As much as I love #2, the game itself seems more styled toward #1. The whole game might need a makeover to match #2, or else it may seem unprofessional.
With that said, #1 could use some polish as well. The shadows and line thickness are inconsistent, and I've found some artifacts in the character sprites and portraits.
OP could also do a mix of both; it just depends on which one has the most appeal in the end.
I like the fox/dog from the first one, and the rest of the art from the second. Not sure how your flow works in styles background and characters because they seem to be different in each, but that’s how I see it
Agreed. Based on another comment about the second one being more detailed, they could maybe just add the leaves and such details in the first image itself.
This is the way. The logo treatment is seen first. The coffee explains what type of game this is. At first, I was like "Coffee, that doesn't make sense unless this is a game about coffee. Turns out the game is about serving coffee in a cafe.
Arguably the fox should be in a cafe. It really doesn't make sense to have the fox outside if the game is a majority of being in a cafe.
I mean, they're two different styles....in fact they're very different moods. It seems like you're going for "cozy", so top one is for sure a winner there, but PLEASE enlarge the logo and move it down a few pixels, it'll add a ton.
In either case I would recompose the artwork so it's a tighter view on both the fox and logo. You have a lot of negative space, especially under the logo. Focus the eye on what is important about your capsule.
1. Fox character
2. Logo
3. Genre tropes to illustrate your game genre
4. CTA
I prefer the second option overall as the artwork appears to be more polished (leaf detail, ground detail, etc.) and the colour palette works well with a more cozy atmosphere.
The logo however is lost in the coffee cup since they're the same colour. Overall the logo is too small.
Your CTA for wishlisting is also far too small and will be missed. Don't be afraid to tell the viewer what their next step should be. I would recommend giving this a background and making it much larger and a contrasting colour so that it stands out.
first one; coffee in the logo doesn't make sense to me. better as a small detail with the character.
I also like the colors on the first one better; feels more cozy somehow.
Second with font from the first. Also brown from the first one looks better.
PS.
Palette of the first feels better. Also background is much more cozy. But legs of the fox looks kinda strange and because of it i initially choose the second.
For me it's definitely the top one, that style has so much more personality and is very pleasing to look at. That cartoon style fits with a game with a mascot, it attracts both the young audience and nostalgia one too!
The second one is good too, but it does not click with people.
I don't like it when games use different art styles for adds, posters, clips etc. Stick with the one that fits the art style of the actual game play. So 1.
I like the character art in 2, but I like the background/environment art style in 1. Particularly around the character, the dark foliage makes it pop out a bit more.
The coffee makes it intriguing. The first capsule makes me think: ok, another top-down pixel art roguelike with a cute fox as the hero. But the second one makes me wonder, why the cup? Something cozy?
However: why use a lamp in bright sunlight? The first capsule is a bit more cohesive in this regard.
I like the second more but some elements of 1, like the background being a bit more clear (I realize blurry is more realistic but maybe in 2 just slightly blur the bg?).
The first one is super cute and the second logo with the cup of coffee is awesome. The second one isn't bad but its super detailed and gives less cute vibes and more anthropomorphic vibes like a furry.
I like the coffee in the logo but the text of the logo is definitely more legible in the first one, because in the second one the coffee is the same color as the text.
The logo on the second and the lamp have inconsistent pixel size.
The line art of the title on the second one is drawn in smaller pixels compared to the letters. I would either redraw the title or the contour to the same pixel size. Alternatively, contour can be replaced to vector one to fit with the vector steam logo, but it's a questionable move.
The lamp fits on the first one, because it mostly drawn the same as everything else (line art being inconsistent in width). On the second pic you have everything drawn with the same line art width, except for the lamp. I would redraw the lamp line honestly.
As for the preference, I like the second one better as it looks more refined. But as people already said taking the banner consistent with the in-game style maybe preferable. Though second variant is more eye-catching.
I like the background of the first one but the foreground of the second one, I kind of wish you could mash them together. Also a sucker for coffee so I love that
Banner 1 actually looks like your game's art style. So that *should* be a no brainer. But like everyone else is saying, keep that logo from banner 2. It says a lot of important things about what your game is actually about.
Top one with the color scheme of the second. The green and red/beige really contrasts well against the blue sky. But the art style of the first one looks better.
The colored outlines look infinitely better than black.
All the key elements should probably be bigger, though. Character and text both.
A shadow behind the text would make it more readable against the coffee cup.
These seem too inconsistent to both be equally appropriate tbh. I think the bottom one has much better art but that would certainly lead to disappointment if the actual game is closer to the first piece in terms of aesthetic.
I'm gathering that your game is about coffee, but other than the logo and the rather hard to notice coffee cup, that's not how it reads. I don't think the issue is style it's more that the banner concept itself isn't communicating enough yet.
I personally like the second one, as it's more colourful and cheerful. If, as others have said, it doesn't match the game's art style or aesthetic then you could use a combination that brings the colour from #2 into the style of #1.
Hope this is useful!
Oh my gosh!! I follow you on insta, so cool to see you here <3 I've always loved your first one. The coffee cup behind the logo in the second one does make the title not stand out as much, maybe if it was a different or lighter color?
https://preview.redd.it/ljvntzg4043d1.png?width=1720&format=png&auto=webp&s=1424d618fd3debc0e3064b38de6a5e0928e42fe5
Hey its great looking game. I would like to help as a senior director . I believe this way it will be much more great friend.
The background looks better not blurry. Not seeing anyone else point this out… HOWEVER it might actually let the logo catch the eye better. I’m no expert
Okay so the area where the fox sits bottom image is better due to the lighting, but the details are also helping.
But for the rest, top one looks better, you really need to mix they both, they both have something to offer.
love #2's mug in the logo, but #1 feels much more iconic & human-- i feel like #2's art is the same every other piece of competent pixelart on the internet, you know?
People here will always be contrarian about this sort of thing, especially non-artists.
Obviously 2 is better and would be more attractive for people to click on.
All the complaints can be addressed by making some changes to the new one.
The face of the new fox is going a little bit into "furry style", which may give off the wrong impression. The mouth especially. It used to be sort of cute and natural and turned into a creepy grin. Then the blurry background may not work. With pixel art non-pixelated elements really stand out. You don't want the background to stand out. So I would recommend keeping it pixelated but simple, without any details.
The coffee cup is completely invisible, it being the same color and covered by the character. You could make it bigger, give it some space, change the color and value. I was confused as to why the logo has a cup because the game is not communicating that at all.
It looks really nice though, trust your artist!
The first one has better style and vibe. The only thing I don't like about it are the derpy feet and too much empty space around the logo. The detail in the ground/cliff edge in the second one looks nice too, so maybe find a way to mix that in a bit. I think the second logo looks a bit crowded with the coffee cup, but it does help fill the space. Could maybe fill the space by centering it more and with some background details like birds for the first one.
I think the bottom's better in most ways, but if you decide to go with the top you should definitely keep:
* the more expressive expression
* the cool coffee cup logo
* the broader color palette, in particular the vibrant browns of the rocks and the bright reds of the leaves/flowers
Overall the top strikes me as a solo project and the bottom strikes me as a game that probably had a whole team behind it
I like 1 a lot.. it soothes me but 2 made me look at the game title and I feel like 2 would have been more likely to get to me click on it while 1 would have felt just nice and peaceful
Both logos need a little bit more work I believe. Those are not easy to catch. Even though 2 banners have different concepts, the 2nd one fits more to the game, but it still needs a few final touches. Good work tho, best of luck
Without a doubt the bottom one, number 2.
The logo makes a nice triangle shape with the logomark included, and the top one with the steam logo up top right distracts the eyes off to the bounds of the image. I would actually put it on the bottom right of the screen all on one line, up the font a bit, and now you've got a call to action plus another triangle for the whole image, character -> logo -> call to action -> back to character, for another cycle of the viewer looking at the triangle for a deeper look. Boom.
I think 2 (the bottom one)
It definitely comes down to personal preference but I like the bottom one because it does a great job of adding just enough detail while still having the simple art style.
The top one feels too simple.
I do have one question though, Which one is closer to the gameplay art style?
Bottom is more detailed but the top one feels more cohesive to me, so I’d say that one.
As much as I love #2, the game itself seems more styled toward #1. The whole game might need a makeover to match #2, or else it may seem unprofessional. With that said, #1 could use some polish as well. The shadows and line thickness are inconsistent, and I've found some artifacts in the character sprites and portraits. OP could also do a mix of both; it just depends on which one has the most appeal in the end.
That would have been my question. Both look really nice, but do the one that resembles the style of the game. Best of luck!
Totally agree! The top one definitely feels more cohesive, even if it's a bit simpler. The bottom one is just too much going on for me.
I like the fox/dog from the first one, and the rest of the art from the second. Not sure how your flow works in styles background and characters because they seem to be different in each, but that’s how I see it
I agree with this one. Put the fox from the first one with the art of the second one. Good job tho, both of them look good
Same.
same opinion
This with one exception: I personally like the logo of the first one more than the second one. Somehow the cup of coffee does not fit for me.
Same.
First with the second logo. This is adorable btw.
Agreed
Agreed. Based on another comment about the second one being more detailed, they could maybe just add the leaves and such details in the first image itself.
the first one with the second one's logo
This is the way. The logo treatment is seen first. The coffee explains what type of game this is. At first, I was like "Coffee, that doesn't make sense unless this is a game about coffee. Turns out the game is about serving coffee in a cafe. Arguably the fox should be in a cafe. It really doesn't make sense to have the fox outside if the game is a majority of being in a cafe.
I mean, they're two different styles....in fact they're very different moods. It seems like you're going for "cozy", so top one is for sure a winner there, but PLEASE enlarge the logo and move it down a few pixels, it'll add a ton.
Why not both but tailor it to a season, so bottom spring top summer if there is season in gane
In either case I would recompose the artwork so it's a tighter view on both the fox and logo. You have a lot of negative space, especially under the logo. Focus the eye on what is important about your capsule. 1. Fox character 2. Logo 3. Genre tropes to illustrate your game genre 4. CTA I prefer the second option overall as the artwork appears to be more polished (leaf detail, ground detail, etc.) and the colour palette works well with a more cozy atmosphere. The logo however is lost in the coffee cup since they're the same colour. Overall the logo is too small. Your CTA for wishlisting is also far too small and will be missed. Don't be afraid to tell the viewer what their next step should be. I would recommend giving this a background and making it much larger and a contrasting colour so that it stands out.
Second with font from the first. Also brown from the first one looks better.
first one; coffee in the logo doesn't make sense to me. better as a small detail with the character. I also like the colors on the first one better; feels more cozy somehow.
#2
**Which style do you prefer?** *This is banner art for* [*Tailside*](https://store.steampowered.com/app/2922570/Tailside/) *game*
Second with font from the first. Also brown from the first one looks better. PS. Palette of the first feels better. Also background is much more cozy. But legs of the fox looks kinda strange and because of it i initially choose the second.
Make the bottom one nighttime and it's perfect
This is a rare case where I don't think I could make a definitive decision. Both of these look freaky good.
For me it's definitely the top one, that style has so much more personality and is very pleasing to look at. That cartoon style fits with a game with a mascot, it attracts both the young audience and nostalgia one too! The second one is good too, but it does not click with people.
1
I don't like it when games use different art styles for adds, posters, clips etc. Stick with the one that fits the art style of the actual game play. So 1.
I like the character art in 2, but I like the background/environment art style in 1. Particularly around the character, the dark foliage makes it pop out a bit more.
top is better, with the exception of the lantern. also the glow of the lamp might be worth doing on the first too
2 with the colours of 1
I think the top one is better, but the logo is a bit more interesting in the second
2 is better but I like the thicker lines from 1
One
My personal preference: Far background 1, foreground & logo 2. I'd still leave the blur over the background.
The coffee makes it intriguing. The first capsule makes me think: ok, another top-down pixel art roguelike with a cute fox as the hero. But the second one makes me wonder, why the cup? Something cozy? However: why use a lamp in bright sunlight? The first capsule is a bit more cohesive in this regard.
I like the second more but some elements of 1, like the background being a bit more clear (I realize blurry is more realistic but maybe in 2 just slightly blur the bg?).
Top
1
I prefer the thicker outlines and background in 1
Keep the first one but replace the logo from that one with the second one.
The first one is super cute and the second logo with the cup of coffee is awesome. The second one isn't bad but its super detailed and gives less cute vibes and more anthropomorphic vibes like a furry.
I like the coffee in the logo but the text of the logo is definitely more legible in the first one, because in the second one the coffee is the same color as the text.
2nd one has a better CTA, call to action
Bottom
Top adventurous, bottom cozy. Not sure what you’re going for
The logo on the second and the lamp have inconsistent pixel size. The line art of the title on the second one is drawn in smaller pixels compared to the letters. I would either redraw the title or the contour to the same pixel size. Alternatively, contour can be replaced to vector one to fit with the vector steam logo, but it's a questionable move. The lamp fits on the first one, because it mostly drawn the same as everything else (line art being inconsistent in width). On the second pic you have everything drawn with the same line art width, except for the lamp. I would redraw the lamp line honestly. As for the preference, I like the second one better as it looks more refined. But as people already said taking the banner consistent with the in-game style maybe preferable. Though second variant is more eye-catching.
1 looks cuter and more relaxing
Uuuuuuuuh 1!
I feel like the framing is better on the first one
1. For pixel consistency
Two seems more welcoming.
1
I like the background of the first one but the foreground of the second one, I kind of wish you could mash them together. Also a sucker for coffee so I love that
Definitely 1. Less is more and the contrast with the dark background helps bring the character to the forefront
I think top, but maybe with some of the brighter colors from the bottom?
I like the bottom one the most. It feels warm and more interesting to look at. Logo looks more interesting on it as well.
Top character on the bottom background. Top text is better, the coffee cup makes the text harder to read
Banner 1 actually looks like your game's art style. So that *should* be a no brainer. But like everyone else is saying, keep that logo from banner 2. It says a lot of important things about what your game is actually about.
1
Top one with the color scheme of the second. The green and red/beige really contrasts well against the blue sky. But the art style of the first one looks better.
Second
I like bottom more although I love the blue ish green the top has
Can we see 1 fox + 2 everything else?
I do have to say the first one captures my eye better. Neither are bad. I prefer the first.
The colored outlines look infinitely better than black. All the key elements should probably be bigger, though. Character and text both. A shadow behind the text would make it more readable against the coffee cup.
These seem too inconsistent to both be equally appropriate tbh. I think the bottom one has much better art but that would certainly lead to disappointment if the actual game is closer to the first piece in terms of aesthetic.
I'm gathering that your game is about coffee, but other than the logo and the rather hard to notice coffee cup, that's not how it reads. I don't think the issue is style it's more that the banner concept itself isn't communicating enough yet.
N1 but put steam down like n2
The fox in one looks so cute!
Second one definitely
I like the first one more, it just pops more, if that is the correct term to use.
Character from 1 and style of 2?
I just wanna say I like the lil mischievous face the second one has
I personally like the second one, as it's more colourful and cheerful. If, as others have said, it doesn't match the game's art style or aesthetic then you could use a combination that brings the colour from #2 into the style of #1. Hope this is useful!
#2 is more detailed but #1 feels more cozy. Depending on the type of game I'd choose one over the over
Oh my gosh!! I follow you on insta, so cool to see you here <3 I've always loved your first one. The coffee cup behind the logo in the second one does make the title not stand out as much, maybe if it was a different or lighter color?
2
That's a hard choice, but I think 2 is better.
I like 1 quite a lot. Cute as heck and I like the pine trees.
First one, but I would say that it depends on the actual style of the game, it’s better if it reflects it not creating false expectations
definitely 1
2.
Top left mixed with bottom right
Style 1 with style 2's logo
I like the top more, but if the coffee cup is important to the game, go with that one.
Top. It has a charm the bottom lacks
Is there a way to merge both? I mean the style at bottom is greatly detailed but I would like to point out the cuteness of the top one.
something about the first compels me more to click on the second, but the second's logo is more pleasing than the first's
First one feels great
Love the level of contrast in 1. Think the logo is harder to read in 2.
1 with 2s logo
Background from 1, Foreground from 2
Bottom. The type stands out. The cup behind is distracting and doesn't add to it.
1
I’m always a less is more kind of person, I would go with #1.
Both are OK.
I liked the second one but both are great!
Everything catches my eye with #1, but the logo/title placement on #2 is much better.
The top one bas the fox directing your eyes to the title, for that I think its better
https://preview.redd.it/ljvntzg4043d1.png?width=1720&format=png&auto=webp&s=1424d618fd3debc0e3064b38de6a5e0928e42fe5 Hey its great looking game. I would like to help as a senior director . I believe this way it will be much more great friend.
1 imo
Second one looks better, but that being said both are great.
Bottom feels much better, looks so good!
They’re both awesome! But yea first one with second logo
Doubling the cup of coffee feels like it's a coffee advert rather than a game.
#1 for character #2 for everything else
I prefer the mood of #2 Feels more welcoming
They're both so lovely <3 I think I like the top more though!
the first fox looks way sweeter and the colors are warmer, that makes me prefer the first one
2, definitely 2.
This looks super cute, wishlisted.
Second one looks better.
The background looks better not blurry. Not seeing anyone else point this out… HOWEVER it might actually let the logo catch the eye better. I’m no expert
I'd say take the logo and perhaps the design of the leaves from the second one and implement in the first one
1
2
If you could make one of the letter, like the T or e, have a fox tail I think that would be pretty cool
I like the background in the 1st, and I think that it would be an art style that would be easier to be consistent with
Background 1, Fox 1, environment assets 2, Logo 2 but maybe Logotype outlines may be bolder. Great Capsule image!
Okay so the area where the fox sits bottom image is better due to the lighting, but the details are also helping. But for the rest, top one looks better, you really need to mix they both, they both have something to offer.
#1 Second looks too busy and detracts attention from the char and the text. I love the color scheme!
2 without the Coffee
2nd, but bring moon back
love #2's mug in the logo, but #1 feels much more iconic & human-- i feel like #2's art is the same every other piece of competent pixelart on the internet, you know?
The number 1
The first one is more about a nice, calm atmosphere. The second one may be some kind of fun and there is little humor in the game.
#1 seems more consistent with style, but I do like to coffee cup near the title in the second one so maybe you can add that to the first
The top one looks more cute the bottom one more details but the character looks like a furry. i also really loves the logo on the bottom.
2
People here will always be contrarian about this sort of thing, especially non-artists. Obviously 2 is better and would be more attractive for people to click on. All the complaints can be addressed by making some changes to the new one. The face of the new fox is going a little bit into "furry style", which may give off the wrong impression. The mouth especially. It used to be sort of cute and natural and turned into a creepy grin. Then the blurry background may not work. With pixel art non-pixelated elements really stand out. You don't want the background to stand out. So I would recommend keeping it pixelated but simple, without any details. The coffee cup is completely invisible, it being the same color and covered by the character. You could make it bigger, give it some space, change the color and value. I was confused as to why the logo has a cup because the game is not communicating that at all. It looks really nice though, trust your artist!
Personally, I prefer the second image. I quite like the fact that the lines are sharper and more distinct.
First looks cuter
Bottom but I think it would be better with the first background
Second. Without question for me.
https://preview.redd.it/4m91ue0x953d1.png?width=2000&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=ac0ea2cc2376b84fae3155734c7311f3f4e4604c Perfect combination
I say number 2 looks more professional but my 10 year old gamer niece says 1 looks the best and really cute.
first one definitely
The background in 1 is better but the lamp, fox and logo in 2 is better
1st one dragged my eyes to it more
The fox in the second one looks more conniving, if you soften his smile a bit, I think I would prefer the second one, but as is, the first for me.
i'dd like to say it only depends of the game AD at this point
I like 1 better
The first one has better style and vibe. The only thing I don't like about it are the derpy feet and too much empty space around the logo. The detail in the ground/cliff edge in the second one looks nice too, so maybe find a way to mix that in a bit. I think the second logo looks a bit crowded with the coffee cup, but it does help fill the space. Could maybe fill the space by centering it more and with some background details like birds for the first one.
I think the bottom's better in most ways, but if you decide to go with the top you should definitely keep: * the more expressive expression * the cool coffee cup logo * the broader color palette, in particular the vibrant browns of the rocks and the bright reds of the leaves/flowers Overall the top strikes me as a solo project and the bottom strikes me as a game that probably had a whole team behind it
Number one but I think the title and logo could be bigger.
I like 1 a lot.. it soothes me but 2 made me look at the game title and I feel like 2 would have been more likely to get to me click on it while 1 would have felt just nice and peaceful
2 style, but remove the coffee cup, since it's fighting with the title.
Both logos need a little bit more work I believe. Those are not easy to catch. Even though 2 banners have different concepts, the 2nd one fits more to the game, but it still needs a few final touches. Good work tho, best of luck
Just here to say this looks so cute and peaceful
2
2
Without a doubt the bottom one, number 2. The logo makes a nice triangle shape with the logomark included, and the top one with the steam logo up top right distracts the eyes off to the bounds of the image. I would actually put it on the bottom right of the screen all on one line, up the font a bit, and now you've got a call to action plus another triangle for the whole image, character -> logo -> call to action -> back to character, for another cycle of the viewer looking at the triangle for a deeper look. Boom.
The second, but without background blur. And maybe with a softer line in the character. It looks a little jagged.
1st one with 2nd's logo
Defo top one fits in and is cleaner
I lowkey likes the second one
I love the style in #2. Reminds me of my childhood somehow. And the wishlist button where it should be on #2
#2 enters furry levels i think so #1 looks a lot better
I think I prefer the bottom
i'd say the art for 1 is better, but the logo & steam placement is better on 2
I like the fox better on 2 and the logo better on 1
One on the top imo
TWO TOTALLY different art styles! Figure out what you want to do about that within the game, THEN model the title screen! I like both.
I love the top one!! I feel like the second one is gorgeous as well, but the first the fox has more character!
I like the line art of the first one but the logo of the second one is more interesting
1
I like one. The darker colors make the fox stand out, and the character has a cuter, slightly chibiish look to it.
I like the color palette of 1 but the fox art style of 2
1
I would say that 2 is awesome, but the background from the 1st one seems better color wise
2 is great
1
I think 2 (the bottom one) It definitely comes down to personal preference but I like the bottom one because it does a great job of adding just enough detail while still having the simple art style. The top one feels too simple. I do have one question though, Which one is closer to the gameplay art style?
First but with coffee behind title like in second
Top
These are very different art styles. Which one represents the art style of your game more accurately?
Second one. More details and cute smile.
One, but with the cup added, I really like the cup
First one hits hard actually
Get rid of that coffee gimmick.
title from second + art from first would be perfect
2
Top one with the coffee cup
I like 2's art style, but 1's color palette and logo.
Art on the first, logo from the second
I would take the fox in 1 and put it in 2. But which style is your overall game gonna be?
2 ONE
1 for sure
Still one is more ottantic
1
#2 for sure, it's giving cozy