There is no shortage of pixel-art games in the industry today, with nearly every example coming from the indie space. The thing is, indie developers most often aim for a pixel-art style that resembles something akin to the 8-bit era of the NES/Master System. This choice is almost always a practical one, as 8-bit levels of detail and animation frames are far more achievable for a small development team looking to make their mark with an indie release.
I, like many others I'd assume, have always felt that pixel art kind of peaked in the 16-bit era (with some exceptional stuff during the 32-bit era as well). SNES games tend to age very well, graphically, because this was a time when there was just enough horsepower for talented pixel artists and game developers to really depict on-screen action that resembled to the concept art that adorned the game manuals of the NES era. Since pixel-art was the de facto art style of nearly every game at that time, every major developer of the time was firing on all cylinders with funding, time, and talent all going toward crafting these visually beautiful 16-bit experiences.
That's why it's so rare to see something today, indie or otherwise, that really nails the look and feel of a 16-bit game. There are a handful every year or two that come close, but there are usually little things that keep them from feeling 100% authentic in recreating that SNES look and feel.
But Tengo Project continues to impress me with their application of traditional, 16-bit-esque pixel art and animation in their games. They really feel like how pixel art would've progressed if there was a successor to the SNES that had a similar focus on pixel-pushing rather than 3D rendering. I don't really have much else to say other than I think they're doing a fantastic job upholding this beloved pixel-art tradition through their work, and I'd love to see more games that attempt this SNES-inspired look.
Ninja Warriors: Return of the Warriors
Wild Guns Reloaded
KiKi KaiKai: Kuro Mantle no Nazo (upcoming Pocky & Rocky sequel)
I, like many others I'd assume, have always felt that pixel art kind of peaked in the 16-bit era (with some exceptional stuff during the 32-bit era as well). SNES games tend to age very well, graphically, because this was a time when there was just enough horsepower for talented pixel artists and game developers to really depict on-screen action that resembled to the concept art that adorned the game manuals of the NES era. Since pixel-art was the de facto art style of nearly every game at that time, every major developer of the time was firing on all cylinders with funding, time, and talent all going toward crafting these visually beautiful 16-bit experiences.
That's why it's so rare to see something today, indie or otherwise, that really nails the look and feel of a 16-bit game. There are a handful every year or two that come close, but there are usually little things that keep them from feeling 100% authentic in recreating that SNES look and feel.
But Tengo Project continues to impress me with their application of traditional, 16-bit-esque pixel art and animation in their games. They really feel like how pixel art would've progressed if there was a successor to the SNES that had a similar focus on pixel-pushing rather than 3D rendering. I don't really have much else to say other than I think they're doing a fantastic job upholding this beloved pixel-art tradition through their work, and I'd love to see more games that attempt this SNES-inspired look.
Ninja Warriors: Return of the Warriors
Wild Guns Reloaded
KiKi KaiKai: Kuro Mantle no Nazo (upcoming Pocky & Rocky sequel)
