No Internet Game: Pixel Art Compared to other Games
In a world brimming with high-definition graphics and immersive gaming experiences, it’s refreshing to stumble upon a game that embraces simplicity. The No Internet Game is a prime example of how minimalist design and straightforward gameplay can create a unique and captivating experience. Often referred to as the “The Chrome Dinosaur” and “Dinosaur Game” this quirky little game has become a beloved icon, especially for those moments when your internet connection decides to take a break. But how does it compare to other games, both retro and modern?
What Is the No Internet Game?
The No Internet Game, famously built into Google’s Chrome browser in 2014, is a simple, side-scrolling runner platformer where you control a pixelated T-Rex dinosaur. The goal? To jump over cacti and dodge flying pterodactyls to score as many points as possible until your internet connection returns.
Read more about the No Internet Game, including how to play it and gameplay tips here.
If you would like to discover when the No Internet Game’s birthday is and Easter eggs, then read this article next.
The Charm of No Internet Game Pixel Art
The No internet Game has an 8-bit black-and-white pixel art design. In a Google interview with some of the games developers in 2018, Chrome designer Sebastien Gabriel said the reason behind making the game was “It’s a play on going back to the “prehistoric age” when you had no Wi‑Fi.” Alan Bettes added that they set themselves one object when making the game “to keep the motion rigid, reminiscent of vintage video games.”
They certainly delivered with this and the design is fitting with going back to a Cretaceous time, modernly speaking. In an era where hyper-realistic graphics dominate the gaming industry, pixel art evokes nostalgia for the early days of video gaming. It’s 8-bit aesthetic gives the game a timeless appeal and also proves that simple visuals can be just as engaging as complex, photorealistic environments.
One example of its simplistic but clever uses of pixel art is when the game changes from day to night, when the player reaches 700 points. The black and white colours are then flipped in reverse as seen here:
Another is its basic random generated enemies with either static positions for the cacti and two phase movement pterodactyls as seen here:
Comparing the No Internet Game to Other Pixel Art Games
While the No Internet Game is charming in its simplicity, it’s worth comparing it to other pixel art games that have also got a cult following.
1. Celeste
Celeste is a critically acclaimed indie platformer that also uses pixel art to great effect to compliment its story. The game features character Madeline, climbing a fictionalised Celeste Mountain, whilst tackling her emotions of anxiety and depression. Whilst climbing she meets various emotionally triggering characters.
Like No Internet Game it is a 2D game and it too requires precise control and quick reflexes. However what tells it apart is that its art has colour and more detail. Furthermore, Celeste offers a deeper story and added gameplay mechanics, including run, jump and climb.
Celeste offers a more immersive experience but lacks the immediate accessibility that makes the No Internet Game so addictive.
Some examples of its red and blue colour palette that compliments the emotions of anxiety and depression are seen here:
2. Stardew Valley
Another popular 2D pixel art game is Stardew Valley, a farming simulation game that has captivated players with its relaxing gameplay and charming detailed world. It has been praised by the LGBT community by allowing players to marry any NPC villager regardless of sex and adopt a child. Stardew Valley’s pixel art is colourful and intricate, with a vast array of characters, landscapes, items and changing seasons. The game offers a much broader scope than the No Internet Game, with hours of content and deep gameplay mechanics. However, it lacks the quick, pick-up-and-play nature of the No Internet Game, which makes the latter a better option for brief gaming sessions.
An example of Stardew Valleys seasons, shown in the detailed changing pixel art. This is a similar to No Internet Game’s day and nighttime mode, but the change of art is in so much more detail and triggered by time than points:
3. Undertale
Undertale is a 2D pixel art RPG that has become a modern classic, known for its innovative mechanics and emotionally charged narrative. The story follows a child who falls into a magical realm under the surface of the Earth and then make their journey back to the surface encountering various monsters. Like Celeste and Stardew Valley, Undertale’s pixel art serves to enhance the game’s storytelling, the colours are basic but which draws you more into the story, creating a memorable experience. Undertale includes moral choices within the game that can affect the plot and progression. While Undertale offers much more depth than the No Internet Game, it requires a significant time investment, making it less suitable for short, casual gaming.
Here is an example of Undertale’s basic colour pallet pixel art:
No Internet Game Versus Modern High-Definition Games
When comparing the No Internet Pixel Art Game to modern high-definition games, the differences are even more pronounced. Games like Red Dead Redemption 2 or Fallout offer vast, open realistic worlds with complex narratives and cutting-edge graphics. These games are designed to be immersive and emotionally engaging, providing experiences that go beyond simple gameplay. Hours can be spent doing all kinds of missions, finding hidden gems, collecting bounties and exploring their worlds on offer.
However, this is where the charm of the No Internet Game truly shines. While it may not offer the same depth or visual splendour as modern AAA titles, its straightforward design and immediate accessibility make it a perfect game for quick entertainment. It reminds us that not every game needs to be a sprawling epic; sometimes, all you need is a little dinosaur jumping over cacti to pass the time.
Conclusion
The No Internet Game may not compete with the visual fidelity or complexity of modern games, but it doesn’t need to. Its enduring appeal lies in its simplicity, nostalgia, and accessibility. Whether you’re waiting for your internet connection to return or just looking for a quick distraction, this game provides a perfect slice of retro gaming fun.
In conclusion, while the No Internet Game might not offer the same depth or variety as other pixel art or modern games, its unique charm and simplicity make it a standout in its own right. It’s a reminder that sometimes, less truly is more.
References
Chrome Dino (online in Google Chrome browser). chrome://dino
As the Chrome dino runs, we caught up with the Googlers who built it (online). https://blog.google/products/chrome/chrome-dino/
Celeste (online). https://www.celestegame.com
Stardew Valley (online). https://www.stardewvalley.net
Undertale (online). https://undertale.com
