Character Design Deep Dive: The Abyssal Knight

One of the most challenging and rewarding aspects of developing Project Nemo has been creating characters that feel both familiar and alien. Today, I want to share the design process behind one of our most iconic characters: the Abyssal Knight.

Concept and Inspiration

The Abyssal Knight represents the last remnant of a once-proud order of protectors. Their armor, once gleaming silver, has been corrupted by the depths, now encrusted with barnacles and bioluminescent growths. We drew inspiration from traditional medieval knights, deep-sea creatures, and the concept of metamorphosis.

Visual Evolution

The character went through several iterations:

1. Initial Sketch: A traditional knight with subtle underwater elements
2. Mid-Development: Increasing the alien aspects while maintaining human proportions
3. Final Design: Finding the perfect balance between recognizable knight and deep-sea horror

Pixel Art Challenges

Translating this complex design into pixel art presented unique challenges. We had to suggest the intricate details of the corrupted armor while working within the constraints of our pixel art style. The solution was to focus on silhouette and carefully placed highlights to suggest the bioluminescent elements.

In-Game Role

Without spoiling too much, the Abyssal Knight plays a pivotal role in the story, serving as both an obstacle and potentially an ally, depending on the player's choices.

We hope you enjoyed this peek behind the curtain! Next week, we'll be sharing some insights into the sound design of Project Nemo.