[WIP] Art style for a horror game

[BrainMayhem]

Hi everyone!

I'm creating this game for a horror jam and I would like some feedbacks from you regarding some aspects of the art.
This is the initial screen with the characters:



Is the style weird? Is the image per se weak? Are there wrong placed pixels? Are the colors not right? Things like that.

Thanks in advance!

[Khris]

The background looks fine to me, except for some perspective issues:



Also table vs. carpet.

My biggest issue though are the double pixels; mixing resolutions always looks like an error to me, not a design choice.

[BrainMayhem]

Khris, thanks for the reply!

I can see now the perspective errors (I've fiddled too much on the window, but still couldn't get it right).
And I will clean the double pixels, a lot of them I clearly overlooked.

I would like to know how to resolve the mixing resolutions problem.
I quite don't understand it, could you please shine a light on how can I see where the problem lies and what should I do to fix it?

[Khris]

It's the characters; they look like you drew basic shapes at half the size, blew them up so each pixel ended up as 2x2 pixels, then added "small" pixels.

Here: [imgzoom]http://i.imgur.com/UptbyRj.png[/imgzoom]

[BrainMayhem]

Oooh, well...you got me there I actually did it.
(good eye Khris)

I'll think about the best solution for this little mess, and then fix it.

Thank you very much for all the advice

[BrainMayhem]

Here: [imgzoom]http://i.imgur.com/UptbyRj.png[/imgzoom]

Oooooh she looks lovely hahaha
Thanks!

[Hobo]

Khris has already given you some good advice. Mixed resolutions can work sometimes, but often they create a very visible clash of styles, especially in low-res and pixel art.

Another thing you can experiment with is your game's resolution. Right now it's 320x240, but you could pull it down to 320x180, which will upscale nicely to common 720p and 1080p widescreen resolutions. This also helps to reduce all empty space you have in the top and on the floor. If there's nothing interesting or interactable on the ceiling then there's no real reason to show it. It should make the room feel more compact. Of course, if you're planning outside shots, then those might benefit from the 4:3 ratio.

Example (ignore the rough cuts):

[imgzoom]http://i.imgur.com/84bOcbA.png[/imgzoom]

[BrainMayhem]

Hobo, amazing suggestions!
The extra space above and below bothered me waaay back when I started the project, that's why I filled with ceiling and more floor. The final decision wasn't even a conscious one; I just rolled with what I started drawing.
I didn't know about the upscale wonders of 320x180. I plan on having only 1 outside room, so changing the resolution wouldn't affect that much.
I'll try to eliminate the extra space thank you!

[Danvzare]

My biggest issue though are the double pixels; mixing resolutions always looks like an error to me, not a design choice.

Mixed resolutions can work sometimes, but often they create a very visible clash of styles, especially in low-res and pixel art.

Hobo's right, but in this case I rather like it. It creates a certain type of charm to it. But hey, that's just my opinion.

Just remember that a lot of people here hate mismatched pixel resolutions. Despite mismatched pixels having been used for decades. Just look at the original arcade version of Rampage.
So make your own decision when it comes down to that.

[BrainMayhem]

Danvzare, yeah, the strangeness of mismatched resolutions is understandable.
I upgraded the characters, and I think the added details made them visually stronger; it made more sense in the context.

[imgzoom]http://i.imgur.com/p3iox6H.png[/imgzoom]
Also changed the resolution to 320x200 and projection of the room, so to avoid perspective problems.

Still filling/cleaning/changing/improving the rest (these are veeeery raw):
[imgzoom]http://i.imgur.com/D7OUa4a.png[/imgzoom]

[rocifier]

I think it's a good level of horror for young children. But everything is quite plain - there isn't much design there. I'd like to see more elaborate or themed doors, if it's for young children they could even look like cartoon animals or monsters. And there should be more textures (hints of texture are best). I can't tell how old or worn the house is and what the walls are made of. How many layers of paper are under that paint? It doesnt have a horror feel or atmosphere

[KyriakosCH]

This looks pleasant, and cozy (despite having a clown) Good work!

[BrainMayhem]

Hi everyone!
I've been working on this game and I've upgraded the art (it's funny to see old pictures of it).

[imgzoom]https://i.imgur.com/aFG5u2O.png[/imgzoom]

[imgzoom]https://i.imgur.com/b8S2i6H.png[/imgzoom]

[imgzoom]https://i.imgur.com/SUpvfoE.png[/imgzoom]

[imgzoom]https://i.imgur.com/MDLuYFO.png[/imgzoom]

And these are some of the characters:

[imgzoom]https://i.imgur.com/hOQoazg.png[/imgzoom]

Now everything is properly set for Halloween

[selmiak]

It's so creepy it's cute again
I#m absolutely looking forward to this game.

[Danvzare]

Ooh, I'm liking the improved look.
Lots of nice little decorations as well.