Hi everyone!

This post is to inform you that I'm going to start releasing a Minifantasy spin-off side collection called Upscale Fantasy.

No worries, this will not affect in any way the usual release schedule of the original Minifantasy assets. Think of it like an extra that you can ignore completely if it isn't of interest :)

If you want to know more, I leave a FAQ about the project below the image.

WHAT IS 'UPSCALE FANTASY'? 

Upscale Fantasy asset packs are the Minifantasy asset packs you already know (Minifantasy -  Dungeon, Forgotten Plains, Ancient Forest, etc.) but in 32x32 instead of 8x8, and with a twist in the art style due to the upscale technique used to generate de assets.

The look of these new assets abandons the pixelated nature of the super low-res aesthetic of the original collection, presenting a drawn-like aesthetic. However, Upscale Fantasy maintains the proportions and character of Minifantasy.

WHY A SPIN-OFF?

The purposes of Upscale Fantasy are two:

A) Offer to Minifantasy users an alternative art style for the packs they own, at no extra cost.

B) Reach a wider audience to introduce them to everything Minifantasy has to offer.

Besides, I personally find this style quite interesting, so I would like to see the whole collection available in this format :)

HOW ARE THE ASSETS CREATE?

Upscale Fantasy uses Minifantasy asset packs as the base.

The assets are automatically upscaled using an xBR tool created by CokeAndCode. 

CokeAndCode is a veteran member of the Minifantasy community and an incredible game developer. He is behind Tales Of Yore, an indie mmorpg entirely built with Minifantasy assets.

CokeAndCode's xBR tool (Please feel free to use and experiment with his tool!)

xBR is a pixel art scaling algorithm that scales by rules. It was developed by Hyllian in 2011, mainly as a scaling filter for video game emulators.

CokeAndCode's tool uses this implementation.

xBR algorithm does not use any kind of AI to upscale the images.

HOW TO ACQUIRE THE ASSET PACKS?

Upscale Fantasy asset packs will be published on Itch.io.

People owning an asset pack in either of the two collections (Minifantasy or Upscale Fantasy), will get free access to the counterpart pack in the other collection.

So, Owning an Upscale Fantasy asset pack gives access to the same asset pack on the Minifantasy collection at no extra cost, and vice-versa.

To do so, go to the Itch project page of the counterpart asset pack in the other collection and you should be able to download it with an already applied 100% discount.

HOW OFTEN WILL THE PACKS BE RELEASED?

Upscale Fantasy asset packs will be published regularly (3 - 4 packs per month) until the new collection catches up with the Minifantasy original collection. 

Starting with the release of Upscale Fantasy - Dungeon on August 27th, they will follow the chronological order of Minifantasy pack releases. 

This can go on for around a year or a year and a half. After that, a new Upscale Fantasy pack will be published shortly after a Minifantasy pack is released.