The characterization of Oleg.

KodiakBehr · Sat 01/10/2011 14:49:19

I'd really like some feedback on how the future protagonist of my next game can be improved.

I wanted to try going for something minimalist, where the player character takes up a very small space of the overall environment, not unlike what Gepard is doing for N.orth S.outh E.ast W.est.

Oleg, featured below, emigrated to the United States from Eastern Europe, and worked part-time as a plumber before losing his job.

Babar · Sat 01/10/2011 19:00:55

If he's was a plumber, maybe make him beefer? Also, unless it was intentional, people with beards usually connect them to their head with sideburns. It should be the same even if it is just stubble, although if it is stubble, you should make it a lighter shade.

Ghost · Sat 01/10/2011 19:37:19

A cap (maybe worn backwards) would work well with that low-res style.

AnasAbdin · Sun 02/10/2011 18:50:46

yeah as babar said the beard should be connected with the hair at least to match his side view

do something with the shoulder seems like someone ate a part of it!
assuming the black line is a belt: shouldn't his tummy cover it from the front instead of taking a curve along the tummy?
an ear! that's what's missing from the side view!
I don't know censorship details and stuff like that.. but I'd like to see some -flesh- between his shirt and pants from behind

don't make me say the anatomically correct word!!

btw- I think one of us is reading the other's mind... I am sooooo thinking of Anastronaut II to be low resolution :o

KodiakBehr · Mon 03/10/2011 02:24:51

Great tips all. Thanks guys.

Khris · Mon 03/10/2011 18:43:38

I'd make some suggestions, but unfortunately that sprite isn't suitable for edits.

First of all it's a jpg but much more importantly, it doesn't use single pixels. Did you resize this, then draw in additional pixels?

NsMn · Mon 03/10/2011 21:25:45

Quote from: Ghost on Sat 01/10/2011 19:37:19
A cap (maybe worn backwards) would work well with that low-res style.

As for an Eastern European plumber, a forwards-worn military cap would maybe suit better.

KodiakBehr · Wed 05/10/2011 01:03:35

Quote from: LeKhris on Mon 03/10/2011 18:43:38
I'd make some suggestions, but unfortunately that sprite isn't suitable for edits.

First of all it's a jpg but much more importantly, it doesn't use single pixels. Did you resize this, then draw in additional pixels?

Yeah, I thought the original was too small for people to see, so I thought I'd resize it, but then it was all a mess. I ultimately settled on an even more low-res design that I think fits the style I'm going for. I'd love some feedback on some of the backgrounds I'm working on, though. I'll throw them up soon.

KodiakBehr · Wed 05/10/2011 23:48:07

So here is a revised Oleg in significantly lower resolution in the main room of his apartment. I am hoping this game will have the character (somewhat) dwarfed in what will be massive environments, so I'm trying to focus as much as possible on doing more with less.

In this case, the only things we know about Oleg is that he's lonely, he's poor and he's having a very bad day. The whole plumber thing may be subject to change -- it's not particularly important at this time.

I would really appreciate any feedback!

LRH · Thu 06/10/2011 03:26:54

If it's a lonely and depressing atmosphere, why not wash out the color a bit?

^This might be a bit extreme, but I think it helps say "I'm sad".

AnasAbdin · Thu 06/10/2011 12:01:31

I think in kodiak's image the room is more saturated than the character. maybe if the character is more saturated it would be more convenient...

I'm not really into faint emo stereotype coloring... he can be a miserable jobless sad immigrate, and, his apartment have colors, maybe a little cracks on the walls.. a broken lamp... a scratch here and there.. but i think his plumping must be perfect

bear in mind that he could have rented this apartment as he arrived, not built it from scratch according to his mood...

kodiak, your drawing style makes me wish even harder to work AGS with iPhone! great work man.

Khris · Thu 06/10/2011 12:50:25

The main problem is that the character doesn't stand out at all; Domithan might have desaturated it a bit too much but the general idea is fine.

I'd reverse the outlining policy:

KodiakBehr · Thu 06/10/2011 17:53:08

Yes! Yes! Yes!

That is exactly the look and feel I had in mind. You've sold me on upping the resolution on the character a little, with outlines, and done a great job with improving upon the room.