Main character sprite in Rise of the Hidden Sun

chapter11studios · Mon 27/09/2004 20:40:06

We're smack dab in the middle of designing (or I should say redesigning) the main character in RotHS, Rattlesnake Jake Dawson. Below is a screenshot with five sprites on it which represent various takes we've had on the character over the course of the project. The sprites, as you will see, are numbered 1 through 5.

Sprite 1 is a "frankenstein" version I made combining elements that I liked from a bunch of the sprites separately. Sprite 2 is an old sample of him walking with softer lines than the harsh black outlines in the other versions, sprite 3 is a gunslinger/han solo version (which is cool but a little too modern and composed for what he's supposed to be like), sprite 4 is a recent take, and sprite 5 is an old old version that I kinda like. None of these were optimized too look great--this is for mockup purposes only, and the final version will obviously cleaner/better sized/etc.

What I'd love to get from you guys here is some thoughts on the designs themselves, and of course any tips you can provide. Also, how about a color scheme for him? Nothing is set in stone right now, so all options are on the table.

OK, here is the image:

Pft! · Mon 27/09/2004 20:51:00

#2 is the best.

TheDude · Mon 27/09/2004 20:55:14

I like #2 and #3 the best. I think the white shirt with the brown trousers is cool, maybe the brown could be a little darker though. #5's shirt colour look interesting...

BorisZ · Mon 27/09/2004 20:57:00

I like #5!

Pft! · Mon 27/09/2004 20:58:13

#2 Goes best with the backgrounds and looks much better. 8)

Eggie · Mon 27/09/2004 21:00:31

I think 4 (with a little cleaning up) could work really well with the background. 2 seems a little...bright...

chapter11studios · Mon 27/09/2004 21:02:50

Quote from: SQ4.5 on Mon 27/09/2004 20:58:13
#2 Goes best with the backgrounds and looks much better.Ã,Â 8)

Keep in mind that what you probably like about # 2 (the lack of dark outlines, which makes him blend better) is likely going to be the approach we take with any sprite. I'm looking more for the design itself. Thanks!

Albert Cuandero · Mon 27/09/2004 21:09:36

#5 for me!

Haddas · Mon 27/09/2004 21:10:17

#1 without the pink. he's got character!

Privateer Puddin' · Mon 27/09/2004 21:12:44

has to be #5 for me

BorisZ · Mon 27/09/2004 21:22:33

I think we have a winner here!

Neutron · Mon 27/09/2004 21:34:59

I would take the head of #1 and put it on the body of # 5.

Cluey · Mon 27/09/2004 21:52:12

I'd say 1 with 2's soft outlines and colours.

Darth Mandarb · Mon 27/09/2004 22:26:57

With the rich contrasting you have in the background(s) ... the faded look to #2 is a little distracting in my opinion.Ã,Â (granted, #2 might only look faded in relation to the other characters)

Personally I think the clothing of #4 is the best.Ã,Â Match that up with the head/hat and coloring style of #5 and I think it'll be just perfect!!Ã,Â Totally a gunslinging sheriff of the wild west.

If you can post up some Gif versions of these characters (on solid backgrounds) I'd be happy to show what I mean, but as a jpeg it's so compressed I can't really play with it (successfully).

Tiki · Mon 27/09/2004 22:46:20

I say #1 as well, for it has the most character
*Copies what Haddas said*

Oh, and also, I think that #2 looks a little too stiff. He should probably be loosened up, like the others, if you plan on using him.

big brother · Tue 28/09/2004 00:18:35

I like #4 the best because he has excellent contrast against the background. Great choice of colors! If he had bit more detailing on the face (like a mouth), he'd be perfect. It would be awesome if all the sprites in the game look as good as number 4.

chapter11studios · Tue 28/09/2004 00:34:17

Quote from: Darth Mandarb on Mon 27/09/2004 22:26:57If you can post up some Gif versions of these characters (on solid backgrounds) I'd be happy to show what I mean, but as a jpeg it's so compressed I can't really play with it (successfully).

Darth, here you go:

Evil · Tue 28/09/2004 02:06:29

Number five without the gold boot trim and the black line around the belt buckle.

James Kay · Tue 28/09/2004 02:10:02

Yes, so far #5 works best for me compared to the BGs. It'd need a little work though. With high-quality BGs you'll need high-quality characters (which, because they animate, can be much much more difficult).

Darth Mandarb · Tue 28/09/2004 03:05:30

Yes, I definately like the style of #5 the best.Ã,Â I just preferred the clothing a little more from #4.

As I was 'playing' with them I tended towards 5 more as is, but I made two versions.

- added some more shading/details to the shirt/body
- changed the boots a little (and added spurs)
- changed the color of the pants slightly
- added to the hat (just shading)
- added a nose line
- thickened his forearm (his left) just a little
- added a vest
- added gunbelt and holster

And I wanted to see what this would look like in scene:

If you were to use a character in this style, with your backgrounds it would be simply fantastic (and I don't often use that word).

Excellent stuff.