CoD disappointing in skinning matters!

[Lucas_From_Hell]

Originally Posted by Jarink

Would allowing those of us who DO care about being able to edit these layers break the game?

Would it completely ruin your enjoyment of CoD if a skinner came up with a better set of lines or better looking weathering? Is asking for the ability to fully edit the appearance of the skins unreasonable? Would allowing this change gameplay or allow cheating?

The answer to all of those questions is "No, allowing these changes would have ABSOLUTELY NO EFFECT on you." It does make a lot of difference to some of us, however, and as we are all potential customers of the game, all of our opinions should matter.

It is indeed a fair point. I, and I guess everyone here, would like to have as much realism as possible, if available.

But: one thing most people are ignoring is the new DAMAGE MODEL.

In our beloved Il-2 1946 and previous titles, the visual damage served, roughly, as just a vague way to tell you (both targeted and attacking a/c) what's going on. But that was about it really. So having a new, enhanced set or rivets and panel lines - and yes, those do make it prettier and more enjoyable - was always something incredibly welcome, and kept us flying for a few more minutes and possibly hours, contemplating the masterpieces offered by the community.

In this particular case, however, any damaged caused upon an aircraft causes a reaction that accords to the structure of the victim. No problem so far. So, the panel covering the ammunition belts on your left wing is blown off by some 20mm shell fired by that B'n'Z'ing MoFo that won't let go of you at all. Great, realistic damage, woohoo!

The big issue with changing it is, the lines presented by default are made according to the structure model. Unlike in the "classic" Il-2, rivets, panels and whatnot are brought to us as PHYSICAL parts of the aircraft, instead of the VISUAL importance they held back then.

They have become part of the aircraft itself instead of the pain scheme.

The point where I'm trying to get to is that, basically: by repositioning a rivet/panel-line (or anything implemented in similar fashion), as soon as the aircraft is damaged, it'll be obvious that it was edited, since the lines and the actual panels won't match, and this, as far as I'm concerned, is a way bigger and more noticeable immersion breaker than a slightly mispositioned rivet.

You're less likely to notice the mistakes (and in this case, I'd dare to say they're barely present, if at all in some cases) when the whole simulation around it is coherent than when one issue is addressed but all the surrounding factors are still wrongly depicted.

When everything is according, there is no contrast or whatsoever, whereas when you don't fully fix the problem, all issues are highlighted.

If there's anything to address, I'd suggest letting the developers know so that it can be completely solved in future patches. That'd include any related change to the structure, damage and even flight model that may be needed, and thus everyone would be happy - both skinners and players in general.

Happy flying and skinning everyone