Fraxis Vs. Fan

[Rob (R8XFT)]

I believe that there's good quality across the board, both Firaxis and fan-based stuff. I think that some people have become more demanding of quality and specialised graphics as time has gone by because animators have proved that they can do some good stuff. When Civ III first came out, we were happy to have extra graphics to mod the game to our requirements; I remember downloading everything that came out at one early point; now, we're more picky and choosy - because there's more out there and we can afford to be choosy.
My personal view on leaderheads is that artists have a particular style/look that is evident in their art. My own leaderheads have a certain "R8XFT look" about them, in the same way that CivArmy's leaderheads are (to me) obviously done by him - they're varied (and really good), but in his style. Jorde and Shiro again are very good artists who have their own styles and so does Firaxis. I'd suggest that the best use of the leaderheads would be to have a good mix of what's on offer. Perhaps between us, we've flooded the market!!
Bungus said that Civ3 was made by professionals, so no hard feelings to the graphics creators - I agree with what he's saying. To us, it's a hobby we're sharing. I would, however, say that the best of each of our collections (in most cases our most recent works) at least rival the Firaxis leaderheads. Personally, I have fun making them and hope people have fun using them, whether they're better or worse than the Firaxis ones!
I think that aaglo, orthanc, utahjazz7, kinboat (amongst others) do units that rival Firaxis units. The sheer variety is incredible (and probably that's the key).
I've played the Rood and the Dragon by Plotinus more than any other completed scenario or mod. This is one area I feel that fans are far better.

 

[Bjornlo]

I don't think the premise of this poll is correct.
The assumption is only one or the other is prefered.
I think it is clear that most on here take these things on a case by case basis.
Some of the fan-art is below Firaxis quality. But, even so alot of this is used as it is not just a question of quality. Since if you need an 'x' and the best 'x' is not prefect you will probably use it anyway.
Some of the fan-art is clearly a cut above firaxis quality. But this does not mean the firaxis stuff is abandoned. It is often used for color and variation for the same reason some of the sub-par fan-art is in use.
I will say this about the Firaxis stuff. It is imperfect, but of a reasonably high over all quality. I still use 75-85% of the Firaxis stuff. However the firaxis stuff is no more then 40-50% of the art (units, wonders, city graphics, etc) in my game is original Firaxis stuff.
Also I think it is equally clear that, even though the Firaxis stuff is more consistent in quality then the fan stuff, the top of the heap (very best) is the fan art. I think that matching the style of Firaxis is mostly irrelevent. I think quality speaks for itself. Kinboat's units might not as closely match Firaxis quite as closely Aaglo, but I would be very conflicted to choose between them. And of course Wyrmshadow's, VingrJoe's and Bebro (to name but a few) units are just top shelf stuff too.

 

[MarineCorps]

And of course Wyrmshadow's, VingrJoe's and Bebro (to name but a few) units are just top shelf stuff too.

Your stuff is also good. Speaking of which weres my Daedalus!

 

[Bjornlo]

Your stuff is also good. Speaking of which weres my Daedalus!

Thanks for the kind words, but I know I am not up to the level of the guys I mentioned. I don't think my stuff is bad, I enjoy and use it myself. But I think there is a difference between very good and the best.

As for all the units I promised everyone. . . I had to work more then doubles for more then a month. I tried to make some units this last weekend, but I was simply too tired. I hope to get back to it later this week. My first thing will be to finish the IS3m (in my siggy).
The Daedalus will be made. As you might know, I am a big SG fan... esp SG:Atlantis (where the Daedalus is featured often).

 

[MarineCorps]

Thanks for the kind words, but I know I am not up to the level of the guys I mentioned. I don't think my stuff is bad, I enjoy and use it myself. But I think there is a difference between very good and the best.

And I used to think that it was people with big egos that were annyoing Stop being so modest. I wouldn't have asked you to make a Daedalus if I didn't think you couldn't do a great job on it(if I did I would have gone and harrased wyrm instead )