Heya all!
Well, it's been a while since I posted here really. Pretty much since the team and I finished making Primordia I guess...
My how time flies! Anyway, making a new game and thought I'd post some stuff here to gauge interest, or something.
Meh, guess I thought it'd just be nice to show off some stuff informally too. I don't like working in a vacuum. Anyway, not going to say much about this until it gets
an official game thread post but yeah.
Alternate future, during the Great War. Horror-esque. Robotics are involved. Resolution; 640 x 400.
Comments, critique and questions welcome.
Thanks ya'll!
EDIT - 15/08/16) Just chugging away at art, design and build progress.
Here's an early test game screen & a whole crapload of character/NPC design. There's more but it'll just choke up this thread... Plus I'm lazy.
(http://i.imgur.com/YfaYBBGl.gif)
(http://i.imgur.com/949OUBAh.png)(http://i.imgur.com/MQeFWtFh.png)
(http://i.imgur.com/XAGKavGh.png)(http://i.imgur.com/UxltcjCh.png)
(http://i.imgur.com/jzJR44jh.jpg%5B/img%3Cbr%20/%3E%3Cbr%20/%3E%5Bimg%5Dhttp://i.imgur.com/dUbnyckh.png)
(http://i.imgur.com/V2Ys6oDl.png)(http://i.imgur.com/hBImaZol.png)
(http://i.imgur.com/4FX4llgl.png)(http://i.imgur.com/2pcn9Ma.gif)
(http://i.imgur.com/0hJtMplh.png)(http://i.imgur.com/B20QuRph.png)
(http://i.imgur.com/dUbnyckl.png)
Looks great!
Awesome art too!
Not sure about the last animation though. Seems like you just "cut the body in 2 or 3 parts and moved it slightly. Looks too odd.
But thanks for sharing and keep up the good work!:-D
You art is always pure pleasure to look at. The one thing that bothered me about Primordia was that those gorgeous backgrounds were begging for a higher resolution -- but at the same time I understand it'd make animation even more difficult, given how detailed the characters are.
That aside... Steampunkish approach to WW1? With robots/automatons, to boot? Color me excited! ;-D
You've got my attention! Looking forward to see more of this.
Thanks guys!
@ Cassiebsg - I agree - that wobble was sloppy work on my part! I can see from here on out I'm not going to be able to cut any corners. ;)
@ Fitz Well, the high-ish resolution just got a whole lot higher! Been doing a lot of testing at 800x460 (16:9) and I can almost certainly say I'm locking it in at that.
Animation time *is* a little bit of an issue, but I'm finding that having honed my skills since Primordia was developed, I'm simply better & more importantly faster now. I hope.
But yeah, I had this idea floating around for a World War game involving robots (long before Primordia) but WW2 is so overdone these days. I'm finding refining &
constraining myself into this very early (tech-wise) time period is challenging but also very highly rewarding.
Primordia's one of my all time favourites of the genre, can't wait to see more of this!
Good to see you Pinback; this looks awesome! World War I never looked so wonderfully robotic and brown.
Simply amazing looking! I didn't mind the 3-slice wobble animation personally as it looks very retro which I had thought was the point but yeah, more modern players might not get that I guess...
Reminds me quite a bit of "Sucker Punch" meets mostly anything by Terry Gilliam...
I've missed your awesome arts, Vic. Really nice to see this, dude.
Thanks guys!!!
Kconan, 304, cheers guys I missed y'all too!
Gah, can't wait to make a proper post - too much to do but here's another portrait for now.
Sergeant Mayden, a skilled tracker; infamously deadly with a bayonet;
(http://i.imgur.com/BITBO4ml.png)
This one makes me think of Josh Kirby's Discworld art style -- and the character even kinda looks like an urban fantasy/steampunk wizard.
SO glad to see you working on something new, Vic! This looks fantastic.
I'm gonna bump this for the latest character concept art, still sizzling hot from my drawing tablet. (added to main post above)
Sorry I'm not about much! Gah!
Bumping this thread - there's new art on the original post - can't talk, gotta develop!
(http://i.imgur.com/NyWz4eZl.png)
The more you show the more I wish I could play right now! (nod)
Awesome work, doesn't even cut it close to my awe... (laugh)
Quote from: Mandle on Mon 07/12/2015 23:08:10
Reminds me quite a bit of "Sucker Punch" meets mostly anything by Terry Gilliam...
Gotta agree there, and I love Terry Gilliam and Sucker Punch both!
Every single image look like sheer awesome condensed into a game! 8-0 (nod)
My only peeve is that the girl in striped stockings looks like she forgot to put pants on,
it really takes away a bit from the otherwise grim yet intriguing atmosphere... (wrong)
Quote from: Blondbraid on Mon 15/08/2016 16:44:38
My only peeve is that the girl in striped stockings looks like she forgot to put pants on,
it really takes away a bit from the otherwise grim yet intriguing atmosphere... (wrong)
And that just proves you're a man! (laugh)
Must admit I didn't even look down past her waist... (roll)(laugh)
Love this.
Quote from: Blondbraid on Mon 15/08/2016 16:44:38
My only peeve is that the girl in striped stockings looks like she forgot to put pants on,
it really takes away a bit from the otherwise grim yet intriguing atmosphere... (wrong)
I'm not seeing what (I guess) you're seeing...It just looks like she is wearing a miniskirt to me...
Quote from: Cassiebsg on Mon 15/08/2016 16:55:45
And that just proves you're a man! (laugh)
Must admit I didn't even look down past her waist... (roll)(laugh)
Quote from: Mandle on Tue 16/08/2016 01:41:30
I'm not seeing what (I guess) you're seeing...It just looks like she is wearing a miniskirt to me...
I feel a bit like the little kid in the end of "the emperors new clothes"...(roll)
It's just that all the other characters look dressed for pretty serious warfare and wears clothes that reflects the WWI theme really well,
but this girl wears some kind of frilly mini-skirt and stockings, which isn't practical combat-gear, nor anything that looks like something women would wear during WW1.
I just think it's a shame because everything else looks so creative and original, and the the top half of her looked really well dressed and ready for trench warfare, but the bottom half looks like a gritty reboot of Pippi Longstocking...
First: Blondbraid, thanks for pointing me onto this nice detail. I totally missed that sweet skin game (laugh) :=
About your complaint: I guess it's pretty accurate that a girly looking women in 1914-1918 didn't wear trousers, but a night gown or some women's underwear (this can't be a mini skirt, because it has not been invented at that time afaik :P) and over it that long leather coat. And as you guys said, Pinback seems to have been inspired by Sucker Punch at some point, in which Zack Snyder has shown us perfectly, that women warriors can indeed kick ass and wear very short skirts at the same time. 8-)
Obligatory hymn of a praise for Pinback: These sketches, concept arts and animations are just pure AWESOMENESS. I so wanna play a game of this kind!
She has a very clever strategy is all...
She waits for the soldiers to look down and then kicks them right in the Kaisers!
Quote from: Blondbraid on Tue 16/08/2016 12:43:59
Quote from: Cassiebsg on Mon 15/08/2016 16:55:45
And that just proves you're a man! (laugh)
Must admit I didn't even look down past her waist... (roll)(laugh)
Quote from: Mandle on Tue 16/08/2016 01:41:30
I'm not seeing what (I guess) you're seeing...It just looks like she is wearing a miniskirt to me...
I feel a bit like the little kid in the end of "the emperors new clothes"...(roll)
It's just that all the other characters look dressed for pretty serious warfare and wears clothes that reflects the WWI theme really well,
but this girl wears some kind of frilly mini-skirt and stockings, which isn't practical combat-gear, nor anything that looks like something women would wear during WW1.
I just think it's a shame because everything else looks so creative and original, and the the top half of her looked really well dressed and ready for trench warfare, but the bottom half looks like a gritty reboot of Pippi Longstocking...
Thanks so much for all the comments everyone! Really helps keep me going hehe.
Actually, the girl (LeFevre) originally had bare legs under the trenchcoat - it didn't look right though so I dug up this old reference for "The Illusion Stocking" from the 30's (this game - working title Trenchmouth, is set during a protracted alternate WW1 where the war is still raging well into the mid 30's).
What is reading as a miniskirt to y'all is supposed to be period appropriate laced undergarments - I should fix that the lace really doesn't read well I know.
As to whether any of this costume is practical for her character in game... You may just have to buy a copy to find out!
(http://i.imgur.com/3gLAiUNl.jpg)
Quote from: Kumpel on Tue 16/08/2016 13:29:47
First: Blondbraid, thanks for pointing me onto this nice detail. I totally missed that sweet skin game (laugh) :=
About your complaint: I guess it's pretty accurate that a girly looking women in 1914-1918 didn't wear trousers, but a night gown or some women's underwear (this can't be a mini skirt, because it has not been invented at that time afaik :P) and over it that long leather coat. And as you guys said, Pinback seems to have been inspired by Sucker Punch at some point, in which Zack Snyder has shown us perfectly, that women warriors can indeed kick ass and wear very short skirts at the same time. 8-)
Obligatory hymn of a praise for Pinback: These sketches, concept arts and animations are just pure AWESOMENESS. I so wanna play a game of this kind!
No, not inspired by Sucker Punch (more maybe Tank Girl if anything?) - I don't believe I've seen sucker punch but I can definitely see the similarities. :D
And here's a salty looking German soldier because um... Yo!
(http://i.imgur.com/6ATbqf7l.png)
Quote from: Pinback on Tue 16/08/2016 14:25:16
What is reading as a miniskirt to y'all is supposed to be period appropriate laced undergarments - I should fix that the lace really doesn't read well I know.
As to whether any of this costume is practical for her character in game... You may just have to buy a copy to find out!
Well, the stockings and undergarments do look appropriate for the time period, but women of that era did wear bloomers and a skirt/pants on top of them when outside.
I still can't see how being on a battlefield with exposed underwear could possibly be practical. (wtf)
Maybe I'm just a bit jaded after seeing so many countless numbers of female video-game characters having pointlessly exposed skin as a cheap way to attract players at the expense of giving them costumes that would actually fit the story and setting.
I do hope there is a good reason for this design in the game...
QuoteActually, the girl (LeFevre) originally had bare legs under the trenchcoat - it didn't look right though so I dug up this old reference for "The Illusion Stocking" from the 30's (this game - working title Trenchmouth, is set during a protracted alternate WW1 where the war is still raging well into the mid 30's).
Dazzle camouflage? :)
(http://static1.squarespace.com/static/53fc6532e4b0c8b470d66bf9/54170ab6e4b0fcb73b72da96/54170abce4b0800b167ae6c9/1410796220531/index.jpeg)
Anyways, I do love the rest of the images, and I really like how the colors are bleak without feeling lifeless. And the german soldier in the last pic looks great!
Just wondering, did you use this photo from the Christmas truce for reference?
(http://www.greatwar.nl/xmas/christmastruce2.jpg)
Talk about making history come alive! ;-D
Wow...that's quite the likeness alright... 8-0
I just wanted to say that maybe it would be a good idea to change the character's face quite a bit if you are using images of actual people as the base...
Even if the photo itself is public domain, I don't think that means that free usage of images of the actual people in the photo (especially if you are using that person's image out of context) is also allowed...
While the person in the photo is long dead by now, their family might still make legal headaches for you if they recognize their war-hero great-great-grandfather being used as a different character in your game.
It might seem unlikely that anyone who knows or cares would ever even find out, but one of our members here in our little community could find the connection. Never underestimate the power of the entire internet, and its collective will to be vindictive for no particular reason. Somebody could find it, and contact the family of the guy in the photo just to cause you trouble.
With the image of the character as recognizable as it currently is, I believe they would have a legal case against you. But if you change the proportions of the face a tad, then I think it would just fall under an "inspired by" kinda label and you would be fine.
I'm no expert of course. Maybe somebody with a bit more hard knowledge could weigh in here?
I just want to play your game one day and don't want it to get delayed or anything because of (unlikely, but possible) legal hassles...
Yeah, Mandle is right. Even if the photograph is in public domain it just means the ownership of the photograph itself has expired. The likeness however is a different matter, and the family of the soldier in the photo could indeed have something to say if it's being used in a commercial product, especially if it somehow is an emotionally sensitive matter because of the war, etc. Because the likeness is copied pretty much 1:1 in its entirety from a famous photograph I really wouldn't put it in a commercial game, just to be on the safe side.. :)
Quote from: David Ostman on Fri 19/08/2016 00:00:49
Yeah, Mandle is right. Even if the photograph is in public domain it just means the ownership of the photograph itself has expired. The likeness however is a different matter, and the family of the soldier in the photo could indeed have something to say if it's being used in a commercial product, especially if it somehow is an emotionally sensitive matter because of the war, etc. Because the likeness is copied pretty much 1:1 in its entirety from a famous photograph I really wouldn't put it in a commercial game, just to be on the safe side.. :)
(http://i.imgur.com/o4y65V0h.png)
Ever played Arcanum, guys?
All art is recycled.
Half this forum is deadset copies of old games.
Shrug.
Pretty sure I'll get this thread locked at this point, this was supposed to be about showing off my work a bit and getting serious critique/feedback not answering questions about copyright laws and underpants.
I had some new pixel art prepared but instead of posting that I felt the need to spend ten minutes 'shopping the Arcanum thing. Now I've lost interest in this thread entirely.
Quote from: Blondbraid on Tue 16/08/2016 12:43:59
It's just that all the other characters look dressed for pretty serious warfare and wears clothes that reflects the WWI theme really well,
but this girl wears some kind of frilly mini-skirt and stockings, which isn't practical combat-gear, nor anything that looks like something women would wear during WW1.
Same here. I was really disappointed when I scrolled to that picture.
Quote from: Pinback on Sat 20/08/2016 08:02:58
I had some new pixel art prepared but instead of posting that I felt the need to spend ten minutes 'shopping the Arcanum thing. Now I've lost interest in this thread entirely.
Yeah, whatever. If you can't be bothered posting, I certainly won't go into begging mode to still show it (although some here probably will do as you intended).
Quote from: cat on Sat 20/08/2016 08:06:33
Quote from: Blondbraid on Tue 16/08/2016 12:43:59
It's just that all the other characters look dressed for pretty serious warfare and wears clothes that reflects the WWI theme really well,
but this girl wears some kind of frilly mini-skirt and stockings, which isn't practical combat-gear, nor anything that looks like something women would wear during WW1.
Same here. I was really disappointed when I scrolled to that picture.
Quote from: Pinback on Sat 20/08/2016 08:02:58
I had some new pixel art prepared but instead of posting that I felt the need to spend ten minutes 'shopping the Arcanum thing. Now I've lost interest in this thread entirely.
Yeah, whatever. If you can't be bothered posting, I certainly won't go into begging mode to still show it (although some here probably will do as you intended).
Never asked for you to beg, comment or otherwise and no I cannot be bothered posting if all people like you have to say is "wow great except for the underpants".
Hey thanks to everyone for the support etc though - the bs just started to tip way too far here. I'll just crawl back under my rock and work lol.
Okay okay sorry for getting snarky - got into a fight a couple days ago and my lips really hurt from infection... & I had plans that involved my lips tonight, damnit! It's driving me nuts.
Those of you that objected to the leggy LeFevre costume, what do you think of this one?
(http://i.imgur.com/hJXSIjHl.png)
Quote from: Pinback on Sat 20/08/2016 09:06:53
Okay okay sorry for getting snarky - got into a fight a couple days ago and my lips really hurt from infection... & I had plans that involved my lips tonight, damnit! It's driving me nuts.
Those of you that objected to the leggy LeFevre costume, what do you think of this one?
I'm sorry if you feel I derailed the discussion, and I certainly didn't have any idea that posting that photo of the soldier would lead to a long discussion about public domain...:(
I think your last picture looks awesome! 8-0 8-)
The girl definitively looks like a badass mechanic, and I love the dynamic between her and the character beside her.
Is she planning on doing a few adjustments with her wrench?
The little airplanes in the distance are a nice touch too.
Everything looks awesome Pinback, I can't stop staring at the gun that the guy in the futuristic pickelhaube helmet is holding.
OH MY GOD!!!
That new character look for the girl is just so sturdy and cool that I can't even...
And that one graphic could launch a thousand kickstarters...
The game is looking beautiful beyond what my eyes can take in...
OVER THE TOP!!!
@Blondbraid Ah no worries - I should have just steered it back instead of getting all crotchety haha - yours was a legit point to make.
At this point I'm really just letting my ideas steer the ship a bit - I think the mechanic girl may be an NPC that yes,
built and/or maintains that slipshod german mechanoid with the machine gun... Hmm maybe I should post the graffiti mural I did of that robot...
@Kconan Hehe thanks man!
@Mandle Cheers haha - I think those two are definitely going in - to some extent at least. They're a bit more... Upbeat (or at least the concept lacks some of the bleak humor I want to instill into the game) than I'd
like at this point in development but yeah, I'm going to translate them to pixels soon and we'll see where we stand.
As for Kickstarter, meh I dunno. I was really gung ho about the idea a while back - but at this point I'm wondering if the administration, public networking & organization time required (all stuff I suck out loud at) are worth it.
I think this image is a huge improvement and that look on her face is so expressive,
it tells a lot about her and the robot while also making me curious to find out more about them! ;-D
The robot looks really cool, I especially like that it looks like a retro-futuristic pickelhaube while at the same time reminding of a medieval knight's helmet,
and her red hair and the blue glow make a nice contrast to one another.
I truly hope this will one day be a finished game, since both the art and concept looks so intriguing!
Hey, these look great, your art style is very detailed. The dog looks amazing.
You also perfectly captured the "look" of the time, as seen in the nurse. And I love the stockinged fightress.
AFAIK the only legal concerns regarding likenesses of famous people is the ownership of the photograph. You can't distribute pictures of the public without their consent, but if they're famous you can snap them any time in public and post the picture on the net (see all the amateur pictures of actors and the like being used on wikipedia). The rub lies with what is legally considered "famous". So a famous general will most likely be okay, but a random soldier may not be. But I think your smoking soldier looks different enough from the picture for there to be no issues.
For my two cents, this is an alternate universe, and I don't think your should compromise on your vision if others can't handle it.
Quote from: Pinback on Sat 20/08/2016 09:06:53
Those of you that objected to the leggy LeFevre costume, what do you think of this one?
(http://i.imgur.com/hJXSIjHl.png)
This new one is more practical, but the first one was sexier. Maybe include the old one as some kind of easter egg that can be unlocked? Then the player could choose that one as a reward for finding the egg.
Quote from: mkennedy on Sun 21/08/2016 23:56:52
This new one is more practical, but the first one was sexier. Maybe include the old one as some kind of easter egg that can be unlocked? Then the player could choose that one as a reward for finding the egg.
I suppose it could work as a funny Easter-egg. I think
Wolfenstein: The new order managed to have it's cake and eat it in this regard as set in an alternate universe where the nazis won the war, all the female characters wear practical clothing fit for soldiers, but they included pin-ups on the walls in some of the soldiers lodgings.
The new images looks great, the campfire scene really humanizes the robots and the dog is absolutely adorable!
When I look at the character portraits, a nurse, a black soldier, a mechanic, a german and a dog...
You wouldn't happen to be a fan of
Valiant hearts: The great war? :)
(http://images.eldiario.es/juegoreviews/avances/valiants-hearts-avance-ubisoftjpg_EDIIMA20140612_0404_5.jpg)