C&C for Sprites: Practice, possible game. Need help

[Bearded_Beast]

I suggest stopping using selout in the whole pieces. It's too distracting and ugly, and the shading is all over the place.

I'm not sure how the selout is distracting or what to do to eliminate that problem. Should I just go with a solid outline? Not use an outline at all? Change the near-black to something lighter?

I went with near-black so the darkest parts would seem darker. I am aiming for darker shadows, stronger contrast. Perhaps I'm going about this the wrong way?

As for shading, I'm generally using a source that is over, yet between us and the character.

I'm going to edit the origin post to give a better idea of what I'm aiming for. Maybe that will help.

[Jawnsunn]

Selout would work better with sprites that aren't so big on detail (look at CPS2 Capcom stuff)
In this case however, it looks a bit noisy.

Maybe try a outlined or no-outline and see how that turns out.

examples from capcom stuff:

[Bearded_Beast]

I looked closer, tried again. I don't know.

[Bearded_Beast]

Forgot to mention I used the tutorial for shading on this site, and one from deviantart. Not sure how i feel about it. Eh.

[Bombshell93]

just thought it worth saying, the white of the eyes and nails stick out a bit much, maybe tone it down to some shades of gray.

[Bearded_Beast]

just thought it worth saying, the white of the eyes and nails stick out a bit much, maybe tone it down to some shades of gray.

I figured the white would aid readability with the eyes. I do suppose the toe claws are a bit bright. I gotta ask though, is there any way to add a hint more Castlevania or Metroid feel to it?

[Bearded_Beast]

It seems this has been forgotten by more than just myself. No comments, suggestions, criticisms or opinions on this piece or the changes?

Here at tSR, a group of friends (who aren't very versed in pixel art), and one other fellow spriter are what will help me discern my final aesthetic. Whether I go with a the cartoonish outline that serves well for the 16bit Megaman X, or if I scrap this look and start over. With an attempt to capture more of a Megaman Zero / Metroid: Zero Mission / Castlevania: SotN / Demon's Crest aesthetic.

I like this image to a point. But there is something bothering me about the solid black outline. Though most of my friends whom I've showed it to have said the following.
-"The one with the solid outline looks more finished."
-"Looks good. Alot like Megaman X." (not really what I wanted to do)

I really do need some comments. (and don't think I've ignored you Bombshell98) I cannot decide with how little input I have currently.

[Shade]

I have to say, I do like the solid line better.
I personally think it goes better with the style.

[Mistah_Jayden]

The one with the black outline is win. I think mixing two types of outlines on small sprites is simply trying to cram too much detail and it's very unattractive. Overall it's pretty good though, not sure if I like how his feet are but that's person preference maybe?

[Butler]

I prefer the solid outline also.
Dido as shadeDBZ.
Thats one hell of a sprite though.

[Bearded_Beast]

Shade, Jayden, Joe. Thank you very much

With this, I'll be able to move forward with changing Enki to accommodate his shirt, tattoos and wrappings. I can also begin the work of the other sprites (such as enemies, npcs and bosses).

Thanks again. Expect a huge update, it may not be for a bit. But I may have to start a new thread for it. Not sure if it'd be considered necroposting if it goes over a month or more.

[Butler]

Shade, Jayden, Joe. Thank you very much
Your very welcome

With this, I'll be able to move forward with changing Enki to accommodate his shirt, tattoos and wrappings. I can also begin the work of the other sprites (such as enemies, npcs and bosses).

Thanks again. Expect a huge update, it may not be for a bit. But I may have to start a new thread for it. Not sure if it'd be considered necroposting if it goes over a month or more.

Of course, if it's something like your own topic and you're showing some changes to your old work or something, then go ahead. On that note, it's fine to double post if you're bumping your own thread because you've made a change to your work or something; just don't bump your thread if it's simply to say "bumping because it's not the first topic in the list" or something stupid like that. If you do want to bump a dying topic, please do, but make sure it's at least reaching the end of the page of topics first.

So, i don't think you need another thread

[Bearded_Beast]

Alright, I've made an attempt at one of the bosses using the new style of sprite. This would be Nereid, representing water.

I designed her with similarities to a Siamese Fighting Fish, the things sticking out of her back are like the water jets on an octopus or squid.

C+C if you please.

[Butler]

I don't quite like her mouth and ther eyebrow. Maybe use the same technique you used on your first character. The water jets don't look quite right either to me, looking more like a bone plate or fin sticking over her near shoulder, making me feel odd as to why there isn't another one on her opposite shoulder. Also the tail looks o be attached to high up in my opinion.

I also just noticed what your style reminds me of. Metal Slug.

[Bearded_Beast]

I don't quite like her mouth and ther eyebrow. Maybe use the same technique you used on your first character. The water jets don't look quite right either to me, looking more like a bone plate or fin sticking over her near shoulder, making me feel odd as to why there isn't another one on her opposite shoulder. Also the tail looks o be attached to high up in my opinion.

I also just noticed what your style reminds me of. Metal Slug.

I actually did use the same technique with Enki... hmm.. I wanted to make her look wet, after all she is a fish person. Thus the big lips
I'll scan the concept sheet and provide a link, considering it's 8.5x11.

The note about my style looking like Metal Slug, is kinda flattering. Considering the detail in those sprites.

Though, the fact I'm actually turning this into a game makes me realize, I'm going to need a team of spriters if I ever want to get it done this decade. Within the next few posts or so, I'll start with the details.

---

Here we have the concept art for Nereid. I made some minor changes to the character while I was spriting (as in getting rid of the fins on her thighs, perhaps the lower water jets for simplicity's sake) Otherwise I tried to stay as true to my sketch as possible.

JoeButler, I'm not sure how I would change the water-jet-tubes coming out of her back to make them look less like bone plates. I figure her head would obscure the one on the opposite shoulder.