That helps so much, thanks.

I'm actually building an engine that supports side-scrolling. I'll figure out how to bound tiles in such a way that they can be horizontally subdivided, effectively creating a convincing background/foreground boundary.

Hopefully in the end I'll be able to capture some of the magic of the old Splatterhouse arcade cabinet, I love that game. Those stages will ideally play more like isometric beat'em-ups than Maple Story.

Anyways,  I think I will omit eyes and try a pinned-open mouth. I'll also detail the little toenails at the bottom, hopefully that'll move the aesthetic away from anime some.

Another idea I have is to make the globular part transluscent, and have something moving around in there. Maybe it tears its way out and does... Something. Or maybe I'll make it completely transparent and fill it half-way with sloshing green liquid. Or blood.

I have too many ideas.

Make a whole character concept, block out/fix anatomy, work on colors and then go more indepth

+1

The hell of selectively fleshing stuff out is that the unfinished areas inform the finished areas, forcing you to go over them yet again. It just torpedoes your speed!

The tendrils on the top of the right lobe look absolutely cool, though. Try spreading that look all the way around the right half.

Either make his mouth a little more carnivorous or remove it altogether. For some reason I think removing the mouth would look really good on him.

I like the premise and look of his game. I'm a sucker for anything a little morbid.

I think the person in charge of the title's development should make this decision.

Personally, I'd like to see scary elements in there. There are so few horror games out there.