The new benchmark software of the Dawntrail expansion for Final Fantasy XIV has caused dissatisfaction in parts of the community. Naoki Yoshida has now announced a fundamental overhaul of the tool. We can expect “A Benchmark Reborn”.
What is behind the benchmark software of Dawntrail? With the upcoming expansion of Final Fantasy XIV, the fantasy world of Eorzea will receive a comprehensive graphic update along with many other content and improvements.
This summer, you can expect improved character models, shadows, lighting, weather effects, object density, and much more. Of course, this will also affect the system requirements that your PC needs to meet.
With the benchmark software from Dawntrail, you can take a first look at the modernized Eorzea as well as other innovations from the expansion. And of course, you can find out if your computer’s power is sufficient.
Looks very stylish – the final trailer for FFXIV Dawntrail:
Why are players criticizing this useful tool? Some players who have closely examined the automatically running scenes of the benchmark noticed that the graphic update apparently has a negative effect on the appearance of their characters.
MeinMMO has already reported on one case: The visual update worsens the teeth of the Lalafell. Below you will find two more examples from the community:
- In some cases, the mouth, nose, and eye areas of characters noticeably look different (via Twitter).
- The feline Miqo’te lose their fangs (via Twitter).
A Benchmark Reborn
What has Square Enix announced? We know that the developers of Final Fantasy XIV are not afraid to comprehensively overhaul criticized areas of their MMORPG, at least since the relaunch of the online RPG in the “A Realm Reborn” version in August 2013.
However, a benchmark tool of an expansion has never been affected by such a drastic measure, and that is now going to change. In the official Lodestone, producer and director Naoki Yoshida announced that he wants to replace the current software with a significantly improved version.
The update is primarily aimed at overhauling the outdated technology behind character creation, which collides with the graphic improvements made in the benchmark software. There also appear to have been issues with processing character data and certain processes.
According to Yoshi-P, both issues combined cause errors like lifeless eyes, overly flat facial features, artificially appearing shine effects, missing HD textures, incorrect scaling of mouths, or visible seams at the neck of certain races.
Whether the new benchmark software will actually eliminate all undesirable character adjustments by players will only be shown in the final version. Since the chief developer has not addressed every criticism in detail, some changes could also be intentional design decisions.
If you want to learn more about Dawntrail, check out our overview: Final Fantasy XIV brings new expansion Dawntrail – Release date and all information
