[interpol_p]

I don't think the atmosphere is quite there in this new one, here's Melee Island from The Verge's screenshot. The art doesn't sit well with me: https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/dQbYIfWFh5WfWwby87FoHyI8uog=...

In the modern version the town is no longer twinkling and glittering. It appears smaller due to the large buildings. The strong purple tints (especially on the horizon) gives the scene an uneasy feeling. And the lookout point is no longer forlorn, it appears close to the town due to the way the whole island appears downscaled because of the larger town elements. We have also lost the reflection of the lights in the water, making the island appear to sit on the ground rather than in the waves

I'm still going to play the game and hope to love it. But the art style seems to feature very strong colours and intense gradients. When animated the motion seems too fluid, with characters deforming like in a Flash animation

[practice9]

The old art feels, in a way, more realistic.

One underappreciated aspect of low definition graphics is that your mind can interpolate the visuals, and you feel more immersed. (suspension is disbelief has a positive effect here)

When graphics become HD or closer to photorealistic they are starting to trigger an uncanny valley effect.

[the_af]

> One underappreciated aspect of low definition graphics is that your mind can interpolate the visuals

Yes, what Scott McCloud calls "closure" in Understanding Comics.

That said, my mind also interpolates the newer version of Melee Island, because it's cartoony and "abstract" enough, and so I also like it.

[practice9]

> Yes, what Scott McCloud calls "closure" in Understanding Comics.

Exactly! I forgot about reading this book, but it was very insightful.

[wellthisisgreat]

Interesting. I think the old picture linked above have a dreamy atmosphere because of the jagged edges which create a foggy / twinkling effect