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Pixel Art in Motion: Fighting Games

21. June, 2012 Console, Gaming, News 1,864 comments

I am a sucker for 2D sprite art. I mean I love this stuff. I eat it up! And one of my favorite forms of pixel art is fighting game backgrounds. These were huge vistas of pixely goodness in constant motion. So I wanted to show off a few of my favorite fighting game backgrounds to you fine folks.

This week we’ll take a look at some of the backgrounds from SNK’s finest fighting games franchises including Samurai Showdown, King of Fighters, Last Blade, and Garou Mark of the Wolves.

Samurai Showdown 3: Genjuro Stage

I have fond memories of this background. Partially because Samurai Showdown III was the first Samurai Showdown game I owned on my import Sega Saturn. The juxtaposition between the happy kids playing in the background as the win blows around dust upon the dead barren landscape is plain awesome. That and it’s one of my favorite character’s in the Samurai Showdown series Genjuro.

Last Blade 2: Fire at the Wadamoya

Now this background may look simple, but I can remember the first time I fought on this stage. It felt epic. It’s that classic Japanese samurai movie backdrop. Two warriors battling against echother in a burning building. It adds a certain tension to an already furious confrontation.

King of Fighter 95: Japan

This one holds a special place in my heart as it’s not nice to look at, but it has the old Neo Geo Land arcade in the background. Playing an arcade fighting game with an arcade in the background, who doesn’t love that? Sadly I never got the chance to visit this place while it was around. This was the closest I got to the place as a kid and it’s the closest I’ll ever get.

Garou: Mark of the Wolves: Street stage

Imagine if SNK took over Times Square and you’ve got this little gem. In typical New York fashion a pile up has ensued and the bystanders don’t seem too happy while the cops try and calm the situation. It was goofy silly and cheesy all wrapped into one. It’s not gradnious by any means. Regardless it’s one that’s stuck in my head since to this day.

Tell us what your favorite fighting game backgrounds are in the comments below!

Come back next week when we’ll take a look at some more pixel art.

About author

Brian

Brian is the Managing Director here at Substance TV. He is the host of Substance TV, Game Grief, and co-host of Substance TV LIVE. A graphic designer by trade, his other love of 15 years is the bass guitar. Though he shares his love with his family as well. Luckily he has a wife who supports his video game game addiction, and his two amazing children. You can find him on Google + or via his Twitter @fortressfruit.

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