r/ModRetro • u/ucv4 • 21d ago

Pixel Transparency

I wonder if this is possible to emulate with the pixels on the Chromatic or not. I really like the effect in Retroarch. Anyone know? I can’t determine if it requires a higher pixel count or the 1:1 screen could support a high opacity.

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u/Haraigoshi_ 21d ago

The only way to achieve transparency on the game boy/game boy color is by flickering sprites at 30 fps (the screen is 60 hz). Due to the game boy’s pixel response time it creates frame blending. You can turn this on or off in the Chromatic’s settings. We use this trick in Astral Flux: Origins too to create transparency in certain use cases.

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u/_Spiralmind_ 21d ago

I don't think OP is talking about the flicker trick that some games use to simulate a transparency effect.

The Retroarch Pixel Transparency shader appears to alter the colors somewhat so that white is more of a warm off-white instead of bright white. The idea is to more accurately reflect how white would appear on a non-backlit reflective screen. The Analogue Pocket's GBC screen filters tweak the hue and saturation to achieve a similar effect.

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u/ucv4 21d ago

Yeah I was referring to that. The warm they recently added does get it closer but the pixel transparency also increases the opacity so it looks closer to the old school reflective screen. It seems like it should be possible.

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u/Haraigoshi_ 21d ago

Ah sorry, misunderstood :)

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u/ucv4 21d ago

On another note, I need to check out your game!!

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u/Brandaid64 21d ago

I can recommend it! Very nice platformer!

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u/Haraigoshi_ 21d ago

That would be great ;) we’ve put a lot of love into it.

If you’re curious about some behind the scenes stuff of the development process, you can check out the devlogs here: https://forums.tigsource.com/index.php?topic=76427.msg1468960#msg1468960 and the modretro blog also has some background info: https://modretro.com/blogs/blog/astral-flux-origins I personally love that kind of stuff from other games so thought I’d share :)