What are everyone's feelings on the concept of vanity armor slots? (in case the term is unfamiliar, i mean armor slots that are completely cosmetic and override your "stat gear" in appearance only).
I've seen this done many different ways in lots of games. I've seen it just not possible in a few. I've seen gear able to have the appearance modified (think WoW transmog). I've heard EQ2 had a good system for this, but never played it.
I've always thought that it would be freaking GREAT to have basically two "paper dolls" for equipment. One with your "stat gear" and another for "vanity armor", with maybe a check box on each to select which set is visually active. I've heard tons of arguments both for and against even being able to visually modify or replace your main armor, but never really understood any argument AGAINST it. Someone once had at least a defensible opinion against vanity armor for PvP purposes. I guess if you think basing your PvP selections on what gear your opponent is wearing, then you would be against the vanity armor concept. I always thought that NOT knowing the exact stats on your opponent's gear was a boon to PvP - not a bane, but I digress.
I have also experienced systems where vanity armor practices were possible, but limited (usually to only the same type of armor that you "class" could use, or what your stat piece is).
I always wanted vanity armor slots in Asheron's Call, because I always played a mage who I thought SHOULD be wearing a robe, but you would majorly gimp yourself by NOT wearing real armor. I know you can just swap out armor sets, but that gets to be a pain and you end up just sucking it up and wearing your good but ugly ass armor. This leads to not even wanting to play the character because you can't stand looking at him/her.
Perhaps it's just me; your mileage may vary : )
Thanks.
Ladin
