An aesthetic idea

[Kongamato]

I had an idea that was purely aesthetic and decided to post about it. I dont think it will be liked by many here, but I could be wrong.

I thought that it would be nice for the projectiles in this game like arrows and ballista bolts to have fletching that is the same color as the faction firing them. Faction colored projectile fletching could be seen more easily in flight, and would make missile-based armies look much neater. I dont think that it would make the game look too cartoonish. It would be a bit ahistorical though, in theory colored fletching would make arrows easier for the enemy to find and pick up. They probably wont be able to pick up arrows in the game, though. The fletching might also be harder to see with the new arrow models, which might make this idea somewhat useless. However, I think this would look nice and would add a little spice to the game's looks.

I also would like to see an animating skybox with moving clouds. These clouds could make big moving shadows on the ground, which would make the atmosphere seem more outdoor and realistic. The game has lighting effects, so I think that this is possible.

[Lehesu]

Well. Lot of responses, eh? I don't care, really, it is just aesthetic. However, if they add a whole lot of useless crap, like a lot of the stuff suggested in various forums, they damn well better include this because I could actually see a purpose in it.

[jones21]

The idea about the arrows http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/rolleyes.gif but i like the ideas about the clouds that would be cool. make it be more realistic.

[Sir Robin]

It would be nice to have colored fletching. It would have to the overall look of the game and be a neat visual.

I am confused though as to how arrows will be handled.

In the first movie arrows were obvious and impressive.

In the second movie the arrows, and even the catapult shot, seemed to be on fire.

If CA sticks with burning arrows, please don't, then colored fletching would be pointless.

More visible weather conditions would also be nice in regards to partly cloudy skies.

Still the new battle engine for RTW is very impressive visually.

[Nelson]

I can hear Martha Stewart now. “Coordinated missile colors. It’s a good thing” http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/eek.gif

Just because the game has elephants doesn't mean we need Ringling Brothers Barnum & Bailey's Total War

Gaily attired soldiers we got already. No need to tart it up some more.

[Lehesu]

Now, now Nelson, we know that Total War will never reach the expectations of the diehard history buffs out there. It is just a game, and if they will endorse random parts of history such as burning pigs and formal gladiator units, it just makes colored fletching that much more believable. http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/wacko.gif

[Orange]

Hmm, it might be just me being naive, but I seem to remember reading about at least one civilization using coloured fletching. The Hyksos, which invaded Lower Egypt and the Nile delta were said to be using coloured fletching. They carried the colours of the archers regiment, and had the soldiers insigna on it to be able to see who killed (and who hit nothing at all http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/rolleyes.gif )

So, however aesthetic, it could be historically accurate http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif . Not sure though if the Romans or other factions used it.

And this is a longshot, but will arrows stay where they fall? Will they remain visible in fallen bodies? In that case this idea would add something really nice of course, especially in multi-faction battles (i.e. more than two http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif )

Must say I like the idea of the clouds as well, but personally I would probably switch it off in favour of more detail on my soldiers and the terrain.

[Duke John]

So you mean kinda like Ancient Paintballing http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/wacko.gif

"That red arrow is yours, isn't it recruit? Hitting your comrades is gonna cost you boy."

"But, Centurion..."

"No buts for you I'll feed you to the lions"

[Nowake]

http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/joker.gif This I got to see http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/joker.gif

[The Gauch0]

How about the archers wearing colored leotards representing their faction? And those dear little pointed shoes?



Just pulling your chain. http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/tongue.gif