A vibrant 2D platformer inspired by legendary animator Genndy Tartakovsky has sparked an unexpected and deeply technical debate about color theory within the gaming community. The game, called Necrowave, tells the unusual story of a zombie's emotional journey while trapped inside a microwave, and its striking visual design has captured attention for reasons that go far beyond its quirky premise.
Developed by Arfhis The Wizard, Necrowave employs a bold aesthetic that combines bright red blood effects with predominantly blue backgrounds, creating an unusually striking contrast that immediately catches the eye. The game functions as a challenging 2D platformer where players must navigate through levels using critical thinking rather than brute force combat, as death comes with a single hit. This high-stakes gameplay is made even more visceral by the dramatic color palette that makes every drop of blood pop against the cool-toned environments.
The most fascinating aspect of Necrowave's visual design stems from a personal revelation shared by its creator. Writing on Reddit, the developer revealed a crucial detail about the game's creation process: "I'm born colorblind and love games, so I'm making a game with colors that are beautiful to me." This disclosure has fundamentally changed how the gaming community views the title's aesthetic choices, transforming what might have been seen as a simple stylistic decision into something much more meaningful and personal.
The developer's colorblindness has inadvertently created a visual experience that resonates powerfully with players who have typical color vision. The resulting color combinations have proven to be remarkably effective at creating visual impact, leading many to praise the game's bold and vibrant appearance. The contrast between the red gore and blue backgrounds creates an almost hypnotic effect that draws players deeper into the game's unusual world.
This revelation has triggered an extensive and surprisingly technical discussion about color theory among gamers and developers. Some community members argue that the game's success stems from its use of complementary colors – those positioned opposite each other on the traditional color wheel. However, this interpretation has faced pushback from others who point out that orange, not red, sits directly opposite blue on most standard color wheels.
The debate has revealed the complexity and subjectivity inherent in color theory itself. Critics of the complementary color explanation note that the concept of complementary colors is not entirely objective and varies depending on which color system is being used. Different color wheels serve different purposes, whether for RGB digital displays, CMYK printing processes, or traditional paint mixing techniques. In RGB color systems, red and cyan are considered complementary, while in other contexts, red and teal combinations are frequently employed in film and photography specifically for their high contrast properties.
Interestingly, some observers have noted that certain scenes in Necrowave do incorporate teal elements alongside the dominant blue and red palette, suggesting that the developer's intuitive color choices may align more closely with established color theory principles than initially apparent. This has added another layer to the ongoing discussion about whether the game's visual success is due to technical color relationships or something more fundamental about human visual perception.
The game's animation style has drawn comparisons to the work of Genndy Tartakovsky, the acclaimed animator behind series like Samurai Jack, Dexter's Laboratory, and the Hotel Transylvania films. Players have specifically noted similarities to Samurai Jack's bold, graphic style and dynamic action sequences. This comparison is particularly fitting given Tartakovsky's own mastery of color and contrast in creating memorable visual experiences.
Beyond the color theory debate, Necrowave represents an important example of how personal experiences and limitations can lead to innovative creative solutions. The developer's colorblindness, which might be viewed as a constraint in a visual medium like video games, has instead become the source of the game's most distinctive and celebrated feature. This has resonated with many in the development community who see it as an inspiring example of turning perceived disadvantages into creative strengths.
The game is currently available for wishlisting on Steam, where it continues to generate interest from players eager to experience its unique visual style firsthand. The ongoing discussion around its color choices has only served to increase anticipation for the full release, as players are curious to see how the developer's distinctive visual approach will enhance the complete gaming experience.
Necrowave's success in generating both visual impact and intellectual discussion demonstrates the power of authentic creative expression in game development. By staying true to their own visual perception and preferences, the developer has created something that stands out in an increasingly crowded gaming marketplace while simultaneously contributing to broader conversations about accessibility, creativity, and the science of visual perception in interactive media.
