New Graphics, Game updates

Mariel · Joined: 15 Oct 2008 Posts: 78 Location: In your dreams

So, I'm gonna set the release date for this one in about, say, 2014. Oookay...

So far only the intro is finished and playable, but at least I've got the leveling system figured out.

Mostly I'm working on maptiles in the hopes that once I've got all the pieces I need, I can build a good world. Along the way I've made some enemies and attacks too, but those aren't ready to be seen yet.

Here are some screenshots:

An idyllic outside scene, showing off the trees upon which I spent way too much time.

Inside your house

On a cow farm. Moo.

So, critiques are welcome, as well as any links to articles on good map design. (I feel I'm pretty good at making tiles; putting them together, not so much)
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"I think civility flew out the window the second I found the lawnmower. With dignity and humanity splattered on the walls."

Moogle1 · Posted: Wed Jan 14, 2009 6:15 pm Post subject:

Looking very nice! My only suggestion would be to add more "noise." You do a decent job of this already with the flour sacks, barrels, flowers, and such, but you're missing the accoutrements that normally populate those environments. Clocks, bookshelves, cabinets. Bushes, rocks, more kinds of flowers. You've got a lot of unused space in that house. If it were mine, I'd feel like it was empty.

But what you've got is excellent.
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Slime Salad :: Independent Game Design

JSH357 · Joined: 02 Feb 2003 Posts: 1705

Making all the tiles in advance is a very, very good idea. I think a lot more people would finish their first games if they tried this approach. It's painful to do, especially if you're bad at art, but worth it in the end.

The game looks nice to me; you have a good style going. Graphics aren't five-star quality, but that's not really my area of expertise. Love the trees, second screenshot and the cows. I'm interested in seeing a demo or something. Maybe when you have a little bit done, you can make a "preview" demo? (Of course, you should make the game at your own pace. Just a suggestion)

Mariel · Joined: 15 Oct 2008 Posts: 78 Location: In your dreams

Yeah, I'm trying to come up with more things to put in the houses. The house doesn't belong to very rich people though, so high-class things like clocks and books may be out of their range, given the mid-fantasy medieval genre. Suggestions for furniture and items are welcome indeed.
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"I think civility flew out the window the second I found the lawnmower. With dignity and humanity splattered on the walls."

Newbie_Power · Joined: 04 Sep 2006 Posts: 1762

Even just variations of tiles is good enough to add 'noise'. For example, having taller grass to place around, and something as simple as a rug is a good way to fill space inside a home.

Still, these tiles are excellent work. My only tile-specific criticism is that the dirt between the grass is a bit too bubbly.
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Blue Pixel · Posted: Thu Jan 15, 2009 4:19 pm Post subject:

the pespective on the water in the last picture is kinda... off.

the house is at a different angle then the dirt above the water.
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Mariel · Joined: 15 Oct 2008 Posts: 78 Location: In your dreams

The dirt above the water is not so much above as around it, it's the bank and with the animation, the water laps and ripples back and forth over it. Not sure if I like it that way or not though.
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"I think civility flew out the window the second I found the lawnmower. With dignity and humanity splattered on the walls."

msw188 · Joined: 02 Jul 2003 Posts: 1041

I think that it might help the dirt around the water if there was some grass mixed in with the dirt, even to the point of poking out of the water as it laps. That might make The_dude's view of it better. Also, it might help if wet soil/grass is a bit darker, although that is pure guesswork on my part.
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My first completed OHR game, Tales of the New World:
http://castleparadox.com/gamelist-display.php?game=161

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