New AO Graphics Sneak preview!

[Gridfan]

Damn, love ya Means, now that is what I was hoping way back. (think I posted a suggestion on this in the AO forums way back too)
More polygons and refurbished textures for heads.

It IS a shame this is all taking so long.

But consider the fact that the current AO uses DirectX 7 and most graphics stuff is done by the cpu (rather clumsily I must add)
The new AO graphic engine is using DX9 and since AO itself never was on the bleeding edge graphic wise, even with the improved graphics they'll still be able to push all that onto the graphics card.

So things will either A. look better and uses the same amount of CPU or B. look much better and use less CPU.

I'm betting B.

[Ceryn]

from what I understood, the current engine itself doesn't use directx at all, and dx7 was only used for the keyboard/mouse interface

suffice to say, when the upgrade does happen, it can only be a good thing

[Evihack]

So far it's been a series of delays in releasing this upgrade and I am starting to doubt if it will ever come out. It started at D*con like 2 years ago when they said the new engine would be out around summer the following year. Then it was delayed, and delayed. And where are we now? Another vague answer about when it will be out.

I think Funcom needs to learn from previous experience. Some times it's more important of getting some things out before going through everything and perfecting everything. In the case of the AO engine upgrade it's a matter of fact that AO runs like crap on modern computers.

Yes, it's looks good. But then again, what does good looks matter if the engine keeps stalling. I have my doubts if we will ever see it

I agree completely with your statement. It is sad to admit, but the likelihood of the new update coming out before it is too late is getting worse every day. FC has a large workload, but they simply don't have the staff to do such a massive code job without extreme delays.

We have to understand that this graphics update may be out last hurrah. FC has to get it right this time or the closing curtain may start to fall on this amazing universe. Releasing a unfinished redux of the graphics rendering system would certainly put AO on the deathbed we all want to avoid. The lore is here, the core community is still around, but we are slowly suffocating within our own existence.

The froob system is a vital part of our life support. However, the possible redemption and rejuvenation of our MMO is somewhat riding on the shoulders of this overhaul of the graphics engine. If it comes out as a success the game could be marketed heavily and this downtrodden fighter can get back in the ring for at least one final match. As much as I hate to admit it, the success of the new engine is directly linked to the possible revival of AO.

I say let them take their time and get things right, but don't take too long where we flatline here. There is a special vestment I have in this game. I grew up here, many great memories originated here, and I frickin' don't want to loose the chance to have MANY more.

Come on FC, make me proud...

[Shigy]

Yeah its a fair balancing act they have on there hands. Take to long and it won't matter if its solid gold. Put it out as crap and it could well kill AO.

[Samalicious]

Does anyone think it should have been done ages ago? As in pre-AoC?

[Evihack]

Does anyone think it should have been done ages ago? As in pre-AoC?

It was planned to come out before AoC if I remember right.

Oh, in today's Friday With Means they posted screenshots of the revised opi head.

http://forums.anarchy-online.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=3616&d=1237565960
http://forums.anarchy-online.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=3617&d=1237565985
Lookin' good!

[Samalicious]

Well that looks much better!

To paraphrase a friend of mine, she doesn't look so surprised, like "OMG the whole corncob fit!"

[Evihack]

Shock and awe...shock and frickin' awe.

[Lauri]

Yes! Muuuuch much much better.

Looking forward to keeping up with this!

[Ashval]

As the resident expert on opifex chicks...I support this latest version.

[Jugsmalone]

Well so far I like it, I am sure it is going to be a lot better. I am looking forward to seeing what is next.