Setbacks and Backpacks

There was an update to RPG Paper Maker this week which is currently causing some issues with the custom 3D objects I've been making (see Pub Train). This threw me for a creative loop as I had planned to focus on the first town, which is largely made up of unique 3D objects.

So after a strategic coffee and doughnut break, I decided I'd turn my attention elsewhere: the character sprites. Because--while it goes against everything I stand for--I don't want the shrews to be buck ass naked. So today I experimented with making some simple clothing details on the hero's sprite.

Ultimately I landed on a jumpsuit--an obvious go-to for a sci-fi setting, and mercifully simple to translate into pixel art! But I didn't stop there. I HAD to throw on a backpack, because the combination of small critters with backpacks is some kind of golden ratio that inspires me to no end. Expect every shrew in the main cast to have a backpack. And to be honest, who WOULDN'T want a backpack when on an adventure? I mean, it's either that or cargo shorts (aka the Jar Jar Binks of clothing options).

Another idea I decided to experiment with was adding a bright accent around the MC's sprite. My thought here was that a lot of the game will be gray and drab in color, so a highlight might help the MC pop. Still not sure if I am in love with it? Might try to decrease the opacity on it down the line, if not get rid of it entirely. I got the idea from Knights in the Nightmare--weird fuckin' game, let me tell you--but I always dug its aesthetics.

Anyway, now that the shrews have learned shame, and that they must cover up their sin with clothing, you can expect more shrew ensembles soon!