The Art of Smite: Why Players Prefer the Old Style Over Smite 2’s New Look

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As a devoted follower of Smite, I’ve seen the game go through its share of highs and lows throughout the years, but the introduction of Smite 2 has really ignited a passionate debate within our community about the new art style. A recent thread on the Smite subreddit has sparked quite a discussion, with many players yearning for the nostalgic appeal of the original game’s aesthetics compared to the new direction. They miss the enchanting ambiance of the initial maps, describing the new look as minimalistic and generic in comparison. As we delve deeper into our feelings (either fondness or dislike) towards the visual aspects, it’s undeniable that art styles can evoke a profound emotional response in gamers like us.

Summary

  • Players lament the loss of atmospheric detail and unique charm in Smite 2’s art style.
  • The new maps receive criticism for appearing bland or lacking in character and depth.
  • Some fans hold onto nostalgia for old designs, while others see potential in the evolving game.
  • The community remains divided, with strong sentiments on both sides regarding the future of the game’s visuals.

Nostalgia vs. Progress

Reminiscing about the past is particularly strong in gaming communities, and this is especially true for those who played Smite. Many gamers find themselves looking back fondly at their initial encounters with the game, recalling matches that were brimming with character and intricate details. A commentator named No_Comb_8670 accurately noted that “the maps from way back had a lot more ‘feeling’ or atmosphere.” This suggests that players were drawn to these older maps for their complex designs, which were teeming with unique features that made them seem immersive and alive. As reviews of Smite 2 come in, it seems the magic of those earlier settings is often missing. The longing for the past isn’t just about the visuals; it encompasses a time when players felt deeply connected to the game, and this connection was woven into their gaming experience.

Visual Quality Debate

Players had high hopes for the visual upgrade in Smite 2, given it’s built on Unreal Engine 5, known for its superior graphics. However, some have found the aesthetics to be generic and lacking in distinctiveness. Danelajs noted that while the lighting is of higher quality, it doesn’t harmonize well with the textures, resulting in a rather bland look. Players yearn for environments that combine modern visual clarity with intricate details. The contrast between Smite 2 and its predecessor is striking, leaving some players feeling detached from the divine realm, instead experiencing something more like a pixelated jungle of blocks of color rather than an imaginatively crafted world.

Art Style Comparisons

It’s clear that there’s a noticeable difference in art styles between Smite 2 and the original game, which is causing quite a stir among players. Both Mektige and OrymOrtus have expressed their discontent with the new style, finding it to be uninspired and overly simplified compared to the original. Mektige believes that the original art style was more unique and eye-catching, creating an atmosphere that stood out from other multiplayer games. OrymOrtus goes a step further, saying that Smite 2 looks like a Funko Pop universe with its cute, chubby characters instead of the majestic god-like figures found in the original game. This change has left players wanting something more memorable and impactful, sparking an ongoing discussion about whether the graphic updates strayed too far from the franchise’s roots.

The Future of Smite

As we move forward, there’s a mix of excitement and apprehension among the community regarding Smite 2’s future. In a recent post by dks3hypeoverload, discussions have been sparked about the design decisions made by developers, while also emphasizing that it is still in beta. There’s optimism about the potential for improvement, with some users like TheImpGamer encouraging patience as the team works to refine the game. However, players are expressing concerns over staffing and budget constraints, as well as the reduction in the team size mentioned by Xuminer. With Hi-Rez focusing more on Smite 2, there’s hope that this will result in more creative and innovative designs, but there’s also fear that it may mean less attention for smaller projects they once enjoyed. The art team should listen to the community’s feedback and draw inspiration from past successes while also incorporating modern innovations.

The conversation about the artistic style of Smite 2 shows a strong bond players feel towards their gaming journeys and how graphics influence their level of immersion. Striking a balance between nostalgia and anticipation for progress is an ongoing struggle for both developers and fans as they look to the future. It’s a brave new era for Smite, but whether it will be able to withstand the test of time is yet to be determined. Players are eager for enhancements, hoping to see a mix of the nostalgic appeal they cherished while welcoming the cutting-edge potential that modern tech offers.

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2025-04-21 20:16