Why Smite Fans Are Nostalgic for the Old Art Style: Insights from Reddit

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In the gaming world, Smite – a popular multiplayer online battle arena game, free to play, has been an integral aspect of countless gamers’ lives ever since it first appeared. Lately, enthusiasts who feel a sense of nostalgia have been openly discussing their views on the fresh art style of Smite 2 across numerous platforms, often focusing on its significant departure from the original design. Despite the hype surrounding this Unreal Engine 5 creation slated for 2025, many players are voicing their discontent with its visual decisions and believe that the unique appeal of the previous art direction has been lost in the process. As the gaming community adapts to these changes, numerous thoughtful comments reveal a deeper sentiment about missing the original art style.

Summary

  • Many fans feel that the old art style offered a unique atmosphere that is now lacking in Smite 2.
  • Critics of the new aesthetic point out issues with lighting and overall blandness of the visuals.
  • Some players believe that Hi-Rez’s resource allocation is affecting the quality of the game, doubting its ability to impress visually.
  • A type of “gaslighting” is noted in the fan community regarding perceptions of Smite 2’s graphics compared to its predecessors.

The Battle for Nostalgia

The longing for the initial Smite’s artwork is evident in the comments, suggesting that many players hold dear memories of the first game’s ambiance, which they believe has diminished in Smite 2. User No_Comb_8670 expresses this shared sentiment by saying, “The maps had a lot more depth back then. Now it seems rather empty and commonplace.” This sentiment indicates a broader concern that as the game strives for visual upgrades, it might also lose the appeal that initially captivated players. Instead of simply lamenting the theme, fans are advocating for an artistic approach that enhances their gaming experiences.

The Aesthetics Debate: An Unraveling of Details

The debate over the lighting in Smite 2 has become a major focus in assessing its revamped art style. Danelajs expresses their reservations regarding the lighting inconsistencies, stating they admire the minimalistic feel but believe it could benefit from additional intricate textures. They suggest that minimalism should be complemented with something more detailed to achieve a harmonious balance. This observation notes that while improved lighting is noticeable, it overpowers—or overshadows—the textures, resulting in a shallow appearance that falls short of expectations. It presents an intriguing question: Is a minimalist style successful when not accompanied by rich details? Many seem perplexed by this new design choice, as they believe contrast and complexity enhance the gaming experience.

Character and Context: A Loss of Uniqueness

Mektige effectively conveys that the initial art style was remarkably distinctive and captivating. This resonates with players who felt that the game stood out distinctively in a crowded market, with its artistic flair being a significant part of its allure. However, it appears that Smite 2 is veering towards a “run-of-the-mill UE5 aesthetic,” which seems to fall short of the character and uniqueness previously presented. Statements like OrymOrtus’s, where they express disappointment that the new look resembles a “Funko Pop universe or an expanded mobile game app,” underscore this perspective. It’s clear that fans yearn for a game that not only delivers on gameplay but also showcases its characters and lore through art, a desire that seems unfulfilled, leading to discontent among those who remember the original’s visual charm.

The Future of Smite: Will It Only Get Better From Here?

Enthusiasts of Smite 2 show a mix of optimism and doubt about where Hi-Rez Studios might take the sequel, with influencers like TheImpGamer acknowledging the challenges faced by the smaller art team. They express a wish for things to improve so they can see more development, hinting at their growing impatience given the artistic richness of the original game. On the other hand, players such as Loose-Neighborhood48 are eager about Smite 2’s development but also mindful of its potential impact on other Hi-Rez titles. The outcome for Smite 2 is crucial: its success will depend not only on its gameplay mechanics but also on the visual quality and emotional connection it forms with players, setting a high bar indeed.

Discussions about the changing artistic approach in Smite have sparked a flurry of emotions among its fanbase. Players are not shy about expressing their opinions, engaging in lively debates on whether the new graphics live up to the standards they anticipated from a game powered by Unreal Engine 5. The comments reflect a blend of optimism for enhancements and dissatisfaction with the current visuals, coupled with reminiscence of Smite’s early versions. Despite uncertainty about where Hi-Rez is steering this ship, one point is undeniable: the community cherishes their favorite gods, settings, and the visuals that made their gaming experiences unforgettable. The pursuit of the original charm could very well decide the path for this beloved series in the future.

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2025-04-21 11:16