Pixelation

Critique => Pixel Art => Topic started by: Arghus on August 11, 2010, 07:27:42 pm

Title: Steam-powered combat robotcrab
Post by: Arghus on August 11, 2010, 07:27:42 pm
Another steam-powered enemy for the game 'Gerst'.
They game will probably be displayed in x2 size.
Comments and criticism are very much appreciated.
EDIT: Some small tweeks to increase readability of the legs. Also added another background and put a simple shadow under him.
(http://img267.imageshack.us/img267/7586/stoomaangedrevengevecht.gif)
Title: Re: Steam-powered combat robotcrab
Post by: VDX on August 11, 2010, 08:39:39 pm
Somehow, he still looks like he's rather flat.
Add shadow under him to help "elevate" him?
Title: Re: Steam-powered combat robotcrab
Post by: fyewit on August 12, 2010, 02:23:51 am
perhaps try another background colour.  Its hard to distinguish between it and thhe the legs.  are the legs supposed to be similar to a mechanical crane arm or something?

the body looks pretty cool though.  The legs just a bit busy maybe, but i cant tell if they are solid pieces or bits of metal made up of lots of different .
Title: Re: Steam-powered combat robotcrab
Post by: Arghus on August 12, 2010, 04:51:21 pm
Thanks for the advice, guys!
I think it helped quite a bit, I added the edit in the main post.
Title: Re: Steam-powered combat robotcrab
Post by: Sleepless on August 12, 2010, 05:46:25 pm
I think the colors could use just a LITTLE bit more contrast. It's already aa wonderful piece
Title: Re: Steam-powered combat robotcrab
Post by: mrblu on August 12, 2010, 07:30:05 pm
You may want to lift the body a little from where the bottom of the inside of his legs.  Something steam-powered like that would most likely be lifted up.

Ooh, Did you ever see Toy Story?
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2010/2177745906_a66ba9b86d.jpg)

Or Wild Wild West?
(http://image3.examiner.com/images/blog/wysiwyg/image/tarantbig.jpg)
Title: Re: Steam-powered combat robotcrab
Post by: Arghus on August 12, 2010, 08:03:45 pm
Aye, you're probably right about that, he's pretty low to the ground as he is.

And, indeed.. I've seen Wild West. That awesome steam spider was a huge inspiration, which made me love steam-powered machines!
Title: Re: Steam-powered combat robotcrab
Post by: VDX on August 12, 2010, 08:12:49 pm
Try watching the animated movie "Steam boy" for more inspiration, trust me you'll love it.
Title: Re: Steam-powered combat robotcrab
Post by: Olothontor on August 12, 2010, 08:18:34 pm
Try watching the animated movie "Steam boy" for more inspiration, trust me you'll love it.

It would suit you well, yes indeed. Not only is it a great movie, with a great plot.. the visuals and the steampunky mechanics of it are beautifully done. It should serve as an awesome jumping off point.

That was kind of a pointless post, I saw "Steam Boy" and memories came flooding back. Sorry! Let's see if I can't save this post...

To be honest, there are other ways to achieve that sort of "gravelly" affect. The legs, I think, are perfect, since there's not nearly as much granulation. The body however is vaguely reminiscent of orange brick, which I don't think is quite the texture you were going for.  :P

The gun appears to ever so slightly out of proportion. The sizing and shape of it are just a little bit off. Unfortunately I don't really have an eye for those sorts of things, so I couldn't begin to tell you how to go about fixing it, but sometimes just knowing something's wrong helps.

Hope I didn't burst your bubble or anything! Look forward to further updates from you in this regard.

Title: Re: Steam-powered combat robotcrab
Post by: zez on August 14, 2010, 05:30:55 am
The gun appears to be angled up, towards the viewer, well the rest of the body is pointing slightly down. If he ISNT shooting directly at the camera in the game, but is instead shooting something below him (on the ground...) thats pretty wrong.
you could try lowering the top barrels (lowering on the y, not the z) and raising the bottom (once again, y not z). Its a little tricky, because really you shouldnt see the bottom barrels at all from that angle, but I really like the Gatling gun/six shooter feel it has going when you do, so maybe just find a way to fudge the perspective a little bit towards correct?
That, or just angle the chimney back a bit, I think then it would look more like he was leaning backwards and the gun would be facing in aprox. the right direction, although that might be a whole can of worms.
Title: Re: Steam-powered combat robotcrab
Post by: Demon11777 on August 14, 2010, 05:37:39 am
 ;D So you've actually got me kinda interested in this game.  Whats it about? and what type of game is it?
Title: Re: Steam-powered combat robotcrab
Post by: Arghus on August 14, 2010, 04:41:44 pm
;D So you've actually got me kinda interested in this game.  Whats it about? and what type of game is it?
Thanks again for the comments, people. Still working on the crab along with other things.

Demon,
The game 'Gerst' is going to be kind of a choice based RPG, if you will. You can progress in the game in an array of different ways. The player's choice is the essence of the game.

A tiny example; A guard is standing infront of a door. You want in. You then have the choice to do a task for the guard, or to maybe persuade the guard in letting you in, or you can just go ahead and kill the poor guy on the spot. And you have a few different kinds of skills or traits, which grow with the kinds of choices you make.

We're currently only a two man team, and we're not the most productive lot. But slowly and steadily we are building this game up, and hopefully we will be able to post the release here on Pixelation.
Title: Re: Steam-powered combat robotcrab
Post by: Olothontor on August 14, 2010, 05:08:48 pm
Well, that sounds great! I've always wanted something like Dragon Age in a steampunk setting.

I'd actually be willing to help out in any way I can, if you'll let me. I love steampunk, and I can probably help with spriting and/or story aspects of the game. Not to sound vain, but I think I have a few cool ideas in my belt.
Title: Re: Steam-powered combat robotcrab
Post by: Demon11777 on August 14, 2010, 07:25:34 pm
Yea! I would also be willing to assist any way i could. May I ask what language it's being coded in?