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Rocky Bergen

ARTIST & DESIGNER
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Progress is being made. Faux’s trailer is proving to be the perfect stage for a video game.

GameMaker Progress - Coloring has begun

September 22, 2018

I have been having such a great time with my papercraft designs that I had taken a break on other projects such as my graphics for a possible GameMaker game. What exactly this game could be has yet to be determined but as an exercise in “pixellating” a real-life location, I am beginning to see some real success.

I am especially proud of the linoleum in the kitchen. Ezra the cat is always demanding to be fed.

Cheeseburger the cat likes to follow me around the trailer and beg to be picked up.

The final area I worked on, is the hallway, studio and bathroom areas. More clutter, erm details will be added to the studio shelves at some point.

In Game Dev, videogame, Retro, GameMaker Tags pixel art, game dev, video game, video games, relationship
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
Faux and Rockasoo with their two cats, Cheeseburger and Ezra.

Faux and Rockasoo with their two cats, Cheeseburger and Ezra.

My 8-Bit Future

February 24, 2018
The Living Room *ruffed* out. Bruce, the Blue Heeler, says hello.

The Living Room *ruffed* out. Bruce, the Blue Heeler, says hello.

Trying to distinguish feminine from masculine in 8-bits is a challenge.

Trying to distinguish feminine from masculine in 8-bits is a challenge.

Faux's trailer is the world map. The limitations of the NES will ultimately determine the level of detail I am able to give to this world.

Faux's trailer is the world map. The limitations of the NES will ultimately determine the level of detail I am able to give to this world.

NES 8-bit game design has always been on the bucket list. I am hoping NESmaker will be the key to giving it a go. Getting familiar with a different graphics mode is always exciting to me, and the opportunity to tell a meaningful story with an old Nintendo makes the whole prospect that much more attractive.

In Nintendo, Game Dev, Retro Tags 8-bit, Nintendo, NES, retro, game dev, pixel art
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
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
Mario has made it to Boom Boom's fortress

Mario has made it to Boom Boom's fortress

Retro Challenge 2016/10 - Day 10

October 11, 2016

It is nice to see a change of palette as Mario braves this fire-filled fortress.

In nintendo, Commodore, Graphics Tags super mario, mario, commodore, retrochallenge, c64, game dev, pixel art, Nintendo, nes
I was always so bad at this!

I was always so bad at this!

Retro Challenge 2016/10 - Day 9

October 11, 2016

While I don't know if the Commodore can move this many pixels at once, the demoscene knows.

In Commodore, Graphics, nintendo Tags retrochallenge, C64, commodore, nes, Nintendo, mario, super mario, pixel art, game dev
Strange and wonderful things!

Strange and wonderful things!

Retro Challenge 2016/10 - Day 8

October 8, 2016

Mario has discovered another Mushroom House, this one more secret than last.

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

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