Elderlore

Source: GearHead RPG

Ideally you want every mecha to have a unique look, but at the same time it should be possible to tell which mecha belong together just by looking at them. Thus far I haven’t been thinking of this as much as I should have.

I think Mobile Suit Gundam did this well with the Zeon mecha (some of you are probably wondering if I watch any TV shows other than Gundam lately. Well, I’m also watching Corner Gas, but I find that it has far less relevance to GearHead). Each of these mecha has a single red eye, and can be identified from the shape of its visor.

You can see the originals at the GundamOfficial website. Obviously this train was also made by Zeonic Corporation:

Well, maybe not, but I think that it does show the power of a signature look. Anyhow, here’s a picture of mecha heads I made for GearHead2:

Most of the Comet mecha look similar except for the Trailblazer. They also have similar bodies, with three segments and the cockpit located just under the head. The Hoeller mecha are all kind of smooth with differently shaped viewports and optional spiky bits. Most of the MUGL mecha are round and stubby, with several models going for the scary mannekin look. The overall effect is meant to evoke the image of a 100 ton toybox.