genesis
Posts: 924
2/9/2018
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The latest blog has given us an early peek at the website redesign. Some interesting observations:
1. A "Possessions" (?!) tab
2. Five cards in a row!
3. Banner redesign
4. Discard buttons at the top of the cards
5. No candles! (simple action counters)
6. Round, rather than square, quality icons
Some of these are "imported" from the app design. If so then other things we might expect:
7. Exact luck probabilities
8. The "Prominence" category of qualities that includes things like Notability and Making Waves
edited by genesis on 2/9/2018
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http://fallenlondon.com/Profile/mikey_thinkin
Keeping track of incomplete content and loose ends in Fallen London
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Vavakx Nonexus
Posts: 892
2/9/2018
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I'm personally not a fan of circular qualities, as qualities weren't designed for being used like that. Qualities like Watchful/Shadowy/Persuasive/Dangerous, BDR and Menaces, as well as Quirks and Credit with the Headmistress, have rectangular borders, which will look quite weird in a circle.
Also, you're cutting off 1/3-to-1/2 of the icon, and that's just not cool with me.
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Amets Estibariz, the Moulting Eidolon: Cradled by a sun all their own.
Blabbing, the Hobo Everyone Knows: The One Who Pulls The Strings. A Clarity In The Darkness.
Charlotte and the Caretaker: A family?
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Plynkes
Posts: 631
2/9/2018
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I do not like how it no longer says "It's <Character Name>. Welcome to..." I have four characters now, one for each ambition. I need that to tell me at a glance which I'm on, because I'm stupid and can't always remember. 
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"Then tell Wind and Fire where to stop, but don't tell me."
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Harry P.
Posts: 116
2/9/2018
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I am personally not a big fan of the website's redesign. I prefer our current 'parchment'y styled website over this more modern aesthetic. I feel as if Fallen London would lose some of its character and appeal, if it were to make the switch. The loss of the greeting, action candle, its 'parchment'iness, and blocky qualities makes me feel rather upset and the idea of making Fallen London look like more like a modern website just makes me feel rather uncomfortable overall. And personally, I never had an issue with the site whenever I had accessed it via mobile phone.
Regardless, this is merely my personal opinion. Even if FBG were to make the transition to the more modern looking website, I will still play Fallen London to the very end.
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Harry P.: http://fallenlondon.storynexus.com/Profile/HarryP22h
A Magnanimous Gentleman Author with a tendency for melancholic monologues.
Elizabeth K. Broker: http://fallenlondon.storynexus.com/Profile/Elizabeth%20K%20Broker
A Socially-Awkward Dueling Trickster with a thirst for vengeance and a soft spot for urchins.
If you are ever in need of any assistance, do not hesitate to ask either of them. The second one is still finicky, though.
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Absalom Agenbite
Posts: 13
2/9/2018
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Echoing what others have said here, the big problem with this prototype is the loss of visual character. And to my eye the switch to circular icons makes it look like Twitter which makes it look like every other site redesign that's dropped in the past few months and that's a manner of thing that shall not be well.
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Absalom Agenbite: The Melancholy Midnighter With The Alliterative Appellation. Available for Orphanages, Extraordinary Mind Patronage, and Enigma Hints, in-character or not.
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Barse
Posts: 706
2/9/2018
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Here they are!
 
I have mixed feelings about them - the art is really well-done, and I think more than some people I enjoy the newer, more realistic style, but I do feel these portraits (the Missionary in particular) strike a different tone to the originals.
I also agree with wanting to retain the candle, "welcome" messages, etc. - maybe I'm just a curmudgeon who's resistant to change, but I really like the current site layout despite its ever-so-slightly dated feel. Cannibalising the app for assets is a smart move in terms of FBG getting value out of an otherwise unfortunate development, though.
edited by Barse on 2/9/2018
--
 The Scorched Sailor, up for most social actions and RP. Not as scary as he looks.
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Aberrant Eremite
Posts: 362
2/9/2018
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phryne wrote:
I generally love the new look! But yes, I do hope they keep the "It's (char name)! Welcome to (location)!" line. I would dearly miss it.
Especially when it says things like, "Welcome to Disgraced Exile in the Tomb-Colonies!" That's so cheeky, I love that.
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Hieronymus Drake: Gentleman scholar, big-game hunter, scar-faced aristocrat. Remarkably sane, all things considered.
Tanith Wyrmwood: Longshanks cat-burglar; Bohemian author; now, perhaps, something more. Bubbly, expressive, and affectionate. It’s not only still waters that run deep.
Telemachia Lee: Gentle lady by birth, brawling Docker by choice. Good company in the drunk tank.
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Optimatum
Posts: 3666
2/10/2018
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Barse wrote:
I also agree with wanting to retain the candle, "welcome" messages, etc. - maybe I'm just a curmudgeon who's resistant to change, but I really like the current site layout despite its ever-so-slightly dated feel.
I'm inclined to agree. The current site has a lot of character, and I'd be disappointed to see it go, beyond my attachment to familiarity. I was never a fan of the app's design, which was a big reason I never used it much after the beta ended, even though the site is inconvenient on a mobile browser. It just never felt like it fit the setting. Really, I think the current site is aesthetically fine as-is; the only design change needed is a mobile version of the site.
1. Separating inventory and qualities would definitely be a welcome change. It takes so long to load at this point... Search bars for both, like that one browser extension, would also be excellent.
2. I never use the five card lodgings anymore, but thank you. Seriously, why has the fifth card been awkward for so long? It's not difficult to fix.
3. Is the banner art from the app? It looks exactly like the current art, just less detailed. Which is especially weird with the trend towards increased detail and realism.
4. Discard buttons on cards seems really cumbersome. Easier to misclick and discard a card when you meant to use it, especially on mobile. (Say goodbye to your Moods...)
5. The candles are such an integral part of how I picture FL. I can understand removing them for a mobile site, but in general? That makes no sense. Is it server-intensive somehow?
6. Round icons just look strange. It works okay for some of the art, but other pieces just have details cut off. The door image does not look good as a circle, for example. Round icons also looks much stranger for the unlocks.
I don't really object to the new tab design, though. The change is strange but it doesn't distract from the rest of the layout, which is the only issue I might have. Putting the travel button off to the side is also convenient. (Though speaking of convenient, it's *so* inconvenient to have to back out of storylets before using items now. Is that really the only solution? Because it's really not user-friendly.)
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Optimatum, a ruthless and merciful gentleman. No plant battles, Affluent Photographer requests, or healing offers; all other social actions welcome.
 Want a sip of Cider? Just say hi!
PM me for information enigmatic or Fated. Though the forum please, not FL itself.
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Vavakx Nonexus
Posts: 892
2/9/2018
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I feel like the topic really has shifted significantly from the original discussion about the coming website redesign.
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Amets Estibariz, the Moulting Eidolon: Cradled by a sun all their own.
Blabbing, the Hobo Everyone Knows: The One Who Pulls The Strings. A Clarity In The Darkness.
Charlotte and the Caretaker: A family?
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Kukapetal
Posts: 1449
2/9/2018
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psst! It's peek 
The discard buttons being at the top of the cards will take some getting used to, and its seems like they took away some features like the candle and the greeting at the top, all of which gave the game character and were well liked by the fans. In return, they added a giant banner that really doesn't need to be so big and ?
Of course, in fairness, I'm not super website savvy, so I could be missing some things that are a def. improvement over the old design. Anyone who is a bit more tech savvy than me care to point them out? It's possible they're changes that I'll love
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Kaijyuu
Posts: 1047
2/9/2018
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I don't much like the redesign, at least from that tiny screenshot. Too many circles. Not enough right angles. The popup box on the right reminds me too much of awful sites like wikia.
Whenever something describes its UI design as "modern" it usually translates to "awful misappropriation of minimalism." That doesn't seem to fully be the case here, at least. We still have text for buttons and the like, which is a big step up from all those programs using icons with unclear meaning.
edited by Kaijyuu on 2/9/2018
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Be of good cheer. Our contacts have assured us that your sins are forgiven.
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The Maltese Raven
Posts: 22
2/9/2018
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I thought "His Amused Lordship" was always BRIAN BLESSED in the Neath? The reference was always fairly obvious.
Not a fan of "everything has to be round or circle shaped" like an apple product or some of google's services. I wonder, how could you make the site look like "gothic horror". Sharp rectangles, every content window looks like a ribbed vault and every button like a pointed arch?
Some of the old comic book art has aged rather poorly, i like the new painting style. (Although this isn't really a web design issue.) The portraits in Sunless Sea and Sunless Skies also work rather well. Multiple layers of color and lighting with the art direction going into caricature.
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http://fallenlondon.storynexus.com/Profile/The Maltese Raven
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Catherine Raymond
Posts: 2518
2/9/2018
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genesis wrote:
The latest blog has given us an early peek at the website redesign. Some interesting observations:
1. A "Possessions" (?!) tab
2. Five cards in a row!
3. Banner redesign
4. Discard buttons at the top of the cards
5. No candles! (simple action counters)
6. Round, rather than square, quality icons
Some of these are "imported" from the app design. If so then other things we might expect:
7. Exact luck probabilities
8. The "Prominence" category of qualities that includes things like Notability and Making Waves
edited by genesis on 2/9/2018
I think that's a good summary of what we can tell from the image posted.
Overall, I like 1 and 2, am indifferent to 3, and dislike the rest. I particularly agree with Kukapetal that eliminating the candles sucks some of the flavor out of the visual presentation of the game.
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Cathy Raymond
http://fallenlondon.com/Profile/cathyr19355
Catherine Raymond aka Mrs. Rykar Malkus http://fallenlondon.com/Profile/Catherine%20Raymond (Gone NORTH)
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Kukapetal
Posts: 1449
2/9/2018
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Yeah the game takes place in an old timey setting, so the website doesn't necessarily need to look all sleek and modern
edited by Kukapetal on 2/9/2018
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Kukapetal
Posts: 1449
2/9/2018
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They lost all their personality. The old Firebrand's artwork gave him such a vivid personality. Looking at it, I felt like I could tell a lot about him....how he talked, how he sat, how he'd react if I flirted with him, or accidentally spilled wine on him or told him exciting news. The only thing I get from the new pic is that he looks like he's about to ask me who farted.
I finally get my chance to marry him in the game and they turn him into someone I don't recognize or have much interest in. It sucks.
I don't know why they have to change the art. If the company is having financial difficulties, why spend money to change perfectly fine artwork?
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The Soft-Hearted Revolutionary
Posts: 26
2/9/2018
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I rather like the new, more realistic portraits, although I agree that the Missionary looks a bit odd.
As for the argument regarding personality, the Firebrand looks very similar to the more cartoony old portrait, at least in my opinion, so I don't really see a change in personality. As for the Missionary, I think people are forgetting that we never actually got one for her, the portrait she had was a stock one used in many other storylets, which may be the reason why the new one looks a bit odd in comparison with the one we associate with her
edited by The Soft-Hearted Revolutionary on 2/9/2018
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yetanotherone
Posts: 135
2/9/2018
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Kukapetal wrote:
Ugh, NO. No more realistic portraits! They freaking BUTCHERED the Firebrand, and I don't want to see all the rest of my favorite characters lose all their personalities and become bland portraits of "some guy."
I can't even imagine how annoyed the missionary's fans must be. She looks like a prostitute with a bad hangover.
Yes, this!
Though missionary art actually looks a bit like someone I know who might take offence at that description But your point stands - it's just so jarring with the older stuff.
Some of the portraits (the various accomplices, SMH, costermonger, the Jovial contrarian, etc.) have so much character in just a few clever lines. It's not quite Kate Beaton levels of cleverness with the eyes & the lips expressing so much, but it's in that ballpark.
The new, 'detailed' ones are just horrid, and very out of place.
By all means update the resolution for modern displays, that needs doing, but please keep the old FL style, it's really good.
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https://www.fallenlondon.com/profile/AncientDrunkard
https://www.fallenlondon.com/Profile/ModernDrunkard
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CatLady
Posts: 53
2/12/2018
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Kukapetal wrote:
finally get my chance to marry him in the game and they turn him into someone I don't recognize or have much interest in.
Ha-ha-bloody-ha. Seems to happen to interestingly high number of people, in real life
edited by CatLady on 2/13/2018
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http://fallenlondon.storynexus.com/profile/CatLady_
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SirKorran
Posts: 45
2/13/2018
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Get the greeting back! I've descended so at least someone in this world would call me delicious. Don't take that last little joy from me!
Now, seriously. It was always a challenge to separate mind inertia and honest and true evaluation of a new idea. So I do not know, which part is talking in me right now. But I TRULY believe that using more modern, round/curve shaped design would remove the "old" atmosphere from the game.
I's London. It's 1896. It's Victorian. It's totally UNMODERN with gaslamps, salons, criminal vows and coal steamers.
So making it more modern seems... Controversial?
I understand that FBG made the decision long ago, and my comment won't probably change much. But please, try not to make it overly-modern.
BTW, candles helped atmosphere a lot too... Maybe they still can be incorporated (i.e. as perimeter for round action meter).
On the bright side - totally liked how new layout fits into smartphone screen. And having 5 opportunity cards in the row is definitely a long awaited fix.
edited by SirKwint on 2/13/2018
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Truly and honorably yours,
SirKorran
Curiosity killed a lot of cats. And counting...
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The Maltese Raven
Posts: 22
2/9/2018
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genesis wrote:
So what do we think is the difference between "myself" and "possessions"? Is it qualities vs items? Or is it more of a "equipped" vs "owned"? Or something else?
Whatever it is, splitting inventory and status page should do wonders for some load times.
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http://fallenlondon.storynexus.com/Profile/The Maltese Raven
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Optimatum
Posts: 3666
2/10/2018
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Amalgamate wrote:
Optimatum wrote:
(Though speaking of convenient, it's *so* inconvenient to have to back out of storylets before using items now. Is that really the only solution? Because it's really not user-friendly.)
What was that a solution for, do you know? I noticed the change at one point and wondered why they did it.
Feedback thread says there was some way to repeat one-time storylets. I hope they find a better solution to the problem, because this one is terrible.
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Optimatum, a ruthless and merciful gentleman. No plant battles, Affluent Photographer requests, or healing offers; all other social actions welcome.
Want a sip of Cider? Just say hi!
PM me for information enigmatic or Fated. Though the forum please, not FL itself.
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Jolanda Swan
Posts: 1789
2/13/2018
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It will feel strange without the candles and the greeting. Other than that, Ι assume we will get used to a new style. I am not sure we needed it, of course. I would rather get some minor tweaks such as the ability to protect cards from being discarded, or a fifth costume slot, or the ability to change clothes in the front page instead of the myself tab... Of course, an overall site redesign might be the chance to provide some of this stuff easily.
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Lover of all things beautiful, secret admirer of ugly truths, fond of the Parabola Sun... and always delighted to role play.
http://fallenlondon.com/profile/Jolanda%20Swan
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yetanotherone
Posts: 135
2/9/2018
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Vavakx Nonexus wrote:
I feel like the topic really has shifted significantly from the original discussion about the coming website redesign.
You're right.
But any reasonable website design can be tweaked to personal preference with some custom CSS + scripting & extensions, and it really does need modernising, especially for mobile browser.
Pictures/art, I can't do, and am at the mercy of Failbetter there!
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https://www.fallenlondon.com/profile/AncientDrunkard
https://www.fallenlondon.com/Profile/ModernDrunkard
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Barse
Posts: 706
2/9/2018
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For sure! For all that I said the new art strikes a different (and if you've become used to it, unexpected) tone to the old art, it's entirely fitting and really cool that the new spouses get unique art.
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The Scorched Sailor, up for most social actions and RP. Not as scary as he looks.
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The Maltese Raven
Posts: 22
2/9/2018
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Firebrand and Missionary were not the first in my mind, when talking about redoing old comic book art.
I would be all over a new Starveling Cat in this style. (If the artist gets the poses and action right.)
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http://fallenlondon.storynexus.com/Profile/The Maltese Raven
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Kukapetal
Posts: 1449
2/9/2018
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Ugh, NO. No more realistic portraits! They freaking BUTCHERED the Firebrand, and I don't want to see all the rest of my favorite characters lose all their personalities and become bland portraits of "some guy."
I can't even imagine how annoyed the missionary's fans must be. She looks like a prostitute with a bad hangover.
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phryne
Posts: 1351
2/9/2018
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I generally love the new look! But yes, I do hope they keep the "It's (char name)! Welcome to (location)!" line. I would dearly miss it.
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Accounts: Bag a Legend • Light Fingers • Heart's Desire • Nemesis • no ambition
Exceptional Stories, sorted by Season and by writer ― Favours & Renown Guide
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genesis
Posts: 924
2/9/2018
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So what do we think is the difference between "myself" and "possessions"? Is it qualities vs items? Or is it more of a "equipped" vs "owned"? Or something else?
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http://fallenlondon.com/Profile/mikey_thinkin
Keeping track of incomplete content and loose ends in Fallen London
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silurica
Posts: 210
2/10/2018
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Really the only thing I find jarring about the main body design itself is the new floating tabs. Please bring back the old style. Pretty much everything else about it (circular icons aside, which is another problem not exclusive to it) looks almost the same as the parchment-y style we're used to, but the floating tabs make too much of a difference. Way too much.
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 Meika Osborne, the Reckless Researcher
 Leonard West, the Scarlet Informant
 Chizuru Nishiooji, the Rueful Ex-Diplomat
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Saklad
Posts: 528
2/14/2018
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It is difficult to criticize something like this without feeling like it is just change itself that I’m criticizing. But I will say a few things.
- The discard UI is probably not going to be easily understood by new players, unless you add some sort of mouseover for the black X saying it is undiscardable.
- The candles are pretty important for Fallen London, so I recommend keeping them in some form. Reducing the size might make sense, but for the sake of atmosphere some form of candle is great.
- They should try to cut down on the empty space when they could add more information instead, unless they tried that and it ended up terrible.
- Please, for the love of god, make it easier to see prerequisites for card draws and storylets. And when something is changed (like the amount of an item you have), make sure to give the new value so players don’t have to check. This is one of my biggest problems with the mobile app UI.
- Hell, consider adding shortcuts to sell items when you get them. Anything to cut down on the time spent switching tabs. Speaking of which, please add a permanent dropdown menu for changing equipment sets. You have plenty of vertical space to work with, it seems.
- Consider making quality changes more transparent, both in terms of the amount changed and the new value.
- Make the Sunless Skies (or whatever it will be in the future) ad dismissible, unless that would be untenable. I already paid for my copy, I don’t need to keep seeing that. Speaking of which, I don’t play Early Access for story-driven games, and I think that might have something to do with the Sunless Skies issue.
- Work on optimizing the speed of the website, cutting down on JavaScript usage where possible. I know that’s difficult, but as anyone who has ever disabled JavaScript knows, it takes up like 90% of website loading times.
- Add support for Safari’s pinned tab icons, since I imagine a very substantial number of players would benefit from that. Anyone who plays regularly and has a Mac, really. The Exceptional Hat would be nice for an icon.
And most importantly, it seems like lacre is falling in the middle of the Feast of the Exceptional Rose‽ This is a terrible change, and should be reverted immediately. I’m surprised no one else has commented on it yet.
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Saklad5, a man of many talents
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