First graphic for Dirk 2!

[TroyHepfner]

Here's your first peek at Dirk Dashing 2!

I've been working on the artwork. I have a lot of character sketches that I've completed, and I have been working on art designs for various background elements. Again, I have lots of sketches, but now I am starting to bring some of those sketches to life by cleaning them up, painting them, and scanning them into the computer.

I have finished several art pieces so far. Here is a sample, which combines one of the sky backgrounds with a city skyline at dusk. These two graphics will constitute the two most distant layers in the parallax scrolling background for Chapter 1-1 (the first level in Dirk Dashing 2).


http://www.mygamecompany.com/blog/dirk2_skyline2_sample.jpg


So far, the city skyline is one of my favorite art pieces for the game. I'll share a few character sketches with you next time.

So what do you think?

[AlleyCat]

Cool!!! I like it. I can picture Dirk running around in front of this scene!

It's a lot different than the trees and mountains in Dirk 1, but I guess a city would look different. Judging from the title you've announced for Dirk 2 ("Evil Eye"), I think this graphic fits right in. I just hope the game isn't going to be too dark for the kids, though knowing you, I'm sure it won't be. That's just my first impression from what you've shown so far. Good job! I'm eager to see more!

[TroyHepfner]

Thanks AlleyCat, good point. I appreciate you voicing your concern. No, the new game won't be "dark" in the way that you're thinking. It will still be lighthearted, as the first game was.

The title does have meaning, but I'm not going to give any hints, so I won't comment on it at this time.

I will comment on the sample above, though. We received a lot of positive comments on the stealth elements of the first game, like being able to sneak past bad guys when they turn away. I plan to expand on that for the sequel. There will be some levels where you need to sneak around undetected. From an art and story perspective, a good setting to complement the stealth elements was at dusk on a stormy night. This is why the scenery is painted the way that it is.

[AlleyCat]

OIC! Great! I wasn't too worried, just making sure. A lot of companies promise one thing and deliver another. You guys, though, are the BEST! You are making great games that are wholesome and entertaining, and my whole family enjoys them! Keep up the good work! We're looking forward to DD2!

[Sherry]

WOW! That looks great! It sounds like you have this sequel planned, and it's just a matter of bringing it to life. Can't wait to see for previews. Do you think it will be ready in time for Christmas ideas?

[Thurmond]

OH. MY. GOODNESS. Your artwork keeps getting better with each new game. That looks awesome! My imagination is running wild as to what kinds of spy things Dirk may be doing there. I'm glad to hear there will be more stealth elements in the game. Can't wait to hear what you've got in mind.

[Ceolach]

Very cool scene. I really enjoy the parallax scrolling... it adds so much to the gaming experience.

[TroyHepfner]

Wow, thanks for all the positive comments, everyone. Glad you all like it!


Do you think it will be ready in time for Christmas ideas?
We're going to try, but since we do this part time, it will be a challenge. Keep checking back at my blog to monitor our progress.

[trannybrad]

Troy,
What about a way that the player can "create" an animated copy of themselves from a character menu to inject into the game, like I become a badguy that Dirk has to nuetralize in order to move on? It's kind of hard to describe in text what I mean though.
Brad

[TroyHepfner]

I think I understand what you are asking. You would basically like to add yourself as a character in the game. That's a neat idea, but that would be a lot of work. And I'm not sure how I would animate such a character. The character would have to be pretty static (not moving), which limits what it can do to challenge Dirk. I'll have to give this some more thought.

[Thurmond]

I find I keep coming back to look at this picture. I'm eagerly waiting for Dirk 2, or your next post at least. :o

[Ceolach]

Okay... now that I have got through all 5 levels (although I have to go back and look for the door to 5.X) I am impatintly awaiting Dirk 2. No pressure! :rolleyes:

[trannybrad]

Troy,
I told the girls yesterday the wonderful news about DD2 and you would not believe the screaming that came out of their little bodies! They also wanted to put in a request for any testing that may need to be done if the need is there. I downloaded the dress making kit for Fashion Sense but I think it may be too involved for them (read for me)!
Take it easy and we'll keep looking for the DD2 updates!
Brad