Pixel Art

There are many possible ways to draw a character. They could be drawn as a model (a 3D character) or a sprite (2D character). Now, there are many sub groups to each of these subjects. At Low Orbit Games, we will focus our first few projects on 2D characters. Our characters will be simple pixel Art, simple 32x32 pixel drawings. However, we won't do that just with characters. We will be doing it as well with the landscape, miscellaneous objects, or anything to be honest. So, the question is, how do we do this?

Characters are drawn over several frames which loop, or an animation of the character. A simple walking animation may consist of however many frames we want. A simple three-frame character could suit the purposes of robots, while more frames enable seemingly more fluid motion. However, through every frame, the character should maintain the same proportions- the head may bob up a bit but the character, unless intended to do so, should not have its body twitching as it walks. Fluid motion requires meticulous work, but it provides amazing results.

As for landscapes, we don't need to draw every single map out individually, we can use a simple template. Basically, drawing can be used over and over again to create elegant maps.

Take this pathway for instance, Place a grid over it, and we can use each corner/side/center piece to craft anything we want. To ensure the pieces flow evenly into each other, we can use a technique called "offsetting". In short, let's take the center, plain road. All we need to do is offset the image's x and y by half of the image's length and width, and what is in the center of the image moves to the sides and the sides to the center. Then, we can see where any discrepancies exist and work to remove them.

Just a few drawings can be put together for infinite uses, and that can be done in many games. When playing pokemon or Legend of Zelda, look for these transitions and see if you can create a pallet grid to make your own maps.