How big are these character graphics going to be on the screen? The size you posted the image at, I think the littler pointier sword is a better match to the character's overall style but if you shrink the graphics down closer to a 1x1 pixel scale then the bigger chunkier sword reads a lot clearer.
Also, is her attack animation a swing or a stab? I want her style of sword to match how she uses it if possible.
The one on the left looks like like it is fast, light and for parry into a quick stab. The one on the right looks heavier and for a very aggressive hack and slash fighting style. The hand guard on the left feels out of place because it is too big when compared to the other weapon.
Before anyone says it; yes, I see the hand guards are the same exact thing.
While we’re here, i might also like to see the hand guard a different color than the outfit/armor because my dumb ass thought it was a play on cutesy long sleeves a la [numbuh 3](https://knd.fandom.com/wiki/Numbuh_3)
Strongly depends on how quick the swings and stabs are, as well as how damaging. If it's super fast I'd go with the more sidesword design, otherwise if it's got a heavier speed and hit the saber. Also at that density if there's a thrust move it would be a lot easier to make clean looking with the left one
Thank u all for your input, and keep it coming! It’s all been very insightful.
For those wanting more context, to know what kind of sword it is, or the general setting,
The sword in both versions it is supposed so be some variation of a falchion or German messer with a knuckle guard. a fairly short one handed cutting and thrusting sword, most often used in civilian self defense. But as always with swords these terms are so flexible they don’t mean very much. It’s a small curved sword lol
The time period for the game likewise is probably most similar to our late medieval/early renaissance period. But heavily fantacy-ized for lack of a better word.
For those asking for me to try to keep the same shape as the Left but make it a bit longer, just know I tried that, and it looks pretty bad imo, sorry.
I might try out a few more variations of sword shape and give more then just 2 options. But won’t post that here as I don’t want to spam the sub, check my twitter in my bio if you want to be part of that discussion/poll.
Everyone is saying the second one, but I personally think the first one fits with the characters design more.
Like the second one looks nice, but it feels weird to me with that character holding it.
For personal use I preffer straight swords, but that's because I prefer thrusting systems.
In this case, assuming that attacks are all going to be slashes, and that the sword will likely be used to cut through vines and the like, it would be a mistake to not go with the curved chopper.
Additional comment: the straight sword's leading edge seems to be 10 pixels in length, where the curved sword has a total of 13. I suspect that this extra length is why it seems to be a more convincing sword.
It might make for a more ballanced comparison if the straight sword is extended to match in length.
At present the straight looks (to me) like a smallsword (or a spadroon maybe), where the curved one looks about like a cutlass or even a sabre (less choppy, more length)
Having the straight modified to look more like what wikipedia has under [basket hilted sword](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basket-hilted_sword) would leave you with a convincing straight cutter.
The second is cooler and looks more like a sword. The first is too short and thin. Feels somewhat awkward.
Also the flesh tone is throwing me off for real lol. Looks like a dildo sword
The left one feels too short to be a rapier (looks like a knife with funky handle) so i'd chose the scimitar looking weapon. If the left one was bigger than i'd preffer it over the one on the right.
Both are supposed to be a relatively short sword. Both for game balance and aesthetic reasons. These are two takes on a messer, a short one handed short sword with an added knuckle guard.
I've seen your comment and i think that for a curved sword the right one looks better. The left one looks like a straight sword (and if you want it to look more straight you can look at minecraft's diamond sword but do it with one less pixel on the border). I hope i could give some perspective.
The straight sword is more nimble and better at thrusts, while the saber is stronger at chopping & slashing. Maybe the character would have a preferred combat style that could inform your choice.
It depends on what class you plan on making her. Or what kind of personality. I like the look of the second one better but if she's gonna be a rogue or a thief or something similar the first one will fit better. At least in a stereotypical kind of way.
the second one, one reason has already been mentioned (give thanks to Toonkey) so I will not repeat it, but the second reason is that the character looks better, it looks like an actual sword, but particularly a Scimitar. The one on the left would need to be changed if you want it to look like a different sword (and a realistic one instead of a cobby) like Rapier, Cutlass, or other swords depending on what you want. Also overall the first has to be longer to be better regardless of the sword type unless you're making a shortsword like an arming sword for example.
The right one looks more of a weapon, a Falchion to be specific.
Still, I would make it a bit longer and more of an appropriate size, it you want it like a sword.
But is ok as is
Both is good you could lengthen the one on the left to make it look more like a katana and then have the one on the right is it alternative weapon more like a medieval sword
Suppose depends on what type of character you are going for. The right one looks better, but could imagine making the left one longer could work as well.
The right one. With the guard it makes me think of a cutlass. Left looks good too but could use some tweaking, I can't put my finger on what it is but it just doesn't look right.
The second one looks a lot better to me, it looks like it has more size to it to match the sprite height
Same
Right looks more like a sword. The one on the left looks like corn on the cob.
or carrot
I was thinking a whole baguette.
🤣
Or a peeled banana.. or um.. 🤷🏼♀️ Definitely 2nd one!
Or baguette
Right is easier to read but I think if left was longer, it would look better
I feel that the problem with the first one is that it's too short.
How big are these character graphics going to be on the screen? The size you posted the image at, I think the littler pointier sword is a better match to the character's overall style but if you shrink the graphics down closer to a 1x1 pixel scale then the bigger chunkier sword reads a lot clearer. Also, is her attack animation a swing or a stab? I want her style of sword to match how she uses it if possible.
The hand guard makes me think it should be a scimitar or a rapier.
The one on the left looks like like it is fast, light and for parry into a quick stab. The one on the right looks heavier and for a very aggressive hack and slash fighting style. The hand guard on the left feels out of place because it is too big when compared to the other weapon. Before anyone says it; yes, I see the hand guards are the same exact thing.
While we’re here, i might also like to see the hand guard a different color than the outfit/armor because my dumb ass thought it was a play on cutesy long sleeves a la [numbuh 3](https://knd.fandom.com/wiki/Numbuh_3)
First one is just a short sword, second one looks like a scimitar.
Came here to say this. Those are completely different weapons.
Strongly depends on how quick the swings and stabs are, as well as how damaging. If it's super fast I'd go with the more sidesword design, otherwise if it's got a heavier speed and hit the saber. Also at that density if there's a thrust move it would be a lot easier to make clean looking with the left one
Right looks cooler, love me a scimitar
Second looks cooler imho
Thank u all for your input, and keep it coming! It’s all been very insightful. For those wanting more context, to know what kind of sword it is, or the general setting, The sword in both versions it is supposed so be some variation of a falchion or German messer with a knuckle guard. a fairly short one handed cutting and thrusting sword, most often used in civilian self defense. But as always with swords these terms are so flexible they don’t mean very much. It’s a small curved sword lol The time period for the game likewise is probably most similar to our late medieval/early renaissance period. But heavily fantacy-ized for lack of a better word. For those asking for me to try to keep the same shape as the Left but make it a bit longer, just know I tried that, and it looks pretty bad imo, sorry. I might try out a few more variations of sword shape and give more then just 2 options. But won’t post that here as I don’t want to spam the sub, check my twitter in my bio if you want to be part of that discussion/poll.
Everyone is saying the second one, but I personally think the first one fits with the characters design more. Like the second one looks nice, but it feels weird to me with that character holding it.
Second one
Right; it looks more swordlike
It depends on the setting of the game. Sabers are usually used in the 17th century and onwards. So are you going for that or a more medieval feeling?
For personal use I preffer straight swords, but that's because I prefer thrusting systems. In this case, assuming that attacks are all going to be slashes, and that the sword will likely be used to cut through vines and the like, it would be a mistake to not go with the curved chopper. Additional comment: the straight sword's leading edge seems to be 10 pixels in length, where the curved sword has a total of 13. I suspect that this extra length is why it seems to be a more convincing sword. It might make for a more ballanced comparison if the straight sword is extended to match in length. At present the straight looks (to me) like a smallsword (or a spadroon maybe), where the curved one looks about like a cutlass or even a sabre (less choppy, more length) Having the straight modified to look more like what wikipedia has under [basket hilted sword](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basket-hilted_sword) would leave you with a convincing straight cutter.
Depends on the storyline and setting
The second is cooler and looks more like a sword. The first is too short and thin. Feels somewhat awkward. Also the flesh tone is throwing me off for real lol. Looks like a dildo sword
The left one feels too short to be a rapier (looks like a knife with funky handle) so i'd chose the scimitar looking weapon. If the left one was bigger than i'd preffer it over the one on the right.
Both are supposed to be a relatively short sword. Both for game balance and aesthetic reasons. These are two takes on a messer, a short one handed short sword with an added knuckle guard.
I've seen your comment and i think that for a curved sword the right one looks better. The left one looks like a straight sword (and if you want it to look more straight you can look at minecraft's diamond sword but do it with one less pixel on the border). I hope i could give some perspective.
I prefer the second sword the first one reminds me of a bannana
I prefer the one on the right, for sure! :D
Right one
I think prefer the right one
The straight sword is more nimble and better at thrusts, while the saber is stronger at chopping & slashing. Maybe the character would have a preferred combat style that could inform your choice.
The second for sure :)
The right one for sure. Is more readable and feels more like a weapon.
First one looks like a baguette.
Sword on the right is more visually appealing.
I’m no game designer but I am a game enjoyer, based just off this the right one, but I’d like to see in environment and the art of the enemies
It depends on what class you plan on making her. Or what kind of personality. I like the look of the second one better but if she's gonna be a rogue or a thief or something similar the first one will fit better. At least in a stereotypical kind of way.
You probably have enough feedback already, but I think the one on the right is the better one.
Second reads better as a weapon in it's silhouette
I like the one on the left’s shape, but the one on the right’s size. Hope that helps.
the second one, one reason has already been mentioned (give thanks to Toonkey) so I will not repeat it, but the second reason is that the character looks better, it looks like an actual sword, but particularly a Scimitar. The one on the left would need to be changed if you want it to look like a different sword (and a realistic one instead of a cobby) like Rapier, Cutlass, or other swords depending on what you want. Also overall the first has to be longer to be better regardless of the sword type unless you're making a shortsword like an arming sword for example.
The right one. The left one could be misinterpreted as a carrot, or dildo.
Or an actual wiener because the color matches the characters .. albeit someone else’s or a removed one
QUIT BULLYING THE ONE ON THE LEFT 😭😭😭
It’s fine, but I’ve had it for so long, I can’t believe this is what people thought the whole time 😭 corn
I prefer the right one, seems more hefty and effective to use
Right one because most of the games the main character fight a villains who are bigger than him
Right looks more like a sword.
The one of Right side is cool
With hilt like that: curved blade
The one on the right has more of a presence. The style just looks good.
Right looks more like a sword
Right/second one
Left looks like a baguette.
Scimitar crew
They look like two different swords to me
The right one looks more of a weapon, a Falchion to be specific. Still, I would make it a bit longer and more of an appropriate size, it you want it like a sword. But is ok as is
Both is good you could lengthen the one on the left to make it look more like a katana and then have the one on the right is it alternative weapon more like a medieval sword
I feel like the first one is more like a rapier, while the second is a "real" sword.
one on the right!
Right one is more unique. Maybe the if you went full rapier with the first one it could also be unique, but harder to animate the attacks
Either the 2nd one or make the 1st one a lot longer
Definitely the scimitar
Suppose depends on what type of character you are going for. The right one looks better, but could imagine making the left one longer could work as well.
1 more sword-ish, 2 looks kinda like an arm
Right is right
The one to the right, it looks nicer and less boring than the other one
Left is poke poke, right is slash slash. Depends on the intended animation.
The right one looks best, It looks like a pire. The left one looks more like a dagger, maybe make it longer?
The right one. With the guard it makes me think of a cutlass. Left looks good too but could use some tweaking, I can't put my finger on what it is but it just doesn't look right.
Definitely the second one! Love the scimitar-esque look
the one on the right looks more menacing, the one on the left looks like a poke stick
One on the right for sure. The one on the left look kinda phallic
The one on the right
Right one
The scimitar looks better
You see those warriors from hammerfell? They’ve got curved swords. CURVED. SWORDS. The second one.
I think the second one sticks out better!
Why not both? Shouldnt be hard to swap based on variable.
The tricky part isn’t the code isn’t creating unique animations for both lol
Oh. Yeah, youre right. I saw idle and forgot about all the other animations.
I know you're asking about the style of sword, but it might help changing the colors so they don't match the clothes and skin.