'Shmup project' development series - sketches

A couple of days back I showed you some basic shoot-em-up player craft. These were only a start...of the project. Nieeheeee!

Below, some sketches/design sheets for ideas. The idea was to go more futuristic, less conventional, more out there. these are only 2 of what I've come up with (and I haven't only done 2 pages!!)I will be doing some other design stuff in parallel to this over the coming week (well, that is the plan). Hopefully have some animations and delicious sprites up as well!

With this entry, I create the longest blog I have had! A huzzuh is in order.

Oh yes, the artwork:

I have a bigger idea in mind, and this was just a test to see if I could get a styled take-off sequence working. needless to say, I think I did! It's not 100%; the movement of the aircraft isn't precise and there isn't any lighting on the plane from the obviously bright firey fire.

This animation uses 20+ frames, of which 90% are frames for moving the plane up and back. total colours: 19 all up.

Some still frames:

I wanted to give the impression that the aircraft was really gunning it, but I also wanted it to be an anime-esque take off: Engines to full, and BAM! You'e off fighting space monkeys or mutated alien humans on Mars (note lack of anime watching-ness).

Now to design more craft. I hope to post up some more designy stuff soon once I get permission from the powers that be and are.