Before getting too much further into it, just wanted to say that if we want more heads, what we really need is to put more of those modelling artists on retainer and invest in it. If we want 120 human heads instead of just a dozen, then the move is to get this gal a much larger team...

https://www.artstation.com/alenad

And if we just can't get enough Halsin, then I don't know, maybe call this dude back in again... I mean right?

https://mabdelfatah.artstation.com/projects/Xn3nkn

There are probably a gang of other artists that actually contributed to this game and created the material that we are now evaluating and which players have responded to. I think they've done great work. I'd just like to see the whole thing approached with a much more comprehensive sweep, and a real emphasis on the custom PC as opposed to NPC stars.

Anyway, here's one for the cheap seats in the back... grin

[Linked Image from i.ibb.co]

I don't know what it cost them, but it was probably the best money they spent. Investing in this sort of Custom Character creation is the most surefire way to generate replay. It's something that the player engages with immediately and when it's working well extends the shelf-life of the game by orders or magnitude. More zots into that! Don't just assume that unpaid mod creators will be able to pull it off at this same level.

I'm sure we'll get around to "Here comes your man" for the male heads eventually, it's just kinda tedious, so that'll have to do for the moment.


ps. Oh fine Mint Condition! you know I wouldn't let Halsin steal the whole show lol

[Linked Image from i.ibb.co]

But seriously, take a look through this page of BG3 heads. It really is pretty glorious! I mean if they could take that and just start multiplying it, then we'd be on the path. Also, like how much of your appreciation of this game in it's current state comes down to that artwork right there? I mean between that and the VA work, it constitutes like half of the entire experience, for me at least. I wish they could go fully next level with it. I mean what just those artists managed to crank out is beyond impressive. Practically all my favs! Just do that, but again, and then again! hehe

Also, I seem to recall them promulgating the notion of facial scans (like in the context of sliders I guess maybe) which downplays the accomplishment I feel. Makes it sound like a technology rather than the work of individual artists, which it clearly is. I mean that's some real artistry in there, I'd love to see a lot more of it, not just with the heads but the outfits too. I think they could achieve something really quite compelling here with presets and modular cosmetic features, provided it was more extensive and had a way to present the stuff in an overview menu, rather than 1 by 1 cycling.

Last edited by Black_Elk; 11/11/21 12:24 PM.