Paleo Pines Mountain Environment Concept

One of the environment concept pieces I created for Paleo Pines.

I was concepting the Mountain zone, one of the most difficult areas in the game that would really test the skill of the player. It had to feel challenging whilst still keeping the friendly, non-threatening tone of the game.

I began with some quick level design thumbnails. How does the game look? What do mountains and paths look like in the game?
Then I began on some colour thumbnails. These really pushed the atmosphere and shapes beyond the basic layout of the levels we had been working on so far.

Taking a mix of inspiration from Asian and European mountain ranges, I built up some severe vertical shapes and twisting mountain trees. It had to feel whimsical, yet dramatic. The second colour thumbnail really stood out, the composition was stronger and the triumphant dinosaur made the piece feel more alive.

Whilst rending out the concept, I added another little dino in the foreground to bring the environment to life.