The Great Apollo Debate: Should We Bring Back His Goatee in Smite?

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Discussions about Smite, the well-liked free-to-play multiplayer online battle arena, are abundant, yet none have ignited as much passion as the ongoing argument over Apollo’s facial hair, or more specifically, its absence. A recent post incited a flurry of comments when a player named brozoburt expressed disappointment over the lack of Apollo’s goatee. The heartfelt plea was straightforward: “If Apollo doesn’t get his goatee back, I might just cry myself to sleep tonight.” Interestingly, this facial hair debate has polarized the gaming community, with fans either ardently supporting the reintroduction of the cherished soul patch or applauding its removal. Let’s delve into the intricate opinions shared by players to gain a better understanding of this furry dispute.

Summary

  • Players are highly divided over Apollo’s goatee, with many expressing nostalgia for his classic look.
  • Some players dislike the modern redesign altogether, pointing out how it doesn’t align with their expectations of the character.
  • The debate has expanded into discussions about overall character design changes within Smite, not just limited to Apollo.
  • A few added humor to the mix, poking fun at the extreme emotions over a fictional god’s facial hair.

Old vs. New: The Goatee Debate

As a long-time Smite player, I can’t help but feel a strong sense of nostalgia when it comes to Apollo. User Omuk7 perfectly encapsulated this feeling when they said, “Bring back his classic auto attack sound effects. The single most satisfying AA sound effect in all of Smite.”

This isn’t just about sounds, though. It’s also about the visual evolution of Apollo throughout the game. Some players, like me, feel a bit let down that His Highness, the god of music, no longer sports his iconic goatee.

This debate highlights the deep emotional attachments gamers form towards character redesigns over time. For many, Apollo’s stylish goatee wasn’t just facial hair; it was a symbol of his past persona that we’ve grown fond of, much like a child and their favorite stuffed toy.

The Modern Apollo—A Missed Opportunity?

While some might not reminisce fondly about the distinctive goatee style of the old Apollo design, many players have voiced criticism towards the new look. For instance, Jomgui humorously remarked that the new Apollo resembles the first movie Human Torch. This seems to imply that the redesign might have strayed too far from what’s expected in Smite, veering into the realm of the peculiar or overly flamboyant. Players typically want their characters to be visually appealing and true to their mythological and personality traits. Some agree that a makeover was necessary, while others believe the new design falls short. The harsher criticisms were direct, with one user simply stating “Ew,” demonstrating how design preferences can vary significantly, even among dedicated Smite players.

A Hairy Situation: What’s Next for Apollo?

During all the humorous ideas and intense discussions, it’s become apparent that creating character designs goes beyond just managing facial hair. There seems to be a larger context at work here, as evidenced by player Stock-Information606’s frustration: “I’m genuinely disappointed he’s not hybrid. As our first musical deity, he doesn’t even gain from the musical items.” This reveals an intriguing connection between character persona and gameplay that many players might initially overlook. Essentially, revamping characters in Smite impacts not only their appearances but also their roles within the game mechanics. Consequently, gamers are requesting developers to maintain a balance during redesigns – preserving both the characters’ identities and their relevance in gameplay.

Facial Hair and Gameplay: The Emotional Connection

In essence, we’re discussing a character who symbolizes youth and vitality in certain perspectives – Apollo from Smite. Player HaveAnOyster brought up an intriguing point: “I believe Apollo is depicted as a beardless youth, which I appreciate because it aligns with his original portrayal.” This debate highlights the paradox often seen in character design: striking the balance between staying true to the mythological origins of characters and embracing modern artistic interpretations in games like Smite. Some players advocate for adhering to the characters’ traditional roots, while others yearn for a return to the facial aesthetics of past versions. This disagreement underscores how deeply invested players become in character designs; a lack of beard could mean feeling powerful or bestowing dad joke humor onto your character instead.

Exploring Apollo’s beard-style in Smite reveals more than just a simple disagreement on aesthetics. As players delve into the details of character design, they unearth layers that tap into nostalgia, personal preferences, and the quest for gameplay consistency. Whether someone is for or against the goatee, it’s evident that these tiny strands of digital hair have struck a chord with the very heart of what playing Smite is about—it’s about camaraderie, shared memories, and an emotional bond over a shared aesthetic choice that sparks intense debates, humor, and maybe even tears (or laughter) over a mythical warrior’s facial hair.

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2025-05-22 09:29