Destrier Gallop – 8-Frame Heavy Horse

A complete pixel art package for JoustVille – a medieval jousting side-scroller game. This project includes a static horse design and a full 8-frame galloping animation of a Norman Cob (Destrier) war horse – a "thicc," heavy breed that remains agile and swift.

Client: caddreee (Game Developer, JoustVille)

Brief: Create a convincing 8-frame gallop cycle for a "kinda heavy" horse in 16-bit pixel art style, sized 100–150px for side-scroller integration.

Deliverables Included
Asset Description
Static Design Final approved horse sprite, 150×150 canvas, fully shaded 16-bit style
8-Frame Animation Full gallop cycle with suspension frame (all 4 hooves off ground)
Sprite Sheet 8 frames arranged horizontally for game engine import
GIF Preview Looping gallop animation for quick review

Challenges Solved
Balancing "Heavy" with "Agile" – Designed a thick body but kept leg extension wide and suspension frame pronounced.

Correcting Horse Face Profile – Many pixel artists struggle with equine anatomy. Fixed forehead dip and jaw roundness through reference comparison.

Hooves vs. Cat Feet – Redesigned bottom of legs to be flat-bottomed, blocky hooves instead of pointed paws.

Canvas Sizing Misunderstanding – Client requested 150×150 canvas (not larger horse). Placed existing ~100×100 horse into larger canvas – preserved art quality while adding animation buffer space.