CRITBARPH. Please close browser if not 18+.
What I meant was this game's GFX look more like NES than SuperNintendo GFX. 8bit -VS- 16bit.; This game's overall aesthetic appeal is more 8bit-like than 16bit, IMO.
Tiles don't exude creativity in such a way that compels one to explore. The caliber is common. Not subpar, but nothing occurring that hasn't already been done. If you could just find less default mechanisms to convey texture and surface-type there could be a significant appeal increase.
Protagonist looks WIP
Op's post presents a much more pleasant scene; the eye is allowed to rest and focus much more than the most previously posted mockup. Most previous mockup is very noisy and overloading. The solid foreground dirt/rock tiles present so much graphics they overkill your cartoonized expression of surface type. Perhaps utilize edge tiles (like OP's mockup) and in-fill tiles may bet better served with FAR less contrast, therefore decreasing the overwhelming demand on the eye to take notice. A KEY design principle - we pathetic humans can only cognize so much a time - set visual priorities more wisely so your users (potential game players) have as pleasant an experience as possible while mashing their keyboard while your executable is an active PC process.
Previously posted mockup: edit bg cave tiles to depict dirt/rock texture at more of a distance; make each rock shape smaller than foreground dirt/rock texture. Texture recyclage obviousnicity penalty; yellow card.
Red blobs are ambiguous. Could be heart/HP refills or toxic enemy mushrooms, or even Al Gore*.
HUD sux. Separate better from level environment. ATM, the hearts HP indicators could be perceived as part of the level itself. Is that really all the info a user needs, HP? I am a minimalist, I loved Mirror's Edge's approach to UI design, but are you being too idealistic? Does the protagonist not get items or anything? SHAZAM
PROGNOSIS: You're doing great. You're learning. Keep up the great work. Don't compare yourself to others not in your class. Everyone has a superior. Continue doing your best. Enjoy your time spent on this project, that's what really matters.
* j/k.