Intro Simple on the surface, yet infinitely deep in its mastery of play, the shmup endures for its pure skill based design. As both an enthusiastic player, and developer of the genre, I will never stop extolling the virtues of shoot ‘em up games. Unfortunately, due to a slew of hybird genres, and a vast wake of influence, the term shmup has become nebulous. On behalf of hardcore fans, we prefer to…
Intro A light breeze passes through the valley, carrying a sweet fragrance of wildflowers speckled among the hearty grass covering. In the distance, mountains suddenly rise up from the fields, framing the vast prairie with a majestic ridgeline of sweeping dips and sharp climbs. Perched among the highest peaks, a grand palace flaunts opulence with its massive towers ascending into the clouds,…
Intro The time has come for another venture into isometric pixel art. In this edition, I build out the concept for a turn-based tactical mech game, very much in the vein of the original Front Mission. Since this isn’t my first foray into the isometric style, or mecha designs, we are going to jump right into the heart of the action. So, if you are new to the subject, I suggest a review of my…
INTRO I’ve got so much going on with my content these days, I find it hard to sit down and just make original art that isn’t part of a series, a game asset, or tutorial. Yet, it’s so important to continue making art for art’s sake to stay connected to the deeper purpose of human expression, and grow technically, but more so spiritually. So without further ado, my first major piece of the year.…
Intro In the simplest terms, any game that allows the player to run and shoot at the same time could be described as a run ‘n gun. However, such a broad generalization confuses the distinction of this hybrid genre, which is best defined by the gameplay. To explain, let’s compare two famous examples, Contra, and Ikari Warriors. In contrast, the former is a side scroller that involves platforming,…
Intro It’s time to have more fun with minimalistic designs in a spiritual sequel to Pixelblog 47. While continuing with top-down designs, based around an 8x8px tilemap, we depart the fantasy theme of the past feature, and warp into a near future sci-fi world. To further distinguish this cyberpunk setting, I’ve restricted the colors to the NES palette, and utilized outlines. I typically prefer no…
Intro Welcome to the 3rd installment of an interconnected series of top down character animation studies. In review, the first lesson in Pixelblog 55 introduced the basic anatomy of the character, including idle and run animations for the dummy version of the character. The blue haired character design was also given an idle animation, but no run. The second lesson in Pixelblog 56 expanded the…
Intro Prepare to step into a world of swords and sorcery, where fabled creatures lurk in the lands seen from grand castle spires. Indeed, it would be treacherous to venture out alone without sword, armor, and the will to fight. Steel your spirit as we depart on a fantastic pixel outing. Free from the pressure of animation, this feature focuses on the pixels. Of course, sound fundamentals are…
Intro In the last Pixelblog, we established a template for an 8-direction top down character with idle, and run animations. With a solid foundation set, our character takes the stage once more to showcase weapon based attacks in all 8 directions. Honoring asymmetric details, all 8 positions offer a unique view of the action as the weapon always remains in the same hand. Wether you prefer to slice,…
Intro Guided by an innate desire to create, humans make things. As such a matter of course, I find it hard to put words to the why and how without attempting to unravel the meaning of existence. Humbly, I cannot declare a clean escape from this quintessential philosophical bog, but a cursory look at civilization through time indicates our role as makers keeps us afloat. From a ham sandwich, to…
Intro Offering the perfect combination of function and aesthetic, the top down perspective is one of the most popular vantage points to employ in pixel art games. Specifically, I refer to the 3/4 top down projection, which shows a large portion of the front, as well as the top of objects, commonly used in RPGs, a la Chrono Trigger. As a personal favorite style to work in, top down assets have…
Intro The consistent angles of isometric projection are a perfect match with the low res abstraction of pixel art. Together, they form an eternally cozy style that deserves regular visitation. While the convincing illusion of 3D may appear challenging at a glance, patience, and consistency can overcome lack of graphic skills. Furthermore, I take a constructive approach that can be easily…
Intro From first establishing basic proportions, It’s been a long journey to get these characters into fighting shape. We’ve put our patience and focus to the test, but now, we’re ready to step into some real action with flying fists and feet. Don’t let the excitement catch you off guard, we must maintain a disciplined approach to face this challenge straight. Before getting into the nitty gritty,…
320x180px, 43 colors, Aseprite Intro I arrange tiny squares on a digital canvas to make images called pixel art. Mechanically simple, but infinitely deep in intent, the human element is what legitimizes the pixels as art. I, a human being, thrust my intention with every choice made on the canvas, in an attempt to ascend myself and any willing viewers above the mundane, into the realm of sublime.…
These characters aren’t just standing around to chew bubble gum, they are prepared to beat up hordes of scumbags. Intro Welcome back to another edition of my ongoing human anatomy series. In the pervious two entries (Pixelblogs 49 , and 50 ), we covered basic male, female anatomy models, and walking animations. In this edition we take a detailed look at idle fighting stance animations. Calling…
Intro Made in the image of God, it’s in the nature of mankind to create, build, grow, and influence with the power of flesh, and the will of spirit. Within the digital realm, video games allow us to exercise these desires far beyond the limits of our earthly capacity. While all games contain some kind of god-like features, an entire genre emphasizes the overlord concept to such a degree, they’ve…
Intro Welcome to my first Pixel Diary. The goal here is to provide a deep dive into my thought process behind the art. In this entry, I dig into the art presented in Pixelcast 47. The fast action of the timelapse is enthralling, but when the dust settles, many are still left wondering how the sausage is actually made. Particularly, on a cognitive level. Well, I’ll attempt to answer that question,…
intro After a thorough study of human anatomy using an 8 head model in Pixelblog 49, it’s time to walk the walk. This is not my first rodeo when it comes to animating a walk cycle, but these sprites are significantly larger than my typical work. While the size affords more details, labor increases exponentially as pixel art is scaled up. Size, details, and frame count must be carefully considered…
intro The ability to accurately depict humans is a high effort, high value skill. Although we all inhabit a body, and are capable of instantly recognizing people from the most subtle features, accurately conjuring our likeness on a canvas does not come easy. Even amongst skilled artists, very few can naturally depict the human form without extensive practice, and use of references. At least that’s…
Intro Throughout all of history, man has inevitably engaged in war, over and over again. With little signs the plot will ever change, we find ways to cope with our intrinsic darkness. One silver lining I can find is the inventiveness bore from conflict. While evil in purpose, the drive of battle has resulted in many technological marvels. Like most boys, I found great appeal in machines of…