Update #42 - Gen 4 Deep Dive, Previews, and Hiatus. (Patreon)

Is it true?? Am I quitting?? No, not really, I just need a break. We'll talk about that at the end of this post, though, because for now, let's look at some previews!

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We're going to do this a little differently though, using actual spritesheets to give you a better visualization of where we're at.

Here's a shot of all the current Gen 4 sprites (though I edited the sheet to remove the backsprites purely for this exhibition)

Now let's factor in the completed/released Moemon so far:

* Gliscor has been released before, but with a totally different/older sprite.

Looking at the chart this way it looks like we've still got a decent amount of work to do. And, well, we do. The problem is when we look a bit closer and realize which sprites are not actually finished / are being entirely reworked / or will receive an update eventually.

Let's mark all of those that will NOT be released in their current form in Red.

This paints a better picture of where we're at.

There's a lot to talk about with those that have been marked red, but generally speaking the one thing they have in common is that they just don't look good. They're outdated, and WILL receive an update in the future, it's more of a question of "when?", so for now they'll be shelved. Some exceptions may be things like Gallade, whose sprite is complete, but is only male. I may release a reverse trap version of her in the future (or a trap version?).

Then there's those like Happiny and Mime Jr., who are "baby" Moemon and I thought they may not be released, like others haven't (Smoochum, Magby, etc), but then again, some others have been released and simply "aged up" in appearance while maintaining the design of the sprites. If they would be released, they would be paired with a remake of their Gen 1 evolutions.

Which brings us to the final outline; the currently planned releases for this month in yellow:

We'll go into detail about them in a second, but the decision to do any of them came down to the simple question of either doing purely Gen 4, or some combination of remakes with their Gen 4 evolution? I've leaned to the former, with exception of one set: the Porygon family, simply because I've been wanting to redo her for awhile (she was really cute in Gen 1) and it seems like a simple/easy remake. Also, regarding Pachirisu and Aipom/Ambipom, they are really only highlighted/planned should I find I have extra time. Pachirisu being a small, single Moemon release, and Aipom/Ambipom has been mentioned for awhile I just never get around to her ok leave me alone

As for the other releases, let's take a look:

Gible family. I actually wasn't sure if this was complete, but it has no markings on the sprite sheet indicating that it would be reworked anytime soon, plus it looks rather well, especially Garchomp. So they'll be coming later this month.

I usually leave the markings out of these Sprite previews but I might as well mention them. If you didn't already dig into the discord and find these spritesheets yourselves, the letter is coded at the bottom. R = needs to be replaced, meaning a whole new sprite is expected. I = means it needs improvement; generally better shading, or alignment, but not an overhaul. B = needs a matching backsprite. One of the reasons I don't show some backsprites anymore is because they often take way longer to finish then the actual sprite, which is why I've removed them from the card fronts. Either way, Riolu seems to be the only one they want to improve but I think she looks awesome as-is, so she's ready in my eyes.

Skorupi and Drapion. One of the few actual finished sets, and I can already tell it's going to be accessory heavy, unless I can pull some trickery off.. probably not.

Snover / Abomasnow, a little out of season but nonetheless, they will be released soon.

Finneon / Lumineon. These two have been worked on for a long time, I swear I saw updates to these sprites like every day for months. Well, not really, but it sure was a lot of love and care into them. Now, since we have actually clothing options for the tail fins (and not accessories), I'm excited to see how they come out with a little TLC from me.

I thought I had the sprites set up already for Porygon's family, but I guess I don't (maybe I made their card fronts already..?), but either way I'm too lazy to make them right now. You'll see them soon, anyways.

Finally, another Legendary will come out later this month, before the end. Can you guess who it is? Well, it wouldn't be hard, I already highlighted her in the above spritesheet.

Giratina. It's Giratina.

Both forms.

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Finally, I want to announce that next month (May) I will be taking a break. A whole month.

I've been working on this project basically non-stop for years now, and I need to cool off mentally. It's more than that, though, since I want to give the team more time to catch up with releases/updating sprites, so once I return I'll have plenty more to work with for the coming months, particularly with how the new release format will take place once I return  (more on that later).

And don't worry: charges for the month of May will be halted, so you don't have to worry about cancelling/being charged if you want to remain here!

All of that said, let's enjoy the rest of this month, and as always, see you next drop!