This thread is 50% critical and 50% honest feedback.
Throughout Bannerlord's development process we have seen different types of assets; some with more quality, others with certainly less. In terms of armor (the topic I'm going to talk about here) there are different levels. Taleworlds has managed to create everything from beautiful models to the most absurd nonsense. I blame it (or want to think it was) on the fact that it was modelled by intern people who were still in formation; models such as "highland cloth", "fur armor" or my archenemy "highland warlord armor" which the whole set appears to me in my worst nightmares.
On a more serious note, I am concerned about the baking of the last armor assets. It's well known that Taleworlds has been committed to reviewing and renewing the panoply of the different factions. We started with a revision of the MP section and after the release we are receiving new models; first with Sturgia (betting on Slavic nature) and now with Battania (ancient Celt).
Various 3d models of helmets have been introduced for Sturgia and various models of shields for Sturgia and Battania. All of them interesting and with finishes at the level of a game like Bannerlord.
However, something is changing with the armour. Recently, two armour for Battania have been published, which are far from what a professional studio like Taleworlds should be required to produce. I will say it openly, the new models for battania on a conceptual level are magnificent; 3d modelling is very unwise.
Maybe some of you think, meh he' s exaggerating... this is something very secondary.Well could be, but I found weird the difference in quality among the first models.
The last two Battanian armours were the last drop that made me raise the alarm. This is my third comment giving feedback about it. I do it in this way, so stridently as a warning call. If these last two armours are going to be the standard for future deliveries, I already predict that the result will not be up to scratch. This standard is not acceptable either for SP or for the eventual incorporation into the system of predefined classes and their skins.
I have not yet had a chance to test the changes in the MP; however people within my circle of trust are satisfied. It remains to be polished but it is a big step forward.
What little I have tried on the SP.
I like the change made to match the proportions of the avatars on the campaign map. I like the incorporation of the roads (they could be a little more visible or could be paved).
I like the relocation of a number of settlements; now interesting bottlenecks may have formed. Pending relocation of Sargoth definitely right?
I've been playing around a bit with the formations and I can sense a certain improvement (I have to try more).
In general, very good work, Taleworlds. This is a good patch.
---
The bad:
This new model of armor is terribly bad.:
A totally flat modeling, without research process and without applied passion; it seems done in an afternoon.
Here I leave you feedback in the form of an illustrative image:
(-MArdA TaleWorlds- I'm tagging you so you can please get this to the right person; I know you will)
In the last patch, the "invisible" model of Battanian armor has been included along with a model of shoulder pads. Like the first model in this second one, the inconsistencies return.
The concept behind the model is good, the 3d execution is too amateur for a game like Bannerlord.
Here is a sample that complements the feedback:
These 2 models are far from acceptable quality. And I don't know if it's because of lack of knowledge or laziness/pride of a job well done.I wonder how something like this has gotten around the sieve that an art director should constantly supervise. Please consider reviewing such a mess.
-MArdA TaleWorlds- please again, send this to the right person
I don't understand how this has got around the sieve of an art director
Please consider this suggestion
IMHO I would settle for nice textures, very detailed 3D models are nice, but you will see the texture first.
