I was really excited about the whole range of races in this game, and while I haven't been 100% happy with the customization options for the races I've tried (Baraka, Amani, Human), most of them have been good enough at least.

The only race I've disliked the customization for has been Elin. Now most people have been complaining about their "loli" appearance and AoE pedo-taunt, but my issue with Elin customization goes beyond that. Here are the main things that bothered me:

1) The face choices.

The next time closed beta is available, go into the face options for Elin and just scroll through them. Try to find a face that doesn't scare the living daylights out of you. You can't. Almost all the faces have these huge, brightly colored, glassy eyes set way too low on the face (by default). Half of the faces have this asian-ish "vulnerable" expression (something to do with the eye shape and eyebrows) while the mouth is still smiling. The other half have the eyes set low and far apart, giving your character a perpetual vacant derpyness.

Now I've seen my share of asian anime/manga, and these choices take the top prize for going well overboard on trying to make the faces "cute". What you get instead feels like some kind of doll from a horror movie, ready to stab you as soon as you turn your back.


2) Hair and animal features

While the juxtaposition of tiny character wielding huge weapon was definitely something fun about making an Elin, I was never entirely sold on the animal features (ears and tail). When I went to make my character, I felt compelled to go with the sheep/ram option with the stubbly tail, simply because it minimized the outrageous ears. I realize a lot of people probably liked the animal features, but I would have liked to see the ability to mix and match hairstyles with animal features.

The lock between hair and animal features felt really restrictive, as my choice of low key animal characteristics forced a single hairstyle.

3) The body type

Yes yes, you can't change it. Yes, its necessary because of the shape of armors and the like. But the number one thing that turns people away from Elin when I show them all the Tera races is their body shape (read: thighs) The fact that you can't change this really restricts the end result of the character you create. All Elins look too pear shaped (read: sexualized) as a result and the game suffers from the lack of the option.


Just my 2c.

TL;DR -> Default Elin faces are creepy, hair/animal features are restrictive, body type is fixed and alienates some people who'd otherwise want to play a smaller character.

Well.

You just stated you disliked everything that makes the Elin an Elin.

T_T


Notsureifsrs

only thing that will ring here is interchangeable hair and ear combinations as well as being able to change the ear/tail color.

Why everyones thinks The Elins are scary T_T THEY'RE NOT SCARY AT ALL !! THEY'RE SOOOOOOO CUTE ! /justsaying

Elin Korea is best korea. (no offense to people of korean origin)

I agree with Gezo :D

Lol, clearly Elins aren't the race for you. As Gezodiaz said, you dislike everything about the Elins that make them Elins. I highly recommend going with a different race as the Elins clearly aren't targeted for what your looking for in a race.

Quote: Cellion on 2012-03-01 02:21:35 UTC - view

This was my beef in another thread. When I played with the Castanic "editor", you could interchange the horns and hair styles to come up with any combination. With the three Elins I build in CBT2 ("Red" Fox, "Fat" Ears Bunny, & Cat), I had no choice of hair styles.

With the look of their face, well, here's the "official" bio on that, "Their physical appearance reflected the youngest daughter of Arun's naïve desire for beauty and peace." What I wouldn't mind seeing is fangs, at least with the fox, cat, or dog, but for such a minor detail, I can't see that ever happening. I would also like to able to add "scars" to a higher level character, to reflect the marks of combat (but I know that will NEVER happen). I really had to tweak with the face (detail?) editor to give my Cat Warrior more of a feline look, so you might want to try that, instead of just going with one of the "default" ones.

As for their body type, Elins are pears, and can't be compares to Apples or Oranges... Sorry, I just couldn't resist saying that. ;3

But that's why there are 7 different races to choose from, and Elin (or Popori, for that matter) aren't going to be for everybody. Rather that just being stuck with the typical Human/Elf character, there is something for everybody in this game!

Quote: MrPostman on 2012-03-01 07:37:03 UTC - view

Actually, this is false. The Castanic horns are also tied to specific hairstyles. I'm not sure what made you think they could be selected separately.

Only thing I agree with is I wish there was more options between Animal // Hairstyle. Still love the Elin race even without the option though.

Hey sorry to ruin your party, but every race have the same issue.
Customization overall sucks.
But not to the point omfg is unplayable, mentioned long time ago that we are missing some basic freedoms.
Change Eye Color ,Set scar and tatoo.
For everyone.