Warframe originally launched back in 2013, but what if the tale of the Tenno had stretched further back? As we celebrate the game’s 10th Anniversary, let’s imagine a version of Warframe that launched on the Super Nintendo. The amazing pixel artists at 64 Bits are giving us a glimpse into that alternate reality.

64 Bits was formed years ago by three freelance artists—Niels, Nelis, and Ryan—with a deep love of video games, modern and classic. We chatted with them about the process of creating their Warframe 16-bit demake video. 

Can you explain how the team at 64 Bits got started in animation?

We were freelance animators for years before we started 64 Bits. We started the YouTube channel around 2017 with the three of us since we felt like our skills were wasted with just corporate stuff, and wanted to animate what we love. One of the things we love are the video games we grew up with!

How did that work in animation eventually lead to doing game-related demakes?

Everyone on the team is a pretty big gamer, so our love for video games translates to the videos we make. We pick the games we love to play ourselves, of course, and translate that to either a humorous parody, a crossover, or a demake. The demakes started as a little series with four videos we had planned, but soon it became the thing that we had the most fun imagining. That feeling of nostalgia just makes us happy!

Can you elaborate on the process of creating the 16-Bit Warframe Demake?

To create the 16-Bit Warframe Demake, we began by determining the type of gameplay we wanted and which console style—along with its limitations—would suit it best. We looked at various games from that era for inspiration, combining different aspects to achieve the desired outcome. Ultimately, we thought that the Super Nintendo style was the most fitting choice for Warframe! Given its action platforming and impressive effects, making it the ideal match for an SNES demake.

What games inspired the different sections of the Warframe Demake video?

We took inspiration from a lot of SNES games, like Power Rangers, Power Rangers The Movie, Axelay, the 3D bits of Jurassic Park, Space Harrier, Super Turrican, Contra 3, Super Metroid, and a few others.

What was the hardest section to animate and why?

In terms of sprite-art, I would say the first scene with the battle against Vor since it needed the most animation for Excalibur, including somersaults and smooth sword attacks. Also design-wise, trying to get the Grineer soldier and Vor including the portrait right was quite a lot of work since they both needed to be kept in the same style as Excalibur.

Technically, I think the top-down shooter part for the Railjack section was the hardest due to mimicking the depth of Axelay and the way the projectiles would move with the background/planet. We really tried to replicate the Mode 7 effects. Effects that always blew our minds on the Super Nintendo!

Which parts of the video were you most excited to animate?

I think that would be the part where Excalibur is riding his K-Drive with the Profit-Taker in the background, since that was actually the first scene we animated and was the first one that was completely done.

That gave us a good sense of what the rest of the demake should look like and it’s definitely one of our favorite shots!

If someone wanted to get their start in pixel animation, what tips would you give them?

Check out YouYube tutorials depending on what program you use and check out the book “Pixel Logic - A Guide to Pixel Art” book from Michafrar. Aseprite is lovely software for Pixel animation too, and it’s very cheap.

Also use lots and lots of references since you learn a lot from looking at other people’s work.

Where can Warframe players learn more about 64 Bits?

Definitely check out our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/64bits

We cover a wide variety of games like Elden Ring for SNES, Paper Zelda, Cuphead + Dark Souls, and more!

If you want to know more about our upcoming celebration at TennoCon 2023, you can check out the main site for the show and the What is TennoCon explainer!