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12/15/2024 11:05:16   
GwenMay
Member

It seems staff have recently released a new layout for AQ Classic character pages. The new layout is currently only being used for the gold and token leaderboard character page links, while the old layout is being used for the in-game character page link and for all other game leaderboards, including the top guardian, x-guardian, legend, estates, war win, and summer olympax pages. For reference, here is my character page in the new layout and the old layout.

The new layout includes significant changes in font, formatting, and (most importantly) character information shown. I wanted to create a thread to discuss these changes while the new layout is still being implemented because I believe many longtime players take pride in creating and showing off their character pages (including through donation contests and wars), and the new layout removes some of the features and information that the playerbase has come to expect. I note that I am not opposed to the new layout, which certainly lends a more modern feel to character pages. With a few changes to restore features present in the old layout, I think the new layout can be an excellent update for AQ Classic.

Here are my suggestions:

1. The new layout's character image section shows the character's no-drop equipment, not their second line equipment shown in the old layout. I think the new layout should return to showing the second line equipment instead. Showing no-drop equipment is very boring and removes character individuality, as there are really only 3 sets players can use for their no-drops (the adventurer, guardian, and awe no-drop sets). The second line equipment is where players can show off their unique style and character identity.

2. The old layout included links to the character's house and shared vault pages (mine are linked as examples). The new layout should restore these links because they provide additional, interesting information about the character in a useful, pre-existing format.

3. The old layout showed all player war records, many of which go back decades for older characters. The new layout appears to only show the "latest" war records, i.e., the most recent 10. Players work hard for their war records and take pride in showing off how long they have been active in AQ. The new layout should show players' full war records to reflect this dedication.

4. The old layout included a small "Journal" section that showed when the character was created, became a Guardian, and last played. This information should be included in the new layout to highlight how long a player has played and supported AQ. This information also has practical value for players, as I understand that ties in donation contests and wars are broken based on which character is older.

5. The old layout included a separate section that previewed all the character's faces. The new layout should restore this section so players can continue to show off the many faces they own, including custom faces.

6. The old layout included a separate section under the character image that listed all the custom titles players purchased from the $35 package. This section allowed players to highlight their custom titles, which really have no purpose besides showing off on character pages. While only a few players like myself have purchased custom titles, I think those players would l appreciate if the new layout continued to do something special to show how many custom titles a character has.

7. The old layout showed when character estate items were invaded using a little red exclamation mark symbol next to the character estate item's name. If possible, I think the new layout should restore this symbol next to the character estate item names.

8. While character pages are being revamped, I think we would also appreciate if the character image section could be reworked to show the character's color customization choices on their items. In the old layout, color custom items just show a default color scheme instead of the character's color choices in-game. Showing a character's color customization choices better reflects the player's style and character identity.

I welcome any feedback other players may have on these or other suggestions. While I think the new layout still needs some work, I appreciate the staff's continuing efforts to update and modernize AQ Classic.


< Message edited by GwenMay -- 12/15/2024 11:17:25 >
AQ DF AQW Epic  Post #: 1
12/15/2024 12:17:01   
Bu Kek Siansu
Member
 

If it's possible, can someone help to link any item of the character page to the info subs
or Equipment Indices (linked to info subs) or AdventureQuest Wiki (linked to info subs)?

Sometimes, the Search option doesn't work as it should be done and neither via google.

You can ask it via AdventureQuest Q&A but that's not the original question/purpose, right?


Post #: 2
12/15/2024 14:19:39   
VileReptile
Member

Here are my thoughts and hopefully meaningful feedback regarding your suggestions:


quote:

1. ...equipment is where players can show off their unique style and character identity.

I share your opinion of expressing character individuality; let's go even further and allow us to select what we want others to see when they view our character beyond just the second line of equipment. I agree with your suggestion. If just for the fact that I like organizing the equipment based on the order of the elements shown on the stat page.
quote:

2. ...restore these links because they provide additional, interesting information about the character in a useful, pre-existing format.

I have one addition to this one, but I'm a bit iffy about its consequences. Show the characters that use the same vault and link to their character pages as well. I agree with your suggestion.
quote:

3. The new layout appears to only show the "latest" war records,

Give viewers the option to navigate the character pages by condensing/expanding/ the categories, i.e., magic/ranged/melee weapons, by clicking on the category. I think there's a better way of addressing this, but I agree with that we should be able to see the whole war record.
quote:

4. The old layout included a small "Journal" section that showed when the character was created, became a Guardian, and last played. This information should be included in the new layout to highlight how long a player has played and supported AQ. This information also has practical value for players, as I understand that ties in donation contests and wars are broken based on which character is older.

Agreed. Although, I don't know if that's the case regarding the journal's practical value.
quote:


5. The old layout included a separate section that previewed all the character's faces. The new layout should restore this section so players can continue to show off the many faces they own, including custom faces.

Agreed.
quote:

6. I think those players would l appreciate if the new layout continued to do something special to show how many custom titles a character has.

Agreed.
quote:

7. The old layout showed when character estate items were invaded using a little red exclamation mark symbol next to the character estate item's name. If possible, I think the new layout should restore this symbol next to the character estate item names.

I'm in the dark regarding this one, as I don't really dabble in estates. Is it the best way to see at a quick glance which estate items are under attack? I'll agree for the sake of clarity and information.
quote:

8. In the old layout, color custom items just show a default color scheme instead of the character's color choices in-game. Showing a character's color customization choices better reflects the player's style and character identity.

Agreed.

< Message edited by VileReptile -- 12/15/2024 19:22:27 >
AQ  Post #: 3
12/15/2024 17:54:02   
Zoulexchanger
Member

quote:

3. The old layout showed all player war records, many of which go back decades for older characters. The new layout appears to only show the "latest" war records, i.e., the most recent 10. Players work hard for their war records and take pride in showing off how long they have been active in AQ. The new layout should show players' full war records to reflect this dedication.


Agreed the war records should show the full list and not just the most recent ones.
Post #: 4
12/15/2024 18:57:26   
Strange Doctor
Member
 

Old layout is more comprehensive!
Post #: 5
12/16/2024 14:30:25   
  The Hollow
AQ Lead


The current character page is a temporary solution crafted by Captain Rhubarb, mainly as a test. Rest assured we're committed to preserving all the original information you love and take pride in, and we will expand on that. Our goal isn't just to migrate the existing system, but to elevate it and create a character page that reflects the depth and personality of each of our players. Here are some new potential features:

  • Customizable backgrounds
  • Equipment display options
  • Alighment based on your Moral Compass
  • Personal backstory section
  • Visit pages in-game by ID#
  • Add section for all classes and levels
  • Add badges for prizes received (Contests, packages, etc.)

    Early concepts #1 #2

    Concept #1 is missing a Adventurer/Guardian shield hoverover that reveals your Journal details. The second layout was originally conceived as a web design, but Ruffle's revival of Flash compatibility has now rendered it unnecessary. Both in-game and web versions should be able to use the same layout.


    quote:

    While character pages are being revamped, I think we would also appreciate if the character image section could be reworked to show the character's color customization choices on their items. In the old layout, color custom items just show a default color scheme instead of the character's color choices in-game. Showing a character's color customization choices better reflects the player's style and character identity.

    Our custom color saving limitation is unfortunately not a simple fix. While our incredibly talented Ianthe, Captain Rhubarb, and Spider continue to expand on the system, we're working with a game engine that's been running for over two decades. There will inevitably be features we can't implement, but we will continue to find creative solutions, and keep advancing the game with the resources we have!

    quote:

    If it's possible, can someone help to link any item of the character page to the info subs
    or Equipment Indices (linked to info subs) or AdventureQuest Wiki (linked to info subs)?

    This is an excellent idea, we are aware of the existing challenges with the outdated 'Pedia.
  • AQ  Post #: 6
    12/16/2024 14:53:12   
    Ninjaty
    Member

    @The Hollow: Assuming that the backstory feature gives us an in-game textarea to write up the story ourselves, that would be an absolutely amazing feature! In fact, please implement all of those listed features! Gotta have it all!

    One thing I feel is missing with the new layout, now that weapons are split into damage types, is the ability to see which 8 weapons the charatcer has in their active inventory. Could this piece of information somehow be incorporated into the new layout?
    Post #: 7
    12/16/2024 15:29:10   
    SIGMUND
    Member

    I would like to preserve the War records for my characters.

    Showing the most recent 10, and having the option to toggle on or off the older records, as per the current character sheet would be a good option.

    I do like the new weapon Melee Magic Missile type listing, but would prefer to add this to the current layout of Active/Stored Weapon inventory

    Listing the Winged Armours and Mounted Armours might also be a nice option within the current Active/Stored Armour list.

    Having the EQUIPPED items shown in the character Picture would be better than showing the Default or First on the list items

    Alignment currently counts for virtually nothing. Showing it will only be useful if more alignment mechanics are added to the game?

    AQ  Post #: 8
    12/16/2024 16:34:16   
    CH4OT1C!
    Member

    It's great to hear that this current iteration of Character Pages is a temporary stop-gap while a more polished version is finalised. I'd like to reiterate many of the points that @GwenMay has raised:
  • I was fond of the ability to show the player's preferred equipment. Being able to see the fantastic fashion choices made by the community was always one of the highlights of the old pages.
  • I agree with @SIGMUND with regards to preserving war records. These records represent symbols that indicate the character was active during major milestones of AQ's history, and it would be a shame to lose track of those achievements.
  • Being able to see the different faces a player owns is a fantastic way to see how you could use them yourself.
  • Character pages are the key area where custom titles matter, and they should have a prominent place in the layout.
  • The old symbols identifying when an estate is under attack is vital information for players with estates.
  • I agree that the Melee/Ranged/Magic split on weapons is unnecessary.

    I'm happy that you plan to reintegrate much of the above information in future iterations of the design. I'm also fully supportive of the other mechanics you plan to add. I'm particularly interested in the customisable backgrounds, equipment display options, and personal backstory sections. I'm also very supportive of the idea regarding tying equipment to encylopedia entries/info subs (though I appreciate that would be a massive undertaking!).

    < Message edited by CH4OT1C! -- 12/16/2024 17:07:55 >


    _____________________________


  • AQ  Post #: 9
    12/16/2024 17:44:32   
    Dardiel
    Member

    To toss my character page feelings in, I think they tend to serve 3 main purposes:
    - Sharing a build
    - Showing off fashion
    - Showing off war history
    I have also seen a little bit of "hey your estate is under attack" although I'm pretty certain the estates are only seen because the character page was shared for one of the 3 reasons listed.

    For sharing a build, that would require drawing extra attention to the character's active inventory (at minimum a little break or line between the top 8 and the rest). There could be value to having JUST the active inventory around the top of the page then stored items further down, to further reduce clutter in "look at my build" scenarios. Potential extra boost could be a section to explain how the build works, like a function-focused "backstory" section. And since the concept of "items have links to what they do" was brought up I fully support that, although I'm pretty sure it would be a pretty massive project (but still worthwhile, especially for new players).

    For showing off fashion I agree that letting players choose the items and their color scheme (if it ends up being possible), as well as showing titles, would be most important. Ideally players could choose a non-$35 title to also display in their paid titles (by putting it at the top of the title inventory), and Procly can sell a blank one for players that don't want any non-paid title to display.
    Custom backgrounds would be great, and I think if it's possible to let the player create linked item sets (at minimum cycling between all 2nd slot, all 3rd slot, etc) would let players show off their full fashion lineup rather than only one. A room for personal backstory / player entry would be adorable.

    Character age and listing all war contributions would likely be the top 2 things for showing off achievements that aren't within fashion or build; the old ordering for wars was a little random though so ideally an updated one would put them alphabetically or by war wins if proper chronological order isn't possible.
    Post #: 10
    12/16/2024 18:53:10   
    Telcontar Arvedui I
    Member

    Chiming in to say I agree with all points raised by @GwenMay in post #1, @VileReptile in post #3, @CH4OT1C! in post #9, and @Dardiel in post #10.
    If I may, I hope that on-click collapsible/expandable equipment and war records section be raised to a higher priority, as a QoL feature while scrolling/browsing through the character page.
    AQ  Post #: 11
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