Pixelation

Critique => Pixel Art => Topic started by: Skaz on April 28, 2015, 05:52:21 pm

Title: [C+C] Bullet Void - a SHMUP
Post by: Skaz on April 28, 2015, 05:52:21 pm
Hi!

I'm currently working on a small SHMUP and I've decided to expose myself to some critics... It's a cross post with my Tig source Devlog, but I will post pixel art and leave gameplay aside here :)

So I'm not really proud of those spaceships. Any help is welcome.

(http://orig10.deviantart.net/427d/f/2015/118/5/d/darkmatter_pix_by_skazdal-d8ree7p.png)

The red paint of the ships isn't the one I use in the game, I made a really much more simplistic one, geometric.
Now a screenshot:

(http://orig10.deviantart.net/055d/f/2015/116/4/5/screenshot_01_by_skazdal-d8r3rb8.png)

And now, place to some in game .gif!

(http://orig11.deviantart.net/2921/f/2015/116/5/d/turret_rotation_by_skazdal-d8r3r84.gif)

(http://orig08.deviantart.net/8c25/f/2015/116/e/c/ship_destroy_by_skazdal-d8r3r8t.gif)

(http://orig02.deviantart.net/5a83/f/2015/116/6/b/plasma_shoot_by_skazdal-d8r3r9c.gif)

(http://orig11.deviantart.net/dfcd/f/2015/116/7/1/freight_shoot_by_skazdal-d8r3r9l.gif)

(http://orig11.deviantart.net/074a/f/2015/116/8/7/ship_shield_by_skazdal-d8r3r8g.gif)

(http://orig06.deviantart.net/52a8/f/2015/116/7/6/freight_destroy_by_skazdal-d8r3r9y.gif)

(http://orig12.deviantart.net/4a78/f/2015/116/3/7/beam_showcase_by_skazdal-d8r5wr4.gif)

What do you think? I suspect that the small ships and even the big ones are to close in shapes, colours, not easy enough to tell wich one is wich without looking directly at it. Not easy while fighting. Too flat maybe?
Title: Re: [C+C] Bullet Void - a SHMUP
Post by: CelioHogane on April 28, 2015, 05:57:02 pm
Oh my god is so cute!
Title: Re: [C+C] Bullet Void - a SHMUP
Post by: kriss on April 29, 2015, 06:57:24 am
wow really great !

I have a good feeling with spaceship from HuZba, lot of colours like japan shmup  ;D:
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v697/huzba/dodonshmup_zpsef30ca65.png)
original link : http://wayofthepixel.net/index.php?topic=16148.0


also cool stuff from members here :) http://wayofthepixel.net/index.php?topic=4212.0

also (http://www.kazuya.gamedev-pt.net/public_img/pixel/nave-final_16_color.gif)  from http://wayofthepixel.net/index.php?topic=436.0

and finaly I found this : (http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z180/Squirrelsquid/stage2_enemies.gif) from http://wayofthepixel.net/index.php?topic=4361.10
Title: Re: [C+C] Bullet Void - a SHMUP
Post by: Skaz on April 29, 2015, 09:57:08 pm
Thanks for your replies!

The links will be very useful, in fact I consider redoing the ships from scratch drawing inspiration from the Dodonpachi challenge thread.

Problem with my ships is I started with a complete top down view. I found it flat and boring, and transformed them to be seen from an angle. But the result is still flat. I'll have to think about those ships with a lot more volume and thickness than I did previously. Z axis should be as important than X and Y! I'll post my advancement on this as soon as anything is ready for display ;)



So it's not as easy as I thought... I guess ships are not really my thing, but I tried anyway! I redo the player ship, I'm not going to redo every ship, to time consuming and I have to finish this game. What do you think? Is there something wrong with the way I approach the palette?

(http://orig11.deviantart.net/91b8/f/2015/123/3/1/ships_v2_by_skazdal-d8rzfhy.png)

Changed the palette to somewhat the old one, the blue/grey one really lacks contrast... and I like the brown look better.

(http://orig08.deviantart.net/e477/f/2015/123/6/6/player_ship_v2_by_skazdal-d8rzh71.png)
Title: Re: [C+C] Bullet Void - a SHMUP
Post by: wzl on May 03, 2015, 02:09:09 pm
i was about to mentioned the contrast, but the shapes and perhaps the perspective could be tweaked to give it more depth. I'm not very experienced with technical designs but i feel you could try playing with different elevations indicated by brightness. I also felt that at some parts the perspective is slightly off, the thrusters for instance seem weirdly rotated towards the top.

Here's a quickndirty edit for it, hope it helps

(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/12237727/Art/wotp/skaz_ship.png)
Title: Re: [C+C] Bullet Void - a SHMUP
Post by: Skaz on May 04, 2015, 12:55:35 pm
Yeah I got what you say, my perceptive is not assumed, kinda like top view and back view at the same time. So we'll say its 45° top down. I'll stick to it from now! I also droped the side light and gone full zenithal. Easier, possible to mirror sprites, I only see advantages. What do you think of those ones?

(http://orig00.deviantart.net/7de7/f/2015/124/4/b/shpx_by_skazdal-d8s4ata.png)

EDIT : I kept trying and I have finally something I consider good enough. I will probably stop here!

(http://orig15.deviantart.net/fa96/f/2015/124/e/a/shpx2_by_skazdal-d8s536s.png)

EDIT EDIT : After seeing moving around with thruster fire, tweaked it a little more, I THINK this time I can call it done.
Old/New:
(http://orig13.deviantart.net/44d1/f/2015/124/2/c/spr_player_ship_test_0_by_skazdal-d8s5xmo.png)(http://orig09.deviantart.net/9e33/f/2015/124/a/1/spr_player_ship_04_0_by_skazdal-d8s5xmu.png)



So! I remade the ships, and I'm quite happy about the result, which is quite something. Do, redo and do again. Apparently I can get something this way. I also made some ASTEROIDS. What would a space game be without some rocks? So funny to see your enemies crush themselves on them... The asteroid field scene from star wars with the falcon is one of my favourite (I might show you some stuff related to that some day......)

(http://orig10.deviantart.net/8d54/f/2015/126/d/3/shp_px_v2_by_skazdal-d8sejpp.png)

(http://orig07.deviantart.net/ac93/f/2015/126/4/b/asteroids_sheet_by_skazdal-d8sejpk.png)

Comments welcome as usual!
Title: Re: [C+C] Bullet Void - a SHMUP
Post by: mega_19 on May 07, 2015, 04:02:18 am
well, im proud of this ships even i didnt make em!  ;D
they are pretty cute indeed.
Title: Re: [C+C] Bullet Void - a SHMUP
Post by: Skaz on May 26, 2015, 02:03:47 pm
I'm still alive!

Progress has been steady, but more on the gameplay side than the pixel art one.

Still, I've done some pixeling. Here is the new explosion animation:

(http://orig06.deviantart.net/b8c6/f/2015/146/5/c/explosion_by_skazdal-d8ut86z.gif)

The real news is that you can TRY the prototype of the game, like,  RIGHT NOW. And tear apart  those enemies with your missiles, plasma canons and high calibre minigun.

HERE! (http://gamejolt.com/games/shooter/bullet-void/69271/)

IF you have any feedback, I'll gladly hear it :)


Also, I'm working on a splash screen artwork, it's the first time I tackle a big pixel piece like that, any advice welcome. Right now I'm making the general volume and lines, then I'll add all the details.

(http://orig09.deviantart.net/bd78/f/2015/147/b/5/splash_screen_wip_by_skazdal-d8uxlcd.png)

[EDIT] still WIP, but making progress. My god, pixel art is OK fast to make small sprites, but with big pieces, it's abominably slow... (BTW if a moderator reads this, how long is okay to double post? Are you bound to let your topic sink to oblivion if nobody respond but you have some news?)

(http://orig08.deviantart.net/1078/f/2015/148/9/6/wip_splash_screen_by_skazdal-d8v2rte.png)
Title: Re: [C+C] Bullet Void - a SHMUP
Post by: Fizzick on May 28, 2015, 07:05:16 pm
(http://i.imgur.com/quxOiB4.png)

Only spent a couple minutes on this so it's super rough and way too much probably, but the idea is adding a light source to create a little more interest, and upping the contrast hard. Your version doesn't scream 'space' to me.
Title: Re: [C+C] Bullet Void - a SHMUP
Post by: Skaz on May 29, 2015, 06:55:38 pm
Yep, I must admit a light source would be great. I'll probably do that. Maybe not THAT extreme :p

A friend reminded me that I had a few things to show. Not related directly to this game, but somewhat related. He told me my ship reminded him the falcon from Star Wars. I won't hide my inspirations, especially when you know where this game comes from. Let's take a look at those really old sprites, actually my very first. Of all time.

(http://orig08.deviantart.net/c1f6/f/2015/149/3/e/falcon_by_skazdal-d8v7ryt.png)
The Faclon

(http://orig15.deviantart.net/f1cb/f/2015/149/7/4/tie_fighter_by_skazdal-d8v7ry5.png)   (http://orig13.deviantart.net/ab49/f/2015/149/c/0/tie_bomber_by_skazdal-d8v7ryg.png)   (http://orig03.deviantart.net/f18c/f/2015/149/6/b/tie_interceptor_by_skazdal-d8v7ui1.png)
Ti fighter, bomber, interceptor.

(http://orig03.deviantart.net/4a0d/f/2015/149/f/9/tie_explosion_by_skazdal-d8v7rzw.gif)   (http://orig05.deviantart.net/990d/f/2015/149/3/1/tie_debris_01_by_skazdal-d8v7s0s.gif)   (http://orig14.deviantart.net/9866/f/2015/149/1/1/tie_debris_02_by_skazdal-d8v7s0j.gif)   (http://orig03.deviantart.net/2848/f/2015/149/5/8/tie_debris_by_skazdal-d8v7s0c.gif)
Tie wreckage.

(http://orig15.deviantart.net/ea7c/f/2015/149/b/1/tie_bomber_bomb_by_skazdal-d8v7s02.gif)   (http://orig15.deviantart.net/01cc/f/2015/149/4/6/proton_falcon_by_skazdal-d8v7ryo.png)
Bomb and proton torpedo.

(http://orig10.deviantart.net/75f6/f/2015/149/c/5/asteroid_l_01_by_skazdal-d8v7rzq.png)   (http://orig02.deviantart.net/69b6/f/2015/149/2/d/asteroid_l_03_by_skazdal-d8v7rzl.png)   (http://orig02.deviantart.net/62af/f/2015/149/2/0/asteroid_m_01_by_skazdal-d8v7rzb.png)
Some really ugly asteroids. They kinda look like chicken nuggets. Tasty.

This was my very first game maker prototype. Wasn't bad, but I never figured out how to make a few things and lost interest. My current game is sort of a spritual successor, with nothing in common in code nor in assets.





Title: Re: [C+C] Bullet Void - a SHMUP
Post by: mega_19 on June 01, 2015, 06:48:24 am
downloaded and played your game, and its amazing!  ;D
its really fun!
Title: Re: [C+C] Bullet Void - a SHMUP
Post by: Skaz on June 01, 2015, 10:17:37 pm
Well thanks you very much mega_19! I appreciate you gave me a bit of your time. Anything wrong you noticed, what was good/bad in your opinion?

Practically finished the ship for the artwork. But as I'll probably be to lazy to modify it, I think I'll call it DONE.

(http://orig03.deviantart.net/9408/f/2015/152/0/0/splash_screen_ship_by_skazdal-d8vn8h0.png)

Title: Re: [C+C] Bullet Void - a SHMUP
Post by: wzl on June 02, 2015, 01:06:01 pm
I gave it a brief play as well and what i can say so far is, it feels good to move and shoot around. which is the important part. the frustrating part, to me at least, was that the bullets speed are hella slow. its hard to aim and hit something specific, especially with the erratic movement patterns of the enemies.

visually it feels pretty satisfying. explosions are great, the ships look cool. only thing that stands out negatively to me are the asteroids
Title: Re: [C+C] Bullet Void - a SHMUP
Post by: Skaz on June 02, 2015, 01:45:06 pm
Thank you for your feedback! I really appreciate it.

I totally understand your point about bullet speed, the fact is your projectiles are affected by your own motion while firing. It can be disorienting at first and requires to anticipate that fact. Did you tried to shoot with the machine gun from afar? The ideal technique is to try to be close of the targets, shooting from a long distance is not meant to be efficient. Lure them to follow you on top of the screen, steer violently backward and pass behind them. Dogfighting!

I also understand that enemies can be demanding to fight, they don't simply obey a pattern, they really want you dead. And they want to stay alive too. But it's really rewarding once you get it, you can take them down real quick. Single missile and a little burst, job done.

Anyway, gameplay is at an early stage, a lot of thing can and will change in the future. Feedbacks are very important, thank you again!

What did you mean about the asteroids? Did you think they stand out negatively visually or in terms of interactions? Both? Did they feel out of place compared to the ships? Right now their implementation is really basic. They will blow up and create more, smaller asteroids.

Title: Re: [C+C] Bullet Void - a SHMUP
Post by: Decroded on June 03, 2015, 02:17:58 am
I think ur designs r great I like how they have a unique style instead of copying too heavily off other games.
there are design changes u could make to appeal to wider audiences but I like the niche feeling of this project.
star wars ships r cool I had an idea to do a side scroller pf star wars one day but probably never get around to it lol.

The 3d ship looks really great good lighting colours and chunky shapes in the design makes it look like some kind of cool space tank.
I think the way the turret connects to the body could be improved it just doesnt look right so consider some references of real military weapons such as navy ship machine guns.
the blue energy coloured light in centre of chassis is throwing me off too its kinda hard to tell what it is and looks like an out of place design choice as a weak spot among all the armour.

the asteroids are plain ugly lol suffering from pillow shading and complete lack of texture.
my suggestion is pick a global light source as well as a subtle secondary backlight that you use just on the most shadowed parts of objects u want to stand put against the darkness of space.

Here's a recent topic about asteroids I posted my process in there if it helps and check out ryumara's version too very cool.
http://wayofthepixel.net/index.php?topic=17777.0
Title: Re: [C+C] Bullet Void - a SHMUP
Post by: Skaz on June 03, 2015, 09:37:24 am
Thanks for the feedback Decroded!

What kind of design changes have you in mind? I don't aim specifically at any public, this game is more a training than a real game.
I might re design the turret, it looks a bit to small compared to the barrels. I get what you mean with the central light, considering none of the other ships have similar stuff, I will probably throw it off. The ships are "kinda" aimed at semi-realistic design, and this can look odd.

I get the criticism for the asteroids, but my main problem is that they can rotate. If a choose a directional light, rotations will look out of place. I chose the zenithal approach to allow such rotations. So I don't really know what to do, throw rotations off, make lateral lights, try to improve the current lights... I'll have to make some tests I guess. Maybe go with strong directional lights on the big ones, and make it zenithal on the small ones, make them rotate...

An other solution would be allowing asteroids to rotate only when inside the screen, and very subtly. This way they rotate, but not long enough for it to become chocking regarding their light sources :p

EDIT:

Ok, so I'll made it more of a tank. The turret will keep this shape, to be in accordance with the in-game sprites, I just made it bigger to fit the HUGE barrels.
(http://orig01.deviantart.net/6e8a/f/2015/154/f/f/splash_screen_ship_by_skazdal-d8vv546.png)
Title: Re: [C+C] Bullet Void - a SHMUP
Post by: Decroded on June 13, 2015, 06:16:50 am
I think what feels wrong about the turret is there is no counter-weight.
I'm no scientist but I think the motor would spin more efficiently if the weight in front and behind were balanced instead of a tiny turret with a big fat gun hanging off it.

How about mounting it in something like this kind of turre (http://i.kinja-img.com/gawker-media/image/upload/oc9lnkn2vhcp5iflyn8u.jpg)t which explains how it can move horizontally and vertically? You could sink alot of the machinery inside the design and just have the 2 hinges poking out and a hole carved under for it to rotate.
Otherwise there's ball turrets (http://alternathistory.org.ua/files/users/user286/8428.jpg) (minus the space for a guy inside obviously).
Also check this out (http://www.imgbase.info/images/safe-wallpapers/military/weapons/34093_weapons_machine_gun_turret.jpg) for an idea of what could be going on inside and also just coz it looks sick.
Title: Re: [C+C] Bullet Void - a SHMUP
Post by: Skaz on September 18, 2015, 10:07:13 pm
3 months later....

I'm finally back on this project, determined to finish it as fast as possible. I made a new asteroid, what do you think?

(http://orig13.deviantart.net/ea62/f/2015/261/5/2/asteroid_by_skazdal-d9a1mqp.png)

The current ones, for comparison:

(http://orig07.deviantart.net/ac93/f/2015/126/4/b/asteroids_sheet_by_skazdal-d8sejpk.png)
Title: Re: [C+C] Bullet Void - a SHMUP
Post by: Pusty on September 18, 2015, 10:16:07 pm
I looks better but I'm not sure if I would see a asteroid if you wouldn't have told it :D
Title: Re: [C+C] Bullet Void - a SHMUP
Post by: Howard Day on September 19, 2015, 06:58:50 pm
Oh, man! I love what you're doing here. I sort of wish the explosions were meatier, but i do like the sucking fx at the end... like the black hole powering them has cut loose. can't wait to see more!