Retrometrix is where my love for generative art meets the nostalgia of old-school arcade games. This collection is a celebration of pixelated simplicity, vibrant colors, and the delightful unpredictability of bouncing shapes—a direct nod to the endlessly entertaining DVD logo and the 8-bit era.
Nostalgic Palettes: A Tribute to the Classics
One of the most exciting aspects of Retrometrix is the color palettes. These aren’t just random combinations — each one is carefully sampled from iconic old-school video games that defined an era. From the neon blues and pinks of Street Fighter II to the earthy greens and browns of Pitfall, every palette brings a slice of gaming history to life.
Each artwork starts by randomly selecting one of these palettes, injecting its retro charm into the piece. The colors create an instant emotional connection, transporting you back to arcades, consoles, and CRT screens.
Here are a few side-by-side comparisons, showing how Retrometrix draws inspiration from the games:
Donkey Kong
Duck Hunt
Galaga
Street Fighter
Pitfall
Pac-Man
The Process: Where Art Plays by Its Own Rules
As with many of my generative works, the true magic of Retrometrix lies in its creation process rather than just the final image. Each piece starts by selecting a random color palette, setting the tone for what’s to come.
From there, the fun begins. A random number of “blocks” (1, 2, or 3) are placed at random positions on the canvas. These blocks travel along diagonal trajectories, leaving vibrant trails as they bounce off the edges and change direction. Their movement feels both chaotic and deliberate, like watching a carefully choreographed dance unfold in real time.
When the animation completes, what remains is the static composition—a snapshot of their journey, frozen in time, like the last note of a song hanging in the air.
Game Mode: Co-Creator at Play
What truly sets Retrometrix apart is its interactive element. A custom right-click menu (or double-tap for touch devices) unlocks a “game mode,” letting you influence the outcome of the art.
In this mode, the blocks start with the same trajectory and palette as the original piece, but here’s the twist: you can click or tap on any block at any time to give it a new, randomly generated direction. Each intervention leaves its mark, altering the trails and creating a completely unique composition.
It’s like stepping into the shoes of a co-creator, blurring the line between artist and observer.
A Tribute to Retro Joy
For me, Retrometrix isn’t just a collection; it’s a tribute to the playful spirit of retro gaming. It’s about the joy of uncertainty, the delight in watching a pattern emerge, and the thrill of wondering what’s next. It’s about embracing process over perfection, curiosity over control.
Whether you choose to interact or simply watch, I hope Retrometrix brings you as much joy as it brought me while creating it.
