Shadows of Luclin Preview

Computer Games Online has posted up a preview of EverQuest’s upcoming expansion, Shadows of Luclin. Check it out:

But it seems that most of the work being put into Luclin is going into new character models. Characters are built from more polygons and bigger textures, which gives them a lot more detail. A new skeletal animation system is being used for combat animations specific to weapon configurations; a character with a shield and a sword will move differently from someone with a spear or axe. The most dramatic change is ironically the smallest. Characters’ faces are now 3D models with bones moving their brows and mouths. Eyes are separate objects that can roll and glance. Characters in combat will grimace while they fight. They’ll get a pained look when they’re damaged. Players can smile and frown. These new animations and facial models give characters in Luclin more, well, character.