The new inventory system introduced in patch 4.7 brings improvements like the paper doll feature and a search function but suffers from slow loading times, small low-detail icons, and usability issues that frustrate many players. While some appreciate the visual enhancements, the overall experience is hindered by backend problems and a focus on aesthetics over functionality, prompting calls for more practical design choices and better performance in future updates.
The video discusses the new inventory system introduced in patch 4.7, highlighting both its improvements and ongoing issues. The presenter appreciates the addition of a paper doll feature, which allows players to see what items they have equipped and which slots are empty, a common and useful element in many games. However, they note that icons still take time to load, and many are low-poly and angled, making it difficult to identify items quickly. The small size and awkward presentation of icons contribute to a less intuitive user experience, and the presenter expresses a preference for larger, flat 2D icons over the current angled ones.
Feedback from the community, as seen on the Spectrum forum, echoes many of these sentiments. Some users feel that while the UI looks better, the interaction remains clunky and slow, with loading times and scrolling issues persisting. The search function is praised as a much-needed feature, but overall, some feel the update is more cosmetic than functional, describing it as “lipstick on a pig.” Criticism also centers on the poor visibility of items due to the small, low-detail icons, which make it hard to quickly identify and manage inventory.
Some community members are much harsher, labeling the new system as a “horrible user experience” and accusing the developers of prioritizing aesthetics over usability. They describe the delay when hovering over items as “unplayable” and express frustration that despite the time and resources invested, the inventory feels worse than before. However, the presenter disagrees with this extreme view, acknowledging the improvements but emphasizing that significant work remains to enhance usability and icon clarity.
A technical perspective shared in the discussion points out that the new UI still relies on the same problematic database as the old one, leading to issues like stacking problems, invisible items on the character, and occasional UI lockups. The limited number of players in testing phases (PTU and Evocati) can give a misleading impression of performance improvements, as real-world server load and database issues continue to affect responsiveness. The hope is that future advancements, such as dynamic server meshing, will alleviate these backend problems.
In conclusion, the new inventory system in 4.7 is seen as a step forward mainly due to the paper doll and some new features, but it falls short in terms of icon design, speed, and overall usability. The presenter calls for options to adjust icon size and presentation, advocating for flat 2D icons rather than angled ones. They also critique the focus on cinematic presentation over practical functionality, reflecting a desire for a more user-friendly and efficient inventory experience in future updates.