I like the ideas and the development you've put into the characters, but I feel the maps you've shown off could use a little work. I've made a list of a couple of suggestions.
General
- You didn't use the shaded tile for tree groups.
- In FRLG, the rock tile that goes on top of cliffs isn't intended to be walked on. There's no reason why it
can't be used that way, so do what your heart desires.
- I generally find your mountains too straight. Back when I was really into ROM Hacking I made Game Freak style maps like you do, so the trees were straight lines, but even Game Freak doesn't do straight mountains. Curves make
everyone everything look better.
Norston Town
I like the layout of the town! However,
- There are no barriers in the water. How unrestricted do you plan on making the surfing?
Route 1
- I generally find it looks weird when trees stop just short of a cliff face like you've done. Using this
tile by pushing the entire cliff face down 1 tile looks better.
- There's nothing to force the player into tall grass?
Vertrose City (love the name. green rose? thank you elementary school french)
-Why does the road go right up to some buildings but not others?
- I try to avoid one tile wide staircases (are they called staircases? They go up cliffs, but I don't know what else to call them) because they feel cramped.
- Also, three mountain layers on top of each other looks fine, anything more looks strange. You can put some space between cliff faces like this
course it doesn't need to be
that rocky, but spreading out the mountain layers makes things look nicer.
Route 2
The only problems are the ones already listed. However, I quite like the shape of this map! Good job!
Of course, you can feel free to ignore all of these suggestions if you want. You don't have to listen to me, make what you enjoy making!
Good luck! I look forward to seeing the finished version :)