Consistency in games.

[BillyX 4]

Is it just me? Or has anyone noticed a lack of consistent graphics in a huge chunk of RPG Maker games?
Also, to some degree this also applies to the color scheme.

It's one of the major issues I've noticed with games and even when browsing the screenshot thread - an issue that immediately lowers my expectations of a game. I know most people would agree that the RTP is a huge factor - that shapes peoples opinions on games. But the inconsistent nature of mix-and-match visuals has to be a close second... right?

I think I understand why it happens. In order to get away from the RTP everyone uses, people try and grab the coolest resources from all over the place - and map with them. Hell, maybe they even make a few graphics of their own, to add to the proverbial pot. Key word being few. The end result is a graphical mess with everything looking exactly like what it is. A bunch of resources that individually look great, but together look messy. Same can be said for the color.

I would personally rather someone use the RTP - and make a cohesive project. The resources are professional, and fit together... and it shows. Let your work shine for the story. Odds are, the people downloading the demos, or even the game, already know what it was made with. Instead of trying to hide that fact, why not embrace it and learn to work with it?

If you can make your own graphics by all means... please do. But keep it consistent. Pro games rely on consistency. Movies use consistent colors. Websites generally use consistent fonts. Why would your game be any different?

Am I alone in thinking this?

[Kayzee 4,032]

I think you are simplifying things a bit. I think there is something to be said for a kind of 'consistent inconsistency'. Sometimes the inconsistency is part of a consistent style, mostly in surrealist type works like Yumi Nikki or Ib. What you are talking about seems more like 'inconsistent consistency' then 'consistent inconsistency' though. Either way, it's worth more to ask if there is any meaning to be drawn from the clash of styles. Inconsistency can be used for interesting things if you know how.

 

Also: Sometimes it seems to me that he idea of 'Professionalism' is a kind of overrated buzzword.  I rather have something that's fun and/or interesting then something that looks 'professional' But maybe that's just me.

Edited December 23, 2018 by Kayzee

[BillyX 4]

I do see your point, but am also wondering, after snooping around your profile a little, if maybe you are one of the exceptions... That's not as weird as it sounds -Haha- let me try and explain.

You're clearly experienced with RPG maker. You've been there, done that... so to speak. Do you think that maybe you've become a little used to the inconsistency? You kind of said it yourself, when writing about inconsistency being a consistent style. Seeing the mash-up of graphical resources, has become as normal as watching a severed head roll down a hallway by a long time horror movie fan. Myself? I love horror flicks - and don't even flinch at the gory parts. My kid on the other hand, closes her eyes when she sees a drop of blood.

There are obviously exceptions, such as the games you listed. I haven't played them but have seen them or read about them. But it occurs to me that something intended to be that way, such as the surreal, would not really count as an example. I'm talking about the first impressions of the average game maker/player. Especially newer ones, that have 6 or 7 types of trees onscreen at once. Just to solidify my point... lets say that 5 of the tree graphics have black outlines... and the rest don't. I am, of course, being a little over-the-top with my example.

For the average or casual game player... one look could stop them from even trying the game. Even if it's the most well written game on the planet - crammed full of super fun features. I'm not scared to admit that's how I am - and suspect that's where adding screenshots of games began. Showcasing the visuals of games for potential buyers to judge.

I also agree that professionalism is a buzz word of sorts... to a point. If a game looks messy, somewhere in my mind  a bell goes off saying it probably is a mess. If it doesn't look professional, what are the chances it actually is?

Haha - I know that when it's all said and done we're talking about home brew games - but that doesn't mean they have to look that way. There are plenty of examples that don't.
 

[Kayzee 4,032]

I don't think you are wrong or that I am a apecial exception. I mean I personally have always stuck with RTP style stuff and do try and stay consistent in my game for pretty much the exact reasons you gave. I wouldn't mind mixing things up if I thought it would serve my game better, but that's a design decision that needs to be carefully thought about. That I think is the real difference, if someone is doing what they are doing to serve some artistic point or if they are just throwing things together without thinking. The difference between a carefully designed masterpiece and a poorly designed mess is subjective, but I think the care and thought someone puts into something shines through most of the time.

 

I just think there is a difference between 'professionalism' and 'competence'.  It seems to me like 'professionalism' more involves going through the motions and checking off arbitrary boxes in order to fit in to a market, where as 'competence' is the actual skill level displayed. I much rather see competence then professionalism.