Golden Duo: Cole & Dean

Hello, precious Retrobots!

Welcome to the first of many devlogs for our game.

I’m Arya, the narrative designer of Bullet Ballet. I’m excited to share this journey with you and bring you along for the ride. This week, we’re diving into the character designs of Bullet Ballet, how Cole and Dean came to life and the thought process behind their creation. Buckle up and stay tuned because there’s plenty more to come.

Now, let’s talk Bullet Ballet!

Meet The Golden Duo

Today, I will introduce you to Cole and Dean, the notorious golden duo. Feared, respected, and too sharp to be caught off guard, these two shaped the world of Bullet Ballet, without them, there would be no story to tell.

Cole Concept Art

Dean Concept Art

Backstory of The Golden Duo

Cole and Dean met as young men trying to make a name for themselves in the Wild West. Cole was a natural outlaw, relying on instinct and skill, while Dean had a way with people, always knowing how to get what he wanted without ever pulling the trigger himself. Their strengths complemented each other, turning them into a duo that always seemed one step ahead.

Design Process

When designing Cole and Dean, we made sure their visuals reflected who they are. To bring these characters to life, I worked closely with our exceptional 2D artist, Ece.

For each character in Bullet Ballet, we defined key elements that deepened our connection with them, from their wardrobes to their natal charts, and even the playlists they’d listen to on a lonely rainy day.

If I were to summarize them on a superficial level though, it would be as follows:

Cole is rugged and practical, weathered clothes, a hardened expression, and dual holsters reinforce his life as an outlaw who trusts his instincts and thrives in action. His stance is firm, shaped by years of survival and gunfights.

Dean, in contrast, presents himself as approachable and composed. His clean vest, neatly groomed mustache, and confident posture give him the air of a man who knows how to navigate any room. He carries himself like someone who always has a plan.

Naturally, both characters were crafted with distinct details to ensure they stand out in Bullet Ballet’s bold, comic-book-inspired world.

FPS Animation Showcase

Cole will be a playable character in the first chapter of Bullet Ballet, presented through a framed retrospective narrative. Here’s a small preview of his animations. Below, you’ll find his kick and knife-throwing sequences.

And that’s a wrap for this week’s devlog!

Next time I will greet you with another blog post on our devlog. In the meantime, stay sharp and don’t let your guard down because this is just the beginning.