The era of 8-bit graphics is seemingly over. With the popularity of modern graphics and gameplay dominating the market, there seems no need for an archaic graphics style. However, even though we’re in 2024 8-bit graphics are still going strong. Even older 8-bit games from our childhoods are still ever popular. What makes these games so attractive to the gamer? How can pixel art age so much better than early 3D games? Are there any new 8-bit games being made? Let’s explore those questions as we dive into what makes these games desirable. I’m feeling nostalgic, how about you?
What is 8-bit?
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8-bit is a term referring to a computer’s architecture. The CPU reads information in terms of the byte size; in older systems like the NES, each piece of information is stored in 8 bits. Today, we have computers capable of reading information in the 64-bit architecture, a significant leap in technology. So why are we still going back to 8-bit? Let’s explore the technical aspects of 8-bit architecture and uncover the reasons behind its enduring appeal.
Older systems like the NES are known as 3rd-generation consoles, these consoles also belong to the 8-bit computer family. Most of these consoles are programmed with assembly programming code or machine code. Assembly is more practical to use with these types of computers as the bits you work with are smaller; assembly in newer systems would be far too complex to code efficiently. Assembly is a step above binary, so when you write with Assembly you are programming memory addresses on a 1 by 1 basis.
Assembly is generally tough to work with as it depends on your machine code instructions. Each Assembly language is dependent on your particular machine. In short, this means if you’re trying to learn all of Assembly from decompiling an NES game, you’ll run into many issues. Compared to what you may find in a SEGA, the NES assembly code looks very different, as those two systems have wildly different architectures.
The benefit to this is that Assembly is very reliable if you have an intimate knowledge of the hardware. This doesn’t mean you won’t have bugs, but the code will last as long as the hardware does.
Modern Day 8-bit
The 8-bit of today is more of a stylistic one. Some games released today have these familiar pixel graphics; a popular example is Undertale. While Undertale is charming for its story that makes you feel emotions, its also charming for its graphics style. While graphically impressive games are fantastic to look at, good graphics aren’t a sign of a good game. 8-bit as a stylistic choice is a significant one as high-resolution graphics may become dated with time, they also take up more power to run.
Today’s retro graphics aren’t about hardware technical limitations but an art style. This is part of the reason why these games are so charming. The stylistic choice of using these types of graphics can add to your game’s story and experience. Would Undertale be the game we revered for what it is had it been made with photorealistic graphics? Possibly, but that’s not an interesting answer. The charm of Undertale cannot be pointed to any aspect; it’s a whole experience where all the elements contribute meaningfully.
There are other projects dedicated to making actual software that will run on an NES. Games like Battle Kid are completely original. They can be bought on an actual cartridge or played on Xbox One or Nintendo Switch. Other games like Kirby’s Dream Course have mods for new levels and assets. A good example is the ROM hack used during the Game Grumps videos. Even Super Mario has Kaizen ROM hacks that greatly increase the game’s difficulty.
What About Older Games?
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Ah, the lasting power of retro games. Actual 8-bit games are still being played to this day. There are whole communities dedicated to running and streaming these games. Speed-running keeps these communities alive as they try to achieve a perfect time. Games like Super Mario Bros are so close to having a perfect time, meaning a human can tie a TAS world record, that each stream may be the one to achieve this legendary status. Pokemon Red and Blue also have a dedicated speed-running community as runners have found a way to change the programming by swapping items around in a bag.
The reason these games are so popular is mostly a matter of personal preference. Games like Super Mario Bros. take less than 5 minutes to complete, whereas Pokemon may take around 45 minutes. Another explanation is that these games came from when we were younger often forming core memories. While nostalgia feels like a cheap explanation, comparing this to listening to an older album is more satisfying.
You know the riffs and jams, but you listen anyway. Just because someone was popular in the 80s doesn’t mean it can’t be popular now. It may hurt your knees to know that your favorite game may be entitled to a structured settlement, but that’s the beautiful part about it. These games will stand the test of time and so will you.
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