The graphics engine Square Enix is using for its upcoming JRPG, Final Fantasy XV, is taking visuals to the next level. In a new feature in Japanese gaming magazine Famitsu, the company revealed the technology it was using to create eyes and hair that looks completely natural.
These aspects of graphics are typically neglected, giving most characters in video games a glassy-eyed look, with stiff hair. Square Enix is sparing no expense to make sure their characters do not have the look of porcelain dolls—even if they are highly stylized and could never pass as actual humans.
Square Enix revealed that each character is made up of 20,000-30,000 polygons each, and that they used a mathematical model to retain the naturally glossy look of hair based on the way it reflects light.
Screenshots from the magazine showcase the eyes of the character Cidney, which depict how the developers have managed to reproduce lifelike eyes in-game.
One of the pictures, seen below, also shows the advanced hair effects on the character Luna. The character’s hair was modeled after a wig produced by a professional hair stylist.
Final Fantasy XV will be released on the Xbox One and PlayStation 4. It does not have a release date at this point in time.
