The gray shading creates the effect of indentations or peeled/exposed metal. As a result the actual shape/form of the object is unclear and left open to interpretation (different people will see different things depending on how their brain processes the information.
If your intention is to show depth and form you should reconsider your shading taking into account the light sources and the shadows they would cast. Exhaust animation should impact all shadows.
clusters are good, animation is good. I think in cases like this it's okay to add some extra colors so it looks like the metal is reflecting the flames, instead of using the same colors as you did on the fire itself for the relections.
Want to give some dough back to all those amazing pixel artists? Donations provide prize money for contests, help cover hosting costs and support new initiatives.
The gray shading creates the effect of indentations or peeled/exposed metal. As a result the actual shape/form of the object is unclear and left open to interpretation (different people will see different things depending on how their brain processes the information.
If your intention is to show depth and form you should reconsider your shading taking into account the light sources and the shadows they would cast. Exhaust animation should impact all shadows.