Widows of the Vampyr: evolution of a map & screenshots

[VoxPopuli 9]

Evolution of a Map:

One of the sequences I designed for Widows of the Vampyr was the Psychic Laboratory of Prof. Archibald Collinsworth.  Desiring a late 1800s turn-of-the-(20th)century feel, for the era the game is set in, I used an actual vintage projector product (graphic below) as the inspiration for the psychic projector design. I also used animated "character" light graphics for the projector and for the psychic receptor to screen. Finally I wanted actual movies to be shown on screen during game. Below is some of the evolutionary stages and components, plus a screenshot of the final result. To see the map in action there are links to the game it is in (for the entire map sequence) and to the video teaser trailer (for a sampling of the map) in my signature below.




1. Vintage illustration of antique projector used as inspiration for psychic projector
2. Photoshop line diagram to final b/w mock-up of projector
3. Shaded line diagram of psychic receptor (original design)
4. Final color version of psychic receptor
5. The sprite of the hero, Hieronymus Xylander, wearing the fashionable brass electrode cap and psychic conductor
6. Early version of map
7. Finished map

7.


Additional screenshots:

 

Chamber of Turning

 

Ravenswode Forest Inn

 

Ruins of Crowsford Abbey

[+ Brackev 66]

Those shots look amazing!  You have a real good feel for how to map/parallax.

 

In the shot of the Ruins, there is an odd lighting effect on the right side, above the fire.  Is there a shadow overlay that we are not seeing?

[VoxPopuli 9]

Those shots look amazing!  You have a real good feel for how to map/parallax.

 

In the shot of the Ruins, there is an odd lighting effect on the right side, above the fire.  Is there a shadow overlay that we are not seeing?

Thanks for the feedback, much appreciated.

 

I'm not sure exactly what tile(s) you are referring to, or lighting effect. That particular screenshot was captured in motion and it's in the middle of an animation that is supposed to convey that fire was placed there via a spell. So some of the residual lighting is from a animation in progress. Then there are the flickering yellow candelabra effects that accompany all the lights in that dungeon. If it's something else you are seeing would you mind circling it or arrowing it so I can address it?

 

Thanks again, I'm glad you like the screenies.

[+ Brackev 66]

 

Hope this helps.

[VoxPopuli 9]

WidowsScreen_CrowsfordAbbey5_zps39da3f22.png

 

Hope this helps.

Yes I see. That is the tail of an animation flashing down (in progress) since this is a still frame of the actual production. The animation is "Light Pillar 1" and is used in conjunction with the animated flame when Prof. Archibald "Archie" Collinsworth sets the Flame Ward. After the animation completes those tiles look like the others.

[placidandy 9]

A very interesting idea, and well executed. The only suggestion I'd make is with the psychic projector itself. The bronze-orange colouring is quite flat and could do with some texture to it, to suggest actual metal. Maybe add a touch of noise to it with PS or something?