Pixel Theme

[Rookervik]

They come fast but I still don't really like em much. Haha.

[Syhles]

@Rookervik
Why don't you try a rpg style menu?

[backstander]

@Rookervik

They come fast but I still don't really like em much. Haha.

That one is okay but needs some dividers or something to "corral" the information. Feels kind of empty.

[Rookervik]

@backstander Yeah I don't like the elements to be suspended like that. But I don't necessarily need them in boxes like some of the others I did. So I was just trying some stuff out. I'll try an RPG one next. (Even tho the vines one is taken from one of the text boxes of one of the final fantasies. Can't remember which one.)

[mattrixk]

@Rookervik I too really like the first one and the vine one, but neither of them really seem very "pixely" to me. Sure they're made with pixel graphics, but they don't really seem to fit the name (I don't really know how to explain it).

The first one looks futuristic to me (it makes me think of 80s/90s sci-fi movies like Robocop and Total Recall), and the vine one reminds me of medieval castles. I think they are both fantastic in their own right, but are such a big departure from the original Pixel that they don't really fit the name anymore.

---

I realised that they retain the basic layout of Pixel, so it got me thinking of if it would be possible to make "Skins" for a single layout... basically using <include> to swap between different Skins for a Theme, with each <include> pointing to different border/background images, fonts, colours, etc.

Hmm... I need to look into this.

[Rookervik]

@mattrixk My thoughts exactly. Doesn't seem to fit the Pixel name.

I was thinking about getting a template ready and release my NES and Genesis themes for Pixel. They're basically skins as you say. Then open up the templates for everyone else to help finish all the systems. I don't have the time to do 86 systems. But here's a preview of the 2 I did do.

I'd probably do the main 16 or so consoles. Then open it up for everyone else to chip in with their own designs.

[KillerQ]

@Rookervik said in Pixel Theme:

@mattrixk My thoughts exactly. Doesn't seem to fit the Pixel name.

I was thinking about getting a template ready and release my NES and Genesis themes for Pixel. They're basically skins as you say. Then open up the templates for everyone else to help finish all the systems. I don't have the time to do 86 systems. But here's a preview of the 2 I did do.

I'd probably do the main 16 or so consoles. Then open it up for everyone else to chip in with their own designs.

Great job. Other than a strictly pixelated, generic look, the next best choice is to create themes based on the games/style that each theme is known for.

A decent, update generic design is also necessary as there are many systems out there that will be used - and we can't expect a special design for each.

I'll enjoy anything you release.

[Syhles]

@Rookervik
The Genesis and nes ones have been my favorites so far.

[LanceGorilla]

my all time favorite theme in ES. I haven't looked in a while but do you have Coleco setup too?

[hiulit]

I really like this theme just they way it is! :)

[Rookervik]

@LanceGorilla Yep, Coleco has been there since day 1. :)

[AndersHP]

@Rookervik
What are the chances that you implement 'grid view' for browsing box arts in this theme? Or does it require some opening up from the guys at RetroPie before this can be implemented?

[Rookervik]

Uhh. I don't know anything about grid view. I also don't know if video previews have been updated to deal with multiple background layers. Currently you are only allowed one background layer on a video preview screen. Very limiting for themes with changing colors between systems like pixel.

[lilbud]

@AndersHP Grid View is pretty much dead, the creator has gone silent and there have been no updates.

[jdrassa]

@Rookervik there is a pending pull request that will address the issue of multiple background layers. It will add z-index support which will allow theme makers the ability to place elements above the video, but by default all extras will be below the video.

[Rookervik]

And on top of these enhancements to ES, a new launcher is coming out that should put ES to rest, permanently. Be ready to convert your themes. :P

[meleu]

@Rookervik you mean another frontend? Which one?

[lilbud]

@meleu Pegasus

[meleu]

@lilbud did you try it? I couldn't compile it yet... But looks promising, indeed.

[lilbud]

@meleu I'll wait for a stable release