I hate a lot of modern pixel art games for that reason. Those old games weren’t meant to have super defined pixels. The programmers knew they were going to get some blending due to the limitations of the technology at the time. If you’re going for the old school aesthetic at least use a shader or two.
If they’re truly trying to be old school, I agree. Many such games actually come with adjustable filters to simulate that kind of distortion, and even arcade-like screen curvature (e.g., Hammerwatch).
That said, modern pixel art is evolving its own aesthetic that is valid and enjoyable in its own right. I don’t think everyone making modern pixel art games is necessarily trying to be old school.
I hate a lot of modern pixel art games for that reason. Those old games weren’t meant to have super defined pixels. The programmers knew they were going to get some blending due to the limitations of the technology at the time. If you’re going for the old school aesthetic at least use a shader or two.
I disagree completely. The pixel art Castlevania games on Nintendo DS look amazing! So many little details. It’s fantastic.
The Castlevania games on the NDS look great,
Symphony of the Night, originally made for CRTs in the PS1 era, just looks wrong when blown-out by a large LED screen on the PS4.
If they’re truly trying to be old school, I agree. Many such games actually come with adjustable filters to simulate that kind of distortion, and even arcade-like screen curvature (e.g., Hammerwatch).
That said, modern pixel art is evolving its own aesthetic that is valid and enjoyable in its own right. I don’t think everyone making modern pixel art games is necessarily trying to be old school.
The artists, not the programmers.