Right, I've been going through some of the old backgrounds, and I decided to redo this one. I didn't quite like it the first time around.
(http://www.2dadventure.com/ags/mallardsceneslick.PNG)
I don't quite like the trash piles. I tried photoshopping some real trash and inserting it in there, but that didn't come out so great.
So, what should I do to improve this?
EDIT: Improved trash piles a bit, most recent version.
Can you post a pic of the orginal background from the SQ3 game???
You mean, from SQ3 EGA?
I guess so.
I suppose trash is a bit tricky, since it's something that isn't of great interest rationally. But it does have a lot of visual content, so I'd suggest putting some things in it.
I'd change the highlights and shadows to better emphasize hills/bulges in the trash and stuff.
A quick paintover using the suggestions:
(http://www.metapathy.com/public/trashbasura.gif)
For thewalrus who requeted the reference pic.
(http://gask.oktawa.net/sq3.PNG)