Bytes (Animation)

Phew, this was a large one, mostly because of Yotta that is. Presenting what remains of a small game project that my class was assigned to in Game Dev' studies. After the assignment ended I was like "you know, this idea feels too fun to me so I'm gonna animate the rest of these guys in my free-time". The game idea was you, some form of computer virus or malfunction, surviving an ever-spawning wave of increasingly difficult computer enemies for as long as possible before you're inevitably slain. In a bit further detail, the enemies (or Bytes rather) are listed and ranked as follows:


Octet: A near featureless and uninteresting block of 8 Bits that hardly count as enemies, instead as killable barriers that impede movement, often serving as a plentiful annoyance. They have two uses; platforming and cover from enemy attacks.

Deca: The most disrespected and pitiful of the SuperComputer's Security Force, yet some of the more plentiful. Decabytes are simple minded as they only share one simple goal each despite lacking a hive-mind mentality, that being to receive promotion into a Hecta or even a Kilo. Easily avoided as they even lack aerial mobility, a trait that nearly all their brethren ranks possess.

Hecta: Though higher up than the Deca (both in rank and in terms of movement), the Hectabyte is still a very basic servant to the all mighty SuperComputer. They lock on to any detectable intruder and begin to pursue relentlessly. Their primary weakness is their slowness.

Kilo: Strangely enough, while higher up in rank, the Kilo appears to showcase even less mobility than that of the Hecta. Though it's believed they simply just choose to remain still. Hardly ever engaging in combat and rather serving as hazardous barriers, effectively making them an elite variant of the Octet.

Mega: Every rank past the Mega is where true intimidation shows its head. The Mega is the first of the lower ranks to possess ranged weaponry, their swollen bodies allowing them to store large quantities of disposable anti-virus pellets.

Qubit (refereed to as "Quibit" in the animation by accident, forgive me for this): A strange being composed near entirely of pure plasma. Though small in terms of Bit size, it makes up for this by utilising it's connection to the quantum plane, allowing travel via teleportation. The process however can prove hazardous to surrounding beings, as shrapnel tends to fly off from the event point.

Giga: A demented, lunatic-like guard dog that uses both range and mobility in a fight. With increased attributes in both qualities than that of the Hecta and the Mega, they can be some of the more dangerous anti-virus entities to encounter in the SuperComputer.

Tera: These high ranking, somewhat intelligent enforcers serve both as tactical commanders and as decent backup in combat zones. They move around slowly but erratically, periodically sending out bullets in all directions, that which leave lingering spikes on impact.

Peta: The first of the higher ranks who may speak in the presence of the Yottabyte himself. Though basic in movement pattern, merely bouncing off walls in a diagonal motion, they can still prove to be rather tricky to evade, especially in narrow and tight corridors. When harmed too much, they anger and retreat to form into an Exabyte. In their free-time they manage and maintain the flow of electricity throughout the SuperComputer's body.

Exa: An even deadlier variant of the Petabyte. They behave the same as said Byte but have the added advantage of releasing bullets on every impact, increasing the width of their attacks.

Zetta: Second to highest rank, Zettabytes oversee the majority of operations across the system. In combat they showcase high armour value and the ability to fire in 8 directions.

Yotta: Referred to formally as Septillion Superior, the Yottabyte is believed by some to be a computerised demi-god and confirmed to be the supreme ruler of the SuperComputer. It is also speculated that he serves as a vital component in the SuperComputer's brain, requiring his constant activity to sustain the life of which. In action, the Yottabyte showcases tremendously powerful bullet-hell style attacks, the ability to summon reinforcements and to "vaccinate" surfaces through a specialised energy blast, which merely means to form anti-viral spikes across an entire wall, floor or ceiling for a short duration.


A lot of this was heavily System Shock inspired, and was also the main reason why I took so long to get around to posting art again. But I'm glad it's finally over, and it feels great looking back at it. A fair few of these guys were done during the assignment but Yotta however took roughly 2 months to finish, the majority of this Summer break. But I didn't mind that really.

Anyway, hope you all like what you see here. Feel free to tell me which one's your favourite Byte if you have one.