Line

A line is the beginning of all design and shape. It starts with a single point and continues on to create the first dimension.

Sheard, Dominic. "Star Ocean: The Last Hope Xbox 360 Review." Darkzero RSS. N.p., 6 Sept. 2009. Web. 17 Feb. 2013. http://darkzero.co.uk/game-reviews/star-ocean-the-last-hope-xbox-360/


The picture above is filled with all the various types of line that are used in the game world of design. Three specific types of lines are the implied line, the psychic line and the cross contour line. 

Implied Line

The implied line is not in fact an outright drawn line that the eye can see, but a line formed by a certain direction created by the artist for the observer to follow. The picture below from Ogre Battle 64: Person of Lordly Caliber, has such an implied line formed by the rows of people standing in the hall. The eye is drawn to a vertical implied lines as well as horizontal implied lines. 

Menashe. "The 100 Best N64 Games." Nintendo Enthusiast. N.p., 12 July 2012. Web. 20 Feb. 2013. http://nintendoenthusiast.com/6731/best-n64-games/2/

Psychic Line

The psychic line is a line created not by a drawn line or points that lead the eye, but by the feeling that the line conveys between two points or elements. In the picture below from Tales of Graces F, this invisible line can be clearly felt by Asbel, the male character's gaze towards Sophia, the purple-haired girl. The line of sight is immediately drawn towards this line despite not being actually physically drawn. 

Mirkovich, Matt. "Review." Gaming Nexus. N.p., 4 Apr. 2012. Web. 17 Feb. 2013.  http://www.gamingnexus.com/Article/Tales-of-Graces/Item3416.aspx

Cross Contour

The cross contour line are lines that curve in a vertical and a horizontal pattern that are drawn at various angles to convey a three dimensional form. Below is a character made out of wood from the game Tekken. It is easy to see the various curves and contours that make up his body that make him very defined. 

GamesRadar. "28 of the Most Favourite Video Game Trees Ever." Page 2 -. N.p., 23 June 2011. Web. 20 Feb. 2013. http://www.gamesradar.com/28-of-the-most-favourite-video-game-trees-ever/?page=2