C&C for some fighting game BGS

[Zanna]

I've made some bg for a fighting game based on the manga/anime Hokuto No Ken... those bg aren't 100% original, 'cause I used some ripped stuff...

This is Shin's palace:


and Falco's stage:


Falco's stage isn't finished: I have to add some lights movements...

should I use thumbnails instead of big images?

I know this is a forum about AG, but I've seen a lot of talented people, so I'm asking your help How can I improve those BGS?

[CaptainBinky]

Nice! Except where are the shadows at the top of the pillars on the first screen?

Also, the bevels on the shadowed (closest) side of the pillars seem a bit on the bright side - almost like neon strips.

[Penguinx]

It's hard to critique your work if some parts of it are ripped. What parts are yours?

[Zanna]

in the first pic I made all the palace (floor, columns, ecc) and I ripped the city and the sky in background...

in the second pic I ripped ground and sky, but modified them a lot... same thing for the "imperial city": I ripped it then doublesized and recolored... and a lot more things...
and at last I made walls and portal from scratch...

Nice! Except where are the shadows at the top of the pillars on the first screen?

I'm afraid I forgot them