The Bastet Debate in Smite: Fans Clash Over the Perfect Design for Smite 2

As a seasoned gamer with over two decades under my belt, I can say that the passion and dedication of the Smite community never cease to amaze me. The ongoing debate about Bastet’s design is a testament to this fact, as fans from all corners of the globe gather to share their thoughts on the iconic character’s aesthetic direction.


Discussing the beloved multiplayer game Smite, there’s been ongoing debate among players about various characters. Lately, the Smite subreddit has been abuzz with discussions on the potential redesign of Bastet as she prepares for Smite 2. A post titled “Which look do you prefer for Bastet in Smite2: Her default appearance from Smite1 or a complete makeover leaning more towards her animalistic or human side as a goddess? (This could be helpful feedback for the art and god design team)” has ignited a vibrant conversation within the community. Despite lacking additional context, this post has sparked numerous opinions on how to develop Bastet’s character in future versions. The general consensus seems to lean towards dissatisfaction with her current portrayal, expressing a desire for a design that better reflects her animalistic origins.

When Bastet drops in Smite2 would you like to see her like she was in Smite1 (default skin) or would you like to see a complete remodel leaning more towards the animal side or the human side of the goddess? (Probably good feedback for the art/god design team)
byu/GoldenEye03 inSmite

Summary

  • Fans express a strong preference for Bastet’s design to lean more toward her feline features rather than a human-centric look.
  • The discussion has revealed a divide among players about balancing traditional aesthetics with modern game art styles.
  • Several community members reference other Egyptian gods to highlight perceived inconsistencies in character representation.
  • Critics of the current design emphasize a desire for more distinct animal traits in Bastet such as a cat head or a more animalistic appearance.

Fan Opinions on Bastet’s Aesthetic Direction

Among enthusiasts discussing what sets Bastet apart, there’s a common longing to restore her original character as a goddess symbolizing feline traits, as she was portrayed in Smite 1. MagnusCaseus, for instance, ardently proposes a contemporary redesign of Bastet’s initial appearance from Smite 1, suggesting that making this the default look with an optional skin of her current Smite 1 appearance would be ideal. This idea mirrors the sentiments of many players who believe that the character’s visual design is integral to her identity within the game. MagicFighter shares a similar viewpoint, expressing that she should embody “the way she was before her remodel, more like a real cat woman than an anime cat girl.” It appears that there’s a strong desire for nostalgia among these players; they seem to want a taste of the past while still appreciating modern design elements in game development.

The Clash Between Human and Animalistic Features

The conversation surrounding Bastet’s design isn’t just black and white. Some players argue for striking a balance between her human features and her animalistic roots. Leaky_Banana simply states, “More cat like!” emphasizing a lean toward the more literal aspects of her character as a cat goddess. Others, like Revenge_Is_Here, express a strong discontent with her current half-human, half-cat design, insisting, “I personally want them to drop the creepy human-cat hybrid face for like an actual cat head.” This push and pull perfectly illustrate the challenges faced by developers in catering to a diverse player base that each have their own vision of what Bastet represents.

Comparisons to Other Egyptian Deities

Players are frustrated with the way Bastet currently looks, finding similarities in her design to male characters within the game, which they argue is unfairly biased towards males. Jaroselovespell comments, “It’s really aggravating that men can be depicted as animals and beasts while women cannot,” highlighting this issue. Many players share this sentiment, feeling that the game leans too much towards a stylized representation that doesn’t accurately represent the mythology it’s based on. EffAlung adds, “The Egyptian gods should mainly have animalistic forms,” expressing hope for future designs of Bastet to adhere to this standard. The difference in treatment between male and female characters regarding animalistic features underscores the importance of the game’s art and design team reconsidering a more balanced approach for both types of characters.

Community Creativity and Suggestions for Bastet’s Future

In this subreddit, not only is there constructive criticism, but users are also actively proposing ways for the character Bastet could develop further. For instance, user Icedcold_throwaway firmly believes that Bastet should become more animalistic and associate with gods such as Anhur or Ra. The user chang-e_bunny humorously contributes an image that satirically comments on the discussion, saying “Y’know, because of the implication.” This post sparks laughter while also revealing the community’s thoughts on Bastet’s potential changes. User MusicalSmasher simply and clearly expresses their wishes by stating, “Just give her a cat head and I’ll be happy,” which reflects the general sentiment that returning to traditional imagery could enhance Bastet’s character. Overall, fans are excited to contribute their creative ideas for the game’s future development.

Watching the spirited debates about Bastet’s design, I can’t help but marvel at the deep-rooted enthusiasm that Smite players have for their in-game characters. For Bastet, the debate revolves around ensuring her design reflects her feline deity roots, sparking discussions on representation, nostalgia, and the evolving nature of gaming. As the world of character design is vibrant and filled with diverse opinions, Bastet serves as a symbol at the heart of these contrasting ideals, making the anticipation for her appearance in Smite 2 both exciting and potentially divisive. This continuous conversation has the power to influence not only Bastet’s future but also that of other cherished characters within the game, underscoring the dedication and investment of the passionate Smite community.

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2024-10-10 22:28