Pixel Challenge 2: Desert RPG!

[Perihelion]

This week, you can pixel any number of tiles that are any size you want. A hero sprite and maybe an NPC or enemy is encouraged but strictly optional. The only restriction is that the tiles must portray a desert scene and be in 3/4 perspective like an RPG.

Post WIPs in this thread, but you can make a separate one if you're looking for a lot of in-depth critique. When you're done, either PM the entry to me or post it here saying it's your final entry.

Also, if you have any requests or ideas for future contests, post them here or PM me.

The deadline is February 24. Get pixeling!

Some ideas to get you started...

Deserts are not just barren expanses of sand with the occasional cactus! There's all manner of (admittedly sparse) vegetation and wildlife and interesting rock formations, so spend some time on Google Images or somewhere to get ideas. Additionally, some deserts are stone, not sand, and this is also acceptable subject matter.

Pixel art:





http://www.pixeljoint.com/pixelart/32052.htm

http://www.pixeljoint.com/pixelart/32121.htm#

Desert photos (because they're easier to find than screenshots):

Spoiler: clicky!

 

[006]

Question: Can we make a Western game mockup then? Also can I use gameboy colour restrictions?

 

[Perihelion]

Absolutely.

 

[coyotecraft]

I think I'll try making something for the HK template. Since it's lacking tilesets.

I'd like an animation challenge at some point. Like a sword attack or running sprite.

 

[Dr. Funk]

I think I'm going to try this one. Might not be able to finish it in time but whatevs I need to try something new.

 

[coyotecraft]

Spoiler

Started out with a simple ground tile. Then drew a few rock formations with basic colors. Then attempted to make an autotile to give the ground the same look as the one in the photo. Had to reteach myself the mechanics of autotiles. Didn't work out that well. Still got a long ways to go but I did a lot in just an hour. I'm using my werewolf sprite and one of showkaizer's soilders as a test.

 

[Dr. Funk]

Alright here's what I got so far, not much but I'm fairly proud of myself. :biggrin:

 

[piggman77]

Going to be doing mine in the same type of style (maybe a bit diff) as my other tilesets.

 

[feralninja]

Probably going to lose, but not without a fight! :P

(Yes, I know the rock sucks. xD)

Spoiler

And the example map:

Spoiler

AKA, the rock really puts it down...Dunno what to do about it though... =/

 

[piggman77]

A lot of it is because you've got your light source on the rock directly head-on. Try changing it to where your light source is above the object, shining down on it.

 

[feralninja]

Hmm, I see... But the autotile is ok, right? (Spent 15 minutes to get the right combination. :P)

Will probably have a updated version tomorrow, for now... Sprite on!

 

[Dr. Funk]

Spoiler: Map Example

I added a few things, still working on the building and the cliff.

 

[BwdYeti]

Your cliff looks like it descends as you head upward (the top row appearing to be at a lower elevation than the main area). This is caused mainly by the brightened sand at the base of the cliff; it looks like it would be at the lip of a cliff and the light is reflecting off of it.

 

[piggman77]

Just a bit more work and stuff made for it. I still need to make the autotiles, so ignore that transition on the sand. I'll probably also remake the bush thingy, Organic stuff always gives me a much harder time.

Spoiler

 

[Perihelion]

Coyote, I like the look of that ground tile! Looking forward to updates.

Piggman, nice start! I might try making things less yellow, though. The rocks, at least, would look more interesting if they were a different color. Deserts can actually be really colorful.

Feralninja, I agree with making the light hit from the top. My rule of thumb is that when I don't know how to do something, I look at someone else's art and try to get ideas from it without completely ripping it off.

Nice work, everyone! Keep going; I want to see what you guys make.

 

[green raven]

Good job guys, much variety. Here's my start, some practice is always welcome.

edit: piggman your stuff makes my eyes hurt a little :grin: . I think you should make your tiles less bright and some anti aliasing wouldn't hurt either.

 

[Dr. Funk]

Spoiler

I finished off the cliffs, hopefully they look better now. I also added a WIP grassy bush thing.

 

[coyotecraft]

I hate rocks. There's a reason I never finished my cave tileset. I also suck at picking colors. I wanted a red-orange color and got a candy color.
Got to work on the colors more before I work on how it tiles. Just squint at it to get the general idea.
Edit: Alright, 3rd times the charm. I think I'll keep this color scheme for now or else I'll never finish.

Now I need to make the rocks look like rocks and fix the ground tiles.
If I have time I might make a tumble weed or a bare tree.

 

[Perihelion]

That's looking sexy, Coyote! I dig the palette. I'm looking forward to seeing this when it's done. The new big chunk of rock you added looks sorta flat, though. Try getting rid of the highlights on the dark side and making it purple or something.

Green Raven, that sand tile is sexy. Very smooth!

Canada, you're still working on the wall, right? Imo the walls could use more texturing, and making it darker at the bottom would make it look more three-dimensional. Also, the top should be lighter than the sides.

 

[Twirly]

So uhh since I was the one who suggested this theme I think it's only fair to participate in this contest :3
I'm starting with this sandtile:

actually it's the same tile 9 times
Edit:
I worked on it a bit more, how's this?:


I am loving this btw, thank you for doing this, peri :3