27 replies to this topic

[Migokalle]

It seems I've been making quite a few topics consulting you guys for help lately. I'll try to keep doing that, because I really dig the input you've been giving me.

Anyway, I've been trying to think of better ways to do the world map, and I think I may have found it. I'd like to ask your opinion though.

Old style

New style

Keep in mind that these do not portray the same area, in fact, the new style doesn't even portray areas that'll be in the game period, as I only made it to try my hand at a different style. The size is also vastly different. The new style portray a much smaller area than the older image, which also means that the full map, drawn with this new style, would result in a much larger image, which again means more details.

More details makes it cooler to look at, but it also means more work. Luckily, I find it really fun to make maps like these, and one of the positive things about ADHD is that if you're interested in something, you can get s*** done damn effectively. Plus I'd be having a good time :3

Regardless, which do you like better? I've chosen not to include a poll, because polls are cliché.

[LordVolcanon]

New more like a dusty old map.

[Russ]

While the new style certainly looks good, I prefer the old style. Something about it just resonates with me.

[The Satellite]

Looking at the two side-by-side, I'm thinking it depends more on what you want the "focus" of the game to be. If you're trying to tell it as some sort of ancient legend, then the new version would be better. Otherwise, the old version might be better suited for the game's style.

[Supindahood]

I like both a lot, but I think the new one works better. I don't think we need the "old" detailed map, but it works of course and looks really good.

[King Harkinian]

I definitely prefer the old style.

[Justin0309]

Definately old. It gives more detail than new, and details mean alot.

[Migokalle]

Definately old. It gives more detail than new, and details mean alot.

But that's not right. The new style lets me add a much greater level of detail than the old ever would.

Here, I made an example. Please excuse the horrible color, I'm hoping I'll get somebody else to add color to the final map: http://users.sephiro...StyleCOLOR1.jpg

Do note that I haven't actually added that many more details, but that's because I spent way too much time on the color (time wasted). My point is that this is a much larger version of the same map, and seeing as I have much more space to work with, there's so many more details I can add in. If you look at the village at the foot of the mountain, you can actually see individual rooftops, while the same village in the old map was just a village icon. Said icon would of course be placed next to the village for clarification, but this is just a mock-up, so I haven't added that yet (nor have I added roads).

So no, the old style does not allow for more details, in fact, it allows for less

[Strato]

The new style feels more map-like. The old style is a bit more cartoony.

Go with the new. Unless you want cartoony, go with the old.

Edited by Nuvo, 14 April 2012 - 09:47 PM.

[Moosh]

OK, so I'm prepared to be stoned to death for saying this, but I prefer the old one. It seems a lot more original than the new style and also fits the game's visual feel better in my opinion. The new one looks a bit TOO detailed. Like imagine if Yoshi's island had Skyrim as the background on the level select screen. Just my two cents. Who knows, maybe Robin's overhauled the game visually since last I saw of it...

[Migokalle]

OK, so I'm prepared to be stoned to death for saying this, but I prefer the old one. It seems a lot more original than the new style and also fits the game's visual feel better in my opinion. The new one looks a bit TOO detailed. Like imagine if Yoshi's island had Skyrim as the background on the level select screen. Just my two cents. Who knows, maybe Robin's overhauled the game visually since last I saw of it...

Why would you be stoned to death, I made this topic so you guys could help be decide

I have a few more ideas I'd like to try out though, so stay tuned.

[Linkus]

You know, depending on what you're trying to aim for, neither map might get used. But I think you need to stop right at this moment, get everyone together, and discuss and assuredly determine what style you're going for. Concept, concept, concept first! The map can wait - Once you know what style you're going for, then you can start working on things without having problems with what feels like style clashing.

Trust me, if you really know what style you're going for before you start on anything that's going to be in the game, you won't have problems like this because you would know if it fits the style and thus there isn't much artwork wasted anymore.

[Twilight_Knight]

Well I like the new map much better. Even though the old one was great too, don't get me wrong!

[Migokalle]

You know, depending on what you're trying to aim for, neither map might get used. But I think you need to stop right at this moment, get everyone together, and discuss and assuredly determine what style you're going for. Concept, concept, concept first! The map can wait - Once you know what style you're going for, then you can start working on things without having problems with what feels like style clashing.

Trust me, if you really know what style you're going for before you start on anything that's going to be in the game, you won't have problems like this because you would know if it fits the style and thus there isn't much artwork wasted anymore.

Which is exactly what I'm trying to do with this topic

It's just that I like to give examples as well.

Edit:

Ah, reading over your post, I think I misunderstood what you meant. I think I get it now, you're saying we should get together and discuss the style of the entierty of the gamer, not just the map as I originally assumed.

I agree 100%, it's something that needs to be done. In fact, I've started preparing for some overhauls in terms of the style. Right now, NoeL is working on some concept art, to try and find a more unique and original look for Inferno. We're starting small, but it is my hope that we'll soon be moving onto bigger things than trees (which is what he's working on at the moment).

So, a change is coming, and as I believe I have told you in chat, I'd love to sit down with you to discuss possible ideas. If you're up for that, message me or something whenever. The best thing would be to get everyone involved together, I'll see what I can do about that.

[nicklegends]

Looking at the two side-by-side, I'm thinking it depends more on what you want the "focus" of the game to be. If you're trying to tell it as some sort of ancient legend, then the new version would be better. Otherwise, the old version might be better suited for the game's style.

This is nearly identical to what I was going to say. I don't think either style is inherently better; it all depends on how you want your game to be perceived. The second map feels softer and gentler, in my opinion.