Gradient Landscapes

For a game I'm working on, I'm using Illustrator to draw landscapes (terrains in the background). I think they look cool, but I've realized after this being a pet project for a long time I've never put them out in the open.

Basically what I'm asking is:
1. Do the two screenshots look like they're similar art styles? Of course, there are constants (TNT, houses, slingshot), but I mean besides those.
2. Does it look good?
3. Which do you prefer?

I'd say both look like the same style, hard to differentiate the two much in regards to style when they both use the same focal points. The images look good, obvious depth to them.  I like the turtle 

I'd say both look like the same style, hard to differentiate the two much in regards to style when they both use the same focal points. The images look good, obvious depth to them.  I like the turtle 

Thanks for the quick response! Glad you like the turtle- and yeah, the object of making these multiple backgrounds is just for the sake of the player not getting bored with one background the whole time. The fact that the real game is still the focal point is great.

They look good and similiar style, but I like the second one more.
Because in the first one the contrast between the sling/houses and the background is pretty low, so the sling almost disappears.

Second is better, more contrast and better looking, but I think you need to make more types of houses with different size and design. Also may be to add fences and roads between houses, for more realistic looking.
In all - game looking cool!

The mountain definitely has more definition to it's shape. While the desert is usually pretty monotone anyway, there is something you could do with sand dunes perhaps to make them a little more equal in detail.

Critique:

• I like the more saturated blue sky in the second screen.
• Try putting a stroke around the houses so they don't get so lost in foreground/background elements, or use a contrasting colour or value.
• More than one house type would be great.
• Put some clouds in the sky.
• Put some other mountains more faded out behind your mountain to add more depth to the scene.
• Make the slingshot RED or something to make it pop. Its your main focal design point and should draw the players eye to it. Right now it blends in with everything else.
• The houses in the distance should fade out, make a version of the sprite that is tinted slightly, don't use grey, use a blueish or purple ish gray.
• The sand dunes in the distance could also be tinted as well, like in 3D games, depth fog helps add a sense of depth to a scene.
• The brown on the second screen shot is very dark, Its hard to tell if there is any texture on it or if its supposed to be mud, dark wood.

Hope that helps.