The Mana World Forums

I want to bring this to discussion because I notice this on the latest art developed for the game,

We've been receiving a very good amount of good graphics contribution that are not specifically pixelart, but we've been talking about pixelart all the time and it seems like we are leaving pixelart behind and taking more a graphics art approach (combination of vector (+ Paint and paint tools), very small pixelart) may be for time sake, quality or lack of rules.

So I would like to define the Style/Technique because its going to make a huge difference with what we planned to do with what we are getting at the end,

Vector Graphics (Paint + Paint tools)+ Pixel :
1. Uses Vector Graphics with tools offered with the graphics programs
2. Can save time
3. requires different skills (just little pixelart)
4. requires some other tools (also easy to get)
5. At the moment it doesn't match most of the content on TMW

Pixelart**
1. Uses pixel by pixel technique
2. Consumes more time
3. requires pixelart skills (very basic vector knowledge or none)
4. almost any tool with enough zoom can work
5. Almost 80%* of the content is pixelart at the moment

My concern comes because I've been asking pixelart** skills and Irukard (which is a vector graphics(+ Paint) gurú) is giving advice of vector graphics technique + Paint, and if we decide to go for Vector or Pixelart we all must ask for the same and together develop that technique on newcomers and contributors, In fact even loving pixelart technique myself it doesn't mean that I don't recognize Vector Graphics and Graphics Tools is easier, high quality art that we can adopt for good and create a new level of game, but I leave that decision to the Graphics Development Team.


* Some vector graphics with tools are already on game
** all made with dots, no brushes, no filters, nothing else but a good pixelart technique

Note : I'm NOT against vector + tools please don't miss understand my point.

EDIT1 : Irukard corrected me is Paint style not Graphic + Tools

I am not a gfx developer. But personally I prefer iru's work.

As a member of the conservative faction I see the latest style developments a bit sceptical.

While the quality of some recent works which are not strictly pixel art is astounding I am a bit worried that our quality standard increases to a level where it

1. becomes difficult to formulize guidelines to ensure a consistent style
2. becomes impossible for newbie pixel artists to keep up. This will result in a reduction of contributors and thus in a big reduction of quantity and speed of development.

I think we should find our way back to the basics of pixel art.

Nothing against using vector tools for prototyping, though. There just shouldn't be anything of them left in the finished product.

Finding correct shapes and perspectives for our difficult perspective in vectors is a tool we should utilize still, IMO.

exactly! If its easier to use a vector or 3d program to get the proper perceptive, and than just pixel over it.... go for it

So I would suggest using vector as a tool for pixel art, rather than a replacement.

1. becomes difficult to formulize guidelines to ensure a consistent style
2. becomes impossible for newbie pixel artists to keep up. This will result in a reduction of contributors and thus in a big reduction of quantity and speed of development.

Quality control was always an issue for TMW

So, what is going to be our approach?

This is something you can only voice an opinion here and this will be set in stone for all future CRs to come.

Personally I'm willing to steer the ship until it sinks, regardless of which conclusion we reach here.

As I said, I'm more for using vector graphics as a guideline then pixel, perspective is very hard with pixelart and time consuming, vector is perfect for the perspective and shape then we can apply pixelart to the outlines. We have very good experience with this method.

Now if we decide for Vector and Paint I'm ok too.

So my vote is Vector + Pixel but open to any other decision.

Am I to conclude we reached a consensus of using modern niceties in our graphical work?

"Speak now, or forever hold your silence."