Artistic Influences

When it comes to crafting ideas for games or conceptualising specific parts of an idea, I tend to start from how I want the scene to sound. Some people think this odd or unique, and I am not sure if this is the case, however it works for me. From a creative point of view, I want to create games that invoke emotional responses, and for me audio is one of, if not the most important factor that can potentially make or break a game. I look back and think of the various titles that have moved me in some way, shape or form. Lufia 2: Rise of the Sinistrals (Image on Right: Bobman, B. 2008), was the first game that made me emotionally sad to the point of tears, which was extremely impressive for a 2D Super Nintendo game. This was due to clever use of audio and good story telling. Secret of Evermore (Image below: Storm Shadow, 2016),

another Super Nintendo title, on the flip side had much less music and relied more on atmospheric and ambient music and sound effects, which made players connect with the locales the game provided.

It would be foolish to say that my childhood memories of games don't impact the artistic direction or even genres I like. Having played literally hundreds of games over 19 various gaming systems, it is fair to say I have a large source of existing knowledge I can draw on. The titles mentioned above are mere examples of two games that moved me at an emotional level and is likely the root of my creativity. It is these childhood memories that spurred me to want to make games the first place.

Predominantly I am interested in 2D games, as well as JRPGS/RPGS, Action and Adventure games. For as long as I can remember I have been deeply interested in ancient history (Was almost going to study archaeology), particularly ancient languages, mythologies and civilizations, the occult including Paganism and Celtic history and in general anything fantasy and Sci-Fi related. These subjects are important to me, as they allow me to be creative with various ideas and styles. Take for example European history and stories that cover Elves and Faeries and such (Image on Left: Kaldera, R. 2006). From an artistic perspective, there are countless visual representations throughout time that I could draw inspiration from, and can re-invent in a way that I deem appropriate.

An example of how I am utilising these sources of inspiration is within the 2D art project I am working on at the moment for my course. I am drawing on medieval themes, with a basis of a brother and sister locked in battle. The sister is an Elven Princess who is seeking revenge against her half-human brother, the Prince who was saved by their father the King when humans were invading the kingdom. However the King lost his life, and the Princess' hatred towards humans festered and sent her mad with rage, seeking to destroy all humans, and especially her brother and kingdom who accepts him.

Similarly with my 3D project, we have to aim for a Sci-Fi style environment. Personally I tire of the over done space ships/stations etc. When it comes to Sci-Fi, I am largely influenced by the ideas of the 1960s-80s, and it is for that reason that I am basing my 3D modular set pieces, and later buildings styles around that of what can be seen in 'The Jetsons' or Bespin's 'Cloud City' from Star Wars. Here the designs should be quite curvy in nature as far as external buildings go, however the interior modular pieces I will combine various components which will include windows etc. that would otherwise be able to be seen if on the outside of the building, as well as interior wall components. (Image Below: JMAS 2008). These two projects will be extremely interesting to create, and will be interesting to see what direction they take.

References:

Bobman, B. (2008). Lufia II: Rise of the Sinistrals. [Online Image' (Available). Retrieved on 24/09/2016 from http://lparchive.org/Lufia-II/Update%2036/

JMAS, (2008). Cloud City.jpg. [Online Image] (Available). Retrieved on 24/09/2016 from http://starwars.wikia.com/wiki/File:Cloud_City.jpg

Kaldera, R. (2006). The Alfar: Dancing Light and Singing Dark. [Online Image] (Available). Retrieved on 24/09/2016 from http://www.northernshamanism.org/the-alfar-dancing-light-and-singing-dark.html

Storm Shadow, (2016). Secret of Evermore. [Online Image] (Available). Retrieved on 24/09/2016 from

http://www.gamefaqs.com/snes/588645-secret-of-evermore/images/228

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