...on this game [1] I'm working on. I spent some time pimping the graphics with blender, and the result was amazing. I didn't imagine it would be that good when I started. Ok, it's not like it's going to be the next blockbuster, but the difference from the earlier version is remarkable.
Here's what it looks like now ->
http://tinypic.com/r/35d68ex/6
In case you wonder, yes, the sand tiles were also made in blender. I used its procedural textures for this. I had to postprocess them a bit with GIMP to make them seamless, though (I don't know if this can be done in blender).
I want to add stuff to the gameplay now. The original game has colored monsters that you can only beat by picking up a weapon of the same color before confronting them. I'm thinking of putting bodyguards (hired by the girl) instead of monsters, and candies (bodyguards love candies) instead of weapons. But I want to add new gameplay elements too. I already have two, the you - must - collect - all - the - hearts - to - open - the - gate - to - the - girl concept, and teleporters. But I want something drastically different, as in allowing the player to somehow interact with the game after the character starts moving (in the original game, all you can do is set up the map, hit the 'GO' button and then wait). I'm thinking of adding something like soul reaver's [2] realm shifting. Of course, I won't call it 'realm shifting'. I'll call it 'horny mode' or something. You'll be able to use it for a limited duration of time on each level, and, while it's activated, you'll be able to break through switch controled gates, jump over sand traps, etc...
Do you guys have any other gameplay enhancing ideas???
[1]
http://cplusplus.com/forum/lounge/72314/
[2]
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Legacy_of_Kain:_Soul_Reaver