Help me improve these human enemy battle sprites

[CyberneticCupcake]

And here the humans - some fighting friars (don't ask).  They're not awful, but I wish they were better. The faces look just too pixelated somehow. Not sure what I can do.

(Image Large)  [img]blob:http://pasteboard.co/cc8a7747-56c8-428a-946a-688ffb7d15c2[/img]
http://pasteboard.co/s1qC63E0O.png

(Image Actual Size) [img]blob:http://pasteboard.co/39cf2e9c-f06f-4d20-8997-eb283ddab26f[/img]
http://pasteboard.co/2NJBzBtLc.png

My major suggestion would be to consider what style you're making this game. To me, the humans' faces look cartoonish and "painted on", which is why I think you're having issues with their looks.

My recommendation is to simulate anti-aliasing, using gradients of color rather than stark contrasts of color, especially for the eyes.



I tried a bit of alteration on the eyes; it might not be in your palette's limitations, but it's a start of an idea.