Monday, August 16, 2010

A creature to call my own!




Deep in the dwarven mines below Talbreak Mountain, creatures stir. They seem to be living rocks, each one with veins of glittering frigynt. It has a magical energy that drives them. They come in varying forms and sizes. At the surface dwell more simplistic creatures, but deeper within there are lithoids of humanoid appearance that contain larger deposits of frigynt. I've included some concept sketches done on Deviantart's new web-based muro.

Saturday, August 7, 2010

Pokemon Black and White

I have been following the updates leading up to this release of the fifth generation of Pokemon games, and I must admit I am kinda excited. It seems like they have really taken steps to re-invent the series. Game Freak has developed a stable mechanic that makes all the monsters diverse and unique, and now they have taken the opportunity to redefine what Pokemon is about!

In case you haven't been following along with the updates, this game takes place in Isshu farther away than any previous regions have been from each other. Before you obtain the national Pokedex, the game will feature only new monsters (I'm hoping they've come up with 150, just like the good old days). The route numbers will once again begin at Route 1. There are actual differences between the look of the regions! Black version will feature more urbanized high-tech settings, while White features a more rural and natural look. The main characters are meant to be a bit older this time, they look like teenagers instead of ten-year-old kids. They have also amped up the graphics, with more three-dimensional design, perspective shifts and moving monster sprites in battle. All sprites seem to have remained two-dimensional though. Wireless connectivity is increased, with other real-life players able to show up in your overworld. You can also send monsters to the internet for what look like expanded Pokewalker adventures.

All these new and different features make it look like an interesting generation! I am excited to try it out next spring!