Of all the art styles in video games, none has more pressure on developers and players than the humble pixel art. Whether it’s a fantastically detailed modern take on what’s possible in pixels, or something made as a tribute to the NES and SNES games of yesteryear, pixel art can be found everywhere — in every genre of game, on every console (no matter however powerful it was), and in every generation of games as well.
Some might dismiss pixel art as an old-fashioned art style [Names and addresses of those people on my desk, please – Ed.], but the games on this list show that pixel art can stand alongside some of the best-looking games on the Switch. Just because something adheres to an obvious grid doesn’t mean it can’t be utterly gorgeous — so let’s celebrate the best pixel art in gaming!
Publisher: A laughing stock / Programmer: Pixpil games
What probably first drew you to Eastward is incredible pixel art direction, and we are happy to report that it did not disappoint. What’s so stunning about the visuals is how absolutely detailed they are, packed into a litany of small elements that give plenty to chew on, so to speak, in every frame.
A series of deformed posters on the wall. The faded color of an old ship’s hull used as a roof. Flickering neon lights of an old restaurant sign. All of these things come together to convey an incredible sense of place, and we applaud the developers for pulling off such an impressive visual style.
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Publisher: Raw rage / Programmer: Claim
Even with the embarrassment of retro-aesthetic opulence on the Switch, the pixel art in Kingdom: Two Crowns stands out. Setting off on horseback in a moonlit night after a prolonged initial strain, the lighting and ever-present reflection in the water in the foreground is immediately striking.
Beauty is an integral part of the Two Crowns; be prepared to spend a long time looking at the scenery as you gallop from one end of your territory to the other. Night turns to dawn, day to dusk in a beautiful cycle of light, weather and seasons. While some might find it monotonous or just one tone, its serenity makes you grow – we’ve found it to be the perfect bedtime accompaniment.
Publisher: Abylight Studios / Programmer: Heart machine
Running at a smooth 60 frames per second in handheld and docked mode, Hyper Light Drifter is not just another port of the popular indie game, but the the final version on the platform that suits it best. You only need to play this iteration for five minutes to realize how perfectly Heart Machine’s labor of love fits Nintendo’s portable console.
Its world of neon-hued pixel art – an environment rich in color but marked by a terrible tragedy that affects everything from character design to the aesthetics of its large and varied map – is a joy to explore, even if you die ad infinitum in your first few hours.
Publisher: Coffee Stain Studios / Programmer: A simple trigger
The fine detail of Huntdown’s beautifully detailed, hand-drawn pixel art infuses everything you do with a real sense of momentum and weight. Your bounty hunter is a blast to control as they maneuver through gunfights, their clothing flapping and swaying as they jump and slide, their weapons turning enemies into bloody entrails and the landscape into smoldering ruins as they jump around platforms and seek cover from the maddened crowd that’s piling up subway trains, coming out of the sewers and coming in all kinds of vehicles in an attempt to knock you down.
Publisher: PQube / Programmer: MassHive Media
The visuals in the alchemy simulator Potion Permit are flawless. Everything takes on an enchanting fall pixel look, and the amount of detail in each area of the map is enough to keep you exploring for hours.
Moonbury is full of unique characters that you can meet and talk to, and they are as visually detailed as the town itself. These are not mass-produced NPCs — each has a distinctive and unique personality, including romantic bachelors and bachelorettes.
Publisher: Nintendo / Programmer: Square Enix
The nostalgic HD-2D visual style used for Live A Live is true to the original Super Famicom game, while also being stunningly detailed, and might just be the best-looking HD-2D game yet.
No pixel is out of place, as every single environment is utterly gorgeous, with character models that look distinctive, crisp and clear, and vivid pixel environments that blend seamlessly with the 3D aspects. Cliff rocks, computer units, bamboo forests and more blend perfectly as jagged grass sways in the wind or a warm flame flickers with the orange digital dots of a sunset. Even the crystal clear water looks flawless as you sneak through Edo Japan underwater with your cute little pixelated snorkel peeking out of the top. And, on OLED, it’s a real feast for the eyes.
Publisher: D-Pad Studio / Programmer: D-Pad Studio
As you can see from the attached screenshots, the aesthetics of this game are absolutely stunning at times. The pixel art approach has been used a lot recently, trying to evoke nostalgic childhood memories for players, but it’s rarely done to such a high standard.
Games like Owlboy prove that pixel art should never be forgotten as a medium; certain details such as the immense detail in the clouds and trees caused us to marvel as much as the most realistic games of 2018 will do.
Publisher: XD network / Programmer: Freebird Games
To The Moon may have that “made in RPG Maker” look, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t beautiful. Developing a love story over decades, through the memories of a dying man, To The Moon presents you with brief but beautiful vignettes of key moments in the couple’s lives.
Publisher: Modest games / Programmer: Witch Beam
Unboxing stands out from the crowd on this list because its pixel art is small different. You won’t find soft diffused light streaming through stained glass windows or complicated grids of precise colors that create the illusion of depth — no, Unpacking’s strength is in its ultimate simplicity.
Large and small items are recognizably replicated as simply as possible, and although we’ll admit it took us a while to realize that the small items are made of rolled fabric UnderwearUnpacking’s simple pixel art matches the simple yet deep story the game tells.
Publisher: Dotem / Programmer: Tribute games
Graphically, Shredder’s Revenge is a feast. There’s no CRT filter for this pixel party, which might disappoint some, but it’s so beautifully, precisely drawn that it’s hard to complain.
Every inch is packed with detail, starting with the April TV station Channel 5 before moving through the side streets and sewers of New York. Familiar locations are presented with fresh attention to detail, beautiful color and an authentic cartoon flavor, all combined with excellent visual storytelling.
