I'm working on a Shmup using C++ and the Allegro library(graphics rendering, timing and input device handling) and I'm looking for rather experienced and dedicated pixel and concept artists who wants to give me a hand in this quest ^^. I'm currently doing all the (to become placeholder) graphics myself and it isn't horrible but they are MUCH better people out there and i don't have time with both programming and graphics :/.

some of the CURRENT engine specs:

GRAPHICS:
a fixed 640x480 resolution in both fullscreen and windowed mode.
double or triple buffering with optional double buffering vsync.
software rendering (graphics rendered by the cpu).
lockable fps in both an vsync and non-vsync:ed environment for slower computers.

SOUND:
Support for wav and mp3.
The usual stuff like panning and pitching(which is conditionally linked to the game speed value providing awesome slow motion effects).

CONTROL:
Currently only supports a fixed number of keys on the keyboard but I'll try to implement joystick and game pad support and the ability to configure the controls.

GAMEPLAY:
Pixel-perfect collision detection at a speed of 1000 pixels per second in normal game speed.
High logic rate.
Additional speed factor providing things like slow motion.
If i get support for joystick i will make a 2 player option (maybe).
bla bla, the list in endless.

story hasn't been decided yet so any(almost) suggestions would be welcome.
the current idea is somewhat like this:

"The aim of the game is the extermination of mankind, why? because it's fun. You play the role of an extraterrestrial from an civilization corrupted by millenniums of sadistic entertainment. and their next target in their famous reality show "X" is the home of mankind, Earth." (note that X hasn't either been decided) somewhat like that, it could also be the protection of mankind from aliens or another human civilization corrupted by millenniums of sadistic entertainment (or something). like i said, the story hasn't been decided so fire away or tell me what you think of the current one.

the game will work like most Shmups if the story i mentioned will be used: consisting of two radical map types(which doesn't affect the gameplay much): the way to a planet and the destruction of that planet ending with earth the player will make his/her way to each planet and on the way fight different enemies.

The game will be VERY hard, and people wont be able to finish of the game the first time,
the difficulty will only effect the number of enemies and maybe durably of the ship and score received by each enemy.
I'm thinking of both systematic and dynamic gameplay to a certain extent, but mostly systematic gameplay with more than one path.

anyway, enough with the talk, i hope this post will reward the project with an artist :),
if you're interested contact me at albinplusplus@hotmail.com and direct me to some of your work,
if i think you're good enough i send you a demonstration of the engine i have so far and we can then seal the deal if you want :).. it might take a while before i send you a mail.. I'm not in the habit of reading my mail ><.

Thanks for your cooperation!

And i will answer any questions you might have!