I m thinking of having the builds of the character to be similar, with their main differences being their facial features and "backpack"
"backpack" will be something like red faction guerilla MP, with different backpacks for different powers.
Backpack
Fire - 2 or more oxygen tank kinda tank with different sizes, containing compressed flammable liquid/gas. Tanks supposed to look bulky and with dents/imperfections on it. Also, there could be valve at the top of the tank, and maybe with a few dials and meters to "show" the content's volume. There will be pipes leading out to the mechanism on the arm. I am imagining it to be black and small in diameter, in order to direct quick strong burst of liquid/gas to the mechanism on the arm.
Water - Similar to that of the fire guy, but instead of having multiple tanks, there is only 1 tank for the water guy. There could be a clear section on the side of the tank to reveal the content in the tank - which is plainly just water. There could be pipes leading out of the tank and to the mechanism on the arm. The difference between the pipes here and that of the fire is that it will be clear (able to see liquid flowing) and also bigger diameter.
Electric - Ghostbusters. nuff said. Lots of dials and oscillator graph kinda display, LED displays. Cables going in and out of the "backpack", and maybe electric pumps/motors included inside. (imagining the innards of a car engine, with valves point up and down. those valves will moving and charging up to create electricity) Have a fan-like structure at the center of the backpack, to perhaps cool down the device to prevent overheating.
Telekinesis - Backpack similar to the electric 1, with a complex system. Wires and cables will be seen leading out of the backpack and onto a mechanism that is on the arm, and as well as a helmet that is unique to the telekinesis guy. He will have the professor Xavier-ish kinda helmet, with alot of nodes and holes that the cables can plug into. Also, there could be electric pads on the helmet as well.
All in all, my idea is to have a nice backpack design which is unique to each of the element, and not so much of the build and frame of the characters. The characters will be wearing similar clothing, and thus the "backpacks" will be standing out from the model of the characters, and thus be interesting to look at.
not sure if it's a good idea, but that's what I have for now. dun worry, I will still be thinking of more ideas, and will be posting them here when I have them.
- Kok (typed and submitted on phone - please forgive my grammar or typo mistakes)