ton of areas cities.
Videos of char creation, the GUI, Combat, diffrent armors on all the diffrent races, house building and decorating, Horses and most of the other mounts. Ect.. Ect...

Darkfall. (game I want to play). I don't even have a clue as to what the player races look like, or if they are even in the game yet.

Just frustrating.

[Tshark]

i agree, a bit of a dissappointment. The same as last week except we see a shitty fence and potions on a table. Also kinda disheartening to not see any elven NPC's in their own city. It seems beta is still a year away :(

[LanMandragon]

Hmm, the game doesn't look very close to beta. And I'd hope that beta is still a good 6 months away. At the earliest I think that it should start in December. Ideally, I'd start beta next spring and release during November or early December.

What makes you say that from Screenshots?

[Viluin]

Seriously.. If they don't start showing us some Alfar I'll go on a killing spree!

I like DF's graphics.. But some trees are 2D, lol. :lmao: I don't think there's gonna be a tree climbing skill.

[Mhorham]

what kind of POV is that we are seeing here? Is zooming the camera around gong to be an option now?

[Viluin]

what kind of POV is that we are seeing here? Is zooming the camera around gong to be an option now?

TPV?

[Mhorham]

Maybe its just an active feature they have on for PR screenshots. But the view of that character running around is not close tpv. It looks to me like the typical fully zoomable/mobile camera.

And I didn't think she was in combat mode either.

[Ivanhoe]

Oh look its Another boring and useless "update" .............

[WonderBrick]

Looks like late 1990's graphics, but then again so does Quake4, Quake3, Doom3, etc on lowest settings. I'm all for keeping player expectations low, but some of this artwork makes me cringe. I don't want the DF devs to scare off potential players with these screens. But flick the eyecandy on at beta, and they probably will come flocking back.

[Fooath]

So, maybe I missed it, why are the settings on "low end"? You think they'd be better off bringing in a graphics freak to beautify the screens at this point. Or use the best card available on high. Obviously they are far enough along to get in game screen, but not far enough along to get higher quality screen?

[TreyDingo2020]

ok we have seen elven city before, and some of the objects look like they belong in Paper Mario. BUT!!! all in all, we are getting at least 2 updates a week and ill pretty much look at anything relating to DFO to keep myself busy. Be thankfull for the updates and quit bitching at the people delivering this game to us. Its not that hard to say "Graphics arent looking too hot, too 2D imo. Thanks for the update though"

[Lorak]

The thing is we follow the game and know from warcry that this set of shots is from the same batch.

My biggest problem is that Warcry posted the disclaimer saying they were low detail screenshots taken on a low end card.

For people that don't follow the game and stumble onto the RPG site they will not know this and assume this is the best DFO has to offer. It could turn away some potential buyers.

[Asmodeus]

The thing is we follow the game and know from warcry that this set of shots is from the same batch.

My biggest problem is that Warcry posted the disclaimer saying they were low detail screenshots taken on a low end card.

For people that don't follow the game and stumble onto the RPG site they will not know this and assume this is the best DFO has to offer. It could turn away some potential buyers.
exactly, they need to beef it up when it comes to mainstream game sites. Even if there are no NPCs and we cannot see the race that actually lives in that area, least make the graphics pretty. Not real sure what thier strategy is here.

[Wisperer]

Other then the 2D sprites and the armor colorating the pictures looked ok to me.

If they would post a picture, the same area, from both a high end and a low end on the main websight then we could see that the high end graphics look good. This would or could stop alot of the criticism of the screen shots.

It would be nice to be able to switch between screen settings so when we PvE we can have the settings higher and lower them when we PVP.

[Raekwon]

During Shadowbane beta we all sat around saying, "Yeah the graphics are pretty bad but it's beta, they're probably gonna really upgrade them once release comes around."

... yeah, nuff said.

[Suitepee]

Lumberjacking is going to be a popular profession in the elf towns. :D

I don't really care if DF looks like that in-game. As long as it's functional graphics,which it appears to be for the elf town.

Once we actually get to play DF,the graphics effect will wear off,we'll get used to it and then we can start whining about why the Mahirim have taken over the server. :D I never let Shadowbane's 'graphics' put me off playing.

Real problems for anyone not a Mahirim or Orc. Graphics won't save you then. Mwhahaha!

Can't wait for the informational update.

[Darkmatter]

Turning the graphics on low, and then showcase it, doesn't sound like the proper way to go about handling updates. That games like these still use 2d elements is amazing. The world is shaping up, and if they're basing updates mainly on screenshots, I would think they'd like to show their muscles when it comes to graphics and illustrating their world, but they seem so reserved. I'm annoyed at the lack of Mirdain characters, when they previously announced that all the races are complete.

The negatives aside, the continued stream of updates is appriciated!

[V1RUS]

I dunno...I'm kind of disappointed when comparing these screens to some of the older ones in the archives. Seems like they have really taken the graphics down a notch or two. While low graphics don't really bother me, their "extensive" work on detail does. It all seems so distracting, like it stands out TOO much. And whats with them hiding the female dwarf's face? Is it really THAT ugly? :lmao:

Oh and, nice leaves on the trees...not even connected to the main body of the leaf itself, just floating there in the air.

[mlucas]

I have to agree with the majority on this one. Giving a statement these are low end graphics are fine if the vast majority knows it, which they do not is my impression. Also if you are going to boast its low end you have to give some specs of the machine and card.

While I trust the dev's to an extent still too many have serious doubts about this game as many are under the impression after 5 years this is vaporware. If it's a low end card that is showing this kind of quality or as some player have said lack of quality show them the specs of the machine. It would go a lot further.

I have talked to many, many gamers in our gaming community and while the majority loves the concept, and features that the game is supposed to have after 5 years of development (3 years under the new group) most games have given much more info on a wide range of issues.

Everyone wants details and I can understand why the dev team is reluctant to give out some but when saying it's a "low end spec" give it out would be my humble suggestion.

[reteep]

They say:



..and has advanced it to the stage where it seems on track to launch later this year


how did they come up with that?

[Nehemia]

Mirdain towns look cool :p

[Osirus]

I'm under the impression these screen shots are on low video settings ...

[Unknewn]

I'm under the impression these screen shots are on low video settings ...

agreed, hope this game runs smooth as blizzards games do...

[Buckk Dich]

Man, just watch the gameplay video, this game looks like it runs smooth as hell.

Look where the guy is in first person and looks around, its very smooth.

[reteep]

agreed, hope this game runs smooth as blizzards games do...

I won't doubt that as we probably gonna have hardware which is a bit ahead of the game's technology when it's being released.

[RuffAgii]

previous screenies had much better graphics and they said they were "low end spec", well but this update's screenies look 10 times worse than the prev low end ones, whats the deal here?? And beta is at the end of this year?? i think beta gonna start next year.

[alexiogman]

:idea: um.... those potions on the table.... anyone know if one can just ninja :ninja: them if guards are not looking or are they just models?

[Fooath]

agreed, hope this game runs smooth as blizzards games do...

Yes, but *why* are they on low setting? Is there a specific reason? It seems to me having your screenshots on low setting would serve no purpose, and actually be a negative...

[Malishan]

Needs less purple sky, less 2d objects, less screenshots in general (I'd say none!) and more short but sweet movie clips. The game looks WAY better in motion. I'm sorry to say that IMO the devs are just screwing themselves putting out still-shots like this. Wake up and smell the modern world of multimedia! You can hide so-so graphics with smooth animation & motion :)

[Trent Fireblood]

IMHO the graphics don't have to be the best out there as gameplay is the most important thing. Although these particular screenshots don't do justice to your cause.

The question that begs to be asked is:

Why are we been show Dwarves in Mirendil?

Why not Mirdain in Mirendil?

All races have been shown except Mirdain and Alfar (if I can recall correctly).

I think a lot of people will be very reassured if you released Mirdain and Alfar screenies.

I still have faith...

[Nalira]

Haven't we already seen this place? :/

Also what's with all the flat objects? It reminds me of that game Hexen.

lol hexen, that was the most expensive game i ever saw at release (other than ff11 for ps2)

anyhow... the screens are whatever, yet again... but i guess something is better than nothing... they did introduce the concept of stalls or shops i suppose.

[Raekwon]

IMHO the graphics don't have to be the best out there as gameplay is the most important thing. Although these particular screenshots don't do justice to your cause.

The question that begs to be asked is:

Why are we been show Dwarves in Mirendil?

Why not Mirdain in Mirendil?

All races have been shown except Mirdain and Alfar (if I can recall correctly).

I think a lot of people will be very reassured if you released Mirdain and Alfar screenies.

I still have faith...

Because fan sites have been promised the rights to release the first screen shots of particular things. The devs are giving us crumbs, streching things out as much as possible so they don't take the glory away from any of the fan sites. We will see Mirdain but only when the fan site that's been promised that privilage is told that it is time for it.

All part of a, hopefully, clever PR scheme. After all, weren't many of us doubting the Mahirim race till bam, they released screen shots and they weren't half bad. Suddenly the fear of the Mahirim race not even being coded yet vanished. The same will be true for Mirdains and Alfars.

[Aran]

I noticed. The Mirdain must have magic weed
:)

I may just change my race for that! : )

and my apologys for abuseing your quote : )

[jivecoolie]

Jesus these screenshots are looking afully close to 3rd world country mmo's.

lets hope the gameplay is good.. that is IF the game ever is released.

[The-Nit]

im not impressed.

[Matriel]

Nice looking Mirdain village with no Mirdain...

[JediMindTrickz]

I know show some gd elves for a change. But if the PvP is fun and the gameplay is awsome i could care less about the graphics. Thsoe graphics just might improve lag issues aswell. Think how much contents are in this game. To stick that much stuff in a game its not gonna look to great, we'll see i guess.:ohno:

[Trent Fireblood]

I took another look today, and hence I felt the need to voice a more balanced opinion.

The trees, the buildings, the grass land/terrain and the sky/background are really lush and immersive and have character; a certain style.

The objects on the table are acceptable and providing the gameplay is good I can live with that. The fence/wooden railings on the platform picture appear to be 2d, as does the railing in the mages tower screen.

I do like what I see so far.

[AOD_Flamefleir]

Aww, no article. But the screenshots are great. Very detailed.

[Rouzuki]

I don't care about the mirdain city, the only way I want to see it in, is in flames.

Well I would be happy to grant your wish by setting your eyes afire with two of my fire arrows =)

Nice pictures I suppose, I wish they'd deviate from the "setting pictures" and show things like character models and non armor items. The pictures we get of characters show them clad in armor so we really can't see what appearence differences there will be. I know there are some shots, but not enough to make a good comparison. I guess I'm just getting ancy for more NEWS news rather than the screenshots.

[Tarshal]

I think they're holding much more juicy stuff than this, but are just holding back a little so they can meet the regular update. Only so much information is released at a time.

But seriously? This looks really nice. Most mmos have either been cartoony, like WoW, or tried for realism and just ended up very gritty. This looks nowhere near gritty, and apparently the shots are being taken on a normal setup, not some hyped up, insane $10 000 system.

I like what i see!

[JOeFW]

Nice looking Mirdain village with no Mirdain...
+1

[Sin]

I have to say I'm quite impressed. It may not look the best, but look at the detail in the environment. Lots of tree's everywhere, along with the colors matching the scenery. I'm pretty enthused that these are just low spec screen shots.

Could you imagine the high quality? These screenshots deserve more credit then people are giving.

[Metal Wolf]

I cant wait to throw someone off those bridges and towers.

[Drafli]

If i can play lag free including while in large scale battles, those graphics will do me fine. I actually don't mind them, has a good feel to it.

I've played the games with good graphics and the gameplay sucked so much on them i didnt give a shit about how 'pretty" it was.

Some people just have high expectations from playing to many single player console games ;p

Ps: Maybe its just because i was there for the birth of gaming when Space Invaders came out.....anything is better than black and white dots.

[Matriel]

If i can play lag free including while in large scale battles, those graphics will do me fine. I actually don't mind them, has a good feel to it.

I've played the games with good graphics and the gameplay sucked so much on them i didnt give a shit about how 'pretty" it was.

Some people just have high expectations from playing to many single player console games ;p

Ps: Maybe its just because i was there for the birth of gaming when Space Invaders came out.....anything is better than black and white dots.


I agree completely, graphics don't matter. So, um, why do they keep showing us screenshots of sucky graphics when they could be educating us with concrete game idea? That's the real question.

[Sarmatian]

If Graphics don't matter then just give us a game with stick fighters and let us enjoy the great gameplay.

Some people will be playing on the highest possible settings. From what I have seen, the graphics will be good enough imo.

[Drafli]

I agree completely, graphics don't matter. So, um, why do they keep showing us screenshots of sucky graphics when they could be educating us with concrete game idea? That's the real question.

My guess is the game is still far from ready, so they trying to drag it out. After everyone started getting antsy with no updates for a couple of years so they are throwing us a few bones.

Now people want a bit more meat on those bones lol.

I would prefer more too. But if the game isnt ready yet, it isnt ready. I've waited long enough now to hold out for it to be completed properly.

Not like there is anything else around.


If Graphics don't matter then just give us a game with stick fighters and let us enjoy the great gameplay.

Well i wouldn't exactly go that far. I do want some fodder attracted to the game. Otherwise i'll have to farm my own gold, weapons and armour.

[Zalasahr]

a dream very romantic "hust" :lmao:

[Elro]

Looks good. Keep them coming!

[Killuminati]

ALFAR please :D