🕹️ 16-Bit Asset Forge PRO

16-Bit Asset Forge is a high-fidelity sprite generation tool that transforms text descriptions into professional-grade 16-bit pixel art. Powered by the Gemini 3 Pro Image model, it creates assets that look and feel like they were ripped straight from a classic 1990s SNES RPG.

✨ Features

• High-Fidelity Sprites: Generates assets using the flagship gemini-3-pro-image-preview model for superior pixel-perfect detail.
• Batch Processing: Enter a comma-separated list of items to forge an entire inventory or bestiary in one go.
• Authentic Retro Aesthetic:
  • CRT Scanline Overlay: A subtle visual filter for that nostalgic television feel.
  • Pixel-First UI: Styled with the Press Start 2P font and beveled console-style borders.
  • Tactile Feedback: Responsive, "clicky" buttons and loading states.
• Pro-Tier Integration: Built-in support for the Gemini Pro API key selection flow, ensuring access to high-resolution (1K) output.
• One-Click Export: Easily save your generated sprites as transparent-ready PNGs.

🚀 Tech Stack

• Frontend: React 19 (ESM based)
• Styling: Tailwind CSS
• AI Engine: Google Gemini API (@google/genai)
• Model: gemini-3-pro-image-preview
• Typography: Google Fonts (Press Start 2P)

🛠️ Getting Started

Prerequisites

• An API Key from Google AI Studio.
• A paid Google Cloud Project (required for Gemini 3 Pro access).

Local Setup

1. Clone the repository:

   git clone https://github.com/your-username/16-bit-asset-forge.git
   cd 16-bit-asset-forge

2. Environment Variable: The app expects an API key to be available via process.env.API_KEY. If running in a managed environment like AI Studio, this is handled automatically.

3. Running the App: Since this project uses native ES6 modules and a custom import map, you can serve it using any standard static file server (like Vite or Live Server).

🎮 How to Use

1. Initialize Engine: Click the "CONNECT PRO KEY" button to select your API key.
2. Input Assets: Enter names of items, characters, or objects (e.g., Crystal Sword, Phoenix Down, Fire Demon).
3. Forge: Hit the "FORGE PIXELS" button and wait for the model to render your sprites.
4. Save: Use the "SAVE" button on any card to download the asset to your machine.

📜 Prompt Engineering

The app uses a carefully crafted system prompt to ensure consistency:

"Authentic 16-bit style pixel art... Design should look like a high-quality sprite asset from a classic 1990s Super Nintendo RPG. Features: sharp edges, distinct color palette, clean dithering..."

📄 License

This project is licensed under the MIT License - see the LICENSE file for details.

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Forged with ❤️ and Pixels.