Each pixel is a small piece of the puzzle, but when combined, they create a colorful and magical 2D world. From retro gaming “monuments” to modern indie works, pixel art always has an irresistible appeal. Are you ready to dive into the world of pixel art with us, and discover the interesting things that await?
What is 2d pixel art games
Pixel, the smallest ‘unit’ of measurement on the screen, is the foundation on which we build bold 2D games. From the font you are reading, to the game images you are playing, all are created from the ‘collaboration’ of pixels. Pixel art is the ‘combination’ of meticulousness and ‘creativity’, when the artist ‘arranges’ each pixel to create a ‘work’. Because of its ‘intimacy’, ‘nostalgia’ and ‘simplicity’, pixel art is always the top choice for ‘portraying’ characters and ‘creating’ settings in the 2D game world.
The common types of viewpoints for 2D game
There are 3 types of perspectives for 2d pixel game art
Side-On Pixel Art
Have you ever wondered why Mario has become an icon of the gaming world? It is thanks to the classic platform games that have captivated millions of gamers. 2D platform games, with their familiar side-view, were all the rage in the 80s and 90s.
However, to this day, modern works like Celeste continue to affirm the endless appeal of this genre. Imagine you are controlling a small character, overcoming colorful challenges, from amazing jumps to spectacular somersaults. With its exquisite pixel graphics, the platform game offers a nostalgic yet refreshing experience
Isometric Pixel Art
When you step into the world of pixel art, you will encounter the isometric perspective – a tacti often used by game makers. It is like a special tool, helping to expand the vision, when a cube is displayed with three clear sides. This perspective helps to reveal parts of the context that you normally cannot see, creating surprise and interest. But to master the isometric perspective, the artist must pocket quite a bit of experience and diligence
Top-Down Pixel Art
The top-down perspective in 2D games is like a large stage, where the camera is placed high up, enabling the player to explore the game world comprehensively.
There is no general ‘formula’ for pixel art in this perspective. In Hotline Miami, everything is drawn in a right angle style, creating a chaotic and urgent feeling. The sprites seem to be compressed under a fixed lens.
Meanwhile, Undertale chooses a slightly tilted style, creating a gentle and friendly feeling. The characters are skillfully modeled to create a fake 3D effect. This style has conquered the hearts of many gamers, and is excellently expressed in Pokemon Yellow, Undertale, or Chicory: A Colorful Tale, a true work of art.
If you want to master the art of top-down map design, study Saul Toon’s detailed guide on how to create tilesets, or ‘learn’ valuable ‘experiences’ from Adam CYous.
Making pixel art games
Step 1: Choose a Canvas size
Determine your resolution: Resolution is your workspace. Think of it as a grid of small squares.
Look at classic consoles: NES and SNES are great examples. Their resolutions will help you create works with a retro style.
Open the door to the world of classic games: With the right canvas size, you can easily create the graphic effects typical of classic games.
Step 2: Choose Sprite Size
Standard sizes: 8×8 or 16×16 pixels are popular and easy to work with.
Consider complexity: The larger the sprite size, the more detail, but also the longer the design time.
Every pixel counts: Take your time to create the perfect sprite.
Step 3: Build a color palette
Limit colors: Classic consoles had a limited color palette. You should also limit yourself to creating a signature style.
Customize the color palette: The number of colors depends on your ideas and style.
Create a retro feel: The color palette will help you create the atmosphere of classic games.
Step 4: Draw the Sprite
Sketch: Sketch the basic shape of the character or object.
Detail: Remove excess lines, smooth out curves.
Ensure line thickness: Lines are usually 1 pixel thick to create a consistent feel.
Add color: Color the sprite and add a border if needed.
Export: Save the sprite as a .png or .gif for use in the game.
Step 5: Fine-tune and finalize
Check details: Double-check each pixel to make sure there are no errors.
Adjust colors: If necessary, adjust the color palette to create a better effect.
Add effects: You can add simple effects like shadows, reflections to make the sprite more vivid.
Step 6: Get help
Difficult for beginners: Pixel art can be a challenge for beginners.
7SwordGames service: If you need professional support, contact 7SwordGames. We will help you create high-quality pixel art.
Faqs
Why is pixel art often associated with retro or indie games?
Pixel art is often associated with retro and indie games due to its origins in early video game consoles with limited hardware capabilities. Its distinctive, nostalgic aesthetic and lower development costs make it a popular choice for indie developers aiming to create unique and visually appealing games
What are the best tools for creating 2D pixel art?
When it comes to crafting pixel masterpieces, Aseprite often takes center stage, acclaimed for its pixel-perfect editing and frame-by-frame animation. GraphicsGale is a battle-tested alternative, providing a streamlined workflow and a strong focus on sprite animation. For those on a budget, Piskel and GIMP are viable contenders, offering free yet capable tools for pixel art creation
How do you animate pixel art characters effectively?
Pixel animation requires a keen eye for detail. Start by sketching out your character’s key actions, and then use those as your guide. Try to be consistent with your pixel art style throughout the entire animation. Keep your animation cycles efficient, and don’t be afraid to experiment with the ‘timing curve’ to get that ‘juicy’ feel. Remember, the goal is to make every animation frame count
How does pixel art differ from other styles like vector art or realism?
2D Pixel art is all about that retro, blocky aesthetic, building images from individual, visible pixels, kind of like digital mosaics. Unlike vector art, which uses mathematical equations to create smooth, scalable shapes, pixel art has a distinctly handcrafted, lo-fi charm. Realism, on the other hand, aims for photo-like detail, often using complex shading and textures, whereas pixel art embraces simplicity and stylized representation, resulting in a unique visual style that’s both charming and nostalgic.
Conclusion
With the continuous development of technology, 3D graphics are becoming more and more vivid and realistic. However, the appeal of 2D pixel art games has not diminished. By combining nostalgia and creativity, game developers have created unique and memorable gaming experiences. Pixel art is not only a graphic style, but also a cultural heritage of the gaming industry.
