Voxel Graphics: The Retro Revival of Pixelated 3D Style

The pixelated aesthetics of old-school video games are making a comeback. Voxel graphics, which render the world using 3D blocks instead of pixels, provide a modern take on classic low-poly styles. As both an art style and a game development technique, voxel graphics are sparking a retro revival.

What Are Voxel Graphics?

Voxels are essentially 3D pixels. Like squares in a grid, voxels build blocky 3D objects and environments.

Voxel graphics have two key qualities:

• Volumetric Pixels – Unlike 2D pixels, voxels have depth and occupy space in 3D environments. This allows complex shapes and structures.

• Blocky Aesthetic – Voxels have hard edges, creating the chunky, faceted styleassociated with low polygon graphics.

This blocky aesthetic evokes nostalgia for retro games while the volumetric nature provides new opportunities for gameplay and graphics.

The Rise of Voxels in Indie Gaming

Voxel graphics first emerged in the late 70s and early 80s, but were limited by technology. Early games like 3D Monster Maze could only render basic voxel environments.

However, recently indie developers have revived voxels as both a visual style and game creation approach. Some key examples include:

• Minecraft – The breakout hit uses voxels to generate immense 3D worlds from procedurally arranged blocks.

• Zoxel – This voxel game engine provides tools to create retro styled 3D games without 3D modeling skills.

• Voxatron – An indie platformer shooter with destructible voxel environments.

As voxels have been embraced by indie developers, they’ve become integral to lo-fi aesthetics in many recent games. The retro styling creates an appealing nostalgic feel.

Voxel Styling as Lo-Fi Retro Gaming Nostalgia

The lo-fi aesthetics of voxel graphics evoke nostalgia for retro games in several ways:

• Chunky low polygon models – Voxels inherently create the blocky low polygon aesthetic popularized by early 3D games. This creates a recognizable retro style.

• Vibrant color palettes – Like pixel art, voxel models commonly leverage vibrant, rich colors. This provides visual pop.

• Bitty texture patterns – Low resolution bitty textures mapped onto voxel models align with limited textures in old games.

• Exaggerated dimensions – Voxel models exaggerate dimensions, with enlarged heads similar to retro stylings.

• Minimal animation – Limited animation reminiscent of older games adds to the retro voxel feel.

This strong nostalgia factor makes voxel styling appealing for modern games looking to tap into gamer nostalgia.

The Technical Advantages of Voxels

Beyond providing a retro stylistic flair, voxels offer some key technical advantages:

• Memory efficiency – Only visible voxels require memory during rendering. This efficiency allows more detailed environments.

• Deformation and destruction – Voxels deform and destroy elegantly, enabling unique gameplay like drilling through worlds.

• Procedural generation – Voxels easily enable randomized environments by procedurally arranging voxel blocks.

• Ease of production – Modeling with voxels can be easier than high polygon 3D in some game engines.

These advantages expand gameplay opportunities beyond just visual styling.

Voxel Graphics – The Retro Revival

Voxel graphics provide a new avenue to explore lo-fi retro aesthetics in modern gaming. The blocky voxel style taps into nostalgia while the volumetric nature offers opportunities to move beyond pixels. As voxel techniques progress, they promise to power more immersive retro gaming experiences. The revival has only just begun.