Final GD 1 Image Layout Series

I’ve been doing some serious revisions lately on my GD Image/Type/Diagrammatic Layout Series.  Here are the final versions of what I’ve done:

I needed to find a way to use an image, but not just “big is dominate” which was harder than you’d think.  I think though, finding a creative solution to problems big and small is what this is class/major is all about… but sometimes its hard to find a way to keep yourself interested when it quickly becomes a process of pleasing someone and no longer yourself.  After several revisions to the project, I did though, do my best to find that happy medium where I could still do my own thing.  So I went back to my basic training type stuff and dressed up a simple concept instead.

My Type Dominate layout most closely resembles my original ideas. I ended up abandoning the robot that I had made and instead refined it to involve only the subject matter and the three image and the information.  The “type as image” fading into the background was an idea that my professor gave to me to explore.  I actually originally hated it, but decided to go with it for consistency with the headline and giving purpose to the color bars at the same time.

My Diagrammatic layout on the other hand, is quite a bit different.  I decided instead to use King Kong to go with the Giant Monster in the Image Dominate layout, and then used the whole “movies being played at the KIVA” idea to bring them all together… even if subtly.

I think my biggest problem right now, is that I’m enjoying Illustration a lot more than Design.  Perhaps there is some significance in that.

Atmoshpir Beta Testing

In other news, I’ve become a Beta Tester for Minor Studio’s Atmosphir which is a video game in which the users use pre-made tool sets to create a level of a platforming game.  Its actually remarkably fun, and complete feeling.  The two level’s that I have created (for those of you who might get to play them: Forest Fortress 1-1 and Forest Fortress 2-2) have been climbing in the ranks rather steadily.  The community of creators when completing a level can give it a star of approval, so far I’m doing pretty well learning.  Surprisingly the learning curve to this isn’t as complicated as you would imagine. 

I’ve been creating my levels in a fashion where they would work well as levels in a Zelda game.  Jumping puzzles, maze like buildings to explore with multiple branching paths and solutions to things.  I’m pretty happy with what I’ve been making.  Here are a few screen shots:

an overall view in Design Mode:

In the middle of the overall shot is a ledge, this is the main character standing on it for scale:

About 25% of the way through the giant courtyard platforming puzzle I made:

a Design Mode shot of that courtyard:

Atmoshpir is a fantastic game/creation tool.  It should be coming out sometime soon from what they are saying.  Since the original download they have been adding in new elements (hazards, building blocks, props, etc) and continually updating their site with videos and challenges for the community to take part in.  Users are creating levels that utilize the power ups and platforming pieces in new and creative ways.  From your races, adventure like levels, mazes and jumping puzzles there is a healthy mix of experimentation and room for growth.

In a critical light, I’d like to see a little more of a push to a complete game.  There are no enemies, point collection is arbitrary (aside from occasionally granting a 1up) and mostly meaningless unless you try to use it to guide people through a level.  There is also no land forming abilities.  No hills, no mountains, everything is geometric and very structured.  Though this works, it limits the possibilities a little bit as a complete level creating tool.  Other than that, this is a fantastic idea and I am really excited to see where this goes in the future, until it’s release or after.

I do though, really enjoy this game/creation tool. It brings me back to what I originally wanted to do with my life, create video games.  It has been a long time interest of mine that I’ve never really been able to come close to doing until now.  Though I’m pretty committed to my design and illustration right now, maybe there is room for me in the video game industry once I’m out.  They have to need an intern at the very least.