For me, character art is EXTREMELY important, part of the entire package of the game. What about some of you, on this topic? Where do you draw the line on what’s acceptable, and what isn’t?
I may or may not have made my opinion known on Final Fantasy XII’s main character, as well as Shining Force Neo’s main character numerous times, but I think we have a new winner here, on most ridiculous design ever.
I present to you, the lead character from Namco’s latest entry into the Tales of series of games:
This is bar none, the most ridiculous looking character concept I’ve ever seen in my life. Not only is he sickeningly frail looking, but his gear isn’t even remotely practical. Nuts around his ankles and wrists? Give me a break. Where’s the matching set of bolts? Tales of Symphonia was such an awesomely enjoyable game with some great characters… and then this happens.
It’s a shame, but character art will always reflect current tastes and go in and out of fashion over time. I didn’t like the change in direction from the original Shining Force’s darkly medieval artwork to the more colorful artwork we saw in its sequel, but both had their own charms.
I’m not exactly sure what to think of the artwork in Shining Force Neo. I’m positive, however, that if the game had been a true force game, it would have grown on me. I won’t let aesthetics ruin the experience unless it has an impact on it like slowdown does in a racing game.
The artwork is very important for me too.I’m not really a fan of those “kiddie” design often seen in Japanese rpgs for example.And I’m quite frankly a bit tire dof pointy hair in japanese games.
The pictured Parn posted is a good example of what I would consider stupid art.I like original designs but sometimes people just do dumb things in order to call their designs “out of the ordinary”.
As time passes I tend to prefer realistic approaches as far as character design is concerned.Comics jut don’t feel right in some types of games for me.
Who are these artists that get paid to do something like that??? It looks so Silly and slapped together… or rather he is going to a big trance party or something.
Character art, creature design, backgrounds make a good game as well. Look at how beautiful Vagrant Story is, The new Final Fantasygames, (9,10,10-2) have nice graphics, but the character design looks so flashy and uncultured.
I dont know where I draw the line when it comes to art in games, the best way I can describe it as would it actually match in that particualr games? Goofy games like Phantom Brave have goofy art to go with it, Darker serious games like PDS have serious art to go with it.
Although I do admit, the character design Parn posted up really really reminds me of Mamaru Nagano’s Five Star Stories Manga series. Nagano draws some really odd looking characters and Mecha designs, but I think they match well for such a odd story that he has.
As Geoffrey points out, character design is based on what is considered trendy and popular at the time, and looking at the picture, it just makes more sense. Flashy looking characters that look like they go to raves or shop a ton at their local Hot Topic.