Upgrade the character models

[Rifit]

Personally, I'm tired of games using the lego character model design from minecraft. It feels...cheap and lazy. I'd recommend using low poly models similar in complexity to the cars. Don't use realistic models because that will just make your game look horrid, and don't use 3D pixel art models because those always look terrible.

I like this game. It's very interesting and combines a few things I've always wanted to see together. However, if you want this game to seem more interesting, I'd develop an art direction that isn't minecraft if I were you. Minecraft's low quality graphics were balanced out by its art direction- everything being made out of blocks or sprites. When you make a game that aims for that minecraft asthetic but has several things that are not made of blocks or sprites, then the asthetic breaks down and the game just looks low quality.

In short, I think the buidlings being blocks is fine, the car models are fine, but the character models and the weapon models need more complexity.

[SnapperTheTwig]

Can you please post some images of what you'll like to see? Make X look "better" is difficult without any idea of what "better" is supposed to be.

Its also useful for the community as then we can build a consensus regarding direction

If I'm going to hire a freelance artist I need reference images

[Rifit]

The biggest thing about this is consistant art design. Make sure that everything fits the style you're going for. As for what style you should choose, I would recommend going more cartoony rather than realistic just because cartoon and anime styles work better with lower poly counts. The pics I'm linking here are merely suggestions of ideas. In the end, it's your decision on art direction.

https://i.pinimg.com/originals/9f/ea/f5/9feaf521b4699d3c82cef7c348d60e04.jpg

This is a more anime-based model. Anime faces work well with low poly models because they look good flat. I'd recommend this style if you wanted your characters to be more cute and not have rendered facial details.

https://img-new.cgtrader.com/items/669107/7d8567c253/large/simple-1000-characters-pack-3d-model-low-poly-animated-rigged-fbx-unitypackage-prefab.png

This is also a good one imo. I'd recommend this style if you wanted your characters to be more simplistic.

https://i.pinimg.com/originals/bd/1c/6f/bd1c6f635322e74fdfe2c979331cfdfe.jpg

I'd recommend something like this if you wanted something more western. Note that the proportions aren't realistic, but stylized.

Just try to find an art style that you like and fits the tone of your game, and make sure it's consistant throughout your game. Just don't try to be overly realistic. Realism doesn't translate well into low poly.

[SnapperTheTwig]

Thanks a lot for this! I happen to like the second set the best

[Hatsya]

Easier to texture the 2nd set ; If I must put myself to do a "GTA for Weebs" total conversion, the hair will be universal hairplanes, with a quality of Final Fantasy 8 or Parasite Eve low-poly chara.

[Rifit]

I would also suggest adding character customization. It's a personal opinion but I feel a game like this would benefit from it. I just wouldn't feel complete without a female character with three tophats stacked on her head. :P

[rnery82]

i agree with the OP. Although i haven't played much of the game (time problems) the thing that draws me out of this game is the Minecraft models of the people. The rest is great. I like also the fact that the dev is focused and listening

[HammyHammerGuy]

If a fully modeled character was going to be a thing then the virtual paper doll approach like in Skyrim or Saint's Row seems like a logical step after that. A base deformable model, hair, clothing, bulletproof vests, accesories, shoes, and whatever else that could be potentially relevant; in turn those could also be turned into items and be purchased at a clothing shop ingame.

[TaterTot]

Second set looks the best I'd say, atleast in terms of this game and moddability.

I think making sure that people can make custom skins should be a priority for the art direction. This game is an amazing base for custom content.

Personally though, the Minecraft models don't look bad to me. I think it works well, if the animations were on par with Minecraft I don't think it'd be an issue.