Graphics keep getting better and bette.

Other then some font problems and other little things that need tweaking, what do you guys think we should focus the art team on? There is a good chance if you see something that looks really bad it's just a place holder.

Thanks Kistler, means a lot coming from you

Some suggestions,

invasion graphics - a short FMV sequence for invasions
- a single screen image when no FMV

damaged ship graphics - show damage to ships

spreedsheet screens - for planet lists and ship lists

colonisation graphics - short FMV and single screen

anomaly scenes - short FMV scenes

Paul.

Yep the invasion screen will be underoing a lot of work and we do plan to put something in that big black box asap.

Damaged ship graphics are in the works. Basically smoke and charred areas on them as they take damage.

That are lots of things in the works..

Graphics do matter. Don't listen to those who say they don't. Graphics can make learning a game much more inviting and strategy games require a lot of learning.

On thing I have noticed is that the blue space clouds don't move as the section is scrolled around. The planets and the stars move. Maybe it is supposed to be that way, just seems a little strange to me.

"On thing I have noticed is that the blue space clouds don't move as the section is scrolled around. The planets and the stars move. Maybe it is supposed to be that way, just seems a little strange to me. "
-John Sherrill

Good question, the reason we did this was to show how vast space really is, the idea is kind of like when you look up at the starts at night when your driving in a car, the clouds move but the stars stay put. We could have made it where the blue nebula would move when you pan around but it's been done in every other strategy game to date and we feel this way just looks cooler

Alex, many of the space analomies are fairly hard to see. I have to admit that I like this as it seems realistic (better than the early big pink thing :)). The option of displaying the analomies on the map could be nice.

Paul.

Alex,
some variation to the star images would be nice. They look fine now, but a small bit of variation, even if just in the size of the star would be good.
Somehting else which is still missing / not there is the progress bars below the planets in the planet list. An early build had these and they were useful. Perhaps the option of showing these progress bars below stars on the main screen or map would be useful as well?
Paul.

The stars.. I would like to make tons of them, but for now I think we are good, I may make just a few more in the coming months. We have to worry about SO many other things that have to be put in. Don't worry though even after we release it and everything goes well (not a complete bomb) Gal Civ will still be get major updates to the graphics, among other things.

We are still going over the look of the planet list. I agree though I also liked the bars. Does anyone else feel the same way?

Just to keep you guys up to date, we have been redoing all the planets They look much nicer now.

"Alex, many of the space analomies are fairly hard to see. I have to admit that I like this as it seems realistic (better than the early big pink thing ). The option of displaying the analomies on the map could be nice."
-Paul

Ok now your getting picky! I don't know part of the point was to explore space, to boldly go where never mind... I know Warcraft3 doesn't let you see the creeps on the map.

Hey... you have to take that class 27(or so) from the original GCiv and just paste it in there like it was from GCiv1 from GCiv2... it was always so funny to see that planet, all the other ones were so diffrent and high detailed then poof: this cut and paste thing apeard... did anyone else remember this?

Anyone see the new class 27 planet?

...werd....tha groove is in tha heart

Just wondering what did you guys think about the animated aliens?

Don't know, can't see them without the game

put the animation up for download perhaps ?

Alex - about suggestions...not that it does anything for gameplay in general, but I think it would look good if the big planet on the planet screen would spin
Different speed and angle depending on which planet type...

I also think that is a good idea.

Or at least the clouds could move....

Yep that would work too. Another thing...what about adding objects such as asteroid belts and comets in space? Dunno what they'd do tho...a moving asteroid belt could have penalty -65% in moves and +30% in defence for ships trying to pass through, and comets could crush any ships on their way. Or something. I dont know, but since they're common things in space, why not add it in a space game

Ok, so the anomalies could be both asteroid belts and comets, but since they are only one sqare big and just sits there, they are a bit boring. They have their place in the game but I like things that moves or interact with me. A moving asteroid belt for example would make me have to take the decision, go round or through.

I have not got the chance to play the game yet, but the idea of progress bars below the stars sounds like it would be a good idea. I also like the idea of a moving asteroid belt. If you had to fight in one, it would make for an interesting battle.

I'd like to see rotating asteroids and stuff.

Just got those rotating asteroids)in, should be in the next alpha..