Having played both HoI2 and HoI3 I have to say that the graphics and interface in the latter is less personal and gives fewer immersion in comparison to HoI2. While I agree that this might be related more to personal taste, I just want to point out several examples which illustrate my view:
Tech Tree Pictures
In HoI3 there is no tech tree picture showing the tech currently researched and there is no tech team image either. I already saw an early snapshot of the tech-tree in HoI4 with what I think are icons and I really hope that this feature will make its way to release. Samples from other game: Example 1, Example 2. You can also see ideas image in EUIV.
Unit Icons
In HoI3 there is no unit icons supported unlike in HoI2, showing only generic counters. While I agree that counters give more clarity because you can know the type of the unit fast, this severely reduces the immersion of playing different countries. I believe many HoI2 players will remember the great work done by SKIFF and etc in making beautiful icons that give each country's army personalization. Additionally I think this icons give some small rewards to player showing how far their units have advanced in tech. Example 3
Custom country theme
In HoI2, the interface will look different according to nation you play because each nation can have their own background that will show in various tabs of the game. With the previous example you can also see that the Soviet has different background and feel overall as opposed to Germany or other country. Unfortunately this feature is no longer available in HoI3. I hope that HoI4 can bring this feature back and even introduce more customization options like different interface and icons for each country.
Others
Specific province picture for major cities. (It would be great if it can change according to the damage the city accrues) Larger unit production picture. Feel free to add what you think will improve the game graphically.
You might think that all of these are only eyecandy. I agree and understand if PI doesn't really have time to make their game pretty but at least please give the necessary support to modders to improve the game and to add these arts. (which are mostly 2D and doesn't require any 3d modeling) After all I think immersion is also important in making good long-term playable game. I still think HoI2 + GIP + SKIFF looks very modern in 2013 and in someway even better than HoI3.
Tech Tree Pictures
In HoI3 there is no tech tree picture showing the tech currently researched and there is no tech team image either. I already saw an early snapshot of the tech-tree in HoI4 with what I think are icons and I really hope that this feature will make its way to release. Samples from other game: Example 1, Example 2. You can also see ideas image in EUIV.
Unit Icons
In HoI3 there is no unit icons supported unlike in HoI2, showing only generic counters. While I agree that counters give more clarity because you can know the type of the unit fast, this severely reduces the immersion of playing different countries. I believe many HoI2 players will remember the great work done by SKIFF and etc in making beautiful icons that give each country's army personalization. Additionally I think this icons give some small rewards to player showing how far their units have advanced in tech. Example 3
Custom country theme
In HoI2, the interface will look different according to nation you play because each nation can have their own background that will show in various tabs of the game. With the previous example you can also see that the Soviet has different background and feel overall as opposed to Germany or other country. Unfortunately this feature is no longer available in HoI3. I hope that HoI4 can bring this feature back and even introduce more customization options like different interface and icons for each country.
Others
Specific province picture for major cities. (It would be great if it can change according to the damage the city accrues) Larger unit production picture. Feel free to add what you think will improve the game graphically.
You might think that all of these are only eyecandy. I agree and understand if PI doesn't really have time to make their game pretty but at least please give the necessary support to modders to improve the game and to add these arts. (which are mostly 2D and doesn't require any 3d modeling) After all I think immersion is also important in making good long-term playable game. I still think HoI2 + GIP + SKIFF looks very modern in 2013 and in someway even better than HoI3.
