We previously noted that the Jedi Knight media looked remarkably better than older material, and the Imperial Agent is continuing this trend. The new graphics are impressive, showing much greater detail than any previously released images. From the weapon and clothing to the smoke and shadows, each part of this screenshot is laced with fine textures.
The sky and mountain ranges, in particular, stand out in this image, implying a sense of scale that is normally missing in MMOs because of issues with draw distance and rendering. The color pallet in the clouds and haze covering the mountains give a remarkably realistic impression within the game's stylized realism. However, this could just be a simple skybox illusion and we will have to wait for video to have a better idea.
We also see a defining features of the Imperial Agent in this, and all of the following, pictures: a sniper rifle. With the previous hints pointing toward pistols and vibroblade daggers, a focus on sniper rifles was unexpected, but not unwelcome. The Imperial Agents were described as being tactical and precise in the timeline video, and the pinpoint accuracy of a sniper does fit this theme. We have to treat this as speculation, but it seems unlikely that every Agent in these pictures are using a large rifle out of chance.
Additional Notes: Downed ship, men in white, blast craters, artillery pieces, mustache (credit to robert)
The second screenshot continues to show significant improvement in the quality of the images coming from BioWare. The coloring and shadows on the Imperial Agent and his gear is fairly complex, looking much different than the "painted-on look" that we've seen prior. We do see additional customization in the character's face, showing small alterations in comparison to similar faces seen previously. These small changes, such as the shape of the nose and eyebrows, could simply be from the BioWare updating the models, but it could also be imply a deeper level of character customization, possibly something similar to what we see in the recently release
Dragon Age: Origins.
Additionally, we have a very curious speederbike in this picture. The lighting and visual fidelity of the bike itself is very promising, however it seems to be devoid of the realistic shadowing we see in the rest of the image. The grass around the pedal, and the undercarriage dipping into the dirt, makes it appear that the bike is on the ground, but the foil on the front of the vehicle still do not display a shadow. This could be a strange angle, or possibly the bike was added in post, either way it is interesting that we see yet another instance of a speeder being in close proximity to a player character.
Additional Notes: Winged creature, more artillery, non-skybox mountains
Appearing to wear light, or possibly medium, armor, the Imperial Agents might be filling the long range damage slot for the Sith Empire. The armor looks even more distinct on the female model with the pauldrons sticking out far over the shoulders. We also get a good look at the shadowing on the right sleeve and the texture on the boots and belt buckle, continuing to move away from the painted look.
The agent's facial features could contain the most interesting parts of this screenshot. Her eyes are extremely dark, going far beyond the shadowing seen in the rest of the image. There are two gameplay possibilities for this. It could simply be a cosmetic choice, adding to the tattoos and scars we've seen in previous games, or it could be linked to her alignment. Star Wars is riddled with evil people looking increasingly sinister with their affinity for the dark side and this agents eyes could be reflecting her own choices.
Additional Notes: K'lor'slugs in the center and bottom left corner, coding, steam effects
In the final image we get to see the Imperial Agent engaging, what appears to be, a smuggler. If this is a smuggler then we could be looking at a hint regarding PVP. These images are set on the planet Balmorra which is already
steeped in speculation regarding it being a PVP oriented location. BioWare loves to give out clues and we might need to add this one to the list.
We also see the man in white in the center of the screen and a downed ship behind the possible smuggler. When you compare it to the first picture you see many of the same figures, giving a good reference to how close together these characters where in the world. The men in white seem to be milling around the ship, almost as though they are an enemy type linked to the location, much like the K'lor'slugs in the temples of Korriban. It is far too early to speculate about how players will interact with these NPCs, but it is an interesting addition to the images.
Additional Notes: Smoke effects, more artillery, separate hair renders, highly detailed foliage
A few things should be taken into consideration when viewing these images and speculating about their content. Until BioWare makes an official announcement, all conclusions drawn from these screenshots are little more than speculation. Additionally, while these images are almost certainly generated with in-game assets, the increased quality may exceed what your average user will experience due to computer limitations.
