I feel kinda bummed to say it myself, but I'm also in the boat of not being completely sold on the new art. What really attracted me to the game before was that dark "steampunky meets western" mash-up (saving room for things like ninjas/gangsters etc). I kind of like the disparity in art in that each crew had their own feel to it (whether stylish, spooky, or just kind of "different" looking). Also, I kind of liked the full Asian influence crews like Kirai and Misaki bring to the game. It helped make the game feel like there was something for everyone.
That all said, I can understand the new art direction in that it unifies everything and makes it feel more like a world instead of something I feel like I'd be reading in a crossover series comic book (although I do enjoy those....). However, like others have said, all I kind of see here is post-apocalyptic "Mad Max" versus what I saw above.
Either way, I've been making my decision and buying up what I can of the current models for the 13 crews I have (yea....kinda got into this hardcore), and let the chips fall where they may. I'm not going to sit here and do the "Change the art or I QUIT!!!" act, as I enjoy the game too much. But, at the same time I'm a big fan of Lady J, and just can't vibe on the new one (and I have the Nightmare, Original, and Alt version...fanboy am I).
Either way, it's a change. For better or worse is darn hard to call now. I mean, I'm still conflicted whether I like plastic or metal models more (Yan Lo's beard vs sword Vik's hands......). As the new boxes come out, I figure Wyrd will take feedback as needed. Heck, I've seen it with the plastic boxes I've worked with in how they went from guessing through to having a suggested assembly order. It's a process, and a ride.
Yes, am I attached to the 1.5 art, yup. I'll admit it. I find it cool, I find the game fun, and that's that. [Heck of a first post....]
