[Chimpo]

test-object, on Jan 26 2009, 01:46 AM, said:

This level looks like the Jungle Level in Sonic Heroes

God fucking damn it, that's the second time I heard this.

[Amistat]

I really like the zone concept, even though it's only a single still image I can picture a really vivid and bright "mandatory green zone" based on it. If I were better at scenery spriting I'd even try a mock up. Alas however I suck at large scale stuff but I can offer my springs at least from the old item thread as they seemed to go down pretty well originally.


Each spring was customised for each level concept we had at the time, as they're not being worked on for the time being feel free to ignore the specifics.

Also, the damaged springs from the Wasteland Level I pitched in case they inspire someone.



1) Regular springs
2) Damaged springs that act as simply solid blocks
3) Springs missing heads that just sway in the breeze
4) A spring that breaks when you use it, hurling the top upwards and causing Sonic to simply fall off as if hit but without taking damage.

[Machenstein]

Chimpo, on Jan 26 2009, 05:58 AM, said:

test-object, on Jan 26 2009, 01:46 AM, said:

This level looks like the Jungle Level in Sonic Heroes

God fucking damn it, that's the second time I heard this.

If it will make you feel better, I think the level looks like it came from Rayman.

Amistat, on Jan 26 2009, 09:23 AM, said:

Each spring was customised for each level concept we had at the time, as they're not being worked on for the time being feel free to ignore the specifics.

You know, you have a good idea on your hands. Theme every object in the level (springs, monitors, bumpers, checkpoints, etc...) around the level theme. In the jungle level the objects would be covered in plants. In the snow level the objects would be covered in snow. In the factory level the objects would become completely mechanical. It would be like how the badniks are designed to accommodate the theme of the levels, but with objects.

This post has been edited by Machenstein: 26 January 2009 - 10:11 AM

[Amistat]

That was the original idea with these objects, I posted some concepts of level monitors all themed to the Sonic 1 levels originally too to get the concept across but they're not really needed any more so it didn't seem worth putting them back up.

Since then however I've become torn on the idea: Part of me really likes the idea of level themed objects, but at the same time the stark contrast between the levels and the objects in them was always quite a distinctive part of the Sonic style. The bright red, clean looking springs always got their purpose across at a glance regardless of where they were.
If they were covered in moss/snow etc the levels may end up looking bland and samey as they no longer have these things to break them up and keep the eye busy.

So as I say, I'm torn; part of it seems like a great natural progression, but part of it seems like an alteration of the core appearance of the games. Either way it was worth posting the lot for the sake of completeness and so that people could decide.

[RamiroR]

[Cinossu]

while the idea of theme'd items is nice, I think it'd be better to have a general set, and incorporate theme'd ideas into actual zone-specific items and gimmicks.

As for monitors, using Matwek's as a start..

.. I stuck to using the "standard" greys, but I did use a few more colours on the items inside, mixing palettes between Sonic's and Tails's for the blues and various oranges. If that's a problem, I can shrink it down, but no inside item picture uses more than 16 colours in itself.

[test-object]

Cinossus is getting close, but I tried to refine it a bit.


Also, IMO, the monitors should exist out of the monitor and a pedestal. Not just a box with a screen.

[Cinossu]

[Phoebius]

Actually, this idea is genius. It follows the continuity of the eggprison flying upside down in Sonic & knuckles.
By the way, I love the edit you made, Cinossu. The monitor is quite perfect, now.

Oh, and... Are we still keeping the ending poses we made?

--->

[Amistat]

A quick tweak of Cinossu's previous monitor, the top got rounded slightly, a little more shading added under the bulk of the monitor and a slight reshape near the base too just to see if people like it. Also, fins. I kinda like 'em...not sure why really

I had a little play around with the lightning, fire and invincibility images too, I kinda like the more sparkly look for invinicibility as it goes, not overly fussed about the other two though.



I was also messing around with the idea if the static. Every monitor has had very similar looking static on it, how about trying something a little different? TV scan lines perhapse?



Okay, the gif looks like ass, but you see what I'm getting at :p

Here's the two designs side by side, left is Cinossu's original, the right is my edit.



Thoughts and/or opinions?

[test-object]

Why is everyone putting those... THINGS on the sides of the monitors?

[Cinossu]

[Resel]

test-object, on Jan 26 2009, 04:46 AM, said:

I decline. This level looks like the Jungle Level in Sonic Heroes, and God knows how I hated it.
Damn those frogs.

Nah, the green hill needs more beach. I always liked the idea of Sonic running on a beach, racing on shallow water.

Well perhaps just include Angel Island floating in the background? Would be a good way to connect the continuity from game-to-game.

[Amistat]

Gah, jpeg?! o.o

Curse you Photobucket! Cuuurse yoooouuuu!!!!!

Bah, I never save in jpeg, I blame forced file conversion for that one :p

The scan lines I agree with too. I like the idea and really think it could work, but as I said, my concept gif does look truly awful.
The general look of the monitors and the rounded areas I do prefer however and so must respectfully disagree. Yours look a little too sharp-edged to me, mainly on the two top corners, even on the new version.

My item edits I'm also happy to have ignored (I do still kinda like the sparkly invincibility though )

[Black Squirrel]