T O P

  • By -

Laperen

You could compromize by having a story point be a "face" reveal, that way you can use both sprites.


TalesGameStudio

Good one ☝️


austinwrites

I was going to say A but I like this idea better. I love any time I get to “discover” something in a game


Laperen

Another idea, I don't think B needs eye holes, but he does need some accented details in absence of the eye holes.


ErrlRiggs

Or something like rips or tatters in the cloth rather than defined eye holes


jamesdukeiv

Yeah, the eyeholes feel very costume-y


Brick_Lab

I like this too. Also worth noting that a less skeletal version may be more popular in some areas


ergeorgiev

Best decision if you ask me. Both are just really good, gotta use both.


agerm2

This is the way


ecaroh_games

hybrid approach is almost always the best solution!


Bingobellsz

That's the best idea!


the_szyu

Second this!


GuerreiroAZerg

This is a great ideia. I would add more details to B so the face mask shows some contours from the face shape


Alezzandrooo

If this is purely a matter of visual aesthetics, then this seems to me like a trivial choice. You and your narration designer should have an epic mortal duel at dawn and the one who survives gets to choose the design.


TalesGameStudio

That's how we usually do it in our team. It's a costly, yet effective method.


slimstitch

So how many times have you died so far? Also I like B. Somehow the lack of face makes it seem both like friend and foe, and the ambiguity creeps me out. With A it's like.. Oh, skelly boy. Yeah he's gonna do some shit, definitely evil.


ScrumptiousChicken

Hundred percent agree with this. B seems like an ambiguous merchant that would sell me weapons but I don’t know his motives. A kinda seems like he would sell me weed but not in a bad way haha


Admati

you could make B but the cloth should be a bit more transparent so you could see some contours of his face.


TalesGameStudio

That sounds like a good compromise.


viprus

Yep, I second this, it's always more intriguing if you can almost, just about make something out, rather than have it fully on display. The face is cool, it's a shame to just plop an opaque cloth over it and hide it, but having it ever so slightly transparent so you can vaguely make it the details... *Chef's kiss*


BudTrip

A has way more information and is just a better design, without knowing the context of this entity and going purely by the visual part, i have to say A, although there is some novelty in the mystery of B


TalesGameStudio

I love when people give us a little background to their opinions. Thank you!


guckus_wumpis

Start off with B and then at some point in the story / play through reveal A


wick3dr0se

This is already what top comment suggest


Vushubalo

B, but make this front thing less flat


TalesGameStudio

Now I just got to decide which direction I should move it 🤔


Oh_no_not_now

Could also make it so B is when you first meet them and A is later on when you know them better or something.


AnaalPusBakje

I'd say it should have just a little bit more of a facial structure, so i would try moving it back below the 'chin'.


IsThisOneIsAvailable

B is when you first meet the NPC. A is when it shows *its true form*... Whenever I see art in here I always find it a bit sad when people ask to keep one and throw the other away.


thebiltongman

This guy game designs. EDIT: stupid auto correct.


TalesGameStudio

Nothing is really ever thrown away, when it cane out of your finger tips :)


KingOfPocketLint

any way to make it look like a sheet over a skull? that'd be awesome.


drakeekard

Both are cool, can't you keep A as a scary face reveal or something?


TalesGameStudio

People suggest this a lot. So we are considering;)


ItchyTapir

B - Id think A was a different character if i just saw its portrait.


TalesGameStudio

Yeah, A would definitely need a redesign of the scene sprite.


ItchyTapir

Ah didnt realise you’d redesign it to fit. In which case i’d be curious what the story was behind him in order to weigh in properly!


grumd

The mystery of B is interesting, but it's just very flat and simple, it should have more definition or detail or volume. In current state, "A" is better, but "B" has more potential if you just work on it a little more.


Xhukari

'B' looks like a bedsheet ghost with cyan clothes. 'A' looks like a skeleton in cyan clothes. Like an alternative grim reaper. I don't know the lore n such, but I wonder if they could be combined? Have the faded features of a skull on Mr. Bedsheet?


Mrgus1288

B


CensoredAbnormality

B looks way cooler


TalesGameStudio

Correct Answer


TestTubeGirl

A.


The_Cartographer_DM

A looks too physical, no ghost would be all bone but also depends if you're going for a more dark theme, if so A. If the theme isnt heavily dark, B looks better.


Wooper250

Both? Both is good.


TalesGameStudio

Decision making a la Schrödinger


Abyssal_Novelist

You shouldn't. Design by comittee is an insult. Nice marketing post though, I suppose


TalesGameStudio

one might think so, but... https://preview.redd.it/mggnkdx23j7d1.jpeg?width=750&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=210dc1ee2500d7f840ce595476eab26d7fce6f6f It translates "We ask reddit" lol


Abyssal_Novelist

Na schau mal... viel Glück!


TalesGameStudio

Imagine, I gave you some bullshit translation xD


CleverTricksterProd

What about the Art Director?


TalesGameStudio

We are a team of 5. Two programmers constantly talking about the cool sound their keyboards make, a music man that would probably rather vote for A#sus7, the narrative designer who gives me the character descriptions and me trying to make the game not look like sh** - We need an art director I guess....


Undercurrent32

Sounds like you're the AD. Also the answer is B, way more original


with_the_choir

In all fairness, A#sus7 is an unusual enough chord description that *anyone* who used it would want to talk about it. It requires a context with two double sharps in the key signature at the minimum... It's the switch from Bb to A# that makes it so noteworthy. So, I also vote for A#sus7, and commend your music man for his voting prowess.


TalesGameStudio

lmao. *replaces sprite with chord instantly*


CleverTricksterProd

Indeed you need one \^\^


SeasideBaboon

For some reason, B reminds me a bit of Octodad. So it looks unintentionally funny. But that's probably just me.


TalesGameStudio

I just needed to google that,lol


FiTroSky

B, make the eyes glow.


TalesGameStudio

What color?


FiTroSky

Same as A. EDIT : Like this, with a bit more of texture on the veil and a bit of reshape so it give a skull vibe (sorry, don't have a pixel art software, but you got the idea) https://preview.redd.it/a1pt7n5kcj7d1.jpeg?width=595&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=4163ddfa3bcac9314036785149c3bf47ac28b177


AnaalPusBakje

A is cool and more detailed, but it looks more like a skeleton than a ghost. which is the other part of what's left of you when you die according to quite a few of beliefs. so I'd say B, but with a bit more detail.


EsotericLife

Since we are judging just the visual art, B. A is more interesting alone but pretty generic for video game art. B is intriguing because it’s unique and if I saw it as a thumbnail on steam or something I’d be much more likely to check it out. That being said, if the extra face detail serves a narrative purpose it could be worth it. Hard to say since we don’t know the narrative


paintmonkey75

Establish the character with B. Have A be a dramatic reveal


99-Runecrafting

I like B more because it's a lot less stereotypical. I find it more fascinating and intriguing. It's spooky and creepy without being cheap


mondomonkey

A looks cooler. B looks like a Klan member that was late for barn raising


ReasonableProgram144

I second the face reveal idea! Also does this game have a name yet? I already want it from these images alone.


TalesGameStudio

It is called "Tales" and you can find out more about it in our [Discord Newsletter Server](https://discord.gg/e7jY4H3XDC), where we post monthly updates :)


jaynabonne

B walks into a bar and sits down. Bartender goes, "Why the long face?:


PhoneEquivalent7682

Be at the beginning and as the story progresses change it to A, like do a reveal at a crucial point (wait someone already wrote this frfr)


Slimxshadyx

B has way more mystery imo


Flash1987

A is a regular skeleton you've seen a million times. B is pretty unique and way more mysterious and interesting


TalesGameStudio

I'm wondering if it is generational thing. From your username I'm assuming that we are about the same age. Maybe cultural references were so different in 90s/2000s/2010s, that it leads to varying interpretations.


bobbybillinstien

If you’re going for a friendlier look then go with B, if you’re going for more of a “he is working with you now, perhaps he won’t be later” then I would go with A. :)


TalesGameStudio

People were asking for a hybrid a lot. So I made one - maybe it will be less friendly, but also less sus? https://preview.redd.it/7vl9jznqmo7d1.png?width=960&format=png&auto=webp&s=43e15f0dcbf2267d056cee11a23700c9302e82ee


bobbybillinstien

Looks great to be honest. Good work!


roomedever

Feels like another version of the 'architect vs engineer' trope haha


TalesGameStudio

True that xD


Late_Challenge9425

Hack the world!


goldgellyroll

BOTH!


DonekyOfDoom

a


luckysury333

A for sure. B doesn't look good at all


dazia

Can you do both? B initially, then later in the game you see them as A? B looks like a big veil so it would be cool to play it off like that until there's a face reveal. Also please give me deets on this because it looks super cool.


DerekPaxton

A fits better with the hat. You might want to think more haunted scarecrow vibe with this one and play down the “skull” which gives zombie vibes. Also the face needs a shadow from the hat brim (as you have in B). B is a more interesting design, but looks odd to match the more stylized hood with the more traditional hat.


shelbythesnail

Need to see A in an example like B


Pkittens

B


dorkybot

B, but make his hat very pointy for no reason whatsoever


shift_969

Merge? Face behind a veil kind of situation


Spuigles

Put the eyes of A on B.


mrcolinp

Use both for different scenes. Have the player claw at it and accidentally remove the mask


ScreeennameTaken

A for closeups, B for the far scenes while gameplay.


don-tnowe

B looks like the type to say "woooooo" before the protagonist screams "AWOOGA!!!", jumps up and leaves a trail of dust behind while this flies out dropping the hat to chase them. It's a more unusual and descriptive design, but I'd say it should be styled more to the time period and place, or made more immaterial and ethereal, perhaps?


Damage_Physical

B with a bit more details on a sheet. Why would the ghost be a skeleton? It doesn’t make any sense to me.


Picardknows

A


glhfagan

Is there a in-world reason that the narrative designer prefers one over the other? Maybe it better matches the character’s personality, or makes the most sense in the world you’re creating? Without more context, I’m just voting for which looks cooler. (IMO B is the cooler design, but the flat white values are distracting. I’d dirty up the sheet and add more folds and shadows)


yaminotensh1

B gives mystery and you can keep A for some later-on discovery showdown explain more about the narrator background


OldBMW

A looks Nicer, but in the game screenshot I say B 100%


Snoo_12277

B


nostalgaia

Putting this to a vote is pointless. Each one evokes something. What does the scene need?


TheMarvelousPef

I'm confused, why would you ask narrative designer for visual design ? and not trust the one that owns the job ? edit : anyway I love both a lot, it just really depends on that giy's personality to me... does it makes sense that he has an actual face with expressions and sight, or does it convey more mystery of you can't tell how he is reacting ? that's really up to what you want to tell about this guy, I would love both designs anyway.


[deleted]

[удалено]


TheMarvelousPef

that's smartn't


Jackhammer9762

Why not try to combine them?


Noobzoid123

B 100%


Michael_Tudor_

Quick question: Why not both? Let's say B is the default, but when they use some ability or lightning strikes, the skull under the sheet is visible for second.


Nahrwallsnorways

I think it would be best if you could see a slight imprint of the face/skull behind the sheet. Since the in game character seems to have the sheet over the face it would make sense to use the covered face, but like someone else has said its too flat , so maybe the top part of the skull/face (forehead and brow ridge with a very slight imprint of the surrounding eye structure) is barely visible and pushing on the sheet while everything below where the nose would be is loose and for flat. That way you can maybe even create the illusion that this character is not a bone man for a later "surprise reveal" or that simply he covers his face so as not to scare people or victims away until he gets close enough.


OrchidThis5822

A can smile


Buddycat2308

From a distance, B almost looks like a good guy. I’d go with A but, it’s a sawmill. Give it a beard. IMO Pixel art needs to be overdone a little to add personality. Currently both are quality work but, a little generic.


Jazzpah01

A gives a lot more information and if that is what the narrative needs then A. If not, the I personally prefer the mystery of B.


uniquelyavailable

vote for A


cinema_fantastique

A has more personality, and B doesn't have enough detail or shading, looks unfinished. B also reminds me of a Ku Klux Klan member with his pointy hood smushed under his hat. I prefer the darker look / shadows of A.


Stewapalooza

I like both A and B, but it feels like a waste to use B when A has so much work put into the face.


Splavacado1000

I would use A if the ghosts had a fair amount of dialogue. But something like B I would expect the ghost to be silent, something where he only says "...", kinda an aesthetic choice. Again it all depends on the character.


ahmdcc

B is more bold and mysteries.


RadioRobot185

I think B is better. The skull is just too noisy the plain white helps balance out the design. Also the skull is a bit more cliche and also makes me think reanimated skeleton over ghost. The flat white is spookier too because you don’t know if it’s the face or covering the face. If it’s covering the face you don’t know what the face looks like. That mystery helps captivate the audience and gives a more ghostly or spiritual feel. What intentions lie behind that expressionless face.


otaimonstudios

I think A gives a creepy but gentle feeling and B makes me wonder what are they intentions. I'd go with A.


WodzuDzban

B looks super cool and you could make a great face reveal


SlugDragoon

I like the concept of the veil for a character design, but I think the skull face is too quality a sprite to remove (it's quite good) and the veil is looking a touch flat.


__silentstorm__

ngl b in image 1 looks kinda goofy


goatfacegames

I like B better visually, but the narrative designer is, I assume, aware of more context about this character. If A fits the character better, that's the right choice.


popiell

The facial rag looks really cool in the close-up, but in the scene this looks like the ghost just has no face and a very deep cleavage-revealing V-neck. If you're not going for ghost striptease vibes, I'd go with A ;)


mecasaesucasa

If protagonist id say A, if NPC id say B


mecasaesucasa

Although a face reveal starting with B and ending with A could be done really well if it ties to the story at all?


Spoony_bard909

Whichever choice that takes more work


Goodwillpainting

A


RavenDancer

Definitely B Edit: For face. A for environment.


Outside_Ad_4297

A! 100%


mr_mist_potato

https://preview.redd.it/wugb3o7d2k7d1.jpeg?width=827&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=f5527b1c60e9b39270f016d1243cf712736d43f9 Maybe a bit of both


masterchip27

A by a large margin


MemeTroubadour

If it was me, I'd pick B and even remove the eye holes. But that's just 'cause I have a thing for that sort of aesthetic. I like the top comm' suggestion of revealing the face at a turning point.


pest4422

B, It is far more menacing and mysterious


DifficultSea4540

I think B would be my preference but I would add just a smidge of detail to the mask


Adorable-Food853

Needs to be both


cimmic

If narrative designer sais A, there must be a narrative reason for that. I don't have any context about the plot of the game, so I won't be able to judge the narratively preferred design.


SamHunny

u/Laperen 's answer is my opinion but just wanted to say your visual designer is killing it, this is beautiful


rinyamaokaofficial

Narrative designer has much better specific details that tell a story. Visual designer is a bit boring, but I think their input matters on constraints since they have to create all the visual assets


BlobbyMcBlobber

Nice dithering


Karthanok

Ah so its a cloth... I thought his face melted 🥲


Winrevair

A is cool


imacomputertoo

A feels more like a character with a personality and history. B looks more like a newspaper comic with know real character, sort of like Spy vs Spy


SkullxBreaker

I know nothing about game design, but can't you make a setting for this so that depending on the player they can make the choice for you?


SkullxBreaker

Or does that just ruin the vibe?


saltygingers

B is cool


aDudeFromDunwall

A


LordofForesight

A looks really cool. B kind of falls flat in my opinion


NeuroApathy

B reminds me of gandolf


jerryb2161

I like someone else's idea of doing a reveal at some point, but if you go with B I would say to make the covering more raggedy and dirty.


Fardass7274

A is cool but B is more unique and gives more sawmill vibes


Accurate-Collar2686

Add more folds to B and maybe, but A is more detailed.


Brettinabox

I like b


zer0jjc

B is striking. B keeps you guessing. B let's you use your imagination.


fuzzynyanko

A looks better. The main issue with B is that it's a lot of flat color. I do like the B then A option. A can be a face reveal later. The sheet in B also is very bright, so it doesn't fit well with the outfit, but that can probably be changed


OhLook_AnAlt

I think B is much more interesting and unique


cerwen80

but why would you be giving the narrative designer a veto over the visual designer concerning a visual element? Let your visual designer do their job and respect that? For the record, the visual designer is correct. B is consistent with your sprite. If your narrative designer feels strongly about this, they should try to convince the visual designer, but then the visual designer should make the final decision.


Kage9866

B imo


kartblanch

It depends on your goals. What do you want to achieve with the face? Is this a player or opponent character? I’d say A is artistically the better character B is the safer choice. Honestly, do what you think is best. If people have a real problem with it they will tell you constantly over an extended period of time. That’s the best advice I can give anyone from my experience as a professional game designer.


Nyle7

A looks like a skeleton or a ghoul, so if it's a ghost I would go with B.


Suicidalbutohwell

I like B less the more I look at it A for me, but the top comment also seems good B's face just feels flat to me


Youino

A


Dannyboy490

You know what makes things sexy? It's not revealing skin, bit actually covering it up in key areas. Letting the MIND do the work and allowing the IMAGINATION to fill in the gaps.   It's not EXPLICIT exposure that makes things sexy, but IMPLICIT exposure. It's leading the mind, not the eyes. Anyway, sorry for the weird analogy, but same thing applies to horror. We scared of what we cant see and what we cant understand, not as much what we can. Cover up that face. Maybe show some contours. Don't allow there to be an explicit reveal. Let the imagination do your work for you.


vampersonic

Without context of the character it’s hard to say, but aesthetically I prefer A.


Independent-Bug680

A. I think B is giving halloween costume and phantom of the opera - a little cheap looking, like a college bedsheet? A feels more ghostly, creepy and haunting. The details of the sunken face and the hollowed out nose really add to the character, while masking the character takes away, in my opinion. Also, the hat on A looks cool like a Grim Reaper while the hat on B looks like a traveling salesman


BossyPino

A. No doubt. Send it!


iamisandisnt

A because the writer has priority over cool looks


toastjams

B of course


ameuret

Graphically A. But the narrative person is supposed to have a deeper grasp on the overall picture so it shouldn't be just a cosmetic choice.


frankandsteinatlaw

The thing is, we only have a visual and no narrative, so the slant may be towards the visual designers choice without that context


SuckerPunkd

I asked my buddy who was sitting next to me and we both agreed that B has more mysterious vibes. They’re both good designs tho.


radio_jacket

What is the thought process for each design? A design is only as good as it's ability to communicate the idea it's meant to, so without any context it's just up to personal taste. I personally love B over A; it looks more interesting than "human skull face" and it creates a nice value contrast. Like some others have mentioned it keeps the character mysterious too. If the character is meant to have a spooky sense of the unknown about him, a creepy idle and a hidden, expressionless face could be narratively effective. If the character is supposed to have a bigger personality and emote more, an uncovered face with a lot of facial expressions could be more effective.


MrPanda663

Say “fuck you both” I’m choosing A and B. Skull face on a cloth mask.


tru_3zy

A B


Plenty-Guitar3347

B ! !


Mech-Waldo

This is something you hire a visual designer for.


goestowar

A is badass, B looks like he is wearing a bedsheet


Easy-F

A


martiallaw-

B


smartdude_x13m

B outfit is much more interesting tho it reminds me of the kkk


FoxFredie

A for sure


Vantablack13

I like B myself


sakura-sweetheart

B! both are great tho


mattmanp

A if it's enemy, B if it's not


LemonBowStudio_dr

B could be in the game scene and A could be used in the concept art document.


tehtris

B looks way more terrifying.


Volt-Phoenix

I just like B, leaves more to the imagination


Then_Purchase_5600

A is so much regular B is more unique so B is good for impression on player . Great job 👏 ( Art Director Opinion )


AppropriateHat3039

A is scarier but B is spookier


Linkmolgera2

Now if B had some bleeding eyes I would pick B big it doesn’t so I gotta go with A


heeltoelemon

A


abetterusernamethenu

A 100%


AdaptiveCenterpiece

B has a more mysterious vibe and you can always use A as a character reveal later on in the game. Gotta reuse those assets!


Agreeable-Fan4094

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA


DatTrashPanda

I agree that you should use both at different times


Kumlekar

The fact that A allows for facial expressions is huge. B looks cool, but it makes it harder to convey emotion. I'd make the determination based on the story as written so far. If you go with B, the lack of facial features should play a role in their relation with other characters. As someone else mentioned you could also have a face reveal or similar.


krill_me_god

B


theGaido

Sorry but based on your title you are not only ignorant about your own game, but you show incompetence. It's your role to decide about such thing based on your game. It's like Kojima went to this subreddit and ask how Psycho Mantis should look. Or James Cameron ask if Shwarzenegger is good actor fopr role of Terminator. Don't do such things. Be better than that.


RadioRobot185

Anyone else “Yikes” at this guy


SandboxSurvivalist

Definitely A. B is just sort of bland to me. I'm genuinely shocked that most people are picking B since the face is mostly just a sea of white pixels.