Studying "Metal Slug" Sprite Style

[DoorKnobHandle]

In order to become a better sprite artist, I recently took a whole new approach (to me atleast). I chose the game with the best sprite art in my opinion (which came down to Metal Slug) and started studying the graphical style. Then I drew the following four sprites while heavily eyeballing reference material from the game every now and then. I realise that the sprites look quite similar to their references, but I really drew them myself and only got heavy "inspiration" on how to shade. Mine are generally not as fat as the originals. I also took the colors straight from the original sprites, to give my copies the exact same Neo-Geo palette feel.

I did not, however, copy any parts of the original sprite or anything. Anyways, I know you're all just waiting for the images, so here you go:

Metal Slug styled soldiers (4x zoomed)...

I tried to add new ideas (for example the third guy with the backpack and the gun positioned vertically on his back) and reduce the amount of "almost exactly" copied parts from the original sprites as I went along to make sure I really understand and grow into drawing in this style.

My questions are: (1) what do you think of this "studying-another-game's-art" approach, did you ever do anything similar, do you have any tips or experience? And (2) of course, what do you think of my sprites?

Thanks for your time in advance.

[Gilbert]

I'll say they looked very nice.

I don't have much critics, but I'll say if you want them to be thiner, I'll recommend making their heads smaller, since big heads don't work well when the bodies are closer to true human proportions in my opinion (as opposed to them working very well with the original fat SD style of MS), I'll say trim down some pixels from the heads, but of course it would be much harder to draw facial expressions then.

Another thing that I think needs a bit improvement, is that the helmets don't look as if they're hard accessories standing out from the head, especially the second last soldier, he looks as if he's wearing a tight green cap made of cloth (unless that's your intention), I'll say make the helmat a bit larger (trimming the face would help too).

[Afflict]

DKH I like them they look good just one thing its been ages since ive played metal slug care to show us reference

[biothlebop]

(1) I don't have any problems with someone studying others' work, as long as they manage to bring forth own style as well and apply new ideas (for an original product).
(2) It's nice, the only crit I have is that they look slightly like toy soldiers after a magnifying glass treatment. When animated, it will not probably matter, but they are slightly amorphous and confusing now.

[big brother]

I would recommend that you study existing game sprites, but I don't think Metal Slug is your best bet. The MS sprites are known better for their animation than the quality of their rendering (inconsistent outlining, etc).

The sprites you drew are visually confusing, especially the leftmost one. Since these will be very small at 100%, clarity is of upmost importance. I would focus more on getting interesting shapes that work together rather than the nitty gritty shading techniques. Also, the interior black outlining (mainly on the leftmost sprite) might look ok on a cel style sprite, but not on ones this small and buffered.

[DoorKnobHandle]

Thanks to everybody for the comments and tips so far!

I don't think Metal Slug is your best bet. The MS sprites are known better for their animation than the quality of their rendering (inconsistent outlining, etc).

I found this to be very true now. The outlining is really extremely inconsistent, however to my eyes those sprites still look fantastic (of course, the animations are what really makes them stand out in the game, the balance and quality of the movements is just unreal). So, put in short, I do believe there are games with even better sprites out there, but for some reason I just really like this Metal Slug style and I know I'd be forever grateful if could learn to draw in this style some day.

It's nice, the only crit I have is that they look slightly like toy soldiers after a magnifying glass treatment. When animated, it will not probably matter, but they are slightly amorphous and confusing now.

I definately see what you mean here, biothlebop. I know this is a kind of lame argument, but the toy soldiers look with the oversized heads really is the style that I'm going for. Take a look at the game or games to see that they did they same thing to the soldiers. Thanks for the nice comment though!

I like them they look good just one thing its been ages since ive played metal slug care to show us reference.

Thanks to you, too. I am too lazy to go dig for the old references again, but this is a great Metal Slug resource site with almost everything in the game (including sprite sheets, animations, soundtracks, backgrounds etc).

I'll say trim down some pixels from the heads, but of course it would be much harder to draw facial expressions then.

I'll try this one out, I don't know if I'll be able to keep the facial expressions -- as you said -- but I'll try!

Another thing that I think needs a bit improvement, is that the helmets don't look as if they're hard accessories standing out from the head, especially the second last soldier, he looks as if he's wearing a tight green cap made of cloth (unless that's your intention), I'll say make the helmat a bit larger (trimming the face would help too).

I see what you mean, no the helmets aren't supposed to be made of cloth. I'll try to reduce that cloth feeling by doing what you suggested and see if that helps.

Okay, I think I have everything covered. Now I'll show you my latest piece of work. It shows the progress -- I didn't use nearly as many references and eyeball-sessions than I did for the last ones.

[sergiocornaga]

They look good, but they aren't cartoony and exagerated enough for Metal Slug. Facial features should really stand out.