Better graphics are on the way!

Jagex just posted before and after shots of their upcoming improved graphics for Runescape. And, wow, the improvements are great!

BEFORE



AFTER


After Detail


Here are just a few things I noticed:
• Shadows!
• Soft edges on the shadows,
• The underlying grid is no longer visible,
• Smooth transitions from one terrain to another,
• Bump-maps (or some sort of bump tech)
• Much more details: from cobblestones, to wood grains, to dirt.
• Bigger image area!

This is very cool.



But here is some of what the improved graphics will probably NOT include:
• Not any more polygons - the details are not in the 3D framework of the models, but in the "skin" of the models.
• Avatars not much more detailed
• Trees look pretty much the same
• Currently the avatars do not have shadows
• Shadows will not be dynamic (that is, they won't move - no sun, day/night cycles, light form torches in your hand, etc.)


Here are a few things I have questions about:
• What will the new sky look like? Black? blue? gray? clouds?
• With the larger image area, how will the far distance be handled? Will distant things just pop into existence like they do now? Or will they be blurry or misty in the distance?
• What improvements to the avatar are in store?

~~~~~
Additional comment:
Some people have noticed the white triangle in the upper right corner of the "after" image and have interpreted this as "fog". If true, this would mean the far distance would be white and objects would quickly fade into existence from this white "fog" as you walked closer to them.

Also, Jagex has managed to get more detail while keeping the "cartoon" look. This is great!

I can't wait to see this stuff in-game.