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One of the most important decisions when creating pixel art is choosing the right perspective.
Perspective determines how players view the game world and interact with it. Different perspectives
create different gameplay experiences and visual styles.

At The Hellios, we choose the perspective based on the game's genre, mechanics, and artistic
direction. Let's explore the most common types of pixel art based on perspective.

Isometric pixel art creates the illusion of three-dimensional (3D) space while using two-dimensional
(2D) graphics. Instead of looking directly from the top or side, the game world is viewed from an
angled perspective, usually at around 45 degrees.

This perspective allows players to see the front, side, and top of buildings, characters, and
objects at the same time, making the game world feel larger and more realistic.

 •  City-building games
 •  Farming simulators
 •  Strategy games
 •  Business simulation games
 •  Adventure games

 • Creates a realistic sense of depth.
 • Shows more details than side-view games.
 • Makes maps feel larger and more immersive.
 • Great for exploration and building games.

More difficult to draw because every object must follow the same angle.
Requires careful planning to keep all assets consistent.

At The Hellios, isometric pixel art is often used for creating detailed environments,
buildings, and immersive game worlds.

In a top-down perspective, the player views the game world from directly above, as if looking
down from the sky.

Characters usually appear with their heads and shoulders visible while moving in four or
eight directions. This perspective makes it easy for players to navigate maps and explore
different areas.

 • RPG games
 • Adventure games
 • Puzzle games
 • Dungeon crawlers
 • Survival games

 • Easy for players to understand.
 • Excellent for exploration-based gameplay.
 • Works well with large maps.
 • Simple to design compared to isometric art.

Characters have limited facial detail.
Some objects may overlap if not designed carefully.

Top-down pixel art remains one of the most popular styles for classic and
modern RPG games.

The side-view, also called the platformer perspective, shows the game from the side.
Characters move mainly left and right while jumping across platforms, avoiding obstacles,
and fighting enemies.

This is one of the oldest and most recognizable pixel art styles in gaming.

 • Platform games
 • Action games
 • Fighting games
 • Metroidvania games
 • Endless runners

 • Easy for players to understand.
 • Simple character animations.
 • Excellent for action gameplay.
 • Great for storytelling through level design.

Limited viewing angles.
Less visibility of the surrounding environment.

Many of the world's most famous retro games use the side-view perspective because
it creates smooth and exciting gameplay.