What Was Wrong with v1.0?

The original Galaga Girl, affectionately known as v1.0, was created during a period of rapid experimentation with digital painting techniques. While it successfully conveyed the vibrant, pixelated energy of classic arcade games, a few critical issues emerged upon closer inspection and feedback from the community.

First and foremost was the lighting inconsistency. The shading on the character’s face and uniform lacked a coherent light source, resulting in flat and somewhat disjointed highlights. The shoulder and arm regions, in particular, suffered from uneven gradients that made the form appear distorted under certain viewing angles. This was a clear sign of rushing the rendering phase without establishing a strong lighting plan from the outset.

Secondly, anatomical inaccuracies became increasingly apparent. The proportions of the arms and hands were slightly off, with fingers appearing too short and the wrist joint misaligned with the forearm. The torso was also compressed in a way that disrupted the natural flow of the pose, making the character seem slightly hunched rather than confidently posed. These issues, while subtle, undermined the believability of the character despite the stylized nature of the artwork.

Lastly, there was the issue of pixel creep — a phenomenon where low-resolution textures or pixel-art elements were stretched or blurred when upscaled, causing a loss of crispness and introducing unintended artifacts. In v1.0, the cockpit HUD and the Galaga emblem on the pilot’s helmet exhibited this problem, with jagged edges and color bleeding that detracted from the retro aesthetic. This was especially noticeable in larger prints or high-resolution displays.

These flaws, though not deal-breakers, were persistent enough to warrant a full revision. Thus, the journey to v2.0 began — not just as a visual upgrade, but as a learning experience in precision, patience, and respect for the source material.

Before and After: A Visual Transformation

To truly appreciate the improvements in Galaga Girl 2.0, nothing speaks louder than a direct comparison. Below is an interactive slider that lets you drag left and right to reveal the original v1.0 on the left and the updated v2.0 on the right. Pay close attention to the facial features, lighting gradients, and the crispness of the pixel elements.

Drag the slider to compare Galaga Girl v1.0 (left) with v2.0 (right). Notice the improved lighting, cleaner lines, and enhanced details.

As you slide from left to right, the differences become striking. The eyes in v2.0 are more dynamically lit, with a sharper catchlight that gives them life and depth. The cheekbones are more defined, and the jawline flows naturally into the neck. The uniform now features consistent highlights that follow a single light source from the upper left, creating a more three-dimensional appearance. Additionally, the pixel elements — such as the digital readouts on the control panel — are now rendered at native resolution and scaled properly, eliminating the blur and jaggedness seen in the original.

This side-by-side comparison isn’t just about aesthetics; it reflects a deeper commitment to craftsmanship. Every line, shadow, and highlight in v2.0 was re-evaluated and redrawn with intention. The result is a character that feels more alive, more authentic, and more worthy of the Galaga legacy.

Brush Pack Used: 1980s Arcade Screen Grime

One of the most exciting aspects of this update was the use of a custom brush pack designed to emulate the look and feel of aged arcade monitors from the 1980s. Titled “Arcade Screen Grime”, this set of 18 brushes was developed in collaboration with retro game preservationists and analog texture archivists. Each brush captures a different aspect of CRT degradation — from phosphor burn-in and scan-line flicker to dust motes and glass smudges.

These brushes were instrumental in grounding the artwork in a tangible, physical reality. Instead of just painting a “retro-style” image, I was able to simulate the actual viewing experience of playing Galaga in a dimly lit arcade in 1983. The texture layer was applied last, at low opacity, ensuring it enhanced rather than overwhelmed the underlying illustration.

For digital artists looking to recreate this effect, I recommend using these brushes sparingly and always on separate layers. Overuse can quickly make an image look dirty rather than nostalgic. The goal is subtle degradation — not damage.

Free Wallpaper Downloads: Desktop & Mobile

To celebrate the release of Galaga Girl 2.0, I’m offering two free high-resolution wallpaper versions for personal use. Whether you’re decking out your office monitor or giving your phone a retro glow-up, these images are optimized for clarity and color fidelity.

The desktop version frames the full character in a dynamic pose, with the spaceship’s engine glow illuminating the background. The phone version crops tightly on the upper body and helmet, emphasizing the visor reflection and the Galaga logo on her flight suit. Both include the subtle screen-grime texture for added authenticity.

These wallpapers are perfect for fans of retro gaming, digital art, or anyone who appreciates a strong, stylish character with a nod to classic arcade history. Just right-click and set as wallpaper — no installation needed.

High-Score Challenge: Show Us Your Galaga Skills

No tribute to Galaga would be complete without a nod to the game itself. Back in the day, high scores were a badge of honor — written in permanent marker on the side of the cabinet, remembered for years, and passed down like legends. So here’s a challenge:

My personal best? 187,340 — achieved on an MAME emulator after about three hours and way too much coffee. I lost the dual-fighter on level 12 to a sneaky dive-bombing formation. But I’ll get it back.

Let’s see what you’ve got. The galaxy is watching.

Behind the Time-Lapse: Creating v2.0

In addition to the final artwork, I’ve been working on a detailed time-lapse video that documents the entire creation process of Galaga Girl 2.0 — from initial sketch to final polish. The video, which compresses roughly 28 hours of painting into a 6-minute reel, will be released next week on my YouTube channel.

What makes this time-lapse special is the level of transparency. You’ll see me correct anatomy in real time, adjust lighting layers, and apply the Arcade Screen Grime brushes with precision. There are no hidden undo shortcuts or magical fixes — just steady, deliberate work. The video also includes voice-over commentary explaining key decisions, such as why I chose a cooler blue for the spaceship’s glow or how I avoided over-texturing the background.

Subscribers will get early access, and everyone else can watch it for free. Stay tuned for the link!

What’s Next?

Galaga Girl 2.0 isn’t the end — it’s a stepping stone. Based on the response, I’m considering a full series of retro arcade pin-ups: Pac-Man Annie, Centipede Clara, and possibly a Space Invaders squad. Each would receive the same level of detail and authenticity, using era-specific textures and lighting styles.

If you have a favorite classic game you’d like to see reimagined, drop a suggestion in the comments. And if you’re an artist, feel free to share your own takes — just tag them #GalagaGirl20 so we can find them.

Until then, keep your joystick steady, your reflexes sharp, and your scores high. The aliens are coming — but we’re ready.