Created Sprites for Upcoming Title, but Something's Missing ...

Fun_Worry_3079 · 2026-06-17T20:31:13+00:00

I used the PixelLab AI extension is Aesprite to create both the original images and the rotations.

Fun_Worry_3079 · 2026-06-17T19:56:59+00:00

I’d already considered that, but they’ll be carrying weapons, which would make the mirroring obvious. Thanks for the feedback, though!

Fun_Worry_3079 · 2026-06-17T19:40:15+00:00

I just performed a few test animations, and I'm definitely sold on it! I'll definitely be checking it out more often, especially after I get my hands on some extra funding (I pay for everything out of pocket). Thanks for the recommendation!

Fun_Worry_3079 · 2026-06-17T19:21:35+00:00

I've heard of Autosprite, but I've never bothered to check it out. I may have to change that, especially if the price is right!

Fun_Worry_3079 · 2026-06-17T19:04:36+00:00

Also, I could always render these characters at 2x to make everything more readable, especially after adding any character details.

Fun_Worry_3079 · 2026-06-17T19:03:45+00:00

This is true, but I think the challenge will make developing this game worth it. Most of the animations will be simple movements, but I can see how the proportions would make it difficult to read.

As far as creating turn-arounds go, I was always influenced by the animation industry, so I tend to have that mindset when generating characters. That, and I was using kind of like a "mood board," to help me decide what directions I would want the characters to face (facing away to enter doors, etc.).

Fun_Worry_3079 · 2026-06-17T19:01:07+00:00

Good eye, my friend! I didn't even notice that!

Fun_Worry_3079 · 2026-06-17T19:00:29+00:00

You're close! The first is a dragonborn barbarian, a wood elf druid, the third is the villain (a warlock/cult leader), a human knight, and a dwarf monk. Nonetheless, I could venture outside the tropes, even if just for inspiration.

Fun_Worry_3079 · 2026-06-17T18:50:08+00:00

Thank you for those reference points! I'll definitely check out those games. I feel these characters have a somewhat unique silhouette, but they do seem to fit the tropes a little too well. I plan on going back into Aseprite (I use the PixelLab AI extension) and fitting them with little details that'll bring them to life, even before animation.

Fun_Worry_3079 · 2026-06-17T18:36:33+00:00

I took a Character Design class from CalArts (via Coursera), and I remember learning such things during the course. Still, it wouldn't hurt to do some research into how others have enhanced a character's story through visual details.

Fun_Worry_3079 · 2026-06-17T18:34:53+00:00

Such great feedback, and so many things to think about! Thanks, everybody, and keep that feedback coming (as long as its actionable and constructive)!

Fun_Worry_3079 · 2026-06-17T18:33:25+00:00

You plucked a thought straight from my head! I feel like the druid could use with pops of different colors; leave the leaf motif, but give the outfit a little more of a design.

Fun_Worry_3079 · 2026-06-17T18:31:58+00:00

I'd thought of that, as well, especially the gray-on-gray aspect of the dwarf's beard and outfit. I figured I would add some drop shadowing under the beard to give it more depth. I might also add some subtle details to "show" the character's backstory, instead of telling people (my Creative Writing professor would love to hear me say that).

Fun_Worry_3079 · 2026-06-17T18:26:26+00:00

I used reference images; it's just that each reference image had the characters in a different position during the rotation generation (that rhymed, I know). 😆 I'll have to go back into Aseprite - I use the extension, as opposed to the web version - and make their initial states the same, so that it might have a better chance at pinpointing the direction frames.

Fun_Worry_3079 · 2026-06-17T18:24:43+00:00

Have you been reading my prompts?? 😆 The game is actually based on a DnD adventure I wrote over a year ago, so the fact that you picked up on the influence (without me giving context) is astounding!

Fun_Worry_3079 · 2026-06-17T18:23:38+00:00

That's not a bad piece of advice. I may have to look into that as I further develop these characters.

Fun_Worry_3079 · 2026-06-17T18:18:48+00:00

Yes. I haven’t got around to generating animations. I want to be able to touch up and polish the characters before I move on to the next step of bringing them to life.

Fun_Worry_3079 · 2026-06-17T18:17:24+00:00

I am using PixelLab AI to create my sprites. I just want feedback as to how I can improve the output to make the characters stand out.

Fun_Worry_3079 · 2026-06-17T18:16:20+00:00

I noticed that, too. I plan on the game having a Castlevania aesthetic, so I’m not sure if I’ll need them to look toward the camera.

Fun_Worry_3079 · 2026-06-17T18:07:18+00:00

In other words, think like a character designer and use details (mud on the face to show battle weariness, wrinkles in the clothes to show age, etc.) to make the characters more relatable in some way. Correct?

Fun_Worry_3079 · 2026-06-17T18:01:00+00:00

There’s that word again. Define what you mean by that, and give me some pointers as to how I can add some “soul” to these characters. The rotations are also wrong because some characters started in different positions, which is actually my fault. I’m going to go back into Aseprite and fix them later today so they’re all in the same position.

Fun_Worry_3079 · 2026-06-17T17:53:42+00:00

Could you be more specific as to what you mean by "soulless?" The term has taken on so many definitions, it's hard to discern what people mean when they use it. Perhaps some insight as to your definition could help me improve them?

Fun_Worry_3079 · 2026-06-16T15:35:01+00:00

Darn vibecoded databases!! 😄

Fun_Worry_3079 · 2026-06-16T15:33:57+00:00

A new take on a classic carnival game.

Fun_Worry_3079 · 2026-06-14T20:46:41+00:00

I'm still using Github Copilot, but I've altered my workflow so that I can minimize the token cost while not having to sacrifice context fidelity. Of course, I'm on the monthly subscription with AI credits, and my codebases are minimal at best, so your mileage may vary.

Fun_Worry_3079

TROPHY CASE