Had the time to make a little bonus art. No references, just the ol' imagination and design basics. Always good to know I can put the methods to practice with some freestyle pixels. It's the most enjoyable approach for me. Results may vary, but it's sure to be authentic.
128x180px
27 colors
Aseprite
I've been working on the important details as we begin implementation of the first boss. Of course, that includes one of the most prevalent shmup tropes- the heads up warning. Knowing you're about to fight something big always gets the blood pumping, but the warning should be brief enough that it doesn't add any unnecessary idle time. I'm going with a simple, yet striking design that includes kanji characters.
Also, I created a HP meter for the boss. This is a pretty standard feature ...
Nimble and deadly sharp
64x64px inner canvas 128x128px frame
17 colors
Aseprite
Steady development continues with Death Vapor. We're about finished implementing the 1st mission, except for the boss. Up until the boss the duration is just under 2 minutes, which is exactly the target for the 1st mission. Because of the intensity, and ever increasing stakes, you really don't want a bullet hell level to go on too long. Not counting bosses, typically, levels last a few minutes, and the final stage might go twice as long. I think 20 to 30 minutes for a full playthrough is the ...
2025-02-12 23:11:18 +0000 UTC View Post
One heavy hitter coming through.
64x64px inner canvas 128x128px frame
20 colors
Aseprite
I've neatly packaged my Mini Tutorials into archive volumes that can be purchased from the shop. These include gif and mp4 files of the animated tutorials, and png files of static tutorials. All files have been carefully upscaled to a crisp 1024x1024px. There are currently 3 volumes available, spanning all the way up to Tutorial 150. Of course, all Mini Tutorials are still available for free online, but...
2025-02-03 16:38:24 +0000 UTC View Post
Already one month in the bag for 2025. Time seems as fleeting as ever, yet 2024 feels ages ago. It's the dead of winter, where a pivotal period of death and survival occurs. The growing light tempts to deceive the weak, but a frozen promise tempers the wise. Plan accordingly...
Thanks always for the support of my awesome Patrons.
2025-02-01 17:23:48 +0000 UTC View Post
Nothing hits quite like a cozy cottage in the isometric projection.
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Ball o' leaves variants, isometric style. Learn more in the full Pixelblog.
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Vroom vroom!
Explanation and more isometric tutorials in the full Pixelblog.
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The sources files of all the tutorials featured in Pixelblog 54. Includes 3 Aseprite files.
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Readymade isometric assets for your projects, and pleasures.
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Create a cozy domestic setting with this fun series of step by step isometric tutorials.
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Finally getting into the heart of the gameplay, and having a blast. It's exciting to see all the mechanics and design elements coming together into cohesive level design. We're already on the fifth version of the first minute of gameplay, with each iteration bringing significant improvements, as we analyze every parameter of the design. The most current modifications include improving the targeting behavior of the missile attack for greater precision. Every update also includes several change...
2025-01-16 15:40:40 +0000 UTC View Post
Four-legged creep, packing heat
64x64px inner canvas 128x128px frame
21 colors
Aseprite
Spider type- looks jumpy.
64x64px inner canvas 128x128px frame
20 colors
Aseprite
Welcome to 2025! Congratulate yourself for surviving another year in this wacky timeline. That said, I must acknowledge the blessings of this past year. Overall, it was a solid year of growth in mind and spirit, while maintaining sound health of the body. I'm ever grateful for the privilege to center my life around creating art.
In 2024, I made a concerted effort to improve in anatomy, character design, and character animation. Having made much progress, I'm excited to exploit these s...
I made a little shmup mockup in December 2023, just for fun. One year later, an unreasonable passion has cultivated that seed into a handsome game. While still early, the distinct art style, and foundational design has great potential to bring joy to fans of the genre. In this tiny niche of the industry, that's the best reward I could ask for. Sure, I hope it can make a few bucks, but looking at the landscape of the current game market, it's evident that motivation driven predominantly by pro...
2024-12-31 17:25:04 +0000 UTC View Post
Since it's the giving season, have a bonus Micro Tutorial! How to make Death Vapor cliffs.
Cheers!
Fully fleshed out the canyon environment concept. Mining operations scar the desolate land below, as towering cliff formations sweep by near your ship. The second image shows the base background layer. Started working on a new city environment as well, bringing the total areas to 4, so far. My process for creating environments is to first make a full screen size mock up with all layers. Then, I figure out how to break it all down into reusable assets, and iterate for variety that can span the...
2024-12-18 16:22:29 +0000 UTC View Post
New product update! The Minimal Scenes Wallpaper Pack is now available in the shop. Exhibiting the best examples of my simple 2D style, this pack includes 15 classic designs, spanning from 2015 to 2021. While I've expanded upon my skills over the years, solid design fundamentals provide the vital backbone that stands the test of time.
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Handsome chonk of metal
64x64px inner canvas 128x128px frame
20 colors
Aseprite
The first main boss of the game starts as an elegant ship, and ends as a grotesque husk, lashing out in final desperation. There are three main phases marked by the destruction of its sections. Much of the fire power comes from the pods that glide around the half rings on the front of the ship. Both rings must be destroyed, obliterating the connected wings and hulls, before destroying the metal head, which finally reveals a horrific toothed lined orifice. I've been having a lot of fun plannin...
2024-12-06 16:03:58 +0000 UTC View Post
Includes Aseprite source files of all 8 tutorials featured in Pixelblog 53, and one extra file that includes all animations in one project for easy editing, and reformatting.
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Includes all dummy, and clothed animation frames from Pixelblog 53.
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Ready to step into some real action with flying fists and feet?
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The schedule is looking appropriately festive for the final month of 2024. First, I'll put a ribbon on the latest Pixelblog, with a comprehensive article, and supplemental downloads. Then it's back to consistent gamedev throughout the month. Look out for a new ISOMECH design, and Micro tutorial along the way. Cheers!
Thanks always for the support of my awesome Patrons!
