The VG Resource

(08-18-2011, 04:02 PM)Proton Wrote: [ -> ]My problem is your character.

It's really,
boring.



Maybe flex your creative thinking process.




There's different ways to use a lightbulb,
especially not just having it stand perfectly straight.

Try something a bit more original.

I think the best shape for a lightbulb guy is a straightforward lightbulb shape, your first new shape scetch is fine, but it looks like an orb wearing a hat, which, to be fair, is similair to Dio's complaint about mine. The second one looks like a lightbulb-inspired pokemon of sorts, and the third looks impractical for combat or movement, as the part sticking out behind him would probably drag on the ground and cause him to lose his balance. They are interesting to look at, but not logically the best choice to take for my own character, especially as so many people appear to be having difficulties identifying my original model to a lightbulb in the first place. Thanks though!

Those are examples,
I'm not saying use them.


What's the point of telling you to flex your creativity if were to take the exact thing I made?


My point is that your character is bland and boring, and that you should at least try to make something that isn't just
"oh a lightbulb with eyes."

(08-19-2011, 02:57 PM)Proton Wrote: [ -> ]My point is that your character is bland and boring, and that you should at least try to make something that isn't just
"oh a lightbulb with eyes."

That is pretty much what it is, though, and you can say the same thing about most game characters. "Oh, it's a monkey with a tie.", "Oh, it's a pink blob", "Oh, it's a guy in overalls and a hat.", etc. etc.
UPDATE:

Should I go with the old bulb shading, or the new one (on the left)?
(the new style will be added to the new bulb shape).

(08-19-2011, 03:19 PM)SirZadaben Wrote: [ -> ]That is pretty much what it is, though, and you can say the same thing about most game characters. "Oh, it's a monkey with a tie.", "Oh, it's a pink blob", "Oh, it's a guy in overalls and a hat.", etc. etc.

But all of these can be represented in interesting or unique ways.

You are /literally/ a lightbulb with eyes and there is nothing special about your character design because of the way you choose to convey it.

(08-19-2011, 03:19 PM)SirZadaben Wrote: [ -> ]"Oh, it's a guy in overalls and a hat."

I assume this is Mario.

Yeah.

He's not just a naked guy.

He has a costume,

an actual design.

Something to make him stand out.


aka. is not just a guy.

(08-19-2011, 03:19 PM)SirZadaben Wrote: [ -> ]"Oh, it's a monkey with a tie."

I assume this is Donkey Kong.

At least it's given a cartoon-ish touch.
Not just an actual ape.
Yeah, maybe it's not the most original,
but at least he's definable.

Donkey Kong has at least taken a special design touch to make it look like it's own thing. Even has his own hairstyle.

Which is much more than this lightbulb.

(08-19-2011, 03:19 PM)SirZadaben Wrote: [ -> ]"Oh, it's a pink blob"

I assume this is Kirby.

You mean that pink blob that's gotten to the point where he comes from no actual origin who has some sort of original defining feature,
and eventually evolved to the point where it had a design involving a multitude of hats based on his powers, plus the ability to change it's shape to conform to earlier said powers?




In my eyes, you're just being extremely lazy and don't feel like taking a risk/you just don't want to leave your comfort zone of simplicity.


Like really,
I want to know why you're so against being creative.

@Cshade/Proton: You guys are basically telling me that if I add defining characteristics, then you will like it. The thing is, I consider being able to summon lightning a defining characteristic, Proton, your own example for Kirby was that he had the ability to gain hats and change shape when gainingt powers. Nonetheless, he is simply a pink blob. So you guys are pretty much telling me that this:

is better than what I had before, because it is more "creative."

The thing with powers defining Kirby is that it was more creative. How many characters at the time were able to copy the abilities of others by eating them? Not many. Everyone and their mother has the ability to manipulate lightning. A small, yellow rodent with a lightning bolt tail, a thunder god bent on saving the Earthrelm, etc.

But on the topic of the current design, I'd suggest center the outlet wand(?) in his hand. Unless it's taped to his fist, there isn't a way someone could grasp a straight handle like that without it being centered in their grasp.

So you are for keeping the plugrod? How about the hat?
(I centered it as best as it can fit now).
Also, I originally made him as a main character for a game in Shawn's not-TUGS thing, and in my head I decided that he would be able to operate and power vehicles like ceiling-fan-copters, elevator wall-lights, assault lamp-bots, etc. He can't do that as a helper, so I modified his abilities to suit Machobot's game better.
UPDATE: Added light to plugrod.

Why wouldn't he? The restriction of what you can do is your imagination. Why not have him operate a ceiling fan, as he flies across the screen dropping lightning bolts or bombs across the stage. Why not have him operate an elevator, with him falling down from the top of the screen and squishing an unlucky fighter who happened to be caught in his way. Why not cause him to invade a fighting lamp bot and attack someone? You don't have to stick to him just shooting lightning bolts. The invading machine shtick can work, and I would prefer to put something like that in, rather than a simple lightning bolt shooting character. If you do decide to go with the invasion deal, I would go with the more simple design, withoutthe hat or wand. You could try to let his gimmick make him unique, rather than his design.

nice one . i like your pic when its lightened

^have a feeling that you're posting only to stack up 20 posts quickly...

also, I agree that you need something that makes your character interesting.

In case of Mario and Donkey Kong, you can't really compare them to your characters because their designs were created due to restrictions at the time. Mario was created that way because there were only three different three colors to use on him, and the designers needed to make the arms, face and head readable (thus making different colored shirt and overalls, mustache and cap).

You, in the other hand, don't have size or color restrictions and could do a lot better at this. I look forward to your character development.

@Gors: Touche. However, I do have pallate and size restrictions, although they are a lot more flexible, and I have a lot more options than they did.
@Machobot: It would have to be very small to fit in the box, though.[/u]

Forgot about the size restrictions on Gors's style. If you want to stick by the rules, you can have each form be two different sprites. One have whatever the appliance is, an the other be however the lightbulb is situated. Or you could ignore the size restriction, but that's really at Gors's discretion, since hes really over the graphical department.

But dude, it's not like this is an uptight, serious project. As long as it's not too much out of the 96 by 96, it shouldn't hurt /that/ much. But like I said, it's Gors's call since he's over the spiriting department.

OK, so I will use a separate box for the copter.
Thanks for clarifying, Machobot.
@Gors: If you have any issues with this, please tell me.

oh yeah, I totally forgot about that! Sorry

well, I think you could forget about my sprite style for a while and develop your character instead. After you have a consolidated character, then you can get back at my style. Your character is for sure getting more interesting than your first one

And even if you have problems with colors (which I kinda doubt since I covered most colors in my palette), it's ok to add a color or two in it. I'm not a nazi about this after all.