Low-Level Armors' Color-Schemes "Nerfed" by Craglorn Update

Elencha

Okay, so... I 'm confused. Were low level armors truly bugged or not? I mean officially and not just in someone's opinion. I haven't been able to find anything that said that was the case, but I understand some may be privy to information to which I am not, so does anyone actually know the answer to this question?

If they were and it was a fix, I can accept that. I don't like it, but such is life. If they weren't and this was a nerf to improve the relative appearance of higher level armors, then that certainly suggests a fundamental misunderstanding of the philosophy of this game on my part. If this game really is intended to begin at VR levels after what I have taken to be the game is in fact over, then I'd certainly like to know so that I can plan to get rid of my subscription once this six month term is up. As it stands now, I haven't even fully decided whether I want to play VR levels or just start a new character to play through the other factions. I haven't heard anything about VR levels that sound like fun for me.

Wicked_Wolf

No one is asking for "mega" low level armor. People are annoyed that the armor looks ridiculous now. If the lower level armor looked better than VR before, then how is the solution to make all armor pre 50 the exact same color scheme and consist of nothing other than brown and green? Why not just improve the VR stuff? You telling me that pre VR armor was just perfect and they had no choice but to reduce it this much?

Usual MMO community. "It don't affect me so you're just whining about something that doesn't matter." Honestly, I want to see how anyone could make a valid argument that all armor should have am ugly brown and green color scheme from levels 1 to 50, just because they couldn't come up with a way to make VR armor look nicer.

I agree. VR armor should look awesome and better than all. What I don't agree with is that all other armor should look the same now and that we should lose all variety.

ColeMarie86

http://forums.elderscrollsonline.com/discussion/94169/zenimax-when-are-you-going-to-address-the-problems-with-veteran-armor-aesthetics/p2

If you need an "official" statement, this whole thread is where the Zos team first addressed the issue of VR armor looking too low level due to a lack of spec maps. VR players in this thread also complained about the lack of pretty colors.

To summarize what the Zos team said, they started by saying it was by design for VR gear to be dull and lackluster, but that they would consult the artists. Later, they found out it wasn't displaying properly and said they would fix it without an eta. Then, they said, yes, it was a spec map issue they were trying to fix. Finally, their responses to the thread ended with this statement:

ZOS_GinaBruno wrote: »

Good news, everyone! We actually found an issue with the Veteran Rank gear which was, indeed, making them appear like low-level armor. This will be fixed in our next patch.

There's your official Zos quote saying that, yes, those dull-colored, non-specular armors are the intended look for lower levels, not VR, and yes, it was supposed to be patched in the Craglorn patch to their originally intended designs.

They just made a mistake by reversing the VR armor with low level armor from release, but they fixed it. It's just the beginning though, and there are some nice changes coming, such as dyes. Just give it time.

kassandratheclericb14_ESO

ColeMarie86 wrote: »

http://forums.elderscrollsonline.com/discussion/94169/zenimax-when-are-you-going-to-address-the-problems-with-veteran-armor-aesthetics/p2

If you need an "official" statement, this whole thread is where the Zos team first addressed the issue of VR armor looking too low level due to a lack of spec maps. VR players in this thread also complained about the lack of pretty colors.

To summarize what the Zos team said, they started by saying it was by design for VR gear to be dull and lackluster, but that they would consult the artists. Later, they found out it wasn't displaying properly and said they would fix it without an eta. Then, they said, yes, it was a spec map issue they were trying to fix. Finally, their responses to the thread ended with this statement:

ZOS_GinaBruno wrote: »

Good news, everyone! We actually found an issue with the Veteran Rank gear which was, indeed, making them appear like low-level armor. This will be fixed in our next patch.

There's your official Zos quote saying that, yes, those dull-colored, non-specular armors are the intended look for lower levels, not VR, and yes, it was supposed to be patched in the Craglorn patch to their originally intended designs.

They just made a mistake by reversing the VR armor with low level armor from release, but they fixed it. It's just the beginning though, and there are some nice changes coming, such as dyes. Just give it time.

I'm sorry I just read that all...and I am tired so I may have missed something. I see they said vet armor looking like "low level" armor (I didn't see any explanation or description other than that) and were going to fix it in the next patch. I missed where they said all the textures had been switched (again all I saw was about the spec map) and that suddenly all low-level armor was to be the colors of a forest after an ash storm came through.

I do not see anything like your summary so if you could point me to it I would be much abliged. Also changing the spec map does not mean suddenly low level armor will ALL be in shades of crapola.

Now..be that as it may....I also did not see in the patch notes about low level armor suddenly all being without any redeeming qualities. I also remembering reading a post before the game coming out that we would be happy about the looks of the armor in the game.

By now I would think they would see that many folks are unhappy with the change and don't think that every, single, bloody-freaking piece of armor below vet level should be drab and colorless. Armor can be less fancy, duller-coloring and less shiny than vet armor without making me suddenly feel like I turned on a sepia setting in my game. Named armors or unique drops could at the very least have something more colorful about them.

There are entire color palettes available to give a bit of something. One of the most fun things leveling is getting new, unique armor every few levels. For those of us that RP it is even nicer to get something like this.

I am not asking for much. I am not asking for what the Vet's have. Yes people that level up deserve to have special things. I don't think that because we are not at Vet level because of whatever reason...we should now be the 1-50 sepia levesl of ESO.

Wicked_Wolf

And after all that text and explanation.... It still doesn't make any sense why every price of armor from 1-50 has to look exactly the same with incredibly dull puke/ greenish brown colors.

willienugget

Oh I got colors alright. I crafted my first set of veteran gear and I was shocked how horrible it was. VR3 Dunmer light, improving from fine to superior turned my gear a bright pastel pink. At least let us preview the armor so we know what it will look like before we ruin it by 'improving' it.

Starlifter88

Argurios wrote: »

Name me one decent MMO, that your first character looks acceptably cool at L14?

While it might be debatable whether it was a decent MMO or not, I would name GW2. Between levels 10 and 20 (IIRC), there was a nice chain mail armor set (crafted) that I thought was really nice if dyed well. I don't like gaudy armor so I transmuted this armor onto higher level armor as I progressed.

I am slightly disappointed in the armors in this game (light and medium) before and after the change. My vestiges don't appear to be quite as epic slaying mobs in splotchy, pale blue gowns I use the costumes, specifically those from the Alikr Desert and Auridon on all of my characters.

Argurios

Nephys wrote: »

@Argurios You appear to think that low level gear looked 'mega' which is a nonsense. It looked crap, and now it looks crappier. Why you have this great objection to people that prefer take time to level having some gear that doesn't look completely dour is beyond me.

@Nephys Low level = average looking gear. Veteran rank = Decent looking gear. Cry me a river. I spent enough time walking around in dull grey VR10 gear that was epic level. Enjoy. Now i have black gear with gold trim, as it should have been from the start.

@Catflinger The starting gear in WOW was horrendous, and not matched at all. You expect me to believe anyone went to an armour shop in WOW, bought the white gear from a vendor and used that because it matched?

Yes you can make set gear at low level, at any level where you meet the requirements to craft in fact, so what?

[Moderator Note: Edited per our rules on Flaming]

Argurios

Starlifter88 wrote: »

Argurios wrote: »

Name me one decent MMO, that your first character looks acceptably cool at L14? Do that and you can perhaps give the whole argument a modicum of credibility.

While it might be debatable whether it was a decent MMO or not, I would name GW2. Between levels 10 and 20 (IIRC), there was a nice chain mail armor set (crafted) that I thought was really nice if dyed well. I don't like gaudy armor so I transmuted this armor onto higher level armor as I progressed.

I am slightly disappointed in the armors in this game (light and medium) before and after the change. My vestiges don't appear to be quite as epic slaying mobs in splotchy, pale blue gowns I use the costumes, specifically those from the Alikr Desert and Auridon on all of my characters.

Fair point, some of the early gear in GW2 was actually not bad looking, but to be fair GW2 did have dyes. This game doesn't yet.

Evergnar

I saw my first stormtrooper today in ESO. All white leather (Altmer). Didn't appeal to me but apparently it did to this guy so to each his own I guess.

Looks are subjective but what would really help everyone is if Zos would give us some kind of an accurate preview. Even if it's just an its just a basic color box indicator.

Gwarok

#ThreeMonthRule

ZOS_MichelleA

Hello there, everyone. We've edited several posts in this thread for insults, flaming, and generally rude behavior. Please keep the Code of Conduct in mind when discussing on the forums. We understand that posters are going to disagree from time to time, occasionally very strongly, however we do expect all communications to be respectful and constructive. Thanks for your understanding and cooperation!

seaef

When I was a kid, my sister used to whine and complain because she couldn't find the right clothes for her Barbie doll.

This thread sounds eerily similar.

Maverick827

cfurlin wrote: »

When I was a kid, my sister used to whine and complain because she couldn't find the right clothes for her Barbie doll.

This thread sounds eerily similar.

Because you were insensitive and uncaring towards your sister, too?

seaef

Maverick827 wrote: »

cfurlin wrote: »

When I was a kid, my sister used to whine and complain because she couldn't find the right clothes for her Barbie doll.

This thread sounds eerily similar.

Because you were insensitive and uncaring towards your sister, too?

OMG, it's a video game. *boggle*

shiva7663

Argurios wrote: »

Name me one decent MMO, that your first character looks acceptably cool at L14?

City of Heroes.
Lord of the Rings Online.
Star Wars: The Old Republic.

ArcaneBlue

we, lower level players know that VR gear looks good.
we all know gear will look better and better as we level up.
yet not everyone has time or wish to grind or power level to hit VR, and we shouldn't have to... or shouldn't be forced to do so. nobody's physically forcing us to do it but at this stage, it feels like "you want better looking gear? go level, hit VR then"

if zos had to make VR gear look better that's totally fine, but there was no need for this lower level color change.
it was uncalled for IMO.

shiva7663

The answer to the question "you want better looking gear?" should be "go to a crafter for custom work."

wizzerd_lg_ESO

ZOS_MichelleA wrote: »

Hello there, everyone. We've edited several posts in this thread for insults, flaming, and generally rude behavior. Please keep the Code of Conduct in mind when discussing on the forums. We understand that posters are going to disagree from time to time, occasionally very strongly, however we do expect all communications to be respectful and constructive. Thanks for your understanding and cooperation!

Boy are you guys missing the point. It's not the forum appearance that anyone cares about.

wizzerd_lg_ESO

shiva7663 wrote: »

The answer to the question "you want better looking gear?" should be "go to a crafter for custom work."

The answer to the question "you want better looking gear?" is "Find a game that recognizes the player's desire to build characters that look awesome instead of just focusing on PvP stats."

Nephys

@Argurios The point, which you constantly fail to comprehend is that the low armours do not look average - they look diabolically bad. However, there is little point in conversing with you. Stop with your juvenile "cry me a river" nonsense. Now run along.

rayeab16_ESO

well, i have found a *temporary* solution, that at least, will work for me.

step 1: make an argoinan, preferably in a similar shade of dun-brown, but it can go towards reddish hues.
step 2: make it a leather user (class is technically unimportant, but anything that uses a sword works best here in my mind at least)
step 3: pretend you are a Narn.

no, seriously. its the same fix that allowed me to play as a Drenai on warcraft (though there, i pretended they were Mimbari lol)

you see, the Narn do not wear anything BUT brown. in the entire series, i have only ever seen it ONCE. and that one was wearing a disguise, dressed up in fancy brocade and lace, becasue she was escaping the Centari emperors palace.
sure, there are the occasional bits of purple and green eddging, mostly on the front of ambassadorial chestpieces ect, but thats the only colours that they wear.

(of you havent a clue what i am talking about, go to you tube and google G'Kar, he has quite a following since he's so good at philosophy.)

as for the *fix*, i asked a coder friend. one who is intimate with over 5 types of code. he said its just IMPOSSABLE to change colours in code by accident, or by fixing something else. you have to physicaly change the codes befor you can change the colours. so that means its is physicaly impossable for a brown (lvl 8 ) nord robe to change to a green robe, without the code for the shade being changed manualy

if i have made you at least laugh, at the image of an argonian, pretending to be a narn, so that you can play a game that is for fun, thats good enough. it seems that laughter is about all we have left here, since only those affected by the change in a negative way, can understand how we feel

Nephys

@rayeab16_ESO‌ Bravo and it did

Argurios

shiva7663 wrote: »

Argurios wrote: »

Name me one decent MMO, that your first character looks acceptably cool at L14?

City of Heroes.
Lord of the Rings Online.
Star Wars: The Old Republic.

Erm........no. You clearly thought i hadn't played any of these games, either that or you haven't played any of them.

SWTOR is only possible if you have a good legacy, but i said in my question, first character. As in one just starting out. These do not look good at all, more BS.

Same for LOTRO. More BS, all outfits look far worse than ESO until about L35.

Cith of Heroes i haven't played so ill take your word for it, despite it being a totally different style of game.

Nice try though.

Poeskas

Argurios wrote: »

shiva7663 wrote: »

Argurios wrote: »

Name me one decent MMO, that your first character looks acceptably cool at L14?

City of Heroes.
Lord of the Rings Online.
Star Wars: The Old Republic.

Erm........no. You clearly thought i hadn't played any of these games, either that or you haven't played any of them.

SWTOR is only possible if you have a good legacy, but i said in my question, first character. As in one just starting out. These do not look good at all, more BS.

Same for LOTRO. More BS, all outfits look far worse than ESO until about L35.

Cith of Heroes i haven't played so ill take your word for it, despite it being a totally different style of game.

Nice try though.

Oh ok. so you're implying that none of the levels 1-50 matter? that the game's all filler until we reach VR and then we earn the right to wear halfway decent looking armor? And you think ESO should be like every other MMO? Neat Logic bro.

ArcaneBlue

been talking to this guy from zos about this.
anybody else talking to zos on this matter?

Anastasia

Mephane wrote: »

I can't believe there is not a stronger backlash. They literally just made a whole bunch of items ugly for the sake of making other items appear more compelling in contrast. Just think for a moment what that means - if they are willing to do that, what is to stop them from doing it again, making something you really like the look of suddenly look like crap at any point in the future?

-

---

SHHHH Mephane -- next week they may decide to make an overall 'improvement' change for lowbies and midsters from this new tan and brown raggedy looking theme to more of the absolutely detestable putrid green variations and tones.

;o/

Wicked_Wolf

Poeskas wrote: »

Argurios wrote: »

shiva7663 wrote: »

Argurios wrote: »

Name me one decent MMO, that your first character looks acceptably cool at L14?

City of Heroes.
Lord of the Rings Online.
Star Wars: The Old Republic.

Erm........no. You clearly thought i hadn't played any of these games, either that or you haven't played any of them.

SWTOR is only possible if you have a good legacy, but i said in my question, first character. As in one just starting out. These do not look good at all, more BS.

Same for LOTRO. More BS, all outfits look far worse than ESO until about L35.

Cith of Heroes i haven't played so ill take your word for it, despite it being a totally different style of game.

Nice try though.

Oh ok. so you're implying that none of the levels 1-50 matter? that the game's all filler until we reach VR and then we earn the right to wear halfway decent looking armor? And you think ESO should be like every other MMO? Neat Logic bro.

Basically, you're right. That seems to be the mentality and it seems ZOS is perfectly fine with it. Just another generic race to level cap because nothing before it matters. It blows my mind that people think its fine for every armor to have the same dull look until 50. There no progression at all. Look like a hobo until 50, then get awesome gear.

And are you joking about LOTRO? For all it's faults, the cosmetic system is leagues better than all other mmo's combined. There are thousands of possibilities. This game has the rare "disguise" here and there. In LOTRO you have multiple cosmetic slots and can use EVERY SINGLE armor, even mix individual pieces, and wear on any toon in those slots. Even if lower level armor looked bad; it wouldn't matter since you can display literally whatever you want.

I'm not saying ZOS should go LOTRO's route, but saying its worse is simply wrong.

Wicked_Wolf

SnarkyQB wrote: »

been talking to this guy from zos about this.
anybody else talking to zos on this matter?

What are they saying? I saw something about VR armor getting a boost before this happened, but nothing about making everything pre VR look dull and the same. The only ZOS response I've seen after the patch was the one below, which obviously doesn't address it at all.

ZOS_MichelleA wrote: »

Hello there, everyone. We've edited several posts in this thread for insults, flaming, and generally rude behavior. Please keep the Code of Conduct in mind when discussing on the forums. We understand that posters are going to disagree from time to time, occasionally very strongly, however we do expect all communications to be respectful and constructive. Thanks for your understanding and cooperation!

babylon

ColeMarie86 wrote: »

and there are some nice changes coming, such as dyes.

Oh you mean the dyes tied in to the achievement system...achievements which we all lost with the Craglorn patch