docs: add alpha asset shortlist

CHANGELOG.md

@@ -7,6 +7,10 @@ versioned release tag yet, so entries are organized as pre-alpha snapshots.
 
 ### Added
 
+- Alpha asset shortlist for issue #175, covering Anime-Ready Semi-Real PBR
+  versus Full Anime Cel / Toon, recommended first import tests, candidate
+  player/NPC bodies, enemies, environments, shaders, purchase guidance, and
+  import test order.
 - Alpha art look-dev backlog lane: Project #5 now tracks the look-dev scene,
   asset shortlist, clean PBR shader recipe, Web/mobile visual budget, and body
   rig/animation compatibility validation issues for the Anime-Ready Semi-Real

ROADMAP.md

@@ -120,6 +120,9 @@ Recommended views:
 - [x] Art look-dev execution backlog seeded with Project #5 issues for the
   isolated look-dev scene, asset shortlist, clean PBR shader recipe, Web/mobile
   visual budget, and body rig/animation compatibility validation.
+- [x] Alpha asset shortlist documented for issue #175, including style-fork
+  comparison, recommended first import tests, purchase guidance, and import
+  test order for player/NPC bodies, enemies, environments, and shaders.
 - [x] Backend tests for Nakama runtime behavior and model-backed fallback.
 - [x] Unity project baseline upgraded to Unity `6000.5.0b9`.
 - [x] Local Nakama runtime smoke-tested with the current TypeScript module.
@@ -379,6 +382,8 @@ prototype.
   [#176](https://github.com/DOS/Second-Spawn/issues/176), Web/mobile budget
   [#177](https://github.com/DOS/Second-Spawn/issues/177), and body rig/action
   compatibility [#178](https://github.com/DOS/Second-Spawn/issues/178).
+- [x] Complete the issue #175 asset shortlist in
+  `docs/design/41-alpha-asset-shortlist.md`.
 - [ ] Build alpha work in the milestone order from
   `docs/design/33-alpha-production-backlog.md`: A0 stabilization, A1 Body
   Hall, A2 Relay Yard facility loop, A3 Mission Board, A4 Gate combat, A5

docs/SUMMARY.md

@@ -21,6 +21,7 @@
 - [Alpha Design Decision Register](design/38-alpha-design-decision-register.md)
 - [Alpha Stats and Skills Design](design/39-alpha-stats-and-skills-design.md)
 - [Soul Skill Carryover and Sync Design](design/40-soul-skill-carryover-and-sync.md)
+- [Alpha Asset Shortlist](design/41-alpha-asset-shortlist.md)
 - [Game Concept](design/00-game-concept.md)
 - [Game Pillars](design/01-pillars.md)
 - [Vertical Slice Spec](design/02-vertical-slice-spec.md)

docs/design/03-systems-index.md

@@ -75,6 +75,9 @@ The first alpha execution spine is:
 13. [40-soul-skill-carryover-and-sync.md](40-soul-skill-carryover-and-sync.md)
     for learned skill survival, body imprint loss, equipment gates,
     soul-body sync, effective skill execution, and UI lock reasons.
+14. [41-alpha-asset-shortlist.md](41-alpha-asset-shortlist.md) for alpha asset
+    candidates, purchase guidance, style-fork comparison, import test order,
+    and visual budget risks.
 
 Use these files when creating GitHub issues, technical designs, or Unity
 blockout tasks for the alpha.

docs/design/32-alpha-art-audio-and-content-direction.md

@@ -20,6 +20,8 @@ The alpha must communicate:
 - mortal body risk
 - Gate interior as a separate hostile rule-space
 - NPCs as living bodies with roles, not decoration
+- bright, attractive, character-forward presentation instead of grimdark ARPG
+  heaviness
 
 ---
 
@@ -34,6 +36,11 @@ This is not hard sci-fi. It is not pure medieval fantasy. It is a modern
 post-disaster world where Gate interiors can create fantasy-readable combat
 spaces.
 
+The tone is not grimdark. SECOND SPAWN can carry risk, death, TIME pressure,
+and body loss while still feeling colorful, aspirational, and character-led.
+The main character appeal should favor attractive bodies, memorable faces,
+clean silhouettes, and stylish gear over horror, grime, or oppressive realism.
+
 `Anime-Ready Semi-Real` means:
 
 - human-proportioned characters, not chibi or super-deformed bodies
@@ -72,6 +79,14 @@ Reference examples for direction, not copying:
 | Love and Deepspace | Semi-real attractive faces and romance-market character polish. | Do not make the game a portrait-first romance product. |
 | Solo Leveling and Pick Me Up-style manhwa | Modern system-story tone, readable rank/body fantasy, serious but stylish action mood. | Do not copy protected characters, plots, or exact costume designs. |
 
+Primary market appeal:
+
+- players who like attractive anime-adjacent characters
+- players who want stylish companions, rivals, bosses, and recruitable bodies
+- players who care about character identity as much as combat power
+- players who respond to bright, polished, social, and collectible character
+  presentation
+
 Negative references:
 
 | Direction | Why It Is Not The Target |
@@ -114,6 +129,7 @@ Avoid:
 - full medieval kingdom baseline outside Gates
 - pure cyberpunk neon overload
 - beige/brown-only wasteland
+- grimdark ARPG color grading as the default mood
 - full realistic Western PBR as the primary identity
 - photoreal scanned faces or hair as the character baseline
 - chibi or child-proportioned fantasy bodies as the main roster style