🔠Cohesiveness

A cohesive art style means all the game's visual elements work together harmoniously to create a unified and memorable experience. Inconsistency can feel jarring to players, breaking immersion and making the game feel less polished.

Key Points to Evaluate

• Consistent Visual Language: Do character designs, environments, UI, effects, and any cutscene art share the same stylistic principles (shape language, level of detail, color palette)?

• World Building: Does the art style support the game's lore and setting? Does the environment tell a story in itself, reinforcing the themes of your game?

• Tonal Harmony: Does the art style strike the right balance between serious vs. whimsical, realistic vs. stylized, etc., aligning with the intended player experience?

• Avoid Jarring Transitions: Do changes in art style feel intentional (e.g., a dream sequence) or do they disrupt the flow of the gameplay experience?

• Levels and Variety: If the game features diverse locations, is there a core thread of visual consistency running through them, even as the specific elements might change?

How to Gather Feedback:

• Mood Board Check: Ask playtesters if the game's overall visuals feel like they "belong together," similar to a well-curated mood board.

• Standout Elements: Have players identify any characters, objects, or environments that seem out of place or clash with the rest of the art style.

• "Feels Like..." Comparisons: Encourage players to compare your game's overall aesthetic to other media (movies, games, books) that have a strong sense of visual unity.

• Gut Reaction: Sometimes, a lack of cohesiveness is felt instinctively. Ask players for their immediate impressions on whether the game's visuals "feel right" as a whole.

• Shifting Styles: If your game intentionally employs shifts in art style, gather feedback on whether these transitions feel smooth or jarring.