Game Graphics Style Opinions

Game Play & Game Design
#1

I’m developing a game, that’s probably obvious by now. It’s going to a fusion of the three games in the title of this thread.

Essentially right now, I want some feedback on this screenshot.

http://img513.imageshack.us/img513/2183/newbitmapimage2g.png

Those are two screenshots from the same game engine, but both are representing the players dorm in a different graphical style.

One, is the sketched out dorm:

http://img233.imageshack.us/img233/4626/dormpre.png

and the other is a pixelated/normal graphics room:

(Note the green borders are collision boxes that will be invisible in the final game)

http://img221.imageshack.us/img221/2553/newbitmapimage2u.png

Which is better looking? Note these are placeholders, they don’t represent the final versions, but they do represent the styles.

#2

I don’t know if it’s just me, but I think the sketched out one feels much more…professional than the bottom one :slight_smile:

#3

I don’t know if that’s sarcasm, or you’re being serious. lol.

Just to clarify, the final one won’t look that bad.

#4

What kind of game is it? Is it a click based game or do you use arrowkeys to move around?

#5

I’m being completely serious :slight_smile:

#6

I agree that’s a good question. One major advantage of tile-based games (the second one) is that it’s really clear to the user how their character moves around and what they can interact with. The sketched version would be a little more difficult to know when you’re colliding with something and when you’re not.

I agree though that the first image is more unique and interesting, but sketching everything would be a huge time suck - going tile based allows you to reuse assets to the max.

#7

In reply to both of these, it will be click and drag to move around.

Also, the reason I’m going with sketched areas is that there will be 8 areas that are reused throughout the game. Seeing as the game will take place in one in-game year in the same town. The dungeons will have parts, but they will be generated if things go as planned.

The collision itself will be overlayed with collision maps I’ll be building in Tiled. Some will be isometric, and other ortho. depending on the map.

#8

If you are going with a click and drag game then I would think it would go great with sketch based graphics. Though I don’t understand how dungeon mechanics will work. Tell me… Is this a puzzle game? Or and action game.

#9

For looks, i’d clearly say the sketched one.
When i compare the screenshots, i look at the tile-based and think “why? another one of those.” but when i look at the sketched one i think “This seems interesting, wanna see more.”

But for control, i’d say that the tile-based might be easiest for the player to understand and interact with, when using click and drag, while the sketched one would be better of with a different control system such as point and click.

My conclusion would be, pick the sketched one, it have the best “feel”.

#10

Haha so it wasn’t just me. The sketched image has a unique and interesting look so that’s probably why 8)

#11

Totally agree about the sketched interface - even your rough version looks more appealing. It’s even making me reconsider some things I was planning to do with standard tiles.

#12

The game is going to be an action game. Essentially, you drag the mouse around and he will follow. Seeing as most of this will be interactable due to the flexible text engine I built, I’m not too worried about it.

The sketched environments were originally an idea I’ve had for a while now, the environments will look like that, and the player will be 8-bit-ish. Contrasting each other. I thought the strangeness of it would be artistically fascinating.

Here, this may be the final version:

http://img233.imageshack.us/img233/907/dormroom5.png

#13

Looking good man.

#14

Love it :slight_smile:

#15

Totally the sketched look. No question whatsoever.

#16

Yes, dont force yourself to the 8bit style. Its not very unique, many implement it.
If you have the skill, use your handdrawn assets, which will be automatically unique in your own style.

#17

Basically, it’s 8-bit characters because drawing each frame for the character would simply be too hard and time consuming for the type of game this is going to be. Plus. the 8-bit will complement the sketched environments, which will look pretty cool.

#18

Although I presume you have already decided, I’d also say go with the sketched version. I personally can’t imagine how the 8bit character would look in that environment, I do believe it will be a really unique looking game.

Hope you keep feeding us with screens!

#19

http://img859.imageshack.us/img859/1138/newbitmapimagec.png

There’s a screen with the player put in.
I’ll probably have to implement a sprite shadow system or just draw them on myself. Not so sure on which yet.

#20

That sketch is good! I use 8bit style cause no art skill in my hand, so I just fill rects with color, something like this ;D

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/54138920/img/shark4.png

so keep up the good work!