Not at all, they certainly don't have to, nor should they copy WT's aesthetic. Though as it stands Aces has very little in the way of lighting or lighting effects. The difference between this
(Image removed from quote.)
and
this (Image removed from quote.)
is lighting effects. I dont think adding more polygons to the trees really will raise the bar as much improving the lighting.
I think you need a reality check. From what's been posted here, WT has prettier terrain I'll give it that. But in all the aircraft images you've posted here the AH ones look way closer to reality to me.
That WT Typhoon looks like it's made out of shiny plastic. While the AH Yak looks like faded flat paint on aluminum/fabric, like it should. I even see a lot of little details on the AH Yak that really make it, the worn off paint around the wing root, the stains behind the fuel filler cap, paint chips on the cowling and leading edges, visible rib lines through the fabric on the control surfaces, etc.. Trust me, I work on old, hard working aircraft every day, the only planes you'll see as shiny and perfect as that WT Typhoon example are show planes and hangar queens. Planes that actually get out and fly/work don't stay that pretty for very long, especially old piston engined planes that spew oil and smoke every time they start up.
As far as lighting effects you speak of, I don't get it either, they both have highlights and shadows in all the right places. The WT plane just looks like a shiny plastic model, while the AH plane looks like a real working aircraft. In your previous example all you did was take the lovely looking AH Yak and crank up the green saturation to the 'have-to-cover-my-eyes-to-keep-from-vomiting' level. Even when it comes to the terrain, the way he AH graphic has the coastline fading into the haze of midday sunlight looks pretty realistic.
Anyway, I don't really have a dog in this fight, I've never played WT, and play AH pretty seldom these days (though when I do, I don't worry about the graphics) Real life and all gets in the way... ...
