Art for Classical era - Critique welcome!

[Scipion121212]

These are sprites made for Classical era. I don´t think I have anything more to say.. Critique welcome.
And, please, if it isn´t 100% needed, just don´t critique about missing outlines. I know it´s not wesnoth style, but I tried it to draw it like that, but it´s so hard I can´t do it. And, please, not about boots (lol) I know they aren´t good, I tried to draw them, but it´s so hard I can´t do it. =) Maybe some tips about drawing boots, anyone?

[thespaceinvader]

They're very flat, and a bit washed out. Use more contrast in your shading.

[potatomanjack]

On the second sprite, his sword is too small, and is too close in colour to his armour/shirt. For a heavy warrior type, he should definitely have either a bigger sword, or polearm of some type.

I'd recommend adding length and colour to the weapon. Blue is always nice for a sword to give it the 'cobalt steel' look.

Cheers,

PMJ

[Scipion121212]

Thanks for advice, here is next version of legionarius, he has redone armour, arm and sword. Working on Cretan archer right now..
Edit: werid, that attached picture looks blurred compared to one I have on my computer.. O_o or my eyes are playing tricks on me?
2nd Edit: Cretan Archer reworked and added even more blue to legionarius sword.. Any further critique on these 2?

[Aura]

Really they should have outlines, it will make the shading appear far more effective.

[thespaceinvader]

Really they should have outlines, it will make the shading appear far more effective.

QFT. Whilst shading in that way can look good, you generally need significantly larger scales to make it work easily. using darker (though not black) outlines will improve the appearance of these greatly, and reduce the washed-out effect.

[Scipion121212]

Thanks for advice, I will try it, but because it is so hard (If it will not work, I will try outlines, I promise) I tried even bigger contrast. Here is what I am thinking. Right now it is only on shield! If it will work, I will add it to whole units. I also deleted iron ledge on (from our view) right side of the shield. (You can see reflection of sun on the shield, which I do not consider a problem in wesnoth, as in night it is a reflection of moon )

EDIT: Nevermind, didn´t know about that viewing thing, sorry.

[Lord Ork]

The boots are the best looking part of the sprites. The rest is washed out, so I think you do need outlining.

You can try zooming into a mainline sprite to get a hint about outlining.