Art Poll: Signature Characters

This question is hard for me to answer because I'm so USED to the Signature Character's designs by now. Though I'll agree with the basic gist that some other posters mentioned, and that characters with their own signature pieces stand out more and are more visually exciting.

Citadel, Infernal, Aura Borealis and Sister Psyche can be created almost 100% in the character creator. Synapse and Positron... sorta but not completely. You can get close to Swan but you're missing the wings... you get the idea.

But Statesman has the faceplate, double-patterned suit, custom belt, custom cape... it WORKS! Pretty much anything we can't re-create is instantly more interesting. Ditto for the Patrons and pretty much every major NPC created after issue 5 or so. Can't really explain why, though. I also can't narrow it down to who's look I like best.

This isn't to say that all the character designs are fantastic... but they still stand out and are intrinsically more recognizable. Like I think Captain Costello's (That goofy sky raider, i think that's his name) appearance is gawdy and terrible, but it suits his character, and I'd be able to pick him out of a crowd... so it WORKS even though that's an outfit i'd never put on one of my characters.

I think the important thing to focus on is recognizability and individuality. Looking good is important too, but if the character has the same pieces as we do, and the same color scheme and silhouette as other characters, I don't think people will respond as well to that character as one who may technically look worse but has a unique appearance. Just my 2 inf.

EDIT: And my first FPARN! yay!

Villain-side I always loved Black Scorpion's look. As if he could take on a tank on his own. Although I never cared for how limited his powers were compared to how capable his armor looked. Ghost Widow is also an instant favorite, for the reasons so many have already described.

Hero-side I've liked Malaise's psychedelic look, and I've always been a fan of Sister Psyche (I hope Manti dies just so she'll be single again.) Aside from that, most of the signature heroes felt too dull to me. Sure they have the classic hero looks, but nothing that really stood out.

Praetorian-side I absolutely looove the new Seige and Nightstar. What can I say, I'm a sucker for arm-cannons and arm-swords (though once again Seige could really use some missile shooting action or something). Battle Maiden also has a nice outfit, though I mostly like her axe she has on her back (Inferno always looked cool for the same reason).

Aside from them, when it comes to regular AVs or bosses, I've thoroughly enjoyed the Victorias (especially now that I have the costume), as well as the BMUs. The Malta group has always been a favorite of mine as well, what with the tactical gear, Sapper backpacks, and especially the Titans (in particular the Kronos). Speaking of mechs, the Longbow and Vanguard mechs are favorites of mine. I suppose you could call me a sucker for giant robots or mechanical suits. Funny since I dislike Gundams and the like.

Ah, I also have a great respect for The Clockwork King for all of his brain-in-a-jar action, the Reichsman for being the Nazi we all love to beat (I want that hat), and lastly the Nemesis army for their brass steampunkness and for wearing buckets on their head (I DEMAND BUCKETS!).

In general, I say you can never go wrong with adding more machines, cyborgs, androids, robots, and everything in between. And for costume parts, I think we could use more parts that are highly reflective. I find myself wearing the Vicky costume all the time now just because of how reflective it is compared to the parts we have available.

There really aren't any members of the Phalanx or the Vindicators I find particularly visually interesting or compelling. On the upside, I don't think any of them are particularly bad, either, aside from Manticore and Psyche looking a little dull.

I find the Arachnos lot are considerably more interesting to look at. I'll toss in another vote for Ghost Widow and Scirocco, especially. Ghost Widow's simple, effective, and strikingly monochrome, and of course she's got that hair. With Scirocco it's the combination of the mantle and the waist and the color contrasts that create the impression of a unique shape without him actually being shaped any different from the standard male model.

For overall wow factor:

* Lanaru the Mad: Enormous, otherworldly, humanoid but clearly not human, absolutely unmistakable silhouette. Okay, so he shares it with Faathim and Ruladak, but he's got the best color scheme and the neatest-looking powers.

* War Walkers: Also enormous and humanoid but not quite human, but I think what really sells it for me is actually the way they move: ponderous, deliberate, powerful.

* Romulus Augustus/Nictus Romulus: Generally an imposing outline, and the Roman armor pieces look nice to start with, but I think it's actually the use of color that makes this work. His design is actually very busy, almost distractingly so if you look at all the parts individually, but the bright red in the helmet crest, shoulders, and loincloth, set against otherwise subdued colors, frames his upper body and keeps your attention centered.

* Mirror Spirit: Just classy. The hair ornament and the robe are immediately recognizable.

For concept:

* Dr. Vahzilok: He's a raving madman who's stuffed himself in a giant, malformed, stitched-together suit of power armor made of rotting meat. That instantly tells you absolutely everything you need to know about him. He's showing his age as far as texture quality and polygon count are concerned, but remains absolutely A1 in the that-is-so-wrong department.

* Eidolons: Even though they're very basic designs they just give me a crazy look-I-sewed-this-myself vibe. It reminds me of Michelle Pfeiffer's Catwoman in Batman Returns. I think it's the irregular eyeholes.

* Tarantula Queens (and Regent Korol): Also very wrong. The eyes are horrifying enough (especially Korol, why does she have eyes there?), but I think the moment they crossed the creepy event horizon for me was when I finally saw the human outline and realized where their legs were.

* Nemesis/Fake Nemeses: Also starting to look a little low-rez, but he's a dude (well, bits of a dude) in a big, ornate, steam-powered brass battle suit. Much like Dr. V that instantly tells you what you need to know.

I gotta chime in on this.

Nemesis was always very striking to me, partly because his look was so different then the pre-updated rikti and blah police looking crey and knives of artemis foes that were in the same lvl range. Also, warhulks were one of my favs. Not to impressed by the rest of nemesis army though. I liked The clockwork king for similar reasons, there should be more 1950's mad scientist/Dr. Who/ Flash Gordon type stuff in the game.
I like Maestro, and his ascendant guardians. Animated shields ftw. I always enjoyed the massive gattling guns the council/5th pull out of thin air too.
Other villain notes: The upgrade to the rikti was fantastic. Anyone that remembers the old rikti mesh would agree with me. On that note, a few other groups could really benefit from some work. Freakshow come to mind first. I dont want to spend much time on groups, so I will just say any of the pre- CoV groups could use an overhaul. Also, and more importantly: AS AWSOME AS GOING ROGUE IS, THE ONLY GROUP THAT MAKES ME LOOK TWICE ARE THE CLOCKWORK. The rest are just...well....meh. Biker leathers for a group that the whole background is they blend into corporate culture? Wouldnt they wear suits then? lol.

Anyway, on the hero side, I gotta go with Infernal. I mean, his story is so good, when they went to make Praetorians for the peregrin isle stuff, they just left him as Infernal. I will say, I agree with the other poster above me, his armor could be made so much more detailed in today's game engine. Living demons? Add a few blinking rularuu type eyes to it, and update his aura, and his ax.

If anyone reading this doesnt know the story on Infernal's ax, go read it now.

Otherwise I like BaBs. Even without the gloves, he looks like he could do some apocolyptic beat downs. Always thought he could use some more backstory though. Maurader, I mean...Mr. White..... has like 10,000x more personality. On the opposite end of that spectrum is citedal, who needs a mega costume update, but who i really enjoyed in the comics.

Oh and the vendor i Peregrin Isle...Ghost Falcon i think his name is. I always liked his story, but he needs his "scales" adjusted as he was designed before we had so many sliders. His backstory was always one I wanted more about to. His script is very mysterious, but really never gets explained. Very "friend or foe". But his costume was very striking the first time I saw it.

As for GR.... I like Warrant. Oh and the one girl in the top dogs...I can't think of her name for the life of me, I think she is a defender type. her costume is elegant and flows nicely. Her dialogue is fairly polite and reserved, and I always thought her look fit well. Oh and the retired mage guy who had his amulet smashed, retired mage in giant robe thing.... and pants. Fits his pencil pusher back story well, but has plenty of allure and uniqueness to it that you know he used to be a real formidable power.

My Favorites Visually:
Numina - Beautiful character design (yay for contests!)... even moreso when she got "ghosted"
Mother Mayhem - Also very nicely designed. Lots of skin-windows... maybe that's what I like... or maybe long jackets...
Nightstar - and the Victoria Clockwork models. Armblades look mean and all the Praetorian Clockwork and the Warworks models are excellent models, and therefore Siege looks cool too =)
Bobcat - I actually *like* the simplicity of her model. That and the fact that she is lying there all slinky and relaxed. She does need new hair though...
Mirror Spirit - again with those long jackets...
Vandal - looks awesome and has that cool Megaman gun-arm
PPD Hardsuits and Powersuits - so good looking, especially compared to the poor Psi-Division's boring trenchcoats and the Awakened Division's bald heads.
Banished Pantheon - the Bosses... Floating masks and Totems are very neat... unlike the somewhat boring minions.
Emperor Cole - in his nice spiffy white suit.

My Least Favorites:
Sister Psyche - Boooooooooring... for such an iconic character who looks soooo good in comics and other art, her model is terribly boring
Swan/Black Swan - Who I LOVE soooo much as a character (conceptually), yet is such a terrible waste in terms of her costume.
Synapse - I actually like his costume... but you know what bugs me? His pale sit on the couch pale vampirelike never get sun white bleached face... he stands in Skyway ALL DAY and can't get a little sun?
Positron's Head - I know... he's no longer living energy or whatever... but that head... the glare that comes off it when the sun is out is blinding!!

The 1 Person Who I LOVE more than anyone else in the game that needs a makeover because he is soooooooo awesome:
Blue Steel - he is the Chuck Norris of CoH. He can save the world 3 times, while helping lowbies train in King's Row. He doesn't answer to anyone, yet has the honor and respect of both heroes and the PPD. Can PWN anyone. Needs new pants (Pants->Camo, plz).... a Two-colored Flak Jacket... and the new(-ish) Official belt.


In the totally creep me out category:
Tarantula Mistresses, Tarantula Queens, and Regent Korol... ick!

Oh, and...

Quote:

Originally Posted by Niklarus The Blue King Crew, namely Apex (as he looked in the comics -- the Vanguard Armor he's got now doesn't really suit him) and War Witch. Oh, and can we please somehow get Horus in-game somewhere?

Horus pleeeeeease...


Oh Darn... aaaaaand, Pre-submit Edit:

Quote:

Originally Posted by Noble Savage What I'm most interested to find out from you guys is which characters' outfits do the best job of portraying the character's story visually. (I.e., you take one look at the character and can tell what their 'deal' is) or, alternatively, which visuals are just really appealing, regardless of story considerations. If you simply like a character's story but DON'T like the visual, leave that out of this thread. It'll help me tally up the results of the visuals you actually like.

Story in Visual Favorites:
Citadel/Siege - Robot dude jumping from body to body, therefore never dying... Awesome. (although in this case, you need to see his progression as well as the "current" body... in some ways that applies to Sister Psyche as well).

Blue Steel - Cop. Hero. Both. Dude with shield, kicking ***. Awesome. (still needs the minor costume updates as I mentioned above)

Numina - Ghost chick. Transparent and hovery... more ghosty than Ghost Widow.

Back Street Brawler - buff dude with uber gloves. That pretty much says it all.

Bobcat - Again, I love the simple costume... but the visual that makes her striking more than anything else is her "lying slinky/cat-like" pose... that tells more story than anything in the game.

Emperor Cole - He rules Praetoria. Literally. Majestic and appropriate for the ruler of a nation.

Tarantulas and Regent Korol - Still ick. But their striking visuals tell a LOT about how the characters... is power worth that?

Clockwork King - He always looked "comic-y" to me. And the brain in a jar look is very telling of his story. I love the visuals here when it comes to telling his story.

Positron - Two things - first is, I'm happy he no longer uncontrollably creates antimatter (the original reason for him never leaving his suit) but he needs to put the helmet back on when in the suit.

Second - Can't look at it in-game right now, but does his lines use the same kinda glow the bio-luminescence pieces do? If not, maybe use that to update his armor.

Lady grey also has a very cool look - very serious and business-like.

Also, Nemesis has a very unique outfit that tells you a lot about him and his group.

In the spirit of Olantern's reply, which is an easier format for me than trying to pick best and worst, let me give my lasting impressions of Freedom Phalanx, the Vindicators, and the Arachnos patrons:

Manticore: A+. The details really make this one, for me; there's a sculptural aspect to this costume that really works for me the way Nite Owl 2's costume does in Watchmen (which it more than a little evokes).
Statesman: A. For what it is, cannot be improved on. I guess I'm the only one who likes the hoplite-helmet half-mask.
Ms. Liberty: A. The color scheme really works for her.
Numina: A. Visually striking, and really convincing for a magic-origin character.
Valkyrie: A-. Looks like what she is. Could use a smidgen more color contrast, and once titan weapons are in-game, could really stand to be upgraded so that she actually uses her spear, but I think she's fine.
Back Alley Brawler: B+. Love the gloves, think he succeeds at looking like what he is, which is basically a hero brute. I just cringe at the ethnic stereotyping that the only black main character is only good for punching things - a less tattered costume, one more suggestive of a detective than a street gang member, would have worked better for me.
Woodsman: B+. Remarkably good costume for such a minor character; love the helmet.
Infernal: B. For a generic costume, it's very suggestive. I'd give him a really spooky-looking shield, to address Olantern's complaint, but I don't think he's all that bad.
Positron: B. Update this one so that the glowing bits on the armor actually glow, and give him back his helmet when you see him in combat, and I'm all for it. (And as a trainer, not in the helmet - shouldn't his hair have grown back by now?)
Mynx: C. Fits the character reasonably well. The costume's a cliche, but then, so's the character.
Synapse: C-. Pattern tights and cheap sunglasses? Boring.
Citadel: C-. Also suffers from lack of detailing, it's a terribly dull costume.
Luminary: D. Needs more structural detailing or more color contrast or something; at the very least, needs a livelier looking face. This is supposed to be one of the most sophisticated androids ever built, no?
Malaise: D-. Suffers from the same problem Synapse has, only more so: two-color patterned tights are basically impossible to make memorable.
Aurora Borealis: D-. Boring. And suffers from the "white tops w/skin" problem to some extent, although at least she has a contrasting skin color. (See next entry.)
Swan: F. As drawn, one of the best costumes in the game. But in-game, suffers from the problem that the game engine does a horrible job of rendering white masks and white tops with skin, making it one of the worst costumes in the game. At the very least, needs bump-mapped edge seams to make it more obvious that she's wearing a costume.
Sister Psyche: F. Olantern speaks for me on this: a 60+ year old psychic with the attitudes of a woman of her time does not dress in a stripperific costume. There's nothing wrong with it as a costume, but it completely and utterly clashes with the way the character has been written.

Ghost Widow: A+, for all of the reasons everybody else gives. She's also the only Arachnos service head to wear something that is recognizably related to the uniform of those who serve under her, for which I give even more props.
Captain Mako: A. Looks exactly like he should look -- although in my mind, I imagine him as a little taller than he is in-game.
Dr. Aeon: A. Looks exactly like what he is, a mad scientist in power armor. The gloves are just detailed enough and just barely big enough to make him look distinctive.
Lord Recluse: A-. Love the imposing height, the spooky helmet, the cape, and the arms. Hate the fur trim.
Barracuda: B. I love the Coralax design overall; I just feel like, at her rank, she should look less generic.
Scirocco: B-. Somehow, he (a) doesn't really look Arabic to me, and (b) doesn't look all that intimidating - although it's possible that latter could be fixed with better idle animations, I don't know. I'm also not crazy about the tights; he seems to me like a character who would wear robes. And he should also be wearing his sword when he appears as a contact. Some of the detailing is nice.
Black Scorpion: C. Love the armor, hate the weird scarred-up head, since there's no canonical explanation for why he should look anything but ordinary.
Ice Mistral C-: It's an okay-looking costume, but nothing about it says "mystic" to me. A blue female version of the Mu Mystic costume, open-faced, with those same shoulders, would work better, imho.

Here's my most favourite costumes:


-Nemesis. Wonderfully steampunk and somehow fitting for the world.
-Clockwork King. Creepy and cool and clockpunky all at once. He's a lot of fun to look at.
-Statesman. You see him, you know he's the main guy.
-Honoree. You can SEE who he used to be and what he's become and it's an amazing piece of design.
-Mirror Spirit. Such a pretty costume.
-Fusionette. Easy to see the parts that went into her, but I think it gets her concept across great. The bright cheery hair, bright coloured costume, and the matching powers show a character with a lot of energy.
-Nightstar. She's scary.
-Praetor Tillman. She's so different from Psyche you can see easily that body is hella stolen. The only thing I *don't* like about her costume is the star on her belt, because I keep thinking she's gonna get stabbed in the torso. That was a bad idea.
-Miss Liberty. I've always liked her costume.
-Backalley Brawler. He's one tough cookie and reassuring as much as Marauder is menacing.
-Mako. Nice and streamlined.


Least Favourite Costumes:

-Black Swan. It's very meh. It's just so generic.
-EDIT: I meant Bobcat. Meh as well. Needs some extra detail.
-Sister Psyche. It's just... I'm not sure how to describe it, besides ugly. I know she's from the past, but her attempts to get modern fashion can't be that bad.
-Marauder. Because I suggested a hair very similar to that and wanted it for my characters because game dreadlocks suck and I am overcome with intense tiny canadian bitterness when I see him now. You should solve this problem by giving his hair to the players. it was worth a try
-Baby New Year is horrific beyond belief.
-Legacy Chain could be in any other game.



Hope this helps!

I can't believe no one has mentioned the greatest Paragon City Hero of all - Flower Knight! I am sorely tempted to post screenshots of all my fledgling heroes who have posed with Flower Knight in the dawn of their careers - alas!

Ghost Widow looks kinda cool, too, but she is no Flower Knight!
Neither is Mako, or Nemesis, or Countess Crey, or the Carnies, or the Vahzilok, or the Circle of Thorns, or the Clockwork, or the Rikti, or the Lost, or the Tsoo...

My top ten for best over all design

1 Lanaru the Mad
2 Ruladak the Strong
3 Faathim the Kind
4 Romulus Augustus
5 Noble Savage
6 Ghost Widow
7 Stheno
8 Magmite Lord
9 Hro'Dtohz
10 Mirror Spirit

1. Ghost Widow. Just a beautifully executed look. Others have said it better.

2. Statesman. It's very clear why he was created; to embody the concept of "hero" without being too derivative of more famous (and copyrighted) characters.

3. Mirror Spirit and Foreshadow. Very distinctive, wish they were featured more.

Hey David!
I gotta love this new thread. My favourites:

Hero side:

I love Foreshadow and Mirror Spirit too much. They are my favourite trainers.
They are the best looking characters in hero side.
Ms Liberty is one of the most iconic to me. I think in my early years playing CoH and I think of Atlas Park and Ms Liberty.

I wish some heroes could get a revamped look, specially Sister Psyche, as main female role in CoH, we can replicate her easily. She needs an update badly.

Villain

Ghost Widow without a doubt. I love her costume, her backstory, her floating cape and hair and her signature powers, specially Soul storm.
She is the best in red side. And Sister Airlia looks AWESOME too.
Red side still got some of the best costume designs, and doesnt look dated.

Praetoria:

Too many cool looking and awesome characters with awesome designs...

My favourite is Belladona Vetrano. I love her too much, I wish we could see more of her if Praetoria is expanded. Her floating hair and her costume, resistance pistols... Everything about her is amazing.

Maelstrom and Desdemona. These two I felt in love with since the GR trailer.

New Nightstar, Mother Mayhem and Neuron are the best redesigns of old Praetorian AVs. I love them!

Bobcat, Valkirie and Black Swan could be better with some tweaks, for example the leopard pattern (Animal pack) for Bocat's bottom pants like DN draw her.
I wish Dominatrix and Diabolique get new costumes.

Rather than reading the thread, I am just going to respond, that way I am not influenced by other posters and just say what I think.

Ghost Widow, flowing, pale skin, dark costume, the contrast, she is wonderful.

Ruladek and Lanaruu and Faathim. The first time I did Sarah Moore and that last mission is still one of my fondest memories.

Ms. Liberty. The colors, the Liberty Bell, the folded gloves and boots, a simple mask. Love it. Dominatrix is equally as good. Sometimes it is good to have elegant simplicity.

Statesman. Cool helmet. Good Cape. Big star. Classic, timeless, and compelling.

Recluse is great. Right down to his simple firearm, I think he screams self-reliance, while also building a powerful organization to support his goals. Personal strength and a "simple" gun, but science experiments and body attachments. His costume perfectly matches his dichotomy (and it just looks cool too).

Neuron (the new one). The backpack plugged into the brain is great and I like the small detail on the bottom of his back. Sleek costume for a sleek villain. I am not sure why he is gray though. I think it may have emphasized his general loss of humanity more, by keeping his skin a human color.

I have always liked Positron and Antimatter. That suit is well done, although I think some of the new armored suit pieces are better, I like the general concept.

The carnie AVs. Giavonni and Vanessa are both great.

I like Interrogator Kang and Cheif Interrogator Washington. A good mix of trenchcoat detective and PPD armor. Marshal Brass was decently done as an Arachnos contact as well.

The new Nightstar is great. Malevolent robot oozes from that design.

Nemesis is nifty. Steam stacks and piping. Brass plates and ornate designs. Pneumatics to move the fingers and a fabulous face.

I like Scirocco's costume, although he is oddly thin, with almost a feminine shaped torso (which seems off to me, he seemed like he should be more dashing, rakish and rogue-like instead of wasting and feebleish).

I like the idea of Black Scorpion, but his concept went a bit too far for me. Large powered armor is cool, but a bit more toned down than his would be good.