Why Some Smite Fans Think the Art Style of Smite 2 is a Major Step Back

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Discussions have been raging online over the appearance of Smite 2, the upcoming sequel to the widely-played multiplayer online battle arena game, Smite. Since the game is still in beta, players are expressing their thoughts on changes being made, especially the new art style that appears to deviate from what many have grown fond of. A post by user “dks3hypeoverload” ignited debates about whether this new visual approach represents a significant decline or merely an adaptation to contemporary gaming trends. The general mood among fans shows a mix of nostalgia and dissatisfaction, suggesting a complicated bond between players and the changing character of their cherished game.

Summary

  • Players feel that the new art style lacks the unique charm and atmosphere of the original Smite, often referring to it as bland or generic.
  • Nostalgia plays a significant role in how fans perceive these changes, often longing for the distinctiveness of the first game’s art.
  • Many users attribute the changes to possible resource constraints on the development team, suggesting a smaller team is responsible for the visual shift.
  • Comments indicate mixed expectations, where some players find hope in potential later updates, while others express concern about the game’s future.

Nostalgia Plays a Big Role

In its early days, Smite’s artistic style had a special, indescribable charm that struck a chord with players. Users like “No_Comb_8670” often reminisce about their past experiences, commenting, “The maps used to have so much more depth…now they seem rather empty and uninspired.” It’s not unusual for gamers to link visuals with emotional responses, and it’s clear that the original game’s atmosphere played a significant part in connecting with its fanbase. For many fans, the vibrant settings and distinctive character designs remain vivid memories in their gaming past, lending an extra layer of emotion to their criticism of the newer visual style. The hint of nostalgia suggests that most will always have a tender spot for what first drew them in.

The Shift to Unreal Engine 5

As a passionate gamer, I’ve been eagerly anticipating Smite 2’s upgrade to Unreal Engine 5, expecting breathtaking visuals. However, it seems like many of us are feeling let down. “TheImpGamer” highlights the issue, saying, “Smite 2 is a UE5 game in 2025, but the art team seems smaller than the one for Smite 1.” This could be a factor that some fans might be overlooking. The complaints about lighting and texturing are abundant, with many finding the new visuals underwhelming. “Danelajs” puts it succinctly, “the lighting is superior to the textures…the map looks dull and boxy.” It’s a bit of a paradox – we expect revolutionary changes with new technology, but instead, we find ourselves disappointed. This situation underscores the challenges development teams face when adapting to new engines.

The Battle of Expectations and Realities

A significant issue causing disagreement among players is the discrepancy between their initial expectations and the actual appearance of the new art style in the game. Previous iterations of Smite, characterized by diversity and detail, have been praised. However, some players like “Xuminer” claim to feel deceived, stating that the subreddit has been attempting to convince itself for over a year that SMITE 2 looks significantly better than SMITE 1. The presentation during development appears to have left many feeling unimpressed. As one user points out, this isn’t a minor issue; it could be a sign of deeper resource problems at Hi-Rez Studios. Worries are expressed that after layoffs and reduced funding, this might mark the start of a prolonged period of compromise and cost-cutting that could fundamentally change the series in the future.

A Glimmer of Hope? Maybe

Despite the strong currents of discontent sweeping over Smite 2, some players remain unwilling to surrender their hopes. Suggestions about possible updates and adjustments infuse these discussions with a touch of optimism. For example, user “themystry2” expresses confidence that “enhancements to the lighting could take it quite far.” This suggests that even though there’s plenty of exasperation now, there’s also a tenacious faith that the developers might yet deliver an impressive victory in upcoming updates. A spirit of positivity pervades user comments, indicating a split opinion where criticism coexists with a readiness for progress and improvement.

The conversation about Smite 2’s innovative art style echoes the usual dynamics within gaming communities – exploring nostalgia, realism, and optimism all at once. The mix of players who are either deeply saddened or cautiously excited suggests the familiar pattern of any dedicated fanbase dealing with change. It’s clear that every detail – from each pixel to each model and lighting effect – will be scrutinized as developers work on refining Smite 2. This is a classic scenario of gamers eager for the evolution of their beloved title, even as they discuss whether this new phase represents the downfall or the rebirth of a classic. The community’s input might transform this dialogue from chaos into a harmonious collaboration of creative thoughts, shaping the final product in the process.

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2025-04-20 17:46