Time Elements: Character Core Set
A downloadable asset pack
Build your own characters! The TIME ELEMENTS series is all about modular pieces, so you can customize your own RPG sprites. Swap outfits, hairstyles, armor, weapons, and more. The characters are fully animated: take your gameplay to the next level with four-directional action combat! And all with a high-quality pixel art style like the your favorite RPG classics.
With the Time Elements Character Core Set, you can create more characters than you will need to fill an entire game world!
Content:
- Over 64 unique pieces that can create hundreds of characters
- Includes 5 premade heroes and 16 premade NPC sprites
- Build your own sprites with the included Character Generator!
- Animations in all four directions: walk, crouch, jump, attack, and others
- Export for general engine use as well as RPG Maker (VX, MV, MZ)
- 27-page PDF guide
- Bonus: Emotion Popup Animations
More of the Time Elements asset series:
Need some monsters for your characters to right?
FAQ:
- Video Tutorial for using the Character Generator (thanks Baz!)
- What is the size of these character sprites?
The characters are designed to work with a 16x16 tile grid. The actual character sprites are slightly taller than a single tile-- they generally fit into a 16x32 space (two tiles high). This is the style of characters that were popular in SNES RPG games. They should work nicely with most tilesets designed around 16x16 tiles.
- Are these characters compatible with your Time Fantasy assets?
Yes and no. Both styles use the same 16x16 tilebase, so Elements sprites will generally work fine with Time Fantasy tilesets. The sizes are compatible. However, Time Fantasy uses a unique desaturated color palette with a muted feel that will clash with characters in the Elements style. If you want to use both styles together, then it’s recommended to re-color the Time Fantasy tilesets to have a greater range of colors. That way the Elements characters will not look out of place.
- Can I sell a game that I make with these?
Yes! You are welcome to use these assets in any commercial project. As long as you aren't redistributing the sprites or assets, there are no restrictions on how you use them within your game. I hope that your project is successful!
- Will there be future updates or expansions with more pieces?
Yes! In fact, I’ve already designed nearly twice as many pieces as the ones you can find in this set. But it takes a long time to animate them, so if we included them all, this release would have been delayed for another half a year and cost twice as much. You can be sure that I am looking forward to releasing more Elements content that you can use to create new characters.
Update: So far, one additional expansion pack has been released. There are more planned!
- Will there be new tilesets to match these character sprites?
Yes! I plan to build up this style with a series of future asset packs and expansions, including tilesets for a variety of settings.
Stay tuned for more content!
This release wouldn't be possible without the support from Patrons. Sign up for more assets like this, including requests and access hundreds of releases in the archive!
- Website: http://finalbossblues.com
- Subscribe: https://www.patreon.com/finalbossblues
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/finalbossblues/
Note: I've attached some sample files below (in the download demo section).
The purpose of these samples are so you can test the character in context, to check that the size and style are right for your project. It is a single character with only the basic walking animations.
Another Note: The original release was missing the "palettes" folder (and the palette files therein), which is mentioned in the guide. I've uploaded it here as a free separate download to make it easy to access if you need it.
Purchase
In order to download this asset pack you must purchase it at or above the minimum price of $20 USD. You will get access to the following files:
Download demo
Development log
- Generator UpdateFeb 14, 2024
- Missing Palettes AddedJan 28, 2024
- Elements Generator UpdateJan 31, 2023
- Alignment Plugin UpdateOct 26, 2022
- Added Sample SheetsOct 04, 2022
Comments
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Entered a game jam using your (edited) character sprites, here's a link to the demo:
https://cid331.itch.io/trails-of-tranquility
Do you plan on making some sci-fi stuff for time elements
Yes, definitely! But... when? There's other stuff at the top of the list first :shrug:
Hey Finalbossblues! I'm dubting about buying this pack or time fantasy. But I have a question. Do Time Elements or Time Fantasy include Side View Battlers? Thank you in advice :)
Yes, the Time Fantasy style has a lot of Side view battlers, in an expansion pack and also as a lot of patreon standalone assets. For elements, side view battlers are possible to make by putting together some of the animations, though it was designed for four-directional action combat so not every animation lines up perfectly. thanks!
Hey, do you know if this can work on RMXP which has a standard of 32x48 measurements.
You'll likely need to reorganize the sheets; they don't include RMXP format by default. But as long as you organize them in the XP format (and use them alongside other similar styled pixel art so they don't look out of place) there's no reason that they wouldn't work. Thanks!
Hi there - looking for a good asset source and came across your Time Elements series! Really like the work and I'm excited to see what you make next.
I did have a question (and maybe it's a weird one..) but, if I was interested in also subscribing to your Patreon, what would be the best way to access this Core Pack and Expansion (and hopefully other assets) - Subscribing through Patreon alone, buying them separately, or both?
Maybe a better way to phrase it: Does subscribing to your Patreon give access to the Core Pack and Expansion? If so, which membership level?
This is no longer available on patreon, only when it was first released, so it would need to be purchased separately from patreon. This should explain how it works:
The FAQ thread on my patreon page lists all the packs that are available to patrons, there's a bunch that are always available as patron bonuses, this timing is for the major releases like this one.
Thanks!
Wow - awesome reply, and thank you. Really interested in your work! You'll probably see me as a Patreon sub soon :)
Got a question regarding your patreon content! As the assets in this pack contains animations for 4 direction Action Combat, do you have any monster designs that goes along with it? That is 4 Direction Attack animations for enemies.
There will be a future pack with monsters designed for this style of action combat. I've already shared 12 of them on my patreon throughout the summer. Thanks!
Amazing character generator. I'm using MZ and used the plugin provided which does fix the position in game but the sprite in the save file icon and in battles is still offset. When using a weapon, the animation for the weapon animates below the sprite of the player. Any way to fix this?
They're not designed to work with the default weapon system in rpgmaker because it causes all sorts of problems (with other styles too-- their weapon system is very poorly designed)-- so the best solution is to just export multiple versions of your character with different weapons and then switch which sheet you're using. Thanks
Hello again,
Is it possible to include the white variant for the hair and back hairstyles?
Also, a bit more colors for the clothes and tails to combine with beastears
Hello,
I liked it and recommend it, but, Your Linux program has a resolution problem and I can't export it to RPG Maker MV formatThank you
You can now manually change the scale by editing the "Window Scale" value in the Settings.json file, thanks!
Hello again,
I bought the generator, but if I click on any export button, the result is the same... it exports a full sheet
And is it possible to export the characters with a specific size?
The export formats are explained in the PDF file. If you need to customize it to a specific format for your own use, then you'll need to edit the files yourself. Thanks!
My bad, Now I noticed the sheets are differents -_-'
Hi,
Are there plans to update this generator with more parts?
Yes, there will be more expansions. My next release will be a pack of monsters, but after that I plan to return to the character pieces with the next expansion. thanks!
It's just how the layering system works in the generator. You can export them separately and combine them in your game! The assets are designed so a sword and shield combo looks good together. thanks
any sales or bundles coming up?
summer sale just ended, so the next big one will be the fall sale I think. i might set up a regular bundle in the meantime, thanks for the reminder!
well if you set up a bundle for all time elements stuff ill get it today :)
It's up thanks :)
this is so cool wow
Hello, I have both this and the expansion sheet, and just wanted to let you know, there are some cases in which the 'holding up' sprites generated have the arms hidden behind the head, specifically for the left and right facing frames, seems to be a layering issue. I can post examples if you need but I just wanted to let you know.
Yes, this is explained in depth in the included PDF guide. Some animations are simply too complex and if you want to use them for your game, you can use the sheets in an image editor to compile them yourself to have more individual control over the layering.
Thanks!
Hello there, I came to ask is there a way to change the size of the generator. The app is so big I can't the bottom display of the sprite sheet
Yes, this was added in an update.:
thanks!
thank you.
Is there a way to get that updated settings.json file in the expansion set? I only have the expansion but it works standalone without the core set.Never mind, I found it. I was using an old version of the generator from Patreon.
Hello! I love your work, thanks for all that you do! Just a quick question—I bought this set so I could use the customizer, but I can't get it to open on my Mac... I get a "The application "Elements Character Generator" can't be opened" error. I checked and it doesn't seem to be related to security settings, which was my first thought. Do you know if anyone else has had a similar issue, and if there's a workaround? Thank you!
I don't use a mac so I'll have to ask the programmer. In the meantime maybe a windows emulator might work? Thanks for letting me know
Did you ever find a fix for this? I am having the same issue. My guess, is the application is made for intel based MACs and not M1 and above Apple Silicone MACs. Just a hunch.
Hey there,
I'm an individual who bought this product on steam, and I wanted to say I really appreciate it. I've bought the entire Time Elements package, and it's great brother
I hate to be this kind of person, but are there any chances you'd release another package, akin to the character expansion set for it? I'd definitely buy it, especially if it included something like a fishing pole.
Either way, I love your stuff. I've followed you on itch io and I'm likely to buy more.
Yes I absolutely have more expansions planned! Thank you! :)
Hi!
Are the sprites designed in a way to allow both sword and shield (main and off hands) on at the same time?
Yes you can do anything you want with them, the only limitations are in the generator which assumed specific layers, but you can combine the assets in other ways too.
is it possible to add our own modular pieces to the generator? If I made a hairstyle for example can I add a file to the generator and update a settings file somewhere to include that module in the options?
All you need to do is paste the new files into the folders. Easy!
Hello, great sprites! Amazing work : )
A question: Is there a way to change the spritesheet layout regarding directions (Down, Left, Right, Up --> Up, Left, Right, Down, etc.)? Some software uses a different directional layout than RPG Maker. Would love to not have to edit every single PNG.
Hmm, if there's no software that exists for re-organizing spritesheets, there's probably some sort of plugin or action for aesprite or photoshop that might help with that. I know at least there's some softwares that can easily splice up spritesheets into individual files so there's probably something that can rearrange them back together. thanks!
So I would like to be able to randomize the characters or modify characters in game. Is there any way to license the character generator code so I can see how it is done? Is it just overlaying and then saving the sequence?
This assets are really awesome, and the characters generator Is a really usefull feature, nice job!!!
I have a few questions.
Do you plan to update the generator to create, other than sprites and battlers, character faces?
The characters created with those assets are compatibile to use in battles with your time fantasy monster pack?
I have no plans to make faces. As for the TF monsters, they should work fine if you update the colors to match. The TF style uses different colors but they have the same 16x16 base size, so the monsters should work as enemies. Thanks!
Thanks.
Does any Patreon tier gives access to it?
Not anymore now; new packs are shared with patrons when they are first released, but that's a benefit for active patrons so the download key is removed after a couple of months.
Can't wait to see the Time Elements enemies
Are you able to export a piece without a base? For example, can I choose an armor set and export it so that it just shows the armor but the body isn't shown?
Yes, they don't use a base at all and the pieces can be standlone.
Does every character you make have an attack animation or only some?
All of the pieces included can be used for attacks. The only exception are the pre-made NPC characters like the children.
It's pretty cool.
Where could I get / buy more clothes options and a female body type other than making them myself, if possible? They might not exist, but I figured I'd ask anyways. Thanks :)
New expansion coming soon! Stay tuned :)
hi admin, I am consider between this asset and "80+ RPG Characters Sprites" asset, can you tell me the deference ?
In addition to the modular pieces, the sprites are a different art style. It's up to you which style best fits your project.
Thanks!
quick questions.
Is there a way to modify the export logic?
I'd like to get a 4 frame walking as that's default in the engine i'm using. Is this doable?
And can we setup the "Full Sheet" to allow for a specific size, like having it automatically being VX for my use case.
Being able to tinker with some of the generator would cut down my workflow time greatly.
hmm I'm not sure. It uses JSON files for most things so maybe you can find something if you dig in the settings files-- I'll ask the programmer, thanks!
Much appreciated if you can come back with something useful. If not thank you for looking into it!
Great designs! Program is currently unusable because I can't scroll down due to a locked resolution. I can't actually press the MZ export button. This needs a fix or a refund : /
Hi, great art style!
I want to mod the game Crystal Project which uses your assets. I bought the generator but I can't figure out how to make the characters from the generator match the size of the ones from Crystal project. There are 3 savable options and none of them are the same size. I tried using paint.net to alter the size but they came out wonky. Here's an example of the differences in size:
Also, is there any way to use the tank top from the icon?
Try next neighbor for the resize.
Can these be used outside of RPG Maker? Or are we restricted to using it only within RPG Maker?
Any engine is fine! Thanks!
Sorry Can you list all the animations in the description, I'm looking for farming animations.
I'm having an issue where I am using the Premade NPC's in my game, and when I try to walk from their north for the event, my sprite (made using the character generator) clips over the head of the NPC I am coming behind, instead of just overlapping behind the NPCs head. Is there a fix to this?
Hi, I cannot run the generator in linux (fedora 38). I tried to run the binary in Elements-Linux.zip, and Elements-Linux.sh, but I get as an error "The type initializer for 'Gdip' threw an exception. [...] Unable to load shared library 'libdl' or one of its dependencies"
I installed .NET Runtime 6, and the dependencies (including libgdiplus as libgdiplus-6.1-4.fc38.x86_64 through dnf). Also, to be sure, I installed the SDK.
I installed through dnf, but nothing, same error message. Any suggestions?
Thanks.
Not at my machine right now, but if you haven't figured this out yet, you probably need to copy or symlink libdl in your /usr/lib{32} folder, if I remember It needed libdl.so but (on arch at least) all that was in there was libdl.so.2, I symlinked that as libdl.so in the folder and the generator works fine after.
Hello, I bought the figures here and I really like the design, but I wanted to ask where the figures can be assembled? Because they come in different parts
You can make your own characters using either the included generator, or in any image editing software like photoshop. Check out the included PDF guide for details: it explains how to use the generator and also explains the format of the files if you want to do it on your own. Thanks
Heyo, I might using export/import settings incorrectly or maybe I don't understand it fully. To test it I put together a character, exported settings, and closed it to refresh and attempted to import those settings, but nothing seems to happen. Tried checking the readme/pdf for more help. Couldn't find anything on importing/exporting-
Anyway also want to add I love the SNES style art you do and the generator is an awesome addition to the time fantasy theme.
Edit: thank you thank you
Thanks!
As for the settings, yeah the import and export are kinda unclear-- I think that it might not overwrite the settings file correctly or something. I've manually copypasted the settings file in the folder, and edit that sheet directly, instead of usin the import/export options, and that works for me.
I'm working on a farming RPG game and I am so NOT an artist, I am a programmer. I came across your stuff yesterday, immediately joined as a patron, and then bought this set today with the sale! Your elements pack are bloody perfect for what I'm working on, and I love that you gave instructions on how to recolour the fantasy assets as well! The character generator has made my life so much easier--I'm used to having to layer the different sprites on top of each other manually. I cannot thank you enough for these assets. It means I can focus on the part of game development that I love, programming.
Thank you! I'm happy that it helps :)