Initially I'd decided on retro style graphics with areas constructed from 8x8 blocks - that seemed sensible as drawing is not my greatest talent. Having tried a few things with 8x8, it seemed that 16x16 might be more suitable. 8x8, though quick to produce gives very little detail.
Now though, I'm even considering 32x32.
[...some time passes...]
After a week off from normal job and playing around with a few more graphical ideas, I've settled on the 16x16 format. It seems my own drawing isn't detailed enough to warrant 32x32. I'll be using multiple 16x16 blocks to create larger shapes to reduce the overall feeling of being blocky.
Another thing I've decided is to have the game divided into levels, like floors in a building connected by stairs and/or an elevator. Each floor will be themed so you'll have an maintenance level, medical level, etc. depending on what the story needs. Each level will have it's own items suitable for the theme of that level. Say you might pick up a nail gun in a maintenance bay somewhere.
Example of a 32x32 block level |
16x16 blocks |