need feedback on photos as backgrounds

[zirb]

I originally posted these in the Games in production forum, but I violated the posting rules by not having 2 actual game screen shots.  Sorry I'm a noob.

I guess what I'm looking for is some criticism about using this technique.  I think it looks good and fits well with the theme of my game - a detective mystery.  But I wonder if people would rather see sophisticated hand drawn backgrounds.

To make them I just used a FilterForge comic effect on an existing photograph.  Feels like cheating it was so easy. 


Intro screen
http://mustang.millersville.edu/~perceptron/dutcherintro.png

First 'room'
http://mustang.millersville.edu/~perceptron/screenshot.png


- Noobie Greg

[deadsuperhero]

It's a very interesting style. However, if you're going to use a photo bg, I also recommend you use photo sprites. Just a thought.

[Hudders]

It's a very interesting style. However, if you're going to use a photo bg, I also recommend you use photo sprites. Just a thought.

I agree. Or at least sprites that have the same feel as the backgrounds; comic characters might work.

[Khris]

I'd say lowering the res to 320 works pretty well.
That way the lowres character won't stand out any longer, too.


x2

[accolyte]

I think the character blends in well with 320*200 resolution. This looks good! Go for it i,d say.

[OuchMyTentacle79]

I actually like it,alot  it's cool.

only one thing I can see a little bothersome is the sky and the branches of the tree(the whiteness in-between)

as for the sky,is it an over cast day? night?

[markbilly]

Looks interesting, though I prefer the original resolution you posted in, as it is less messy.

Only concern is whether you can maintain the style, as obviously when drawing you can draw any environment, whereas you will have to go out an d photograph it.

[Stupot]

Cool effect. Who cares if it was just a quick filter effect, it works.
The sprite does look a little out of place, though, but this can be worked out I'm sure.

[zirb]

Thanks all.  The sky is a problem and illustrates the problem of 'cheating'.  After the filter, the sky came out as completely white.  I wanted it to look dark, so I just painted in the gray.  I'll spend sometime working on my paint skills and see what I can do about this sky.  I'm looking into photo sprites and will post some examples when I've got them up.

- Greg

[yarooze]

Looks good, I would like to play it...

Will you start games in production thread?

[Babar]

I was wondering why there was a whiteish halo around the branches behind the sky! If you wanted to paint it grey, you'd need to select a higher tolerance.

[LGM]

I actually really really like this style. I would say, though, that you should take more time to tune the background so it doesn't immediately look like a photo put through a filter and then shrunk down. Put some extra work into it to pixelize it further and make it more distinct. As a photographer I can TELL these are photos. That's not a bad thing. But if it feels like cheating to you, just paint some things in or out and fiddle as you please.

[Mazoliin]

Holy tomatoes!!!  :o
Those backgrounds really have a great feeling. Just fits perfect foor your game idea, a detectiv story.
Even better if you do like KhrisMUC and make them fit the caracter.
Also, adding own things to it may bee a good idea.