I like the art style....a lot

[Sherlock]

I like the 'very realistic' direction they seem to be going with. The realism on the terrain, sea, mountains, etc, is outstanding.

I've seen one 'leader screenshot' (Washington?) and it was very 'not cartoony'.

'Not cartoony' is good.

 

[AlpsStranger]

I love cartoons, cartooning, and "cartoony" art styles. That said, even I think 5 looks to be prettier than 4. It appears that 5 has much higher production values across the board even though I was in no way offended by 4's graphics. The terrain is quite readable and looks clean enough to lick yet the units are very distinct and "pop" easily from the terrain.

 

[morss_4]

I liked the cartoony look personally.

Civ has always been a bit cartoony. The advisors from Civ II ought to be proof enough of that. Hopefully they'll find room for an Elvis or two in there before release.

 

[Jeff1787]

'Not cartoony' is good.

I agree...

 

[MSTK]

I am definitely not against a cartoony look, but my first impressions of the new art direction was simply awe. It was breathtaking. Definitely a good step; it made all of the new Starcraft 2 Beta art (which I had been impressed immensely by) pale in comparison.

 

[Ataxerxes]

I am definitely not against a cartoony look, but my first impressions of the new art direction was simply awe. It was breathtaking. Definitely a good step; it made all of the new Starcraft 2 Beta art (which I had been impressed immensely by) pale in comparison.

That was probably the one thing we could have counted on with CIV V. With another eight (approx.) years, the difference would have been profound, as fast as the graphics evolve for all games. The graphics difference between III and IV was great, and this looks like another step up. It's probably the one thing I like the best about V from what I've seen. You're right, it is breathtaking.

 

[croxis]

It drives me nuts when a bold, vivid color palate is called cartoony, but just a personal pet peeve. (I would think cell shaded graphics would be better defined as "cartoony"). I love bright colors because I can tell quite easy what I am seeing on the screen. And it makes me feel happy

That being said I love the slightly darker civ 5 look. The colors are still vivid and varied but not as bright. Must get bigger monitor....

 

[Shiggs713]

I'd be happy for any step in the direction of realism without taking away the fun. So the graphics updates look great to me

 

[ahmedhadzi]

I like what blue marble did to CIV IV and how the whole terrain looked after that touch. When I take a look back, IV looked soo much better than III, and I still think that IV looks amazing even today.
Now I like this new direction in which they are heading and it looks very beautiful realistic map (or as much as realistic you can do it with CIV game), although how the maps looks like was NEVER main concern. Gameplay my friends!

 

[Silv Something]

I agree with the above poster. Gameplay > Graphics. Also, I'm fine with cartoony and not cartoony.

 

[Camikaze]

Remember though that good graphics enhance gameplay. A clearer and more immersive map will allow for greater ease of play, and greater fun whilst playing.

Evidently the rivers are not finished being designed...but the trees look amazing.

 

[Abaddon]

I am glad the move is away from cartoony.

i also agree gameplay>graphics

 

[mechaerik]

I also agree that gameplay > graphics.

That being said, I do like the Civ4 art style, but the Civ V one looks breathtakingly beautiful.

 

[vonSharma]

I actually enjoyed Civ3 more than Civ4 and a lot of the reason was the graphics. Civ5 looks more Civ3ish in that they are returning to that angle where it feels like you are looking at the landscape from above on an airplane or space.. really makes it feel like you have an empire stretching out.

 

[Tusked]

I'm happy with it, if only because the Cyrus leaderhead in Civ 4 made me want to kill something (Cyrus was one of the irrevocably awesome badasses of history and they make him into a FOP? Not to mention a fop who's never any good in games. Gaah.)

 

[Pikkis]

I agree on gameplay > graphics, but I'm glad if it's 'not cartoony'.

 

[Jawa'sRevenge]

Finally, Civ were I can use diplomacy without being creeped out.

 

[CHEESE!]

Remember though that good graphics enhance gameplay. A clearer and more immersive map will allow for greater ease of play, and greater fun whilst playing.

I think that is why I could never play civ III. I got up to Regent, but I found it too dull- the graphics annoyed me hugely.

Evidently the rivers are not finished being designed...but the trees look amazing.

Nor the horses.

 

[Drago Askani]

Game has a lot of potential, graphically speaking that is.

 

[Krzowwh]

I hope that the more well known portrayals of historical leaders will be used rather than a re-interpretation of seldom-known descriptions and portraits.