I am not sure just yet on what my side scroller environment will be. However, I've got the challenges down!

Challenges:
-Concepting is a weaker point of mine, this will make me have to concept better.
-4096x2048 Texture Sheet for all items/materials. I have never worked with a restricted texture resolution, only with a "this works" mindset. Having to fit everything into one texture sheet will be fun.
-Biggest Challenge and the one that could cause me to lose: Hand Painted Textures!! I suck at these but I need to learn to do them so I should start now! Everything will be hand painted and naturally stylized. What will I do to make my hand painting stand out however...

I'll have an update on what the subject matter is later today/tonight.

lol dood your challenges are MY challenges, good luck man!

Update: Might be a while before I actually can start on this, I just received two art tests today. In related news, check the PnP forum in a few days for my tests, crits will be wanted.

Having to fit everything into one texture sheet will be fun.

It doesn't have to all be on one texture sheet. You can break up the 4096x2048 however you want, so you can use 32 512x512s, or whatever.