07-22-2014, 08:45 PM
(This post was last modified: 07-22-2014, 08:45 PM by Sevenstitch.)
I don't get this whole "indie game='retro-style' pixels" thing that a lot of people huff about.
Yeah, indie titles don't need pixel art to be indie, what they need is an independent developer.
The visual aesthetic is kind of a moot point in that regard, but if the design of the game is to emulate or
recreate the authentic feel of actual period correct artwork, then yeah I'm pretty sure that well made pixels are preferred.
Fact is that most older gamers (which many current indie devs are) have a soft spot for pixels, so they do seem to be a goto style.
The problem is that many indie titles using pixels as visual media don't seem to have any actual artists that have any pixel experience,
and that tends to lead to a flood of rubbish pixel games where no matter how solid the gameplay is, most will take a glance at the game's
ugly face and turn away.
I suppose that is probably the problem for most people with pixel indie titles. The worst ones artistically are usually the ones that never
shut up about their "RETRO STYLE 8-BIT GRAPHICS." The visual media used in a game should reflect the gameplay mechanics therein,
and shouldn't be used as a crutch to garner passerby support .
This game's gameplay and art design roots lie in the Genesis era, and the effect is well done, and pleasing to the eye;
that is, if you liked Genesis games back in the day. It does exactly what it is supposed to without being obnoxious about it.
Yeah, indie titles don't need pixel art to be indie, what they need is an independent developer.
The visual aesthetic is kind of a moot point in that regard, but if the design of the game is to emulate or
recreate the authentic feel of actual period correct artwork, then yeah I'm pretty sure that well made pixels are preferred.
Fact is that most older gamers (which many current indie devs are) have a soft spot for pixels, so they do seem to be a goto style.
The problem is that many indie titles using pixels as visual media don't seem to have any actual artists that have any pixel experience,
and that tends to lead to a flood of rubbish pixel games where no matter how solid the gameplay is, most will take a glance at the game's
ugly face and turn away.
I suppose that is probably the problem for most people with pixel indie titles. The worst ones artistically are usually the ones that never
shut up about their "RETRO STYLE 8-BIT GRAPHICS." The visual media used in a game should reflect the gameplay mechanics therein,
and shouldn't be used as a crutch to garner passerby support .
This game's gameplay and art design roots lie in the Genesis era, and the effect is well done, and pleasing to the eye;
that is, if you liked Genesis games back in the day. It does exactly what it is supposed to without being obnoxious about it.