Too pixelated

[Coinkydink]

Major font readability issue due to both being too low-bit pixelated and using light type on a dark background.

it is unfortunate that so many interesting indie games have gone for this extreme retro aesthetic that is more style over substance or functionality.

32-bit pixel graphics are actually nice to look at---anything lower than that is no good in today's large hi-res displays.

[BossStompTV]

I was really happy to see that there were quite a few options for font and text styling. But yeah, it's painful to look at even with the most accessible options. It would be nice if there was even just one since modern face to pick from.

[Dire Wombat]

Agreed, and it's weird - I have a hard time believing this issue didn't come up again & again during development & testing.

IMO the low-res shadow is the primary problem, but the fonts on offer in-game look really flat w/shadows disabled. Most of the old school games that are Skald's inspiration don't even try for a font shadow, but have atmospheric and/or bold font sets to give it character.

This is one of those areas where the game tried to stylistically improve on the old school titles, but in doing so actually took a step backwards.

[rane]

Originally posted by Dire Wombat:

Agreed, and it's weird - I have a hard time believing this issue didn't come up again & again during development & testing.

Depends. I have only learned about this being a problem when I posted screenshots to a friend. I have no idea why is that not an issue for myself; FWIW I have been playing text heavy games since the early 90s so I may be just used to the style.

[Wlerin]

Yeah I've had zero issues with the game's fonts either. Handful of instances where I misread the highlighting in combat but that was mostly my fault for rushing and not paying attention.

[aerendhil]

As someone who started gaming "career " on 16-bit systems, I also find 8-bit vibes too pixelated.
But I still tremendously enjoyed the game.

[ToxicMushroom]

Originally posted by nagu_al:

Major font readability issue due to both being too low-bit pixelated and using light type on a dark background.

it is unfortunate that so many interesting indie games have gone for this extreme retro aesthetic that is more style over substance or functionality.

32-bit pixel graphics are actually nice to look at---anything lower than that is no good in today's large hi-res displays.

yeah i agree., i was ready to buy it .. but from the looks of it .. no -
retro and sudden style . great .. but i have limits .. though i am sure some would enjoy it .. it does seam like awesome game, other wise

[evilwillhunting]

The fonts are a detractor to this game. They just are so... thin and ugly.

[Alf Stewart]

yes please just make them easier to read

[Mr. Lambert]

I really can't understand why the developer is being so stubborn and arrogant about this. I'd like to play this game. I would if I could read the text without so much difficulty. Many people are clearly in the same position as me. Yet he refuses to acknowledge there is any issue, much less talk about fixing it by just offering an OPTION, just one option, for a plain, modern looking readable font for people without great eyes. I'm old. A lot of people nostalgic for a game like this are going to old. Just make the game accessible to us. I understand that majority is probably fine with the font selection as it is. Good for you. But can't rest of us just have an option that you can ignore that makes the game playable for us?

[Aragorness]

Yeah, just found out about this game and it was really interesting, but the visual clarity made me not buy it since it looks like it would be a pain. The game looks too polluted more so than most games in the style that it tries to emulate.

[Solmyr]

To those in doubt - If you played the it, you might find that the game heavily leans into its graphics style in a way that adds to the feeling of unease, mystery and dark horror. The feel of the game is of a place dark and archaic, of madness, murder and despair.

The graphics style leaves something for the imagination, which is, after all, where we experience these emotions. Yes it is obscure to read the screen at times - a bit like a nightmare dream. You can't see clearly, it feels as though the screen is covered in mist, and so on, which makes you mind fill in some of the missing visuals with ... whatever is suggested by the music, the plot, and the genre.

Having said that, I would have personally enjoyed it with perhaps a few more pixels (say 50% more) and a few more colors to improve the dithering effect, since I do feel the clutter at times. it can be hard to read the battlefield, and most monsters are blue-black blobs or 16 or so pixels. Again, this can be a good thing depending on perspective. (Maybe in a future patch or DLC we might get this option?=)

But if my limit is there, a lot of people would say no, I want 100% or 200% more pixels! Also having said that, I would hate to have a modern graphics option to the game.

And finally, if you want to play the game, I don't think you will regret it based on the graphics. I for one, have gotten used to it and just enjoy the game for what it is.

[Jamers]

No one's mentioned this yet?

Guys. Just turn on the CRT filter.

Pixelated games like this looked better back in the day for a reason: Because we were viewing them through cathode ray tube monitors, which blur the pixels into a smoother image.

Give it a try.

[pascal.difolco]

Originally posted by nagu_al:

Major font readability issue due to both being too low-bit pixelated and using light type on a dark background.

it is unfortunate that so many interesting indie games have gone for this extreme retro aesthetic that is more style over substance or functionality.

32-bit pixel graphics are actually nice to look at---anything lower than that is no good in today's large hi-res displays.

That's exactly what put me off and I didn't buy it
I don't like much pixel art overall, and here with very low res and dark theme it looks like crap to me
Too bad as the gameplay looks great...

[Rent Free In Ur Noggin Bud]

Originally posted by Jamers:

No one's mentioned this yet?

Guys. Just turn on the CRT filter.

Pixelated games like this looked better back in the day for a reason: Because we were viewing them through cathode ray tube monitors, which blur the pixels into a smoother image.

Give it a try.

even with the filter the game is still quite pixelated. I have to hold shift during combat to hide the grid to see where the enemy is facing half the time. Great game though, I am still enjoying it and it does not break immersion much.

[Bennoni]

I agree. After like 30 mins my eyes need a rest.