Generic government building.

[KodiakBehr]

Of all the thirty-or-so backgrounds I've done so far, I like this one the least, but can't put my finger on what to do differently.

I've got the feeling that the bricks are too well-defined?  The game is mostly played in 2D, except when you go to the city map, which is a detailed isometric drawing.  The building in question is a more-or-less unremarkable government building (I've removed the sign because...well...spoilers).

I'd love some pointers on how this could be improved upon.  The iso building it's based upon is below.



Thanks, in advance,

KB

[Victor6]

A little shade would probably help. even if it's just drop shadow from the windowsills and overhangs.

I do love the style though, it reminds me of the old 16 color Hi-res stuff you used to get in Dos.

[Anian]

It doesn't look like the same building. The position and the ratio between the windows and wall on the sides is different than on the iso image. The wall from the end to the window should be as wide as the windows themselves and then part with the 2 windows in the middle should be about as wide as the side wall and side windows combined - that's not what you made though.

You don't need that kind of texture, not only does it not really match the building in iso but I think it looks like too much detail - for instance, you might wanna use the texture you used on that building on the right and make that side buliding simpler (with no brick texture). Now not only does it look a bit clutered, but the look of the brick doesn't look like bricks, it looks like stone blocks, like a castle wall might look.

[KodiakBehr]

Following those tips, does this look any better?

[Alan v.Drake]

Those gradients you have on the windows... they are evil incarnate. I'd suggest you to switch them with sharp highlights.


- Alan

[Anian]

Following those tips, does this look any better?

I think it does, and Alan's suggestion sounds good as well.

EDIT: I just noticed, why does a goveremnt building have a wire for drying clothes? 

[LetterAfterZ]

A bit of window dressing could make this a bit more interesting too. Perhaps some silhouettes in some windows, shutter blinds, etc.

If you wanted to go really nuts you could add some animated passers by...

Otherwise it looks awesome.

[Lewis]

The windows are the main issue. Too colour-saturated and the gradients don't match. The angles all need to be the same.

[Monsieur OUXX]

The windows are the main issue.

+1.

Now THAT's what I call Window reflection:



all you have to do is:
- take some random city view from google Images
- Make the buildings much darker than the sky.
- Decrease the overall contrast (because it's only a reflection)
- Paste it into your windows, slightly transparent (still because it's only a reflection)
- Draw some gradients over, the same way you already did.
- Oh, and DON'T FORGET to draw the shadows cast by the wall onto the windows (at the top of each window). That's another issue with your current drawing. It makes everything look very flat.

[Dualnames]

Indeed, Monsieur Ouxx. That's the best reflection of a building. Time Travellers

[Monsieur OUXX]

KodiakBehr, we want to see an update on this! It could look pretty.
:-)