Forums » General Pantheon Discussion

Capes/Cloaks

    • 394 posts
    August 26, 2021 5:49 PM PDT

    How do we feel about showig the back slot items such as capes and cloaks on the player models?

    It always sounds like a good idea on paper and is iconic for some classes like Rouges and Rangers but usually ends up looking kinda off in most mmos.

    I'd say go for it if possible with the standard hide toggle like helmets but I would also be fine with this being added down the road with an update or expansion too.

    • 223 posts
    August 26, 2021 6:29 PM PDT

    I seem to recall you could toggle cloaks for DAOC. The only issue I had with cloaks is that they tend to visually hide all the cool armour and items a character has (kinda the point though I guess).

    • 3852 posts
    August 27, 2021 7:01 AM PDT

    Another issue with cloaks is that hooded cloaks often hide the head even if hide head gear is selected. Many people hide cloaks just because they want to see the hair they have spent so much effort on character select perfecting.

    • 2419 posts
    August 27, 2021 7:19 AM PDT

    Gintoki88 said:

    How do we feel about showig the back slot items such as capes and cloaks on the player models?

    It always sounds like a good idea on paper and is iconic for some classes like Rouges and Rangers but usually ends up looking kinda off in most mmos.

    I'd say go for it if possible with the standard hide toggle like helmets but I would also be fine with this being added down the road with an update or expansion too.

    Could not care less about cloaks, visible or not.  Maybe after release if VR has more people on staff who can work on stuff like this they could implement it but we're nearing 8 years of development here.  VR has much more important stuff to finish first.

    • 334 posts
    August 27, 2021 7:58 AM PDT

    Cloaks are difficult to pull off correctly because they're incredibly resource intensive. You'll see that even in single-player games, cloak physics aren't always the best or clipping issues persist. That's multiplied by varying amounts in an MMO where you'll run into other players with cloaks on.

    If cloaks are implemented, it'd be nice if there was a toggle hood option for cloaks that had hoods, and also an ability to toggle cloaks all-together for those who have poorer performing PCs.

    Overall, cloaks are pretty low on my prioirty list. Way more areas of the game need attention before cloaks are worked on.

    • 254 posts
    August 27, 2021 7:59 AM PDT

    I think we have enough itemization without cloaks. Maybe just make them a visual only item without stats, then if you want to wear one, great. Or if we want them to serve their real world purpose, make them give a boost to the frigid climate. Then just take them off when it isn't cold if you want to.

    • 808 posts
    August 27, 2021 9:26 AM PDT

    If you all get cloaks, then I want tassles to hang from my aromor, and spurs for my boots. :P


    This post was edited by Fulton at August 27, 2021 9:26 AM PDT
    • 394 posts
    August 27, 2021 11:22 AM PDT

    To be honest I just wanted to make a thread for once, and think a DL would look better with a cape as well.

    But yea I havent seen another mmo do them well yet either.


    This post was edited by Gintoki88 at August 27, 2021 11:23 AM PDT
    • 256 posts
    August 27, 2021 1:41 PM PDT

    I think that having more player customization options is always a good thing. I am all for cloaks being displayed on the character models if that is something the player wants. Personally, I would appreciate toggle options to hide certain armor slots, with the back being one of those slots.  

    When it comes to cloaks specifically, I find them to be hit and miss. From my personal experience, they usually work extremely well with robes but can be awkward when paired with other armor types. 

    If I were forced to make a call to allot resources to developing visuals for cloaks or making sure other armor in the game was visually stunning, I would probably put cloaks on the backburner. 


    This post was edited by FatedEmperor at August 27, 2021 1:41 PM PDT
    • 438 posts
    August 27, 2021 1:56 PM PDT
    @Fulton you don’t post often but you always manage to make me chuckle. I’d like some tassels too. Ha
    • 223 posts
    August 27, 2021 7:19 PM PDT

    Vandraad makes a good point. I'm fine with cloaks and shawls but I dont think it needs to be a day one feature.

    • 2138 posts
    August 28, 2021 5:23 PM PDT

    I'm worried capes may look like turtle shells, in that they would be fixed in place. Or like a stylized door hanging on the back of the shoulders to be clear of the arms so as to not interfere with fighting animations

    • 226 posts
    August 29, 2021 3:39 AM PDT

    I don't know how hard they are, but I do know that well done cloaks are an amazing feature in a game.  Even moderately well done ones are nice to have.  Without cloaks, there has to be a lot more care taken on the shoulder armor, the backs of chestpieces, and character animations.  Cloaks honestly allow those things to be less important, because it covers a lot of otherwise glaring appearance/clipping issues.

    I'll also note that hanging/billowing/blowing pieces of gear are always highly popular with fans and players.  Even in games without cloaks, like FFXIV, most players pick gear that has tassles, scarves, or "cloaks/capes" built into the chest armor pieces, because these just look and feel better to players.

    A game in 2021+ without cloaks is definitely behind the curve.  At this point, there's zero reason not to have them or SOMETHING resembling them.  It's not 2000 anymore - and even back then, games had cloaks.  A game skimping on cloaks is like "If you can't do THIS, what other corners are you cutting?"  The irony is that cloaks actually LET YOU cut corners on other pieces and things.  But either way, yeah, cloaks should be a thing day one.

    • 1281 posts
    August 29, 2021 5:31 PM PDT

    I feel the same way about hiding capes/cloaks as I do hiding helmets. No.

    Rather than just putting in a check box, create capes/helmets that have a minimal graphic look to them. That would create a market and reason to adventure for players to seek out those items rather than just adding a check box in the GUI.

    There are many "problems" like this that could be made into gameplay elements to resolve rather than just giving it away. And in a roleplaying game, why on Earth would you not choose this method over any other?


    This post was edited by bigdogchris at August 29, 2021 5:32 PM PDT
    • 903 posts
    August 30, 2021 1:05 AM PDT

    I like the option to hide helmets / hoods but an even better solution would be a line of magic items which were minimally visibile and which offered comprable stats.  

    • 9115 posts
    August 30, 2021 4:16 AM PDT

    This topic has been promoted for my CM content, please continue the discussion and have fun! :)

    "Hot Topic - Capes/Cloaks, How do you feel about showing capes and cloaks on player models? https://seforums.pantheonmmo.com/content/forums/topic/13198/capes-cloaks #MMORPG #CommunityMatters"

    • 1291 posts
    August 30, 2021 9:35 AM PDT

    I don't like the idea of clicking on and off certain graphics.  I personally think if you don't want people to see it, take it off.  

    At the same time, I hope there is a reason why not ALL characters wear a cloak...maybe the cloak slot is also used for something else so that not everyone wears a cloak.  

    • 135 posts
    August 30, 2021 9:39 AM PDT

    Ranarius said:

    I don't like the idea of clicking on and off certain graphics.  I personally think if you don't want people to see it, take it off.  

    At the same time, I hope there is a reason why not ALL characters wear a cloak...maybe the cloak slot is also used for something else so that not everyone wears a cloak.  

    EQ1 had shields that could go in the back slot. Always felt like that was an appropriate secondary option for shields. Especially if you needed more AC vs the stats a cloak would offer. Otherwise shields were something that Warriors used on raids and... yeah pretty much just that.

    • 2752 posts
    August 30, 2021 9:40 AM PDT

    Dislike cloaks/capes and always toggle them off when possible. 

    • 394 posts
    August 30, 2021 10:36 AM PDT

    Woot Kilsin called out my thread, my job here as a champion is done.

    I would love to see some more creative bck items as well, shawls, scarfs and other items we havent really seen would be cool.

    Back in the day I installed a capes mod into Morrowind and was quick to turn it off after seeing that someone left the capes in the freezer overnight with how they were just a flat texture swinging around behind you.

    • 1921 posts
    August 31, 2021 12:54 PM PDT

    IMO:

    I don't need to see them, and I toggle them off, along with all other possible visual gear, for the sake of performance and reducing visual clutter.
    As Vandraad said, not a launch day priority. 
    They don't even have all the classes, skills and abilities done (third+ time around) after 7+ years. 
    Spin that however you like, but don't scope-creep capes into the queue if it means another month of development time.

    • 817 posts
    August 31, 2021 2:58 PM PDT

    I am a big proponent of every item used being displayed.  A part of that comes from EQ where 90% of your items had no impact to your character if you were say wearing robes.  I would love to even see things like rings and necklaces if the armor they wear allows them to be displayed, but especially cloaks. 

    If the goal is to be fashionable and maintain equal stats between players then limit the accessories a player can equip.  Too many magic items conflict with eachother.  Wear a necklace and two rings OR a cloak, a ring, and a necklace OR a shawl and two rings OR etc... You could even put the helmet in the listing for people who want to hide their helmet, but would gladly wear a cape. 

     

    I am sadly in the minority opinion that players should look how they equip themselves. If there is a fashion tab then just hide all armor options until after launch.  No cloaks or helmets unless the art team has completed everything else lol.  As soon as gear becomes optionally invisible stat bonuses just focus on the rest of the models first.

    • 33 posts
    September 1, 2021 12:55 AM PDT

    Perhaps there could be a "fashion" slot that isn't specific to any particular part of the body, but is just suitable for a purely cosmetic item with no stats?  For example, you could put a cloak in it, and maybe even have a hood on/off option.  On the other hand, maybe someone wears a cloth around their neck, like a bandanna or an ascot, or different styles of hats that replace the visual of your helmet.  Full body robes, masks, etc.

    • 247 posts
    September 4, 2021 11:40 PM PDT
    I don't mind cloaks I hope that guilds can have custom ones with an icon on it that reps there Guilds but other wise I don't care if the show or not hoping they can be toggle