Once upon a time in video games, resolutions were really low, chiptunes ruled the speakers, and 2D was pretty much king. I am of course referring to the 8-bit era, which is the period you’ll be focusing on, should you choose to participate in Retrograde Jam 2. Since it’s well underway, let’s not waste any time and get right to the nitty-gritty.
Coincidentally, tech was also limited back then in regards to controls. Forget all about those fancy dual-stick setups, touchpads, and wireless fanciness. One d-pad, start, select, A, and B. That’s all developers had to work with (for the most part), and so shall you. Unless… as the organizer puts it, “exceed that at your own discretion”.
Study some games you enjoy from the late 80’s and early 90’s, think about what you want to do, and have fun!
On the topic of resolution – scaling is fine, as is modifying it for 16:9 displays, but the contents must be rendered at a low resolution. Tools? Theme? Solo? Team? Your game, your call. Do at least try to make a native Windows build, however, and if not that, a browser version.
Following the end of the jam on July 11, 2021, voting will commence – until August 1st, 2021. Lots of criteria too: Controls, Graphical Presentation, Audio Design, 8-bit “Feel”, Fun, Overall Rating, and Host’s Rating. That’s all folks. Now get to jammin’… 8-bit style!
(Note: screenshot is from Axl’s Adventure from the previous Retrograde Jam.)