Final Project: Redesigning and Redeveloping

I might note now, actually, that the original keywords I had determined a little while back changed slightly as I realized that I needed to be able to summarize this in better words.

Perhaps this is an easier way to consider it:

•Silhouette - This is fundamental, and a reminder that we must always consider the basics. Without them, the rest can lack continuity.

•Essence - What about the character makes them, well, 'them'? What appeal do they have and are they unified with the space in which they live?

•Significance - Do they play a role that is significant in any way, even if subtly? Why are they a prominent character? A character that has a strong role can offer indirect control if the player engages with them well.

•Coherence - Do they make sense in the world in which they live? This also helps me to consider whether the previous three points are unified. Unification comes under this umbrella, in terms of visual design and otherwise.

•Intrigue - Is the character appealing enough to strike curiosity? Is there something about them, their essence, that encourages the player to want to learn more about them?

•Experience - All of these points culminate in creating an experience for the player. Strong characters aren't made in isolation. The above keywords can all connect a character to their space. They should be considered as one whole. The basics help to lay down the foundations of this, while the rest enhances it. 

With all of this in mind, I was able to being developing and redesigning both the original 'Red Panthers' I had designed and a newer cast that would potentially bring more substance to it. It could create a richer world for the Aura Sage to describe in her journal.

I just had to be careful not to make it overly-saturated and convoluted. 

This is a shorthand preview of the redesigns they went through: 

Of course, there is rhyme and reason to how they were redesigned following various feedback.
It goes without saying that one of the most obvious changes was art style. While this is an attribute applying to a whole space as opposed to singular characters, it is still important to consider in terms of cohesiveness. A more serious-looking art style is more appropriate for a serious setting.