I'm in the middel of revamping some splash screens for an old game I worked on.  There haven't been a whole lot of our artists around at work lately (hence the hiring), so I figured I'd try to get a little feedback here.  The game's about a ronin, seeking revenge on the warlord who killed his clan and family...these are the title screen and the victory screen. 

The title screen is technically finished, but if anyone has some crits, I'll certianly take them into consideration for refining it further.  The victory screen is just at the flatting stage, so if you have any suggestions about the lineart or composition, it would be much appreciated!

 

The pixel work is amazing in the title screen... great work on the pose and the shading all over.  Nice use of the whipping scarf to establish the movement.

Really nice start on the second piece... only suggestion is to maybe have the victim's hand outstetched towards the viewer.  Arms by the side looks a little "neat".

These are most sweet!
I can't see what to criticize.
The samurai pride screen is a tad dark but I think that's the idea...
The other one.. well it's going great, shade it.
The arms really are 'neat' that way; instead of extending his right arm, you could make the left one laid on his chest.

Thanks for the comments, guys...I finished the shading on the victory screen today...

Yeah, when not in use, usually a katana is held with the cutting edge facing down.  (It should be in the sheath, but he hasn't bothered to wipe the blade yet :P )  It's held that way so when the sword is drawn, the right hand reaches across and grabs the upper part of the hilt, and when the arm is straightened the sword edge will be facing outward.

Anyways, thanks again for the feedback!

Heh, little did I know that nvision had all of the sword details thoroughly thought out.