AuthorTopic: Captain Plokey - Game Sprite [C+C please!]  (Read 5190 times)

Offline JessBowers

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Captain Plokey - Game Sprite [C+C please!]

on: July 22, 2009, 05:44:24 pm
Hey folks,

I've been working on a game sprite, Captain Plokey, and it's become clear that I need some assistance. I've been lurking in these forums and have tried to soak up as much knowledge as I can but I think I need more specific criticism and assistance now.

Background

The character is named Captain Plokey and the game is essentially a platform shooter. This isn't a game for sale - just for fun. Originally, my idea was to make something similar to Halloween Harry but I think it's taken off a bit from there.

Sprite

Here is my original sprite for the game at 1x and 2x:

1x   2x

Walking Animation

Here is my original walking animation at 1x:



Expected Changes

We're looking at having the sprite change weapons, etc. So, I know that I have to remove the arm and weapon from the main sprite. I think this will make the sprite look something like this (without the arm):



Problems I'm Having

Initially, I was pretty happy with the sprite. However, after reading these forums it sounds like I'm making a ton of mistakes.... of which, I'd like to ADDRESS and CORRECT them all. So, I am really looking for your help! One thing I know that I'm having trouble with is the boots. Since they are mostly black, they sort of dissapear when they are placed against a dark background. Here is an example with a flat background:

Light Background: Dark Background:

It also looks like I might be making a number of color mistakes... as in, I might have two many colors. I don't think I have any real technical restrictions on the colors but I DO like the way most of the pixel art on here looks. So, please let me know how this can all be improved.

Thanks in advance!

Offline THE KAPPTIN

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Re: Captain Plokey - Game Sprite [C+C please!]

Reply #1 on: July 22, 2009, 11:49:02 pm
My knee-jerk reaction is not enough contrast, too many midtones.

It matches a particular style of super-smooth pixel art but that doesn't seem to be what you want. I think you focused too much on smoothing and not enough on definition of forms and details, e.g. the shading on the pants is really nothing more than a circular gradient.

The face looks really flat at 1x. Try using some bold shading to really define the face so it's noticeable at 1x. First boldly bring out the form, then smooth it if necessary.

The gun gradient is pointless and unrealistic. See if you can find a place to add some cool detail on it, and consider that it could probably look just as detailed with as few as 3 colours.

Maybe add folds to the pants.

Less gradient, more detail!

Emoticon! :crazy:

Consider making the character himself more interesting, as it's very "vanilla" right now.

To show off the run cycle, make sure you can link an animated version.

This is my first post on here in a while please don't ban me.
i own your socks

Offline JessBowers

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Re: Captain Plokey - Game Sprite [C+C please!]

Reply #2 on: July 23, 2009, 07:55:38 pm
Kapptin - great advice. Thank you! I will work with those points and repost an updated version for more C+C when I'm done.

Offline JessBowers

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Re: Captain Plokey - Game Sprite [C+C please!]

Reply #3 on: July 24, 2009, 05:45:57 pm
Okay, I've worked on the sprite using your advice. I've itemized it and have written how I tried to address each point:

1. Not enough contrast - too many midtones.
2. Face looks flat at 1x. Use bold shading to define face.
3. Less Gradient. More detail.
4. Use fewer colors. Can look just as detailed with fewer colors.
4. Add folds to pants.
5. Character is "vanilla".

I tried to work on each of these points with the small exception of 5 (since the character is actually based on someone I know and is supposed to resemble them ... although they are not quite that muscular).



This is definitely still a work in progress. Please let me know what you think! I will be gone this weekend but will work on any C+C as soon as I get back. Thanks!!!

Offline hsn2555

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Re: Captain Plokey - Game Sprite [C+C please!]

Reply #4 on: July 24, 2009, 07:50:06 pm
sweet stuff ,

but there is some thing wrong with his second position .
he can't hold his gun the way you made him .

it's either like the gun is too small, or his hands are too short.and his other arm doesn't appear.

and here is an emoticon animation i made a while ago, might help you.
Be Like no other

Offline JessBowers

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Re: Captain Plokey - Game Sprite [C+C please!]

Reply #5 on: July 30, 2009, 04:22:10 am
hsn2555, thanks for the critique and the reference picture! I agree... something isn't right with that arm. I'll work on it and post up a new version... probably next Tuesday/Wednesday.

Offline EvilEye

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Re: Captain Plokey - Game Sprite [C+C please!]

Reply #6 on: July 30, 2009, 04:28:58 am
The arm is too short is what is wrong with that arm.

Your sprite reminds me of an old dos game called Electroman: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LaPd-cHGOFM

Offline JessBowers

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Re: Captain Plokey - Game Sprite [C+C please!]

Reply #7 on: August 05, 2009, 08:31:22 pm
Your sprite reminds me of an old dos game called Electroman

I see what you mean! I had completely erased Electroman from my memory until you posted that link. I recall playing the shareware version of that game when it was released.

From that same era, I was really shooting for a cross between Halloween Harry and a friend of mine (which is where the name comes from):



The arm is too short is what is wrong with that arm.

Is this any better?

Offline JessBowers

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Re: Captain Plokey - Game Sprite [C+C please!]

Reply #8 on: August 06, 2009, 04:31:32 am
Here is one more attempt at fixing the arm before I go to bed. The updated arm is on the far right. Any better? I tried to look at the reference you posted, hsn2555, and bow the arm out to the side. Is it long enough, EvilEye?