Side-view Battle Style

[Calintz]

I don't know about you guys, but I'm strictly a side-view battle system kind of guy ...
That said, I was developing a template to use for side-view battle system charasets. I put this guy together as a result.

Spoiler: ShowHide

** What do you guys think??
** Do you approve of this style for a side-view battle system??

[Jackolas]

they look cool

[legacyblade]

I like the style except that the face lacks much detail. It'd be great in a game how it is, just the detail-less faces on something that large would be a pet peeve of mine.

[Calintz]

Well lack of detail is something that can improve. A little bit of work and voila!! I'll admit, I half-assed the face okay. Settle down, LMAO. Also, one thing I will admit though. My lack of ability to shade hair properly. I can't find any good tutorials on creating and shading hair patterns ...

It's my weakest area.

[G_G]

Its very awesome calintz

[Calintz]

Thank you G_G.

Update:
There is a slight update ...
I tried to add more detail to the face, along with some better outlining ...

** Basically, I was just wondering if you guys approve this style.
** Would you play a game with a side-view battle system featuring these battlers??

[Aqua]

I think it looks too chibi-esque...
(Lol like RMXP sprites aren't chibi... >.>)

It's mostly the head that's getting to me...
It's way too round D:
I think if it the head was better shaped, they'd be amaaaazing

[fugibo]

Kill the gloss, lose the Kingdom Hearts-sized feet and hands. Then it'll be awesome.

Right now, it's okay, but kinda blahish. Of course, if that's your artstyle, go for it. Just know that I'll think it's blahish, and you'll never get my praise. :V

[winkio]

Yeah, I agree that the head is pretty much the only problem.  I'd say thinner and the slightest bit smaller might be nice.  But it's up to you, as always.

[[Faint]]

Only problem I see is the head is to round and the hair is less shaded compared to the rest of the sprite like it has less detail. other then that it is pretty darn good.

[Calintz]

Alright ...
I really appreciate all the input.

I prefer the chibi style, because like you punned Aqua, RPGXP IS chibi-ish.
So, instead of reshaping the head, I added another eye and more detail to fill in the empty area. Now the head doesn't seem AS big as before. As for the Kingdom Hearts sized hands and feet ... they stay, sorry, along with the gloss.

** What about now??

[Aqua]

Okay, I like the new head waaay better

Even if it is chibi... he actually look likes he has a chin now

I think you should add a mouth, though.  I think that's what will make the head less bland.
Maybe also throw in just 1 more shade for the hair to give it a little more depth.

Dude... he has a major bulge in his pants... o.o

[Calintz]

LMFAO, well I'll try to diminish the bulge!! =D. -I love you-

On a side note, I'll also see what I can do about the hair, but it's my problem area. I might have to settle for what I got. My knowledge of spriting reached it's limits with the hair, but I'll try. As for a mouth. I was going to add one, but o during animations. Like, when he attacks, he'll scream. When he's hit, he'll grunt. Those will be times his mouth are visible.

[[Faint]]

having 2 eyes showing like that kind of takes away from the fact that he is "side view" he looks a bit more like his head is facing towards the screen. and I second the notion on the enlarged bulge.

[Aqua]

I noticed that too, with his head not facing the side, but it's not facing the front either.
I'll try to do it in this post...
       X <-- Hero

Y <-- Monster

So that'd be about the placement of where the Hero and Monster should be if the Hero is facing that way...
It's like 3/4 view!!!


I think you should make the mouth visible at all times.
Like maybe a determined frown when he's at rest, to show he's all wiled up for battle.
And maybe on another Hero, have her with a big grin, to show that she loves the thrill of fighting.
The mouth can add a lot of depth to a character's personality, so I'd suggest you add one to see how it looks

[[Faint]]

Indeed a mouth can add a lot of depth to the personality of a character sprite. I agree it would be a good idea to add it in and see how you like it.

[Calintz]

...Fine, Lol.
I'll add mouths.

@Aqua:
The 3/4 look is what I was going for, so good.

[[Faint]]

oh if you were going for the 3/4 look them yeah congrats you achieved that.

[Calintz]

Plus the mouth is up.
I am thinking of making a really small project to demonstrate the power of side-view battle systems. Lots of flashy things, Lol.

[[Faint]]

he is a little too happy to me lol