Generic Unit Portraits
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Generic Unit Portraits
I have decided to try to create generic unit portraits for all of the units in the game (slowly over time, of course). The idea is to create a pool of portraits that scenario designers can use for in-game dialogue. I will try to capture the feeling and look of the terrific unit sprites, in an attempt to have some consistency between the way the units and their portraits look. Sketches will be posted here for feedback.
I would like to start with those units that are most commonly used, which I assume are the human units. I encourage campaign designers to post their requests for particular units (human or otherwise), so I can get an idea of what's needed and start to fill those gaps.
On that note, Aelius has requested a Horseman or Lancer unit for his "South Guard" campaign, so I started working on the Horseman line. Here's what I have so far:
Left to right: Horseman, Knight, Lancer.
Any feedback is appreciated. I think I have settled on this basic drawing style, however, so that's not up for discussion.
I would like to start with those units that are most commonly used, which I assume are the human units. I encourage campaign designers to post their requests for particular units (human or otherwise), so I can get an idea of what's needed and start to fill those gaps.
On that note, Aelius has requested a Horseman or Lancer unit for his "South Guard" campaign, so I started working on the Horseman line. Here's what I have so far:
Left to right: Horseman, Knight, Lancer.
Any feedback is appreciated. I think I have settled on this basic drawing style, however, so that's not up for discussion.
Hmm, I have to say, after having seen these excellent sketches of the humans, I'm more than a little curious what your take on, say, an orc would be.
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Re: Generic Unit Portraits
Great! This will be an excellent improvement.Jason Lutes wrote:I have decided to try to create generic unit portraits for all of the units in the game
Elves are also very commonly used. Portraits for the Orcish Warlord and Orcish Warrior would also be very nice, since they are often used as enemy leaders with dialog in campaigns.Jason Lutes wrote: I would like to start with those units that are most commonly used, which I assume are the human units.
Thank you for undertaking this important work!
David
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I think they look spectacular. The style is just right. I also thought the round cap was more for the horseman since his sprite has a round helmet, but either way works.
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I think the Lancer is the most problematic for sure -- he needs some work because he doesn't look on par with the Knight, but from scrutinizing the unit graphic he looks like he's wearing very light armor (for the sake of speed, I assume). I'll fiddle around with him some more.
Regarding the young/cute issue, the basic idea is to have the level 1 units look young and the higher level units look older. I take the point about it being too cute -- if enough people object I'll reduce that aspect of lower level units' appearance.
As far as the Horseman's more pointy helmet goes, I could round it off if that seems more appropriate. The unit graphics overall do have a more "rounded" look in general, which is why I gave myself some leeway in that department.
Here's the approach to coloring that I've started to fool around with:
Regarding the young/cute issue, the basic idea is to have the level 1 units look young and the higher level units look older. I take the point about it being too cute -- if enough people object I'll reduce that aspect of lower level units' appearance.
As far as the Horseman's more pointy helmet goes, I could round it off if that seems more appropriate. The unit graphics overall do have a more "rounded" look in general, which is why I gave myself some leeway in that department.
Here's the approach to coloring that I've started to fool around with:
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I personally like a number of the things you're doing to make them look younger, and I *do* want them to look younger.Jason Lutes wrote:Regarding the young/cute issue, the basic idea is to have the level 1 units look young and the higher level units look older. I take the point about it being too cute -- if enough people object I'll reduce that aspect of lower level units' appearance.
I think the move that would most reduce the "cuteness" whilst retaining as much of the "youth" as possible would be the removal of the upturned/button nose.
For a rather direct demonstration of what I mean, I did a little copy/paste with the nose from the knight, and I think it does everything necessary.
Don't. Keep doing what you are doing now - the sprites can only be so detailed - you're doing exactly the right thing by adding in detail that isn't there in the sprites.Jason Lutes wrote:As far as the Horseman's more pointy helmet goes, I could round it off if that seems more appropriate. The unit graphics overall do have a more "rounded" look in general, which is why I gave myself some leeway in that department.
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Good suggestion on the nose, Jetryl. The below version was done before I read your post, but I'll probably alter the nose more for the final.
The lancer now has a hard helmet instead of the leather thing I gave him before. I'm thinking the Paladin will have the same armor color as the Horseman -- sort of silvery -- and the Grand Knight will be silver and gold with maybe some blue or purple thrown in.
Left to right: Horseman (revised), Lancer (revised), Paladin, Grand Knight.
The lancer now has a hard helmet instead of the leather thing I gave him before. I'm thinking the Paladin will have the same armor color as the Horseman -- sort of silvery -- and the Grand Knight will be silver and gold with maybe some blue or purple thrown in.
Left to right: Horseman (revised), Lancer (revised), Paladin, Grand Knight.
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