3D visuals have largely become the industry standard these days, supported by a host of special tools and engines which aid their creation and streamline the design process.
However, back in the '80s the landscape was a lot different. 2D pixel artwork was the dominant style, but studios often had to create their own tools and hardware to produce them.
One such example is the Sega Digitizer System, which went through three iterations was used an optical pen to permit Sega's artists to craft the visuals we know and love from this period. Many of Sega's most fondly-remembered 16-bit releases were brought to life using this tool, which looks crude by modern standards yet simultaneously manages to maintain an air of "the cutting-edge".
According to former Sega graphic designer "AGE43", the system was based on the System 16 arcade hardware, which meant it could be used with both the arcade system and the Mega Drive / Genesis. The unit was attached to a NEC PC-98 with an hard disc.
[source videogamesdensetsu.tumblr.com]
Comments 17
Still cool. Love this kind of stuff from the good old days...
Very cool.
@bogofet One of the best movies ever!
@Damo Are you sure? I've fallen asleep trying to watch it - twice!
It's stuff like this that makes me sad that Sega quit the hardware industry. On a more positive note, Sega seems to have slowly revive itself back into relevancy again which I'm so happy about.
I saw those pictures not so long time ago. Pretty amazing, actually.
These were the good old days. SEGA was a master of their craft.
@Damo You're absolutely right. Brilliant movie.
I love these behind the scenes retro thing!!
So cool and sometimes amusing to know what cutting edge was in the past!
Thanks, NL!! Keep going with the never ending retro nostalgia!
Looks like a NASA launch center from the mid 1960s.
However realistic graphics become, there is something about the artistry of 2D pixel art sprites that makes them irresistible to me.
@MetalKingShield Its like watching a good cartoon with art style compared to watching live action
@Yoshis95 - It's also like when you see something made out of Lego. You know they had several limitations with it, so it seems even cooler when they've made something recognisable (and artistic).
Nice. I always love articles like these. Thank you.
These purpose-built machines from back then are so cool! Now I want to know about the equipment that Nintendo used to make SMB, like in that behind-the-scenes footage they've shown off.
It's cool to see how they did it back then with the games I love and grew up with. Absolutely miss Sega in the hardware business
@MetalKingShield Well said. I feel the same way about sprite work, some forms of animation, and hand-inked comic book art printed with the old four-color process(if in color).
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