How big a role does good art play? I decided to select my 10 favourite best looking games from the 129 entries in the Game Crafters Hookbox challenge. Showcase them here to later see how many of them that advance to the semi-finals. Many designers did not put up a download PNP which I think will be going against them in the rating…or will it? To also investigate that I will select a few of the most visually interesting looking games and write in the end.
And off course like in life it is what is inside that matters most – but this is an art investigation. Sorry.
Art is generally a problem if you are a solo designer with no art skills. Many designers will find good places of royalty free images they can use for the cards – and that is a great idea to do for your prototype. In many cases I feel this unfortunately make the game impersonal and generic – but it depends also of the graphic design. But how important is the looks of a game? It is safe to say that people will generally agree on good art but in the many cases also be very affected by taste in themes. This is a few reason you need to find someone to help with your art.
- The theme and story of the game will be more saturated – making the game more immersive
- If you got good art – you probably invested time in the game, making it more likely to be tested
- The game will be more unique and memorable
- The art can be explanatory, and help players to understand the game rules.
- Maybe increase your chance on a vote in a competition like this – we will see?
You could have a very illustrative game with few graphic elements, visa versa or a combination. I consider myself as an versatile artist that is quite good at both but definitely not the best (The best artist out there you will find in the Interview section). Sine I like game designing I usually tend to do a more clean graphic style in the game art because it is quicker and more flexible to work with and it can be pretty & functional at the same time (like the classic Innovation) . Unfortunately this usually sticks with the game and it is hard to find time to redo the art. There are many of the games that got handdrawn or more of an amateurish style but this can actually be really cool and authentic. Just be sure to keep it consistant.
For my own game I payed for the community art review that you can get on TGC. I payed because I was sure to score high and I wanted the badge to be an eye-catcher on the shop page. I only scored 80+ which first surprised me but when I thought about it made good sense. I have no story telling and different artworks on my cards. They might be pretty but when you see 9 almost equal looking cards on a page with no real motif it is not better than 8or9 of 10.
Now let’s get to the top ten – there was a lot of close ones to get to the list like, DomiNations, Commons, Canyon Racers, Heist, DuelofTheDungounDesigners, Starfighters, Shilds Up, Armour Up, Inconceivable,
The top 10
Nr. 10a A King’s Jest
Illustration:3
Graphic:3
Vibe:4
Even it this is not high quality final art – it really shout ‘indie game’. And the work is detailed and consistent – which make is vey appealing.
Nr. 10b Do not open
Illustration:5
Graphic:-
Vibe:2
Absolutely gorgeous illustrations. Also a bit ‘naive’ – which I like.
Nr. 9 Turris – City of Giants
Illustration:4
Graphic:3
Vibe:5
I do not know how much of this was painted for the game. It seem like a lot of collages with paint on top -BUT hey! it looks fantastic. And there are so much going on it really triggers your curiosity.
Nr. 8 Battle Stations
Illustration:3
Graphic:4
Vibe:3
I was in doubt with this game. I think it really captures a war atmosphere. The design is very nice – and I LOVE the water.
Nr. 7 Empire of Swords
Illustration:3
Graphic:5
Vibe:5
The use of glow, colors, hard lines and grunge brush strokes creates a very strong and appealing visual style.
Nr. 6 Dueling Dinos
Illustration:3
Graphic:4
Vibe:3
This leans to how I would normally approach a competition. It works graphically and got some cute looking Dino’s. I like!.
Nr. 5 Gluttony 18
Illustration:4
Graphic:2
Vibe:4
This oooze of fun and gameplay. I get digital associations especially to “The Fat Princess!” on my Playstation.
Nr. 4 Smuggles n’ snuggles
Illustration:5
Graphic:2
Vibe:2
This is really fantastic character design and linework. It lacks a bit in the graphic design and colouring IMHO.
Nr. 3 Mine, Mine, Mine
Art by: Moy Shin Hung
Illustration:4
Graphic:3
Vibe:4
Strong illustration. No outlines and in your face coloring. It really pulls you in.
Nr. 2 Mission Control
Illustration:4
Graphic:4
Vibe:5
Spectacular style. Even if it might be a collage of images that has been given an series of effects it is consistent and very cool looking.
Nr. 1 Gunplay
Art by: Pha Chau – theArtManor
Illustration:5
Graphic:4
Vibe:3
Wonderful images. A harmonious color pallette. Nice type and elegant layout. Clean and cool character design
And to the many games that looked really cool – but had no free PNP – sorry!. I will write som here to see how they do.
| Fury Road |
Crazy cat laydy
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To all the winners – all 11, are free to use the Gold Hooked award badge.
By Niklas Hook
