Topic: My backgrounds: effective or ugly? :D

[MMMorshew]

...or maybe both of these things?



Something you could call a graphical (test-)"re-interpretation" of my first game on AGS in 2005 that was never finished. Back then I tried to make a game with cutting edge animations and sierra-esque graphics and was way too ambitious about everything. I didn`t like it because it never came close to what I imagined. (I also was 11 at the time)

Nowadays, as my drawing skills have greatly improved, I just try to make everything seem like it was designed by a kid with little skills who just wanted to make a nice game and had fun doing it.  
I like this idea, because I now can make backgrounds and animations in a extremely short time and even get away with that. I myself like this style, it has such a childish and cheerful charme, which ironically I tried to avoid when I was 11.

[Dualnames]

This looks AMAZINGLY CUTE. I think u should be happy with it.

[S-Made]

I like it. Hope you finish a game with this character and in this style one day.

I also liked the look of your "King's Cat" back in the old days.

[InCreator]

Add detail. Lots of it.
I think they'll do, and even feel quite unique. But not while they're so empty.

[Ghost]

I think the style works really well for outside locations! Simple, yes, but it really looks cheerful, colourful and "childish" in a good way. The inside location, for some reason, looks not so nice. It could be the colours, or maybe it's just that I'd expect a bit more perspective and detail in a closed room.
By all means, keep that style- it really is quite unique, and if oyou are comfortable/happy with it AND it is speedy... well, triple win.

Also- who's the guy in your avatar, I have seen him somewhere and can't remember where...

[bicilotti]

Also- who's the guy in your avatar, I have seen him somewhere and can't remember where...

I think... http://www.zeldawiki.org/Morshu

[blueskirt]

Effective and not ugly at all! Especially the outdoor locations, they are charmingly cute.

[cwaldo39]

this definitely has its own feel, and I like it!

[Mouth for war]

I agree, the style has character so to speak

[Abisso]

Nowadays, as my drawing skills have greatly improved, I just try to make everything seem like it was designed by a kid with little skills who just wanted to make a nice game and had fun doing it. 

Can I borrow this line to justify my not-so-remarkable drawing skills? 

Just kidding. I really do agree that purposely giving the background a childish look can be effective sometimes, and save lots of time. I don't know what your game is about, but looking at the character I think of some kind of fairytale, so both the backgrounds and him fit.

On a side note, I can truly relate to the story of your early attempts at making an adventure game, and so I wish you a good luck for your project.