hey all, this is my first time posting in this section (the visual arts forum). i thought id try here because replies ive seen are friendly and informative. im currently working on an rpg. it is a 2.5d isometric game and i have just done my concept art/sketches of the main character. i was hoping some of you could check out the sketches and let me know what you think: like design, overall look, etc. this feedback is important cause it will let me know if my style is going to work with the game. here's the rpg section of my site, just check out the "concept sketches" for the drawings. you might like to see the race description as well to get an idea of the kind of person/background he is/has.: RPG page or here's a link straight to the concept sketches: Concept Sketch page thanks for any suggestions and/or comments everyone

Very....ff7. That was the first thing I thought -- which can work, and not work all at the same time. Even the FF designs for characters were made as if they were actual people, and did not look like cartoon characters. Though, when this character is translated onto the screen, at least he will look like what you expect.

My question is...what makes him unique. What makes this character stand out? Design of a character is not only about his physical traits, but also his attire. Heros generally stand out in a crowd. Is he rich? Is he poor? Is he a mutant? Does he have ESP? Is he freakin anerexic?! My point is: define the character, then make his look hint at his abilities.

Nothing like having an animal be flaming red colors, with a firey tail be especially strong with fire magic. Hell, just look at pokemon. Everyone can tell what those creatures do without even knowing.

So be unique, and allow your character to stand out. Just dont get too funky.

[Edited by - visage on January 18, 2005 8:47:53 PM]

cool thanks visage.
i have *somewhat* considered what sort of personality he will have but what makes him stand out...thats a new one. ill need to think about it some more coz yeah that will help give meaning to the story as well :)
thanks for the comments visage, ill update my site once ive decided "what makes him stand out - what makes him the hero"
thanks again, keep the comments/suggestions coming

I agree with visage. Your character has no personality; his clothes should be overwhelmingly identifiable. Right now it looks like Cloud with some wet hair wearing some Wolverine-esque clothes. Put some thought into him; generally I like to create an intricate backstory of a character and a series of life events that would determine his current clothing.

The simple character design is appealing, without a doubt... I think I'll stay away from the points about uniqueness that Salsa and visage have covered, since they've done it well. What struck me about this character is that he seems very top-heavy, even for a character purposefully drawn in this in-game mockup fashion. A walk cycle animated with legs that short might end up a bit strange; also, his thin neck and wide shoulders coupled with those thin legs and narrow hips make him look as if he's going to be constantly falling over.

Hmmm... those are problems that are quickly fixed... just move the waist up somewhat, narrow the shoulders and shorten the neck. That, or stabilize him by making his hands and feet huge. ;D

Good luck with this'n, and don't be afraid to show off those profile shots!

thanks for all your replies. ive just finished making the pictures into sprites so it will be easy to alter height, width and even clothing so now ill get to thinking about his background and try and come up with a reason for him being the main character, as well as try and pick some clothes suited to his nature based on this.

thanks for pointing me to these design issues, ill let you all know (with pictures of course :) ) when ive made some adjustments.
thanks again!

Quote:

Original post by the_moo thanks for all your replies. ive just finished making the pictures into sprites so it will be easy to alter height, width and even clothing so now ill get to thinking about his background and try and come up with a reason for him being the main character, as well as try and pick some clothes suited to his nature based on this. thanks for pointing me to these design issues, ill let you all know (with pictures of course :) ) when ive made some adjustments. thanks again!

*waits eagerly for sprites*

ok, i've got some sprites for you! ;)
they're going on the concept sketch page until i get my final sprite finished so: New Sprites

i've got two on there - one before i made this thread, and the one i modified today with some of the suggestions made before.
enjoy!
let me know what you think/if the second is on the right track.
thanks!

hello again all,
ok, as salsa, visage and gunner romantic have all suggested, ive finally come up with the intro to my story, providing some background on my main character and his attitude.
ive already posted it in the writing for games forum here:
story intro and character background topic

please let me know what you think of these ideas and maybe some suggestions of what i might be able to add to my sprites to incorporate the characteristics of this character :)
thanks again everyone for your help and suggestions :) i really appreciate being able to receive this kind of feedback :)

Looking good so far! My suggestions would be to raise the height of the waist a bit more still. Also, erase the line at the wrist that goes across his arm. With the line there, it makes it look like he has a ball on the end of his arm instead of a hand. And lastly, add a bit more hair on the top of his head. Someone mentioned that he looked like he had wet hair; its because the hair is completely flat against his skull on top, just give it some more height.

Good job otherwise though! Keep at it! :D