Graphic style for the next game

[.M.M.]

Hi, I've been thinking about the graphic style for my next game: I needed something simple, yet atmospheric. I want to create a post-apocalyptic RPG, something between Stalker and (the book) Metro 2033. First, I decided to try something inspired by old RPG, like Zelda or Final Fantasy, just less "Japanese" (although it mainly depends on characters). This is what I've got:
[imgzoom]http://s13.postimage.org/ygbs5qggn/picture2.png[/imgzoom]
This is just a start, without any inhabitants or their shelters.
And this is with some basic shadings - with two light bulbs:
[imgzoom]http://s12.postimage.org/jwz7snn71/Vltavska_Shaded2.png[/imgzoom]
What do you think about it? I don't want to draw too much shadows, because it would look strange with characters in-game.

[Khris]

I love the concept, it's something I've also been toying with.
Except for the slightly weird back wall, I don't really have any crits, just want to say that I'd think that style would benefit enormously from being lowres.

[.M.M.]

Thanks! Yes, I'm not sure about the back wall, too. It actually looks this way:
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/b1/Praha%2C_Vltavsk%C3%A1%2C_metro_-_n%C3%A1pis.JPG/800px-Praha%2C_Vltavsk%C3%A1%2C_metro_-_n%C3%A1pis.JPG
I wanted to make it a bit darker and with some tiles destroyed... Well, it doesn't look exactly as I wanted it. 

[.M.M.]

I tried making a portrait matching the background style - this is what I've got.
[imgzoom]http://s8.postimage.org/s31kqas8h/portrait_special2.png[/imgzoom]
I'm not sure all the lines are noticeable enough, but it somehow loses its depressive feel with bigger contrast.

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...

[Andail]

Eh... WLN73, did you just start your own thread in the middle of an already existing thread?

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no ... I saw that you were talking of new Projects and how to create characters and scenary .... since I'm doing the same thing (in different ways) I thought I'd post here my Project ... only to exchange views .... if its not right I can also open a new thread .... I didn't want to bother anyone ...

[Khris]

In this subforum people post their works for others to give critique, so each thread is usually only about one specific game/story or piece of art.
If you're looking for other people's opinions, just open your own thread. Don't do that yet though, I'm sure ProgZ will split the thread when he sees it.

(Although I have to say, the rules don't mention this in any way. I guess we're all just too used to the Critics Lounge's MO to see it any other way )

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....oki....removed......

[.M.M.]

When I looked at the number of replies, I thought it was criticism on my sprites... 

[StillInThe90s]

First of all: I'm no artist. But if I had made that background, I would have tried to make the tiles a bit less repetitive. Mainly the platform tiles, but also at the back wall. If you are not using some kind of tile script to save space or increase performance, I would not recommend copy-pasting tiles since it tends to look like a pattern.
Also, I think I would have toned down the black and white tape at the edge of the platform a bit.
About the portrait: Again, I'm no artist but whenever I try to do artwork, it ends up with too little contrast. I believe this portrait suffers from the same problem. It would benefit from more shadows and contrast. Look at reference photos and other peoples artwork for inspiration.

Hope it helped. At least it's on topic.

[.M.M.]

I would have tried to make the tiles a bit less repetitive. Mainly the platform tiles, but also at the back wall.
Also, I think I would have toned down the black and white tape at the edge of the platform a bit.

Hmm, yes, you're right - but what could improve it, maybe some scratches, or different colour pattern for the tiles? The problem is that it looks just like that at Vltavská, but it wouldn't look good in-game. Or maybe I can try put some tents/shelters here and there on the platform to make it less visible.

About the portrait: Again, I'm no artist but whenever I try to do artwork, it ends up with too little contrast. I believe this portrait suffers from the same problem. It would benefit from more shadows and contrast.

I tried adding the contrast and I also thickened the upper eyelid.
[imgzoom]http://s17.postimage.org/knxgl5c4r/portrait_special4.png[/imgzoom]
This is just a quick change, but I don't realy want to draw shadows, because it takes much more time to animate and I'd like to make different views for different moods and situations. My goal is to make the sprites as simple as possible.
And thanks for your reply!

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When I looked at the number of replies, I thought it was criticism on my sprites... 

Oh...ops  ... You maked a great job with this textures ( I don't know what happened .... I only put a picture of my character .... I seem to have done something wrong .... so I removed  )

[StillInThe90s]

...but what could improve it, maybe some scratches, or different colour pattern for the tiles?

Try moving individual tiles around randomly to break the pattern. If you are planning to add more detail, things like broken or scratched tiles will probably help as well. Then again, if the scene is going to have lots of other things like tents covering the floor, this whole pattern problem might not be such a big deal after all.
I think the portrait got more character btw.