I don't know how serious this game plans to be, as in, the development for it.
Anyway, if it's something that's looking for completion, and having a properly functioning game, then I think the game may want to change direction.
This game intends to be very serious. As you may (not) have noticed, it is only at pre-alpha. There is enourmous room for change and improvement, most of which has been planned. To suggest that the entire development team changes direction when, frankly, most of the development hasn't been completed, is pretty silly imo.
1. The graphical style may not be that suited. "Realistic" characters only really works if you have a lot of money/time/experience to put into modeling, texturing, and animation. Another option while going for "realistic" characters, would probably be UE4, simply because it's a pretty strong engine.
There is alot of time and experience already being put into this game. Nothing you're saying is particularly new information. It is in light of these that Vreg (Lead Programmer/Head Dev) has decided to go forward because frankly, "A Naruto-inspired MMO is highly demanaded."
I personally know nothing about which engine is better or not so I can't argue. But I'd bet Vreg made his decision wisely. >.>
Making it more "chibi" like would maybe be a better idea, then even without amazing skin textures, and so on, it'll look acceptable.
No. Sorry, but no. Vreg has exceptionally high visual standards, nothing will make him compromise. And to be honest, I don't see why anyone would want him to.
By no means is this game going to be easy to make, after all, that's why it hasn't been made so far. But with the current plans, ideas and efforts being pumped in. This game stands a very good chance of success. I suggest you read the FAQ and Development blogs to get a better idea. Scanning through some posts in the suggestion thread can also help.
2. The way combat is implemented, to me, doesn't seem to be very realistic. It may work for a DM game, or something like that, but even then, I doubt it'll end up working well.
There's already been a lot of Naruto mods doing combat that way, one of the most successful results is this - However, SLO looks to be even faster, which may result into even more gimmicky combat.
I think a possibly more viable way would be to slow down the game, and make it into a more "traditional" action combat MMORPG.
Examples would be, C9, Vindictus (couldn't find anything for them), TERA ( ), and even Dark Souls series (it's obviously too slow).
SLO aims to be skill-based. What you're suggesting is
another MMORPG that has simply been put into a Naruto-like context. Not only does this game intend to shun the common MMO features of simple, repetitve, click-based combat. It plans to do this all beautifully and seamlessly. Simply acquiring a jutsu doesn't mean you can use it well. You will have to practice and hone your skills.
You mentioned alot of Naruto mods that have attempted this.
This will be the first that has succeeded. :p
3. It's probably a good idea to drop stuff that's copied directly from Naruto, rename things, and remake things is probably fine though.
I imagine licensing for Naruto is pretty expensive, and may not even be able to get. You cannot release a game that generates money, when it's copied from Naruto, you'd be sued and shut down.
Lol. Done. All done. Besides Chidori have you seen anything on this site that is Naruto exclusive?
(Bearing in mind that "chidori" directly translates into 1000 birds. We can't get sued for that, can we?)
I understand that you may be trying to 'help' Vreg, but to be honest, your post reeks of negativity and pessimism. (idk, this might just be me)
Anyways, for future reference, please read the FAQ and Development blogs.
And welcome to SLO. :p
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