Warhammer Space marine 16 x 16

[happymonster]

Inspired by this thread:
http://www.wayofthepixel.net/pixelation/index.php?topic=9547.0

I decided to try to make a little 16 x 16 sprite based on an ultramarine (always my favourite marine type). I've always liked 16 x 16 since the ST / Amiga, even if it makes sprites like this hard to do in the small space. The palette is a modified version of Arne's 16 colour palette.

I can't get it quite right, but I still like it so far:


(Designed for x2 zoom)

Reference Image:
http://images1.wikia.nocookie.net/warhammer40k/images/6/60/Tacsquad.gif

Suggestions on how to improve the likeness?

[EyeCraft]

I lol'd when I saw the title of the thread and who made it.

This is cool! You should do an assault marine, as well



Sub-pixel work is your friend at this resolution. Instead of saying "mouth is here, so BLACK!" think "what are all the details that would go inside this pixel? which colour is going to summarise them?"

Also, try not to work on a black or near-black canvas. It throws off your colour and silhouette perception. Work on something like a middle-grey.

[happymonster]

Thanks for the C&C and edit Eyecraft!

I agree with you about the background. I was thinking about some kind of dark space crusade / space hulk background tiles, but the grey is a little too dark.
However I tried sub-pixel work in the face and I don't agree with the mouth c&c. In the reference pictures, the mouth shape is not just a single line but a vivid dark arch. I think the subpixel doesn't convey that and makes it look like a dark thin mouth and almost a nose. As the sprites would be used at x2, x3 or x4 (for an ST/Amiga game) then I am also reluctant to use sub-pixel work for very key details.

I will have another play! BTW: Which one is the assault marine? Is it the terminator ones?

[happymonster]

Alright.. version 2!

Lightened background, brightened most colours, improved shading and refined helmet to suggest better eyes and worked on gun to make it look better and more like a bolter.
Grouped palette by hues for easier drawing.

Also added an Ork, although that has several issues still.

I think it's better.

[Monochrome]

This looks great! awesome pixel management and great readability. Reminded me a lot of the Warhammer Tactical Command games. Are you gonna create a full sprite sheet?

[happymonster]

I would like to create some more sprites for the various races in the warhammer universe, although I'd need some great model references.

[Monochrome]

I would like to create some more sprites for the various races in the warhammer universe, although I'd need some great model references.

Well be aware some models vary according to the editions. Your space marine seems up-to-date, but as you might have seen on my terminator thread, sometimes the armor can vary a lot in therms of size and shape. That's also one of the reasons of why I'm having such a hard time with it aswell. For other space marine essencials you might want to create a Dreadnought, a Predator Tank, and obviously, a Terminator, since they're the most known units of the space marine army. As for the Orcs I recommend Shoota Boyz, a Killa Kan, Nobz, and a Wartrakk

[happymonster]

Yes! I've already found difficulties because of the different editions, colour schemes and conversations. Thinks for the links, I will peruse..

Tweaked the bolter a bit, and a few other bits on the marine. Added first attempt at terminator and a gene stealer. Had to start consolodating palette a bit to add a yellow and a purple without going past 16 colours.

[Monochrome]

Remember Terminators are a lot larger than regular space marines and use single handed boltguns. I'd say the geneastealer's shoulder wideness and stance would fit him a bit better.

[happymonster]

Ah, didn't know that. I like the design in Warhammer, but I'm not a player of the game.

[Rosse]

I tried to make my own sprite from scratch. I'm not sure if it succeeded, so here the points I tried to consider:

* Silhouette: In your reference the ultramarine is divided in two parts: upper and lower part. The upper part is mainly one big closed shape and the lower parts contains two legs (skinny thights and thick feet). Yours is not seperated enough, just one big blob instead of one with two legs (mostly because of the black shadow).

* Details vs. Flat areas: Your version lacks in simplicity. Often the pixel are obscure, it's unclear if it's a detail or a shading of a otherwise flat area.

If you are unsure what I did, please ask, I'll try to elaborate.

[happymonster]

I like some of the things in your sprite like the gun, but not others like your helmet design. As for the leg silhoette, the black shadow is part of showing depth on a background tile, so not sure if that is an entirely fair point.

Also, I tried to keep relatively accurate to the reference whereas you changed the gun and raised it to make it work better. I suppose it's a thin line between accuracy and readability.

I don't think you have enough contrast within the sprite around the helmet and suit, where the details are relatively unclear. The thicker legs and shoulder armour might work better though.

[Photocopier]

I think that that genestealer is looking way to tall/fat, they don't stand you've drawn it, looking like some bulky mutant
also I agree the terminator is small.


note different base sizes

you should also make scouts.

[happymonster]

More changes. Refined bottom of marine helmet, lightened lightest blue. Raised up gun and made it more recognisable whilst keeping black base colour. Thickened and refined some areas of armour. Some tweaks to browns->reds, added more purple to genestealer. Made terminator bulkier, and tried different approach to helmet.

* Terminator still using marine weapon.
* Yes, Gene stealer is not quite right. I found it very difficult to get a good pose for a reference. Whilst I can appreciate models are in more dynamic poses, I need a more balanced pose in terms of feet for these standing sprites.

[Lizzrd]

Maybe make the termie bigger than 16x16? or at least fill the square. You could make it a bit squatted, as long as you properly show that it's a brute.

[Photocopier]

I'll try to take some photos for you, I collect guardsmen but I should have a few liying around.

[happymonster]

That would be cool!

Yep, still need to do some work on the terminator and genestealer.

[happymonster]

I think I'll put this on the back-burner for now. I'll probably end up adapting these to remove copyright issues and use them in a future free game (turn based tactical probably).

[Monochrome]

I think I'll put this on the back-burner for now. I'll probably end up adapting these to remove copyright issues and use them in a future free game (turn based tactical probably).

Allow me to suggest you something in the ways of Z instead.

[happymonster]

Naw, I'm not a big fan of RTS games.