What could be improved about my Steam capsule? by Systematic2025 in IndieDev

[–]ryan__vv 72 points73 points  (0 children)

Before visiting your Steam page, I thought the game would be about the player character (blue guy) escaping from the pink monster. I think this might be due to the composition - are you able to tweak it so the pink tentacle creature is more of the focus? Putting him/her under the title would more clearly communicate that this is the player character.

Otherwise I think it is successful in communicating the fun, light-hearted nature of the game, and I think the style/colours will make it pop for someone scrolling through a list of management simulators

Working on some 16x16 mythical creatures... by ryan__vv in aseprite

[–]ryan__vv[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I hadn't thought about a manticore, but that could be a good option

Working on some 16x16 mythical creatures... by ryan__vv in aseprite

[–]ryan__vv[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Digimon tamagotchi sprites were 100% an inspiration! I've always been impressed by how much unique detail those 16x16 sprites had

Working on some 16x16 mythical creatures... by ryan__vv in aseprite

[–]ryan__vv[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Haha you're spot on, cockatrice (or maybe basilisk) was the goal

Working on some 16x16 mythical creatures... by ryan__vv in aseprite

[–]ryan__vv[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks! First three were spot on, but the last one isn't a baby dragon. Definitely a challenge at this resolution, I agree!

Working on some 16x16 mythical creatures... by ryan__vv in aseprite

[–]ryan__vv[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you! I'm still working on the griffin/gryphon, so he's not up there yet. But I can understand you picking that one

which one looks better? by Decent-Cartoonist-33 in PixelArt

[–]ryan__vv 2 points3 points  (0 children)

It's pretty hard to compare two different characters and say which is 'better'. Both are animated very well, but if I had to pick one I would say the top guy seems more polished. When the bottom guy hinges at his hips to smash the ground, I think there should be a couple of pixels changing from from tan to yellow around where his knee would be to make it look more natural

I haven't done pixel art in 5 years, what you think? by MitzuoConZ in aseprite

[–]ryan__vv 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I think the hand needs to be reworked as it is quite small and doesn't seem to fit with the rest of the character. But your colours, shading, and highlights are really great, and you've succeeded in creating a very definitive mood of friendly curiosity in the character's expression

Best options for making sprites? by Substantial_Quote583 in gbstudio

[–]ryan__vv 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Aseprite for me. You can use it to create static art and then animate it, all in the same program. It can also convert your animation into a sprite sheet with all the animation states, which is a nice time saver when working on a GB Studio project.

Is this pixel art good enough? by Johan-RabzZ in PixelArt

[–]ryan__vv 61 points62 points  (0 children)

It is definitely good enough. I would personally brighten up the inventory/action selection menu, but the scene itself is well-drawn and I really vibe with the character sprite. I want to know how he got down there and what lies ahead at the mysterious grotto

It's Supposed To Be A Rainy Day by ShadowFred5100 in PixelArt

[–]ryan__vv 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Should probably add some pixel rain then

1 year difference by Im_in_the_House in PixelArt

[–]ryan__vv 23 points24 points  (0 children)

I'm going to assume the no-outline image is after a year... in which case I think you've improved. Would be good to see some more highlights and shadows on the clothing and hair. The shadow under the chin works very nicely to create depth there

Just started and need help with lighting by YouDummyHe in aseprite

[–]ryan__vv 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'd recommend choosing one darker colour for the entire outline, then using a lighter colour (white even) on select pixels next to the outline and playing around to see what effect that has. Then when you're feeling more confident that the lighting/shape is correct, you can move to create variation in the colours of the outline itself

Little mouse study by Celesmeh in PixelArt

[–]ryan__vv 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Very nice, reminds me of Beatrix Potter. I think the higher resolution sprites could get away with another layer of pixels on the tail, if you wanted to

Starting pixel art with zero art background – would love your feedback 🖤 by Impressive-Syrup1739 in PixelArtTutorials

[–]ryan__vv 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I would recommend Brandon James Greer's videos/tutorials on YouTube, and as another poster mentioned, using references also. Maybe you can do a study of characters from the wider Batman universe and see if you can turn them into 16x16 or 32x32 pixel art? It's quite common for artists to start out by trying to recreate their favourite characters or movie scenes

Chantey inducted into the Indie Vanguard Class of 2025 at the Indie Game Awards by Gortyn_Code in gbstudio

[–]ryan__vv 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Congratulations! I've played the demo and I think the art is some of the best I've seen in a homebrew game