Mori_Yuki: So I see ... Don't lock yourself into what you believe is pixel art ... Well you got
some pixel objects like the lamppost in there, the goat is cartoon/comic style, the trees and plants are lifelike and your ground could be pixel or simple tiled and a mix of cartoon graphics. Since it's the ground textures you are working on now, decide on an art style matching your trees and plants and underlying grass textures. Make them match and work from there with one that's easy to change and adapt. I would strongly suggest you start studying 2d art styles and find a good match. If it's still just the ground/cave/indoor textures you are going to change then that's fine as long as they match, match,
match! JanRobin: These are a lot of good tips. Thank you. For the moment, however, I'm more interested in the lighting system and am in the process of integrating normal mapping into the game. It's especially nice in the caves and creates a denser atmosphere there.
The different graphic styles are still a work in progress, even though I like some of them. For example, I think it makes sense to design the world of people and the world of nature in different graphic styles. I like this idea and it fits into the story as a whole. Other things, like the roads and paths, I'm tackling bit by bit.
Thirdly, I am slowly working on the continuation of the story and creating concepts for it.
I think in 2-3 weeks I will have finished the normal mapping and can present a new version of the game :-) !
Glad to hear back from you! It's been a while now. :)
I must really say your dedication is admirable. Whatever you are going to work on now or next just make sure to get it done at your own pace no need stressing anything now. :-)
One aspect I thought about which I feel could add to your game is environmental natural sounds. A river or brook for instance, the squishing of feet when it rains, a thunderstorm, snow crackling, wind, rustling trees, dripping water in caves. The latter should not only be heard but also seen of course. The water running down slowly from stalactites and onto stalagmites.
There are many sites offering those free of charge though I think being a developer you should like to support and buy them. Shouldn't cost you more than Euro 20 to get quite a number of sound effects. Just something to consider. :-)