A W E S O M E !
EverQuest's new user interface (NUI) moves the game to a new level! (No, I wasn't paid to say this!)
Verant is currently testing the NUI on the test server. To activate the NUI, open your eqclient.ini file, under the [default] section (it should be the first section), add NewUI=TRUE as a new line. I added the line directly under the [default] tag. Save it and then start Test EverQuest. The download on a 28.8-speed modem took over 2 hours, but was well worth it.
The first thing you'll notice that has changed is the character selection screen. Gone is the cold, stone window. What you see is a full screen image of your character, rotating, as if in the game. Off to the left is a small character selection window. On the bottom of the screen is a button to stop the rotation and another to test the character. It allows you to move the character around in the background that is displayed to get a good look at your character. I clicked on Bjord's button several times and was able to run amock in different backdrops (only about a 100 x 100 grid) while changing the camera angle (F9). Alas, I was not able to get a screen shot no matter how hard I pressed the "-" key. I then entered the game.
EDIT ADD: The Rotation and Explore buttons are on the character selection window. If you have more than one character, they all appear in the "Explore" mode, standing near the center of the 'room'. You can click on the other characters (in the Explore mode) to switch to them. Press [Enter] to enter the game.
 All the windows on the Game Screen are transparent until you move the pointer over the window. I had a full view of the screen at all times, even with the inventory window open.
EDIT ADD: You can adjust how translucent the windows become!
The image on the right shows the Main Chat window, transparent on the left and the opaque on the right. ALL window boxes are movable, including the "Window Selector" at the top of the screen. They remain where they are even when you log off; as I found out the one time I was disconnected.
The split image below shows the programmable chat windows. By right-clicking the title bar, you access the submenu of features. After selecting a "New Chat Window", the "Filter" settings allow you to set what information is displayed in each window. You'll notice that I set Auction, Melee, Spells and Skills to the "Chat 1" window. I later set Auction to "Chat 2", which I then minimized so I wouldn't have to look at it but could go back and see if there is anything of interest later (shown above the Main Chat window). This was extremely useful since I could keep track of the combat and the communication separately. (See the bottom of the Game Screen)
The downside of multiple chat windows is you have to keep track of the text cursor. I attempted to thank someone for a buff and sent an auction since it was the active chat window - even when minimized. That was amusing. For him.
  Other nifty features include the tool tips that pop up letting you know the "Alt" hotkeys and other vital information.
The status bars are segmented with little tick marks to help you clearly see the 1 point of damage given or taken. 
The new spell effect icons are just cool! The new images better emulate what they represent.
The spell gems are slightly larger which makes them easier to see and click on. They actually look like cut gems. As mentioned on the EQLive article, the spellbook is available from the spell gem window.
Even the spellbook waned transparent leaving you a shaded view of the screen.
The training window enumerates your skills leaving no doubt as to which skill to build. All scrollable windows, such as the training and chat windows, utilize the mouse wheel. Simply move the pointer over the window and spin your wheels.
There was one small glitch: when Lorie moved her Action window higher on the screen, her mouse pointer became "locked" on the window. She finally had to close the window (and subsequently open it) to remove the lock. She then reported the bug with the /bug command. Remember to report any bugs in the game - especially on the test server.
I invite all Walkers to jump onto the Test Server and try the new interface!
That's all for now. I'm going back to the test server. You know my name, see you there!
N'ral Sylentwalker / Bjord Bearhugger  N`ral
The Dancing Wood Elf Ranger
Walkers of VazaelleEdited by: Nral at: 7/8/02 11:54:26 am
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