Dramal Squads – Frontier Warrior

A solo indie developer requested a sample character for their tactical combat game Dramal Squads. The world is sparse and weathered – soldiers stationed at an isolated frontier post. Uniforms are dark, practical, worn down by seasons on watch. Charcoal cloth, scratched leather, dulled steel. Not heroic – hardened.

Deliverables:
One 128×128 pixel art character sprite + idle animation (6 frames) + basic attack animation (10 frames). Style references: Hades and Cult of the Lamb – responsive combat feel with clear sword trail.

Technical specs:

Resolution: 128×128 (idle), 128×158 (attack – extended for sword trail)

Perspective: Isometric, angled left (chosen by client from two sketch options)

Idle: 6-frame loop, 8–10 FPS

Attack: 10-frame one-shot, 12 FPS, bright sword trace

Output: PNG sprite sheets + GIF previews

Artistic approach:

Designed a front-line soldier in his 40s – tired but skilled, no shield, one-handed sword, dark cape over weathered armor.

Color palette: muted charcoal, steel, leather brown, with a subtle warm accent on the hood (client chose left-side armor + right-side hood color).

Idle animation: subtle breathing, weight shifting, sword resting.

Attack: fast diagonal slash with a sweeping sword trail, influenced by Hades's motion smears, to convey responsive impact.

Client feedback:
"This is way better and more in line with what I was expecting. I'm really glad with this result."

License:
Commissioned for commercial use in Dramal Squads. Non-exclusive. I retain portfolio rights.