Chronicle #1.5 - Graphics

Arwym · Posted: Wed Sep 17, 2008 6:52 am Post subject: Chronicle #1.5 - Graphics

I use "Chronicle #1.5" simply because this is not what I promised for Chronicle #2. This is just an update to inform that I am already getting very familiar with the engine and scripting language, but especially with the graphics and mapping features.

First of all, the screenshot above has nothing to do with the game itself. This is just a random map I am using to test the custom 'maptiles' that I've been drawing since yesterday. I am focusing on outdoors for now. Grass, plants, trees, bushes, cliffs, etc. There is also a basic walkabout that I am still working on. There is a possibility that the characters' walkabouts will be based on this one. I know that the graphics look pretty 'basic', and not too good; but this is my first shot at drawing tilesets/maptiles (not at spriting, though). By the way, I'm still trying to find a palette and texture for stones and rocks that I am happy with.
I plan to animate things such as grass, flowers, flames, water, and other things in the environment that are not necessarily static in the real world. Animating them gives the impression of a living world, and that is neat. Happy

It shouldn't be too hard.
I'm happy to say that I am going to add a lot of variety to my maps. Since this is just my first attempt, I know that the end result will be something I can feel proud of.

That's all for now. I am still trying to decide on other aspects of the game, such as music.

Feedback is welcome, as long as it is constructive. Happy

The Wobbler · Joined: 06 Feb 2003 Posts: 2221

Moogle1 · Posted: Wed Sep 17, 2008 9:23 am Post subject:

Looks very nice, though it's a bit on the dark side. If not for the flowers, I'd wonder if it were a nighttime shot.
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Arwym · Posted: Wed Sep 17, 2008 9:51 am Post subject:

Yup, it's a little too dark. I am still working on the grass, and different tones of earth, sand, etc. As you can see, there are a couple of grass tiles that have slightly different colors. I am working on dark and light grass tiles. And the grass itself, I agree in that it doesn't look very realistic. I'll keep working on them. Since this was my first attempt, after all. ^_^

Thank you for the feedback!

Edit: By the way, what do you think of the walkabout's overall look (proportions, for example)? Obviously, it can't look realistically proportioned, and I can't use that many different colors (about 3 for hair, 3 for skin, 6 for clothes, and 4 for other details, such as shoes), but if you think that something can be improved (other than the bad shading there), please let me know what you think.

Also, I edited the first post with some more information. Happy

JSH357 · Joined: 02 Feb 2003 Posts: 1705

I like the walkabout a lot. There aren't too many OHR games that use a similar style (none I can think of really). You could probably make him look a little more unique if he's a main character, but for a generic-looking person it's really nice. Whatever you do, keep the style consistent.

Arwym · Posted: Wed Sep 17, 2008 2:59 pm Post subject:

Thanks! I am glad to hear that. Happy

I'll try making a sprite of the main character soon.

I am still trying to make the grass look well. Of course, there's still some work to be done there, but I'd like your opinion on the colors of the lighter grass, and how grid-like it looks now. I know it's not so obvious now, but maybe I should do some more?

By the way, those are not final. I think I might redraw the grass tiles again later, after I try making the tree tiles, among other things.

Moogle1 · Posted: Wed Sep 17, 2008 3:03 pm Post subject:

Much better. Still some slight griddiness. The dirt could use some brightening, too -- soil is only that dark when it's wet or peat.

Now that I notice it, why is the grass-in-the-dirt brighter on the left than on the right? It's that way in the original, too. I like the one on the right better.
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Arwym · Posted: Wed Sep 17, 2008 3:14 pm Post subject:

Newbie_Power · Joined: 04 Sep 2006 Posts: 1762

I prefer the dark tiles, because your hero shows up much better on them.

The solution I would make to brighten your tiles while making your hero show up is to simplify the detail in your grass. Grass really doesn't need to have that many shades anyway, and it is actually better that it's less detailed, both because it helps foreground objects stand out more, and because you can represent multiple blades of grass with chunks of colors.
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Onlyoneinall · **Bug finder** Joined: 16 Jul 2005 Posts: 746

I too, prefer the darker tiles. All the tiles look great, the only thing that is a bit ambigious and awkward are the rocks, which could use some sprucing up. Other than that, I have no complaints. Happy

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Arwym · Posted: Fri Sep 19, 2008 2:10 pm Post subject:

Hm... What if I find an medium, like, something between too dark and too light? Would that be better?

Either way, yeah. I still haven't worked on the rocks enough, like I mentioned. I was thinking about re-drawing the grass tiles later, but maybe I should do it now. I'll try that as soon as I get some time. Happy

Thanks!

Moogle1 · Posted: Fri Sep 19, 2008 2:47 pm Post subject:

You can't please everyone. Go with what you think looks best.
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LeRoy_Leo · Posted: Fri Sep 19, 2008 4:13 pm Post subject:

I think it looks good so far. I agree that the walkabout for the hero is excellent. Very reminiscent of the old school RPGs. It reminds me of Mother, actually.
I am anticipating some in battle graphics next. Wink wink.
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msw188 · Joined: 02 Jul 2003 Posts: 1041

I don't know jack about gaphics, but I can tell you that as an untrained pair of eyes, I would go for a middle ground between your two grass tiles. Not to please any of the others, that's just what I happen to think might look best.
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Arwym · Posted: Sat Sep 20, 2008 3:17 pm Post subject:

Thank you for your opinion. Happy

I value all opinions. After all, it's not just what I think is right. And I agree with most comments in this post.

I am focusing on getting the walkabout's base finished before going back to the maptiles. And I might pause for a couple of days, while I catch up with work for SilverQuest, the other project.

Again, thanks for all the support. Big grin