• Design Portfolio
  • Resume
  • What's New
  • Papercraft Models
  • Archives
  • About Me
Menu

Rocky Bergen

ARTIST & DESIGNER
  • Design Portfolio
  • Resume
  • What's New
  • Papercraft Models
  • Archives
  • About Me
What would a Genesis/Megadrive port of Gateway to Apshai look like? Here’s my first attempt.

What would a Genesis/Megadrive port of Gateway to Apshai look like? Here’s my first attempt.

Gateway to Apshai - Sega Genesis Upscale

November 3, 2018

Epyx’s Gateway to Apshai is a game I grew up playing on my Commodore 64 back in the 80’s. It was the first dungeon crawler I ever played and is still fun to play today.

These are my initial thoughts as to what I would like to see in a 16-bit port. Palettes need to be resolved, graphics need further refinement, and additional detail will be added as I get a better sense of what is possible.

This is not the first time I have done a rescale of this game, last year I mocked up a 1-bit Arduboy port.

1-bit Arduboy descale.

Gateway to Apshai hero - Lot’s of opportunity to infuse character into this sprite.

Dungeon Map.

This project is in it’s infancy so I don’t want to advertise the potentials just yet, but as always, there is a chance that this project could continue to grow. Here’s to hoping!

In Graphics, videogame, sega, Retro Tags game dev, video game, gateway, apshai, epyx, upscale, mock-up, sega, Genesis, megadrive, 16-bit

This is Faux’s trailer interior V1 complete. Items may be added but I am satisfied with this first pass.

GameMaker Development - Bedroom added

September 26, 2018

I really had a feeling that if I rendered Faux’s place in pixels, it would be perfect stage for a game that focuses on our relationship and our ongoing efforts to grow a life together.

The next step in this project will be to start mapping out the exterior garden. Plenty of photos were taken at peak season to ensure a grand interpretation. With fall fast upon us, the colder weather should provide plenty of incentive to want to revisit that warmth. I am excited to start growing our pixel garden in the warmth of the studio.

I promise I will also have more papercraft projects coming soon!

Faux really knows how to put a room together and she also made the quilt on the bed!

In Game Dev, GameMaker, Graphics, Retro, videogame Tags game dev, video game, bedroom, rpg, sprites

The Commodore 1541 disk drive proudly joins the Commodore 64 papercraft series.

Commodore 1541 Disk Drive Papercraft

June 14, 2018

I was about 10 when I first saw Hover Bovver on my friend's C-64. He had a disk drive and fists fulls of games. I had a 64 for a while at that point but had been limited by the few cartridge games I could find in my small town and a very slow Datasette.

The iconic 1541 drive I pined for as a kid.

This drive would make my C64 a killer games machine.

I begged my mom for a disk drive for years before finally getting one towards the end of the Commodore's run. I bought a shiny new 1541-C (don't worry, the papercraft is a period correct 1541). Even though the scene in town had dwindled to about three kids, I quickly "amassed" hundreds of games. I was often more interested in the "cracktos" featured at the beginning of the games than the games themselves.

Now I can shout out Hokuto Force!

This papercraft is dedicated to the times I spent experiencing exotic greetings from overseas in a time before the internet made such worldwide shout-outs commonplace.

The download is here. The papercraft model includes:

  • New Commodore 1541 disk drive

  • Two 5.25" floppy diskettes

  • Swappable screen faceplates

  • Improved Commodore 64 pattern

  • Updated Commodore 1701 monitor pattern

A couple of 5.25" floppy diskettes with a few games I owned back in the day.

Thanks so much for all the recent attention. I am glad these projects are providing enjoyment for others as well. Anticipate more updates in this Commodore papercraft series on this site. There are a LOT of accessories and I am also very nostalgic for these times.

Now you can represent your favorite Demoscene with four interchangeable faceplates.

In art, Commodore, Design, Illustration, Industrial Design, Graphics, paper craft, Retro Tags demoscene, craft, papercraft, pepakura, cracktro, commodore, computer, c64mini, c64, paperart, art, design, case design

The Commodore 64 paper craft project is finished. Please enjoy, link below.

Commodore 64 Paper Craft

April 5, 2018

I love technical illustration and work as a package designer so a paper craft seemed like a good challenge. Share in the fun and download the Commodore 64 paper craft

Read More
In paper craft, Retro, Graphics, Design, Commodore, Industrial Design Tags retrocomputer, retromancave, C64, commodore, paperart, papercraft, computer, design, c64mini, download, free
The outlines for these rooms were a challenge. A utility closet was initially included in the design but in order to best resolve the most interesting items across all the rooms it was removed. And yes, Faux really has a goofy skeleton hanging on he…

The outlines for these rooms were a challenge. A utility closet was initially included in the design but in order to best resolve the most interesting items across all the rooms it was removed. And yes, Faux really has a goofy skeleton hanging on her studio door.

Hallway, Studio, Bathroom Outlines Complete

March 17, 2018

Very excited to see continued progress on this project. I promise colour and details will follow but I must first outline the kitchen and the bedroom. I force myself to stay at this limited level of detail in order to remain flexible in the overall design. Also, it has been said, that you can't help but get better as you practice your pixelwork. By the time I have completed outlining, I am hoping I will have gained enough skill to fill in the gaps.

The trailer is beginning to take shape!

The trailer is beginning to take shape!

Here is a sample of the in-game door functionality. Doors allow for "privacy".

Here is a sample of the in-game door functionality. Doors allow for "privacy".

The final two rooms are smaller than the "first two" but are both full of interesting details so I will avoid the impulse to start rushing. This is a labour of love!

The final two rooms are smaller than the "first two" but are both full of interesting details so I will avoid the impulse to start rushing. This is a labour of love!

In Graphics, Nintendo, Retro, videogame Tags Trailer, game dev, video game, pixel art, sprites, Living Room, hallway, studio, bathroom
This is my house as I remember it from the late 80s to early 90's.

This is my house as I remember it from the late 80s to early 90's.

My Home Circa 1990

February 10, 2018

I grew up with a Commodore. One of my favorite things to do was draw pictures of my house using the PETSCII characters on the keyboard. Back in the day there was no way to easily save this drawings so the image above is a modern take using the very cool PLAYSCII editor.

In Graphics, Commodore, Illustration, Retro Tags petscii, commodore, pixel art, house, home, family, nostalgia, ascii
Puyo Puyo, also known as Dr. Robotnik's Mean Bean Machine and Kirby's Avalanche, mocked up for the Sharp MZ-700.

Puyo Puyo, also known as Dr. Robotnik's Mean Bean Machine and Kirby's Avalanche, mocked up for the Sharp MZ-700.

Puyo Puyo SharpSCII

December 29, 2017

Puyo Puyo Tetris is available for the switch, but this Madou Monogatari spinoff got its start back in 1991 for the MSX and the Famicom Disk System. I think Puyo Puyo would look pretty handsome as a MX-700 port.

In Graphics, Mock-up, Retro Tags puyo puyo, robotnik, kirby, compile, tetris, sharp, SHARPSCII, MZ-700
smb_1-1_v001_social.png

Sharp MZ-700 Super Mario Bros Mockup

December 16, 2017

I grew up making PETSCII illustrations on my C64 so I had to try my hand at some SHARPSCII.

In Graphics, Retro, Mock-up Tags Sharp, SHARPSCII, MZ-700, retrocomputer, japanese, pixel art
The sprites have a lot of character and would be easily playable/controllable at this scale. Also BC's girlfriend is cute.

The sprites have a lot of character and would be easily playable/controllable at this scale. Also BC's girlfriend is cute.

BC's Quest for Tires - Arduboy Mock-up

November 26, 2016

BC's Quest for Tires is another favorite I can enjoy on the Commodore 64, Colecovision, and the Atari 8-bit. I am really happy with how my Arduboy mock-up turned out.

In Graphics, Mock-up, Arduboy Tags mock-up, arduboy, Rocky Bergen, arduino, 8-bit, art, pixel art, BC's Quest for Tires, video games
With a little imagination, my Arduboy graphics are almost as good as the original!

With a little imagination, my Arduboy graphics are almost as good as the original!

Jumpman Arduboy Mock-up

November 19, 2016

I recently got an Arduboy and I think it's a pretty fantastic little device. Inspired by the very low resolution display (128px x 64px) I decided to do a few mock-ups. My Jumpman port looks doable if only to punish the gamer's eyes. I LOVED Jumpman on the C64, Atari 8-bit, and Colecovison.

In Graphics, Retro Tags arduboy, arduino, pixel art, commodore, epyx, black and white
Final Mock-up of Super Mario Bros. 3 for the Commodore 64!

Final Mock-up of Super Mario Bros. 3 for the Commodore 64!

Retro Challenge 2016/10 - Day 31 - FINAL

October 31, 2016

It was a lot of had work but I have finally completed the Retro Challenger for 2016. It was a fun experience as always. Perhaps one day I will team up with a programmer and Super Mario will find another home on the Commodore.

But that'll be for another Challenge. Thanks a million for all the support!

In Commodore, Graphics, nintendo, Retro Tags super mario, mario, Nintendo, nes, commodore, C64, game dev, pixel art, retrochallenge
Some adjustments had to accommodate the wide pixels but I think this would be playable.

Some adjustments had to accommodate the wide pixels but I think this would be playable.

Retro Challenge 2016/10 - Day 29

October 29, 2016

Thought I was finished? So did I, well almost. The SMB3 experience would not be complete without the Battle Game which is a shout out to the original Mario Bros. game.

In Commodore, Industrial Design, Graphics, nintendo Tags mario, super mario, nes, Nintendo, C64, commodore, pixel art, game dev, retrochallenge
Mario kicks some Larry Koopa butt!

Mario kicks some Larry Koopa butt!

Retro Challenge 2016/10 - Day 27

October 27, 2016

I felt Canadian's in the 80's were quick to abandon old computer tech in favour of game consoles and eventually PCs. I was playing with my Commodore 64 for years after it had fallen out of favor. The 16-bit computer era practically passed us by. There is a lot of beauty wrapped up in limitation so I believe I will continue to appreciate what 8-bit and 16-bit system do.

In Commodore, Graphics, Retro Tags mario, super mario, nes, Nintendo, commodore, C64, pixel art, game dev, retrochallenge
Can Mario get past all the projectiles in one piece?

Can Mario get past all the projectiles in one piece?

Retro Challenge 2016/10 - Day 25

October 25, 2016

I remember playing Super Mario Bros 3 for the first time. I rented it from out Canadian Tire (CT rented out games in our small town). I remember it like it was yesterday. My younger sister and I sat in front of our television and were transfixed as we played through the whole experience. I always had similar times with the Commodore so it only seems fitting to pay tribute to two of my favourite systems.

In Commodore, Graphics, Retro, nintendo Tags C64, commodore, game dev, pixel art, mario, super mario, Nintendo, retrochallenge
If you can get enough coins, the Hammer Bro on the Map Screen will become a Coin Ship

If you can get enough coins, the Hammer Bro on the Map Screen will become a Coin Ship

Retro Challenge 2016/10 - Day 23

October 23, 2016

Mario reaches the final bonus stage before reaching the castle.

In Commodore, Graphics, nintendo Tags commodore, C64, Nintendo, nes, mario, super mario, pixel art, game dev, retrochallenge
Mario meets Toad once again in the second Mushroom House.

Mario meets Toad once again in the second Mushroom House.

Retro Challenge 2016/10 - Day 21

October 21, 2016

The leaf is green on the map screen and in the Mushroom Houses but red in the game. I wonder why this is?

In nintendo, Commodore, Graphics Tags commodore, Nintendo, c64, nes, mario, super mario, game dev, pixel art, retrochallenge
Mario defeats the the Hammer Bro to receive a Star.

Mario defeats the the Hammer Bro to receive a Star.

Retro Challenge 2016/10 - Day 19

October 19, 2016

The NES uses 2x2 tiles (16x16px) to define its world whereas my Commodore version uses 3x2 tiles (12x16px). This can make certain objects, like the rotating hammer especially challenging and interesting to translate.

In Commodore, Graphics, nintendo, Retro Tags nes, Nintendo, mario, super mario, commodore, C64, retrochallenge, pixel art, game dev
8 of the 9 memory card games puzzles solved

8 of the 9 memory card games puzzles solved

Retro Challenge 2016/10 - Day 17

October 17, 2016

Mario takes a break from stomping Goombas to play a card game with Toad.

In Commodore, Graphics, nintendo Tags retrochallenge, mario, super mario, nes, Nintendo, commodore, C64, pixel art, game dev
Mario has an encounter with a Koopa Troopa shell.

Mario has an encounter with a Koopa Troopa shell.

Retro Challenge 2016/10 - Day 14

October 14, 2016

World 1-6 represents the final numbered level in the Grass Lands. Do you remember all the other areas hidden in World 1? Stay tuned for the answer!

In Commodore, Graphics, nintendo Tags Nintendo, commodore, C64, nes, mario, super mario, retrochallenge, game dev, pixel art
Nothing can withstand Mario's powerful butt-slide.

Nothing can withstand Mario's powerful butt-slide.

Retro Challenge 2016/10 - Day 12

October 12, 2016

Mario goes spelunking, takes a dip, and flies into coin-filled clouds in World 1-5.

In Commodore, Graphics, nintendo Tags super mario, mario, retrochallenge, nes, Nintendo, commodore, C64, pixel art, game dev
Older Posts →

Latest & Greatest

Featured
Mar 5, 2022
Bergen - Arduwatch Design
Mar 5, 2022
Mar 5, 2022
Feb 26, 2022
Book Box - Mini Outdoor Community Libraries
Feb 26, 2022
Feb 26, 2022
Feb 12, 2022
Cat Pod - Cat Shelter Design
Feb 12, 2022
Feb 12, 2022
Feb 5, 2022
Commodore 65 - Laptop Design - 65-LT
Feb 5, 2022
Feb 5, 2022
Feb 5, 2022
Commodore PET Keyboard Design
Feb 5, 2022
Feb 5, 2022
Jun 20, 2021
Bergen Watches - New Vintage Chronograph Design WIP
Jun 20, 2021
Jun 20, 2021
Jun 12, 2021
Amiga Cartoon Classics Papercraft
Jun 12, 2021
Jun 12, 2021
Jun 11, 2021
Waxwings in our back yard
Jun 11, 2021
Jun 11, 2021
Feb 14, 2021
Commodore PET/CBM 2001 - Papercraft Design
Feb 14, 2021
Feb 14, 2021
Feb 14, 2021
Bergen - New Vintage Chronograph Design
Feb 14, 2021
Feb 14, 2021

Get In Touch

let's talk about Great design!

A collection of illustrations, designs, other art, and the occasional meandering. If you are interested in working with me please have a look at my portfolio and feel free to drop me a line!

Powered by Squarespace