(04-29-2015, 02:53 PM)Kismet Wrote: If we had absolutely no "husky" races to choose from in XIV, I'd be more disappointed about the inclusion of the Au Ra. But that isn't the case. We have Highlanders and Roegadyn. A good handful of MMOs don't even have one "burly" option for players, let alone two. Is it equal to the amount of pretty races we have? No. Is it better than nothing? Very much so.
I have never personally seen a MMO that does not at least include a large race. There are a lot of MMOs though so perhaps we simply have played and seen different MMOs.
I would certainly call MALE highlanders and roegadyn husky. I would not say the same for female highlanders. Female highlanders have an athletic build. They definitely don't have girth, width, big bones, or huge muscles. Female roegadyn I feel are debatable but for the purposes of this thread, let's just go ahead and say they are.
I'd like to break down the aesthetic that the races and genders add. Keep in mind though, it is subjective:
Midlanders: Japanese models
Highlander males: Bara
Highlander females: Athletes
Elezens: Graceful and elegant
Lalafells: Short and adorable
Miqo'te males: Hot anime dudes
Miqo'te females: Cute catgirl archetype that is too beloved to not have
Roegadyn: The large race
Roegadyn males: Jolly giants
Roedgadyn females: Oneechan
I could argue Au Ra being able to add something and I could argue them not, as Hyrist pointed out too, it is subjective. I would definitely say that none of the male races look as intimidating as Au Ra, but on the other hand, they're another muscular dude race (roegadyns, highlanders) who stand just as tall, if not slightly shorter than roegadyn.
The female Au Ra I would describe as 100% by the book cute monster girls. I dunno how they add much from "cute catgirls" but I suppose according to SE's preferred fanbase, it does count as 'variance.'
They're not bad. There are a lot of things to be excited for regarding Au Ra. I don't dislike them and I definitely share a sense of excitement towards them. Though, more in a spectator sort of way--I can't wait to see what my friends end up playing.Â
I say this because it is easier to revel in excitement with my friends and with the benchmark than it is in these discussions. On a critical level, I just find the representation of the race to be, well...
Not everyone will agree with me and I don't expect them to. They are my personal thoughts but I am certain that from all the "complaining" that I am not the only one. At no point do I want to kill others' joy, excitement, or happiness for the race. I've simply been discussing my opinions because the forums are for discussion and its how I feel.
I don't really think we'll ever get extended character creation options which is why I think having diverse races is even more important. There are lots of things they could have done that could still be done with the Japanese style. Just take a look at all the different creatures from Legend of Mana, and old Square game, for some samples, who boast more creativity than all of FFXIV's playable races combined.
