I need help and tips to boost this to VGR standards. id get why the shading is a problem, but the shading in KSS is, in other words, also not that good. :/ any suggestions?

I think the issue more has to do with alot of the pillowing on the three set of sprites on the lower right just above the credits, lack of contrast between the black and blue, jagged outlines on most of these sprites, and the light sources even seem conflicting on the character you're making.

I do not know much about the movement of the character or how it operates in it's native game. Are you using a reference for these? if so are you using the original artwork and/or the sprites of KDL2?

Also, keep comparing the sprite styles from the original game. As the sprite looks now, he is not in style of KSS yet.

KSS sprites are much more detailed and shaded differently. Take the existing sprites from KSS, which could be the closes fit for what you want to draw in this style.
 
Example, if you're making a robot enemy, then take everything metallic or robotic and use this as a orientation on how to approach the shading, colors and style. Need to draw spikes? Look at some spikey enemies from this game.

(07-06-2017, 09:29 AM)DioShiba Wrote: I think the issue more has to do with alot of the pillowing on the three set of sprites on the lower right just above the credits, lack of contrast between the black and blue, jagged outlines on most of these sprites, and the light sources even seem conflicting on the character you're making.

I do not know much about the movement of the character or how it operates in it's native game. Are you using a reference for these? if so are you using the original artwork and/or the sprites of KDL2?

I was going off the reference image from the concept art of it, yes. all it does in game is walk around and guard. the rest of it was based off the needle ability in either Kirby nightmare in dreamland (A game with sprites) or Kirby Return to dreamland (A game without).
I'm fairly new to making sprites

I see, well that does help clear up some things, also just wanted to touch on one note.

(07-07-2017, 12:07 PM)Epicbattler3 Wrote: I'm fairly new to making sprites

Not to make this seem like an attack by any means, but I think we could get an idea that you were new to this without it being said. With that in mind we all were new to making sprites or art at one point. But most of us also know the process as well when it comes to comments and criticism if you're looking to improve your skills with pixel art.

Hence, why we're here. We want to help you to improve! If none of us wanted that then we'd have this as a pixel art showcase which wouldn't do much to help anyone be productive whether you're doing this as a hobby or as a profession.

I think you're on the right track to improving your work by posting these sprites and asking for feedback. Hiro-soft was able to point out some good criticism that I think will help you to really get these sprites to look like they came right from KSS. I would take what he said into account and use his advice to help you improve.

On another note, if you're stuck on some of the terminology we use or what certain words we are using mean: https://www.vg-resource.com/thread-25474.html
This above thread helps, click on the link and go through Gors' dictionary for spriting. Which comes in handy after studying quite a bit.

I've fixed the ones you mentioned (I mean, they were the only pillow-shaded ones there) to look like a drill, as it is in KRTDL
   
The actual main needle attack also seems off, (Shading AND shape) and i have no idea on how to fix it.