Sprites and copyrights

Hello, I am making a game based on the bomberman series, the thing is, at the moment I am using the power-up sprites that I found in the wiki, like this one: http://bomberman.wikia.com/wiki/Fire?file=Fireupsprite.PNG for example. Will there be a problem if I use these? I don't plan in making game from that game, if I make, it will be throught donations, and I don't mind putting some text saying that it is a fan-game and not an official product, so, should I try to disguise the sprites or just go with them?

 

Don't disguise them, make your own. Its easier for your lawyer

 

It's kinda hard for me to make sprites, especially in 16x16 since it's low res and every pixel is easily seen, for example the bomb sprite, I can't find a way to make my own bomb sprite without looking close to the original one.

 

You shouldn't do either of those things. You should make your own, or hire an artist. "I can't do it myself" will not be a valid excuse when you're in court.

 

That won't protect you from copyright laws. The basic rule is, unless you have permission, you shouldn't use it.

--Eric

 

What about the concept itself, is it okay to do it?

 

Short answer: No. Make your own game.

Slightly longer answer: Maybe if in reality all you're borrowing is the mere concept of a guy with bombs, but since you are already saying that you're stealing the game's art and that it is specifically a fan version of Bomberman to be funded by fans of Bomberman who want you to remake Bomberman, it sounds pretty unlikely that you'll be able to legitimately claim you're not trying to rip off Bomberman.