Those 3D maps and models look amazing.
Is there such a thing as too good though?
With cruder 2D maps and tokens, I feel like you can still be mostly in your head and just reference the map for positioning. With this level of graphics, don't know.
I know what you mean. For me, the difference lies in imagination, and how much you need to use. The more imagination you need (like in theater of the mind) the more "cinematic" your immersion. The less imagination (really good miniatures, really good VTT), the more you feel removed from the immersion.
I know it's not just me, but this might not be true for
everyone. I also know that some people really
need as many imagination aids as you can give them. It's not that their unimaginative, it's that their imagination doesn't form particularly vivid pictures.
Still, this looks to me like it would have the danger (I'd have to try it to be sure) of feeling like playing a really,
really slow video game with friends. Like in the old days when you had to pass the joystick over and wait for them. I think that I'd grow impatient. I'll have to see.
Also, as a DM, I don't have the patience to learn how to use Roll20. This would need to be more "convenient" than THAT is for me to give it a solid chance. (I'm told R20 is not that bad, once you get the hang of it, which I should probably put the effort in, but I just haven't yet).
Of course, I also
sell miniatures for a living, so that side of me has mixed feelings on this as well. If it's
really good it could affect my mini sales, but that's a concern for another time...