A development blog for my new game 'Chaos Reborn', a sequel to my 1985 ZX Spectrum classic 'Chaos' - plus some musing on games and the games industry in general.
Thursday, January 24, 2013
Manticore
This next creature was in Chaos, but Julian asked me to base it more on the version in Magic and Mayhem. So it looks like that, but the tail has more spikes, like the Chaos version.
I've loved every one of the other illustrations, totally awesome, but I'm not feeling this one. I suppose it evokes a Chinese dragon and if I'm thinking of China, it takes me out of the fantasy.
Still, love your art style overall. Keep them coming.
Just so you know we're only trying to give constructive criticism. Nothing else.
Keep up the good work, we're all looking forward to this project. I think it's been anticipated for so long by a surprisingly large fan base that there will always be some things people aren't happy about.
No worries, really, these comments help an a lot! I was not sure about this one either, and I love it that people here have an opinion about what they want to see. I'm a big fan of the original too, and if I wouldn't be doing graphics for it, I'd be the one giving comments for sure!
By most traditional descriptions the Manticore is a pretty ugly creature. It may or may not have wings. This version is from 'Magic & Mayhem' - but maybe we ought to keep it closer to the version in the original Chaos, with wings. It does make it a fairly awesome creature - a flying mount with ranged attack. You aint gonna get a high chance of casting this one!
I seem to remember we didn't have a high chance of casting it last time around :)
Always was a pain when you flew to the other side of the battle field, killed a wizard, only to be stranded there when your manticore was disbelieved by someone else.... :)
Looks very mean, but... no wings? In Chaos the Manticore was the best flying mount.
ReplyDeleteAgreed, I've never seen a manticore in any lore be without wings.
DeleteIf memory serves, a manticore should have body of lion, wings of a bat, tail of scorpion and the face of an old man.
Either way I think wings are needed to balance the image.
One of my fave creaturs from Chaos :)
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI've loved every one of the other illustrations, totally awesome, but I'm not feeling this one. I suppose it evokes a Chinese dragon and if I'm thinking of China, it takes me out of the fantasy.
ReplyDeleteStill, love your art style overall. Keep them coming.
Sorry but I agree with Chris on this one. Not feeling the Manticore design. This is the first one that hasn't grabbed me.
ReplyDeleteHow about losing the tail, and using this as the lion model instead?
ReplyDeleteJust trying to be helpful.
There will be another round of concepting the creatures later, where I tackle the problematic ones.
DeleteJust so you know we're only trying to give constructive criticism. Nothing else.
DeleteKeep up the good work, we're all looking forward to this project. I think it's been anticipated for so long by a surprisingly large fan base that there will always be some things people aren't happy about.
This is your project with your vision.
:)
No worries, really, these comments help an a lot! I was not sure about this one either, and I love it that people here have an opinion about what they want to see. I'm a big fan of the original too, and if I wouldn't be doing graphics for it, I'd be the one giving comments for sure!
DeleteBy most traditional descriptions the Manticore is a pretty ugly creature. It may or may not have wings. This version is from 'Magic & Mayhem' - but maybe we ought to keep it closer to the version in the original Chaos, with wings. It does make it a fairly awesome creature - a flying mount with ranged attack. You aint gonna get a high chance of casting this one!
ReplyDeleteI seem to remember we didn't have a high chance of casting it last time around :)
DeleteAlways was a pain when you flew to the other side of the battle field, killed a wizard, only to be stranded there when your manticore was disbelieved by someone else.... :)
I agree with Chris as well. Still looks great though! Keep them coming!
ReplyDeleteI'd love to see your renditions of Rebelstar graphics.
ReplyDeleteI agree, would love to see some re-imagining of Rebelstar or Laser Squad :)
ReplyDeleteHi - only just found this site! Great news on the game it's one that I would pre-order today and I don't say that lightly as I rarely pre-order games.
ReplyDeleteLove the other creatures but this one while looking good does look at bit skinny - kind of reminds me of the dire wolf body wise.
Cheers,
worto03.
P.S. when your done with this please go back and look at LSN :-)
Looks cool - but I always imagine a Manticore having more meat on them:
ReplyDeletehttp://bit.ly/bELFzy