All Things Art: NPC Conversions


Abraxxus

 

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Quote:
Originally Posted by Vanden View Post
If you were to do this, DEFINITELY go for the Freakshow first. They're probably the most signature and beloved group CoH has.
So true there just so 80's looking and evil. How could u hate them?


 

Posted

For what it's worth, Vote 2 for the Roman sandals and strappy gloves and chest option.
I also vote for sashes, the Freakshow Mohawk - LOVE that hair - and the sybil robes as separates one can mix and match.

But I would definitely like to see new stuff - I have recently come to appreciate Steampunk and we need some good steampunk-inspired outfits. I also would like to suggest that the art team consider new pieces, like open emperor's robes, loinclothes, fur trimmed "barbarian" boots and capes, things we don't have already in one variation or another. The last really new, unique piece we got, in my opinion only, was the witch bolero from the magic pack. Stuff like that that we haven't seen before is the direction I'd like to see the devs take.
Also we need more mask options, especially masks like the Jester Masks that are placed on the face like glasses rather than painted on. Full masks similar to the Carnival of Shadows Masks or the Tsoo's Oni masks would be great.


 

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Quote:
Originally Posted by Noble Savage View Post
Couple of considerations to keep in mind as you make your suggestions: we'd probably choose not to make a player version of an NPC costume part if it a) doesn't fit on the existing character rigs/work well with other parts, or if it's b) very, very signature and intimately tied to the group or character's look (like Maelstrom's 'heart' for example, which really should remain unique), or c), if it creates an opportunity for confusion and/or griefing (i.e. if by using the costume part, you could look EXACTLY like an enemy and therefore confuse other players).

Skull and Carnival masks are in the gray area for me, but most other parts are fair game for discussion.
For me; only signature heroes deserve their signature pieces (Statesman's helm, Maelstrom's heart, Recluse's backpack and helm, etc.). Everything else should be fair game.

For one; the Vanguard set was supposed to be 'for everyone' and we have missed out on the second belt with thigh guards and the backpack. Having had the opportunity to actually wear them during the server transfer testing they were perfectly wearable on my PC.

For two; one of the most consistent themes is people making characters that used to belong to enemy groups, most obvious being the Crey Revenant Hero Project. It's slightly galling that we CAN'T make their outfits exactly like they should be.

For three; people have gotten very close to making NPC outfits already, thanks to their creative nature and the robust creator. I have already been 'confused' when one friend made a Longbow character and we teamed up in a mission against Longbow. I was wondering how my MM could've missed one and it was actually my friend.

On the same point we have often been fobbed off with 'clipping issues' which was rendered mute by the releasing of the Magic Booster and 'the cape which clips with every shoulder detail' so please don't use 'It doesn't fit well with other parts'.

Then we have Kheldians who can shapeshift and Soldiers of Arachnos who can look exactly like NPC counterparts. 'Confuse other players' just comes across as the latest buzzword(s) for why we can't get these pieces and yet, as said, the plan is to release new NPC parts designed with players in mind and we already have the above epic ATs as well as Vanguard, Resistence, PraetorPD, PraetorClockwork and soon the new IDF outfit.

I have seen that some NPC pieces are built together in a block so the best way to show people is to actually show them. I had a bizarre Ghost Pirate ParagonPD Vanguard which looked horrendous as a mix-and-match. But try to avoid using buzzwords like 'clipping issues' or 'doesn't fit' because they quickly turn into a rather unfunny running joke.



My personal choices would be:
Vanguard backpack and belt w/thighguards (used to be Vanguard Belt 1)
Paragon Protector outfit (it's really a tights outfit and a short cape, nothing clippy there).
Ouroboros parts.
Longbow/Hero Corps emblems and patterns.


Tyger (50), Mutation-Controller Mind/FF - oldest Mind/FF on Union
Quote:
Originally Posted by Dispari View Post
I don't know why Dink thinks she's not as sexy as Jay was. In 5 posts she's already upstaged his entire career.

 

Posted

Quote:
Originally Posted by Tyger View Post
For one; the Vanguard set was supposed to be 'for everyone' and we have missed out on the second belt with thigh guards and the backpack. Having had the opportunity to actually wear them during the server transfer testing they were perfectly wearable on my PC.
Have you mentioned this in the Lost Costume Pieces thread?


 

Posted

In specific:
Carnie stuff!
-Corsets
-Boots
-Top with the poofy sleeves
-Female shoe (moderately high-heeled mary janes w/button strap)
(with carnies, it's the harlequin patterns and textures which are really signature. A generalized version of any of the above would be wonderful)

Robes
-CoT
-Tsoo
(if full floor length robe is problematic, open-front robe - like a long coat with patterns and/or textures - would be just fine)

Dark Watcher trench coat (coat sans goofy lapel, possibly options other than leather?)

Roman sandals that go up the calf to the knee.

Sashes. (any!)

Hats/headpieces
-CoT
-Tsoo

In general:
I don't actually WANT any groups' signature pieces. I want pieces that allow flexibility in creating much more varied characters. Most responders here, and most people I know in the game, have been playing for years. Years! I, like almost everyone I know, am getting really stuck figuring out how to make a new toon look different from any one of a dozen I already have. Anything outside the bajillion spandex and armor options we now have I'd be truly grateful to have!

Thanks so much for this thread, as well as the others. So good to know someone out there is listening!


 

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Despite the claims of grey area, Carnie bits including masks are at the top of that list for me. They would play nicely with a number of existing sets and I already know of a dozen folks that play in several different Carnie related teams.

Anyways, top of my list:

  • Carnie bits (masks, tights, strongman shoulder helmets, senechal shoulder decorations)
  • Kheldian side sashes
  • Mender bits as described above (shoulders, chest details, banded items)
  • Knives of Artemis (tech and military based battle gear strapped to arms, legs, etc. A direct conversion is not necessary, but have for a LOOOOOONG time wanted for example a set of boots with stilettos strapped to them or hip pistols strapped to tights under a special category in pants)
  • Devouring Earth squid mouthy thing ANIMATED (or some approximation)
  • Gold Bricker jetpack as permanent back detail, Gold bricker weapon for either AR or weaponized alternate animations for other blast sets
  • some rough approximation of the garbage heap/slime monster stuff that both Kraken and Slag Golems represent. How one merges this with the character creator? dunno. Maybe monstrous slime heads? Chest and shoulder details that have bits of debris and rubbish sticking out like the golems do?
  • Lost--mostly their make shift armor.

EDIT to add:
  • BP Shaman details as well or some sort of tribal peoples/first nations pack. Note that other than the feathered cape, cupid and angel wings there are NO feathered details of any sort in the CC.


 

Posted

Quote:
Originally Posted by Utopia View Post
Pssst. They don't wear underwear.
Naughty.


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Posted

Quote:
Originally Posted by Tyger View Post
For three; people have gotten very close to making NPC outfits already, thanks to their creative nature and the robust creator. I have already been 'confused' when one friend made a Longbow character and we teamed up in a mission against Longbow. I was wondering how my MM could've missed one and it was actually my friend.
For three-point-five; don't get me started on the vet pet rikti monkey or redcap in certain missions. We already have points of confusion within the game. There are already special event costume codes flying around. So concern of further confusion as a means to argue against highly adaptable but pretty generic costume bits that help plug thematic holes in the CC library being converted from existing NPC groups just doesn't hold water for me.


 

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Quote:
Originally Posted by Haggard4Life View Post
Have you mentioned this in the Lost Costume Pieces thread?
Yep but since it's about NPC conversions I thought it would bear re-iteration since the character I used to 'wear' them on was an average height male build.


Tyger (50), Mutation-Controller Mind/FF - oldest Mind/FF on Union
Quote:
Originally Posted by Dispari View Post
I don't know why Dink thinks she's not as sexy as Jay was. In 5 posts she's already upstaged his entire career.

 

Posted

I think I speak for every woman in my group when I say Carnie bits - boots (the Succubus boots are a similar and perfectly acceptable alternative), sash, and bustier especially. Masks, even if they look completely different - there are a huge variety of carnival masks out there, would also be nice. Something similar to the Sybil dress would be awesome and completely understand if it disables capes.

I'd like the BP Shaman loincloth and boots, the Roman leather sandals and "gloves", a KoA/Crey/Malta-inspired headset (no helmet required), the KoA gloves and boots... or really any boot with a built-in dagger sheath.

Mirror Spirit's shoes and hair... well really anything that could be converted, she's awesome.

Foreshadow's torso.


 

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Hi David.

Hope you got a pleasant night's sleep for the week coming up.

So, as to my votes as to putting together 10-15 parts and a set.....explanations follow.

1)Kheldian Sash
2)Vanguard Backpack/Jetpack
3)Vanguard belt option #2
4)PPD Gauntlets (large)
5)Freakshow arm options
6)Tsoo Spirit (chest)
7)Tsoo Spirit (shoulders)
8)Tsoo Spirit (belt)
9)Tsoo Warrior (sword sheaths, quivers,back)
10)Cimeroran toga
11)Cimeroran sandals
12)Cimeroran chest option
13)Mender shoulder option (asymmetrical)
14)Mender belt option
15)Mender gauntlets

Special Mention: Leather-textured capes (ala Statesman).

Set: PPD Hardsuit.


First cab off the rank for me are sashes. Out of all the heroic groups, people have wanted these for their Kheldians forever. Plus, it's great for all those Phoenix/Dark Phoenix types out there....but it's such an obvious Belt option, it deserves high consideration.

The back and second belt option from the Vanguard set are numbers two and three here. It's the only example of a cosmetic back-mounted jetpack getting around, and it deservedly should include flight animation ala the craftable boots. People like this armor set a lot and Vanguard types want to look well....Vanguard.

Four and five should be the PPD gauntlets and Freakshow body/arm options. One completes the PPD side of things, the other is just part of that well-loved NPC group.

The Tsoo Spirit armor pieces are at least three choices right there. And back-mounted sword-sheaths! And quivers! And add another three for the Roman sandals, togas, and chest options. The latter has a lot going for it not only in terms of roman-themed characters but also just general fantasy use.

A semi-unique piece: leather-textured capes. Now Statesman has this, but he has a standard cape, just with a leather texture added to it. That is arguably not unique. His belt, his facemask are and even his costume design is, but not that cape (ignoring the clasp/shoulder pattern at the front).

Lastly for the last three pieces I'd argue for the asymmetrical Mender parts as mentioned in a prior post. And for a costume set....

PPD hardsuit. Ever since the Official costume set came up, people have wanted to play as part of the PPD and the latter is so hotly desired by folks it's not funny. That suit broken up as a costume set would greatly expand on what's out there already.


I hope this helps you out with deciding things.


S.


Part of Sister Flame's Clickey-Clack Posse

 

Posted

Quote:
Originally Posted by Noble Savage View Post
So yeah, what's on your mind?
Two things come to mind immediately:

1) Freedom Corps chest logo
2) The 4 different chest logos for the Outcasts.

Thanks for listening!

-Gate


@Generator
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I had a great time playing with you!

 

Posted

Quote:
Originally Posted by Noble Savage View Post
Skull and Carnival masks are in the gray area for me, but most other parts are fair game for discussion.
Slightly off topic, but if you don't want to do the Carnival masks exactly, would it be possible/feasible to create an original porcelain mask option that can have different patterns and faces? But not look like the Carnival's.

Anyway, on topic now, NPC costume pieces.

First off, Kheldian Sashes! Give it to all Kheldian characters and let it be unlockable via Moonfire's TF for everyone else.

The Patchwork skin of the Vahzilok would be pretty cool.

Longbow has a sash with what looks like grenades attached to it, that'd be cool. [image]

The different heads of the Snakes would be cool too. [Minion] [Lieutenant]

Although not really a costume piece and more an actual NPC... would it be possible to use the Banished Pantheon Mask spirits as actual masks? (and Maybe the Totem's body as a mask?) [Death] [Desire] [Pain] [Sorrow] [Totem]

The Legacy Chain has some interesting helmet and chest options. [Adamant] [Tellus] [Radiant]


I think that's all I can think of at the moment.


 

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Quote:
Originally Posted by Vanden View Post
The costume pieces used by the WarWorks would be good, as well as the smoother and less skeletal clockwork pieces used by such characters as IVy. Also, the pieces used by the low-level Praetorian Police would be nice.
This for me. Those parts are really nice, and can be seen in the new Tina/Maria arcs when you fight Manticore, or in the screen shots for i19.

Also the Kheldian Shash. They players have wanted that for a long long time.

Also, as I have said many times, I disagree with the whole "needs to be unique" statement for enemy groups. It is fine for the big NPCs, but it falls flat for something that can be seen street sweeping, or in radio missions.

Even for the Big characters (Rom) it comes off as a little lame. He for example is already on a larger model than the players have.

If there are NO costume parts in i19, there are going to be a large portion of the players that are unhappy. Ans PLEASE NO MORE unlocksable costume options. That really sucks for theme characters that should have them from level 1.


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I would love to see parts from Freaks, Carnies, and Nemesis and the various groups from Croatoa.

On the probably never going to happen list I would love to use the lower bodies of the Snakes.

-TW


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Posted

Request threads in the past have borne little to no fruit, but I'll give it a whirl anyway. I take that what you mean by fiiting on the existing rig means no back pieces or leg attachments. My list is as follows:

More Praetorian Police pieces: uniforms, the chest/shoulder piece with badge in it

Seer boots

Carnies: boots, bustier, sash, mask

Resistance: the shoulder pads we didn't get

Sybil dresses: transparent and non

Banished Pantheon: shaman pieces (I've wanted a loincloth piece for some time)

Succubus boots and tattered costume

Fashion show pieces


 

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Quote:
Originally Posted by Knightfox View Post
Request threads in the past have borne little to no fruit
Well, the conversation has moved from IF we should get NPC costumes to WHICH of the NPC costumes they're going to work on. I'd call that progress.

Another vote for the Malta/KoA/5th/PPD military gear with pouches, holsters, sheathes, headsets, etc. That'd be a good two-birds-one-stone move since people have been asking for those costume components for ages.


 

Posted

You know it coming..

I have been after this for so long!

As Melissa and Jesse telling me to do so here it is.

Two things I wanting.

1) For Rose Star and Spark Blade (W.I.S.D.O.M) to be added into the game, or in AE!

If not for a while then maybe their custom costume pieces?

2)
From Rose Star:
Tattoo option for on face cheek, shoulders, legs, thighs, calf. I LOVE those boots! And her belt! And also costume option for one sleeveless/sleeved arm would be awesome!

From Spark Blade:
The belt thingy with S on it but maybe make it with M for Mishii! Or all letters if you can. Neck chain thing, and the chest piece.

That is all!

On Castles part:
Cool sword lightning set! Or maybe make auras able to be grafted onto sword. !




Soon�

 

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Quote:
Originally Posted by Zikar View Post
The Patchwork skin of the Vahzilok would be pretty cool.
Yes, yes, YES! I knew I'd forgotten something! This would be awesome!


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My wishlist:

Kheldian sashes. Been wanting those for AGES because they rock.

Sky Raider gloves and helmets. Those guys have the best gloves and I want 'em.

Council/5th Column masks. Those Cobra Commander style draped facemasks are really neat.

Carnie outfits, like those tights and corsets and shoes.

Knives of Artemis goggles and jumpsuits.

Wyvern eyepiece and boots

Those radio headset things you see on guys like Crey agents, Malta tactical commanders, and others.

The single right arm cannons, like on Vandal, Burkholder's big claw hand, and Mechmen (I'm sure there are others). Would probably only be compatible with the Robotic Arm 3 (I think that's the one. Where only the right arm is robotic), but still would be cool, especially for blasters/defenders/dominators/corruptors with the new blast animations.

The Mk-IV "Victoria" armblades for dual blades and claws powersets. While we're at it with Praetorians, the Seer gloves and boots and the parts from the ACU/BCU's, like those shoulders, chests, faces, gloves... okay, I admit it. The ACU/BCU's look awesome. Also want the Resistance guns, both pistols and rifles. And the collared, zippered shirts the male Resistance wear sometimes. Please?


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Posted

I have always wanted the robes that the CoT minions wear (ones that cover up your head/whole body).


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