Smite’s Derpy Portraits: A Placeholder Panic Worth an Alpha Laugh

As a long-time Smite player, I have witnessed the game evolve over the years, and the recent reveal of the new derpy portraits has stirred mixed emotions within me. The nostalgia for the old character designs is strong, as they hold a deep connection to my gaming history with Smite. I remember how those unique visuals added to the overall experience, capturing the essence of each god in a way that resonated with players.

Fans of Smite are excitedly discussing the latest odd-looking portraits in the game, as showcased in a recent post on the Smite subreddit by user Ardnn. The thread, titled “Are these derpy portraits just placeholders or a new direction for Smite 2?” delves into the visual changes of Smite 2, which is currently in its alpha phase. Members of the community have weighed in on these peculiar character portraits, suggesting that the distinctive designs from the initial Smite game could be receiving a humorous makeover. As development continues, what role will maintaining artistic consistency play against the highly anticipated gameplay enhancements? This discussion touches on elements of nostalgia, constructive criticism, and amusing commentary regarding Smite’s current visual evolution.

Are these derpy portraits just placeholders or…?
byu/Ardnn inSmite

Summary

The user base expresses a range of emotions towards the new portraits, primarily surrounding artistic choices and familiarity.
The general consensus is that aesthetics may not be a priority in alpha stages, yet nostalgia for previous designs runs deep.
Many players suggest leaving critiques until closer to the final launch when development should be more stable.
There’s humor and light-heartedness in discussing the portraits, as some users can’t help but make jokes about their odd appearances.

Players React: Nostalgia and Expectations

Kaios-0, user of the game Smite, expressed that nostalgia significantly influences player responses. He noted how the initial version of Smite transitioned from render art to card art, suggesting a possible repetition with Smite 2. Kaios-0 mentioned, “The artists’ compensation for creating full card art isn’t being considered at present.” Many players can relate to this statement due to the realities of game development. With an alpha build, testing mechanics usually comes first before enhancing visual appeal. Players’ longing for the old design signifies a strong connection they have built with Smite throughout the years. However, this discussion brings up an intriguing dilemma between desiring new appearances and cherishing the familiar.

Aesthetic Quirks: The Great Derpy Debate

In the comments area, there’s a mix of worries and amusing remarks. Froggy2699 succinctly expresses a widespread sentiment: “Why not recycle the old card illustrations? They fit Smite’s distinctive flair so well.” Many players share this perspective, questioning the need for change when things are already effective. There’s an underlying annoyance that elements from the original game might be lost in the pursuit of advancement. Some users ponder if the new portraits with exaggerated or comedic expressions intend to add humor but might instead conflict with the game’s more serious aspects. Overall, it appears players are seeking a harmony between preserving the past and encouraging innovation.

Alpha Transparency: Placeholder Perspective

From my gaming experience, I’ve come across an optimistic viewpoint shared by certain users, such as NotCurdledymyy. They propose that since the game is still in alpha, we should consider everything as placeholders. In simpler terms, I personally believe in taking a wait-and-see approach and assuming that everything is subject to change before the final release. This perspective encourages me to hold back on harsh criticism during this stage. Instead, I try to focus on mechanics and gameplay, leaving art-based complaints for another time. OGRichard echoes this sentiment, stating that “the polish on the game isn’t the priority in alpha.” This means that developers might be more concerned with fixing glitches than perfecting portraits or card art at this stage. While some gamers remain excited about the quirks of portraits, others, including myself, prefer to concentrate on gameplay elements to foster a more productive and positive community environment.

Laughter Meets Critique: Humor Among Concerns

The hybridization of humor and concern in response to these new portraits keeps the tone light-hearted. MNPhantom- brings the joke level up, stating, “This is literally one of those ‘before and after a lobotomy’ pictures.” Such funny comparisons suggest that while the players acknowledge the oddities in the new designs, they’re still engaged in the discourse about the new game’s direction. Importantly, humor serves as a crucial coping mechanism within the community. The ability to laugh about the changes allows the players to express their affection for the game while acknowledging that not every transformation will tickle their fancy. Besides comedy, the input addresses flair, function, and tradition, enriching the overall discussion about what players want from Smite 2.

Players are exploring unfamiliar terrain as Smite introduces new alpha content, grappling with their nostalgia while adapting to innovation. They ponder how the unique artistic style will bring the rich Smite world to life while ensuring smooth gameplay. With developers continuously refining mechanics and art, conversations about the new portraits are just getting started. Whether these quirky designs will be polished or kept playful is still uncertain, but what’s clear is that Smite is in capable hands with dedicated fans committed to preserving its heritage and shaping its future.

2024-07-25 04:58