those new xeno sprites...

[kooarbiter]

these clearly aren't xenormophs anymore....and I'm honestly fine with that


like these could all use some changes, and that serpent runner strain meme should have been lost to the sands of time instead of taken seriously, but despite how ugly they kinda are, i could work with these

[FoxOp]

What are we going for here? Bugs? In that case just use actual... bugs. Bees, ants, whatever the hell (or spiders, so that marines actually know fear). Xenos were literally modeled after insect hive minds anyway so they already fit the theme. These "new" sprites lack both direction and quality, nor is there anything distinct about them. They just look like blobs- too close to insects to be original, but not close enough to be good.

I say double down on the insect theme. That way the focus is not split in two directions - trying to create something new while also trying to create good sprites. Make a variation based off of bees and I'm all over that shit. You can even use the current color scheme. Black, red, purple bees. BAM. Original.

Pros:
-Lurker beedrill
-Marines literally pay millions of dollars to kill some bugs
-BUZZZZZZZ
Cons:
-"Bugs" is no longer the insult it once was
-Weakness to flying and fire types, two common marine attack styles

[spookydonut]

No one is calling anyone else shit. We are free to voice our opinions on dev matters just as much as any other member of the community. We have a very talented dev team. My concerns are with the Xeno sprites, and nothing else. If these Xeno sprites are the final product, or are in line to be the final product, I see these a decrease in quality to what we currently have, and a complete 180 to the established aesthetics of the server. We should try and stick as close to the aesthetics of the AvP as possible without acquiring the ire of the mouse. If this requires the hiring of professional spriters to do so then I will gladly be the first in line to open my wallet to make it happen.

stuff like this is why nic quit

[Trench007]

After looking at them again, I think they aren't scary enough. They could use a touch-up to make them look way scarier and less cute (while also looking more like insects since they're not Xenomorphs).

[Ketrai]

They're not that bad, but shading definitely needs to improve. There's almost no hi-lighting leaving them feeling bleak. Too much use of hard lines too, but I'll list the couple I think have most potential :

Praetorian : particularily because of the nice shell on its back.
Burrower : Better colours, very much nailed the exoskeleton feel.

Also don't break triodine down. I think these are a good start, with a little more work he could come out with something much nicer. Every sprite artist has to start somewhere.

[Nmuncie9618]

For an entirely new alien species to break away from the ALIEN franchise? I think they look alright, a few could use some work but otherwise good. The thing I don't like is how much it deviates from the "standard" xenomorph, but that's a personal preference as I really like the original xeno design and aesthetic but I also understand people want to get away from that for more creative and mechanical freedom in the game

[HeleC]

They look alright, it's a fact they changed from silly ones with a smile (really old ones) to a way more realistic and now-- This? I mean, they turned from silly to 'gross' in a snap of fingers but that's what we have here. We ain't fighting adorable nor silly things!

Also, do any of you noticed those new sprites look similar to Natural Selection aliens? I noticed how the healing weed looks like one of the buildings from the second game. Let's just hope flying xenos ain't gonna become a thing now.
Attachment 1031

[PogoMarimo]

I would say, first, they do need a bit more contrast in order to read better. Second, you want to avoid any "plump" look. The xenos needs to be intimidating, not cute. Plump is cuteness, gaunt is death. Unless you're going for "grotesque" keep them boney with ridges. This goes for Drones, Hivelords, and the tail end of Runners imo. Also, there is probably an argument to be made to change the palette a bit between the specialist and frontline tree so they're not both the same dark-blue/black, and emphasize the palette difference between the ambush and ranged trees (Maybe make the ranged tree's yellow-green's more vibrant?). Those are strictly readability suggestions.

[CoreyTori]

These sprites look like they're from a different franchise entirely, The boiler looks like the god damn HL2 beta shield bug.

[swumprat]

Throwing in my two cents. Sentinel line is cool. Runner is a derp rest of line is kinda alright but lurker needs to look a bit more different from rav. Defender lien is alright I guess? Defender is cool, Crusher is cool, Warrior looks like a horse (give him some grabbers) and the Praetorian I feel needs a nice crested headpiece. Drone looks like they give good hugs. Carrier doesn't look like they can do what is required of them. Burrower looks cool. Hivelord makes me sad they don't have a big booty. Then there is the Queen. I feel she needs to look a bit more regal but that's it honestly. Just my opinion.

Overall I prefer the old but with some tweaks I wouldn't cry if they were gone. Still gonna play even if changed though.

P.S. Make the larva cute again or I'll rip your pen out through your crayon box. Thanks.