Change to Old Locations
 

I've mentioned it before within a different thread that I would like to improve the outside appearance of SuperNick's one day.
Low and behold while the Castle Dungeon is still progressing (in terms of the quest by itself, it's something like 5 more levels and the main boss left to complete, with there being 18 levels and the miniboss already complete), FallChild has provided us a helping hand towards renovating the arena:

http://www.classicgraal.net/supernicks.gif

I'd expect most if not all will agree this is an improvement to the original, the wall tiling slightly improves the perspective while the outer fence is more fitting for being outside, with the sign, lamps and door way providing extra detail.

I believe it is also important however that such a historic and recognisable landmark retains its identity (and yes I know the original building at this location was the Northern Limits :p).
I've shown this picture to SuperNick himself and he's all for it, so now I'm posting this here to gather thoughts, and to ensure it doesn't come across as too much of a surprise in the event of being implemented.

Edit: Now implemented

Sexeh

can't tell the difference between the two versions but that is a good thing I think.

Attachment 54120

It was important to hold the same essence of the structure whilst improving it's quality and perspective (when shown you can see major differences - I'd say it's a good thing that you couldn't recall based strictly off your memory; shows that the intentions were achieved).

Let's hear some more input Classic players!

Works for me. Definitely looks nicer with the wall tiling, and I never did get that carpet edge around it, so it looks good without that.

The biggest issue is something that didn't get changed: the perspective of the tip of the top of the arena. It looks awkward and should be fixed somehow. Bottom looks loads better though.

And I just noticed that it's a bit smaller than the old arena. Maybe if you made it a couple of tiles bigger...

It's the same size, the carpet tiles around the old one are playing mind tricks on you. As far as the top goes this is the best perspective achievable, with these tiles, in a pyramid design.

+1 from me, looks good.

Looks good I guess.. I'm not liking that sign though or the crappy door(s)

So is there actually something wrong with the sign?
It's impossible to distinguish between that or it just being a matter of personal preference against the sign even being there. It's there to provide a base for the text, plus the 2 characters are the 2 Pachuka outfits which SuperNick used one of.

The door is a pair of crossed swords which splits across the middle to open.

I honestly may have plans to redo the sign to look nice, (that work was done quicker then lightning) so don't get too nitpicking bout these small things. As far as the door goes, I've had a plethora of positive comments that it was their favorite part. Personally I think it fits (as do the rest of the staff).

I really appreciate the positive input from the community and am glad to see it were implemented (a good amount of hours weren't spent renovating. Also big thanks to Thor for overseeing changes and keeping things in check.

I think it's the brick tile overlay on the text that annoys me the most, I know that it was originally there when it was actually OVER bricks but this time it isn't.

Yeah, I know who the two outfits are, and I don't mind that. Maybe make them into statues like that fountain below MoD fort had, it might not look good but it's a suggestion to experiment with.

I can see that the swords cross, but I'm talking about the actual door behind it, it doesn't fit well with the tileset and it looks like it's still in the "sketch" mode. It would probably look better if it was one whole door too, not two seperate ones.

Ok so the brick lines have been removed from the sign text, there's a raised outline now aswell:

http://img846.imageshack.us/img846/9962/arenasign.gif

<gauntletvoiceover>Text needs AA badly.</gauntletvoiceover>

Attachment 54147

Gave the B a try. Don't like it very much though.

nice but shouldn't you be able to go up and sit on the roof?

I've adjusted and revived this thread due to the similarity and the potential for repeats in future.
The Graal City Castle exterior has been renovated:

Attachment 54764

While this is a much larger change compared to all previous versions of the Castle outside, it still retains elements of them all in one way or another, while standing out as more unique.

*Attachment was updated

I can't say I enjoy the renovation to the Castle, the tiles contrast in a way that makes the level look poor. It seems almost as if the level editor was rushing through the project.

Like the new castle and tiles, just not the colors of the tiles. :asleep:

Could you be a bit more specific?

The colour of the tiles are the same colours used in the normal castle wall tiles. This helps keep the main tileset below 256 colours, but also allows tiles which may not be specifically intended to work together to blend more easily.

More or less I'm pointing towards the mixture of the colors within the tiles used. To be specific the castle walls and than the "walkable" tiles which sit on the upper structure of the castle. They contrast far too much and throw off the readability of the building. Perhaps this is just my personal opinion though?

I mean, there is too much contrast with the gold/gray tiles, it makes the level hard to look at.

I think if you replaced the gray roof tiles or even the color of the tiles that it will look a lot better.

I like the new tiles a lot, great job.

Exactly what I was getting at. :o

There definitely is a fair degree of contrast between the tiles, which there has to be some of so the floor can be better distinguished. What adjustments to the floor colour would you make in order for it to not clash as much?

I just logged on and took a view for myself, and to be honest it doesn't look too bad. The screenshot of it as a whole made it look horrible. But I'm sure if you at least darken the gray, it would look ten times better.

The problem is you have a very cold(and bright) grey against warm browns.

You could experiment with changing the hue of the grey to something more warm. Contrast in this instance being used to distinguish floor vs wall isn't as necessary when the walls have a solid black outline, and it's not like it's a platformer where poor readability leads to falling into a pit or something like that.

Though I can't say the hue contrast bothered me much as making the floor brown could lead to having a monotonous feel, but if it becomes a majority complaint I feel that's the direction to take it. Alternatively instead of changing it from cold grey to warm brown, you can experiment with other warm colors.

You and Racil had the same idea, it's already been changed, though is still being experimented with.

Attachment 54764

I think the castle looks great now that the colors flow together a lot better than before.

love it. excellent work. a+++++ fast shipper

Good buyer, prompt payment, valued customer, highly recommended.

I don't remember what it use to look like, but it seems too symmetrical in the front even if the left side bench looks only slightly smaller than the right.. Even two signs o.o?

Also, I think with a small image on top of the blue well, it wouldn't look like the pyramid is on top of the well.. (or at least that is how it looks to me). Those two things might help it visually?

Also, also, you shouldn't need a sword to go in and spectate! ;D

The previous version of the castle was much more symmetric than this.