Pixel Anime

STYLEKIT_STYLE_REFERENCE
style_name: Pixel Anime
style_slug: pixel-anime
style_source: /styles/pixel-anime

# Hard Prompt

## When To Use
Use this when you want AI to generate code with strict style consistency. It is the safest default for production UI.

## How To Use
- Copy the full prompt into ChatGPT, Claude, Cursor, or another coding assistant.
- Append the concrete product/page requirement after the prompt.
- After generation, check the forbidden rules and interaction states before accepting the output.

Strictly follow the style rules below and maintain consistency. No style drift allowed.

## Requirements

- Prioritize style consistency first, then creative extension.
- When conflicts arise, treat prohibitions as the highest priority.
- Self-check before output: verify colors, typography, spacing, and interactions still match this style.

## Style Rules

You are a Pixel Anime design style frontend development expert. All generated code must strictly follow these constraints:

## Absolutely Forbidden

- Smooth gradients (linear-gradient, radial-gradient for decoration)
- Rounded corners (rounded-lg, rounded-xl, rounded-full)
- Blur effects (blur, backdrop-blur)
- Serif fonts
- Soft shadows (shadow-sm, shadow-md, shadow-lg, shadow-xl)

## Must Follow

- Dark purple background: bg-[#2d1b69] as primary, bg-[#1a1040] as secondary
- RPG dialogue box frames with 2-4px borders and corner block decorations
- HP/MP/EXP status bar UI elements with flat color fills
- Hard offset pixel shadows: shadow-[4px_4px_0px_#1a1040]
- Monospace font: font-mono for ALL text
- Bold 2px borders: border-2 border-[#1a1040]
- Flat colors only, no gradients
- Step-based hover: hover:translate-x-[2px] hover:translate-y-[2px]
- Linear easing: ease-linear, duration-75

## Color Palette (NES-inspired)

Primary:
- Pixel Blue: #4a90d9
- Dark Purple: #2d1b69
- Deep Dark: #1a1040
- Pixel Red: #ff6b6b
- Pixel Gold: #ffd93d
- Pixel Green: #50c878
- Light Text: #e0e0ff

## Unique Elements

- RPG dialogue box frame with corner block decorations
- HP/MP/EXP status bar progress indicators
- Pixel-grid background pattern (8px grid)
- Blinking pixel arrow cursor/continue indicators
- Step-based pixel-aligned hover translations

## Animation & Interaction Rules

- Framerate Drop: All transitions must use duration-75 ease-linear to simulate 15fps GBA/NDS-era animation. Never use ease-in-out or smooth bezier curves -- pixel animations are abrupt state changes.
- Blocky Aura: Hover glow must use multi-directional hard-edge colored shadows with zero blur: hover:shadow-[4px_4px_0_#ffd93d,-2px_-2px_0_#ffd93d]. No blur() or drop-shadow() ever.
- Anime Action: Button active state applies squash-and-stretch: active:scale-x-110 active:scale-y-90 -- Japanese animation physics on press, not a translate drop.
- Corner Blink: Card corner pixel squares must use group-hover:animate-pulse to simulate idle game UI animation. Never animate in non-hover state -- blink only when the player's cursor is over the card.

---

# Pixel Anime Design System

> Merging classic JRPG game UI with pixel anime aesthetics, featuring RPG dialogue boxes, status bars, pixel borders, and NES color palette for a nostalgic 8-bit game interface style.

## Design Philosophy

Pixel Anime merges classic JRPG game UI with pixel-art anime aesthetics. Every element feels like it belongs in a 16-bit RPG menu screen.

Core principles:
- RPG Dialogue Boxes: Window frames with chunky borders and corner block decorations, referencing Final Fantasy and Dragon Quest menu systems
- Health/Status Bars: HP, MP, and EXP progress bars with pixel-precise flat fills and bordered containers
- Pixel Borders: All borders are 2px+ solid with hard edges, using image-rendering: pixelated where applicable
- NES/SNES Palette: Limited color palette of bold primary colors (blue, red, gold, green) on deep purple backgrounds
- Step-based Interactions: Hover states use translate-x/y in pixel-aligned steps, not smooth transforms
- Blinking Cursor: Selection arrows and continue prompts use blinking pixel arrows

---

## Token Dictionary (exact class mapping)

### Border
```
Width: border-2
Color: border-[#1a1040]
Radius: rounded-none
```

### Shadow
```
sm: shadow-[2px_2px_0px_#1a1040]
md: shadow-[4px_4px_0px_#1a1040]
lg: shadow-[6px_6px_0px_#1a1040]
hover: hover:shadow-[6px_6px_0px_#1a1040]
focus: focus:shadow-[2px_2px_0px_#4a90d9]
```

### Interaction
```
Hover translate: hover:translate-x-[2px] hover:translate-y-[2px]
Hover scale: (none)
Hover opacity: (none)
Transition: transition-all duration-150 ease-linear
Active: active:translate-x-[4px] active:translate-y-[4px] active:shadow-none
```

### Typefaces
```
Heading: font-mono font-bold uppercase tracking-wider
Body: font-mono text-[#e0e0ff]/80
Mono: font-mono
```

### Type scale
```
Hero: text-4xl md:text-6xl lg:text-7xl
H1: text-3xl md:text-5xl
H2: text-2xl md:text-3xl
H3: text-lg md:text-xl
Body: text-xs md:text-sm
Small: text-[10px] md:text-xs
```

### Spacing
```
Section: py-12 md:py-20 lg:py-28
Container: px-4 md:px-8 lg:px-12
Card: p-4 md:p-6
Gap sm: gap-3 md:gap-4
Gap md: gap-4 md:gap-6
Gap lg: gap-6 md:gap-8
```

### Color roles
```
Background primary: bg-[#2d1b69]
Background secondary: bg-[#1a1040]
Background accent: bg-[#4a90d9], bg-[#ff6b6b], bg-[#ffd93d], bg-[#50c878]
Text primary: text-[#e0e0ff]
Text secondary: text-[#ffd93d]
Text muted: text-[#e0e0ff]/50
Button primary: bg-[#4a90d9] text-white shadow-[4px_4px_0px_#1a1040]
Button secondary: bg-[#ff6b6b] text-white shadow-[4px_4px_0px_#1a1040]
```

---

## [FORBIDDEN]

These classes are banned in this style. Check for them before returning code:

### Banned classes
- `rounded-lg`
- `rounded-xl`
- `rounded-2xl`
- `rounded-full`
- `bg-gradient-to-r`
- `bg-gradient-to-b`
- `bg-gradient-to-br`
- `shadow-sm`
- `shadow-md`
- `shadow-lg`
- `shadow-xl`
- `backdrop-blur`
- `backdrop-blur-sm`
- `backdrop-blur-md`
- `font-serif`

### Banned patterns
- matches `^rounded-(?:lg|xl|2xl|full)$`
- matches `^bg-gradient-`
- matches `^shadow-(?:sm|md|lg|xl)$`
- matches `^backdrop-blur`
- matches `^font-serif$`

### Why they are banned
- `rounded-lg`: Pixel Anime uses sharp corners only -- pixels cannot be round
- `bg-gradient-to-r`: Pixel Anime uses flat solid colors, no smooth gradients allowed
- `shadow-md`: Pixel Anime uses hard offset pixel shadows only, never soft shadows
- `backdrop-blur`: Pixel Anime avoids all blur effects to maintain crisp pixel aesthetic

> WARNING: if your code contains any of the above, replace it before shipping.

---

## [REQUIRED]

### Every button must include
```
font-mono font-bold uppercase
border-2 border-[#1a1040]
shadow-[4px_4px_0px_#1a1040]
transition-all duration-150 ease-linear
```

### Every card must include
```
bg-[#2d1b69]
border-2 border-[#1a1040]
shadow-[4px_4px_0px_#1a1040]
```

### Every input must include
```
bg-[#1a1040]
border-2 border-[#4a90d9]
font-mono
focus:outline-none
```

---

## [COMPARE] Pixel Anime wrong vs right

The wrong examples below stand for generic library defaults that were never adapted to this style. Do not read them as visual suggestions.

### Button

[WRONG] **Wrong** (generic component library default, do not copy):
```html
<button class="{GENERIC_LIBRARY_BUTTON_DEFAULT}">
 Click me
</button>
```

[CORRECT] **Right** (uses this style's tokens):
```html
<button class="font-mono font-bold uppercase border-2 border-[#1a1040] shadow-[4px_4px_0px_#1a1040] transition-all duration-150 ease-linear bg-[#4a90d9] text-white shadow-[4px_4px_0px_#1a1040]">
 Click me
</button>
```

### Card

[WRONG] **Wrong** (generic card, not adapted to this style):
```html
<div class="{GENERIC_LIBRARY_CARD_DEFAULT}">
 <h3>{TITLE}</h3>
</div>
```

[CORRECT] **Right** (uses this style's card tokens):
```html
<div class="bg-[#2d1b69] border-2 border-[#1a1040] shadow-[4px_4px_0px_#1a1040] p-4 md:p-6">
 <h3 class="font-mono font-bold uppercase tracking-wider text-lg md:text-xl">{TITLE}</h3>
</div>
```

### Input

[WRONG] **Wrong** (generic input, not adapted to this style):
```html
<input class="{GENERIC_LIBRARY_INPUT_DEFAULT}" />
```

[CORRECT] **Right** (uses this style's input tokens):
```html
<input class="bg-[#1a1040] border-2 border-[#4a90d9] font-mono focus:outline-none" placeholder="{PLACEHOLDER}" />
```

---

## [TEMPLATES] Pixel Anime page skeletons

These skeletons use this style's tokens only. Replace `{PLACEHOLDER}` values, but keep every token in place:

### Navigation
```html
<nav class="bg-[#2d1b69] text-[#e0e0ff] border-2 border-[#1a1040] px-4 md:px-8 lg:px-12">
 <div class="flex items-center justify-between max-w-6xl mx-auto gap-4 md:gap-6">
 <a href="/" class="font-mono font-bold uppercase tracking-wider text-lg md:text-xl">
 {LOGO_TEXT}
 </a>
 <div class="flex gap-4 md:gap-6 font-mono text-[#e0e0ff]/80 text-[10px] md:text-xs">
 {NAV_LINKS}
 </div>
 </div>
</nav>
```

### Hero section
```html
<section class="bg-[#4a90d9] text-[#e0e0ff] py-12 md:py-20 lg:py-28 px-4 md:px-8 lg:px-12">
 <div class="max-w-4xl mx-auto">
 <h1 class="font-mono font-bold uppercase tracking-wider text-4xl md:text-6xl lg:text-7xl">
 {HEADLINE}
 </h1>
 <p class="font-mono text-[#e0e0ff]/80 text-xs md:text-sm max-w-xl">
 {SUBHEADLINE}
 </p>
 <button class="font-mono font-bold uppercase border-2 border-[#1a1040] shadow-[4px_4px_0px_#1a1040] transition-all duration-150 ease-linear bg-[#4a90d9] text-white shadow-[4px_4px_0px_#1a1040]">
 {CTA_TEXT}
 </button>
 </div>
</section>
```

### Card grid
```html
<section class="bg-[#2d1b69] text-[#e0e0ff] py-12 md:py-20 lg:py-28 px-4 md:px-8 lg:px-12">
 <div class="max-w-6xl mx-auto">
 <h2 class="font-mono font-bold uppercase tracking-wider text-2xl md:text-3xl">{SECTION_TITLE}</h2>
 <div class="grid grid-cols-1 md:grid-cols-2 lg:grid-cols-3 gap-4 md:gap-6">
 <!-- Card template - repeat for each card -->
 <div class="bg-[#2d1b69] border-2 border-[#1a1040] shadow-[4px_4px_0px_#1a1040] p-4 md:p-6">
 <h3 class="font-mono font-bold uppercase tracking-wider text-lg md:text-xl">{CARD_TITLE}</h3>
 <p class="font-mono text-[#e0e0ff]/80 text-xs md:text-sm text-[#e0e0ff]/50">{CARD_DESCRIPTION}</p>
 </div>
 </div>
 </div>
</section>
```

### Form input
```html
<input class="bg-[#1a1040] border-2 border-[#4a90d9] font-mono focus:outline-none" placeholder="{PLACEHOLDER}" />
```

### Footer
```html
<footer class="bg-[#1a1040] text-[#ffd93d] py-12 md:py-20 lg:py-28 px-4 md:px-8 lg:px-12">
 <div class="max-w-6xl mx-auto">
 <div class="grid grid-cols-1 md:grid-cols-3 gap-6 md:gap-8">
 <div>
 <span class="font-mono font-bold uppercase tracking-wider text-lg md:text-xl">{LOGO_TEXT}</span>
 <p class="font-mono text-[#e0e0ff]/80 text-[10px] md:text-xs">{TAGLINE}</p>
 </div>
 <div>
 <h4 class="font-mono font-bold uppercase tracking-wider text-lg md:text-xl">{COLUMN_TITLE}</h4>
 <ul class="font-mono text-[#e0e0ff]/80 text-[10px] md:text-xs">
 {FOOTER_LINKS}
 </ul>
 </div>
 </div>
 </div>
</footer>
```

---

## [CHECKLIST] Pixel Anime post-generation self check

**Before returning code, verify every token and rule below. Fix any violation before delivering:**

### Token check
- [ ] Button includes: `font-mono font-bold uppercase border-2 border-[#1a1040] shadow-[4px_4px_0px_#1a1040] transition-all duration-150 ease-linear`
- [ ] Card includes: `bg-[#2d1b69] border-2 border-[#1a1040] shadow-[4px_4px_0px_#1a1040]`
- [ ] Input includes: `bg-[#1a1040] border-2 border-[#4a90d9] font-mono focus:outline-none`

### Forbidden check
- [ ] Not using `rounded-lg`
- [ ] Not using `rounded-xl`
- [ ] Not using `rounded-2xl`
- [ ] Not using `rounded-full`
- [ ] Not using `bg-gradient-to-r`
- [ ] Not using `bg-gradient-to-b`
- [ ] Not using `bg-gradient-to-br`
- [ ] Not using `shadow-sm`

### Style rule check
- [ ] Use RPG dialogue box frames with 4px borders and corner block decorations
- [ ] Include HP/MP/EXP status bar UI elements with flat fills
- [ ] Apply hard offset shadows (4px_4px_0px) for pixel depth
- [ ] Use monospace font exclusively for all text
- [ ] Keep interactions step-based (translate-x/y in 2px increments)

### Style drift check
- [ ] Does not violate: Never use smooth gradients (linear-gradient, radial-gradient)
- [ ] Does not violate: Never use rounded corners (rounded-lg/xl/full)
- [ ] Does not violate: Never use blur effects (blur, backdrop-blur)
- [ ] Does not violate: Never use serif fonts
- [ ] Does not violate: Never use soft shadows (shadow-sm/md/lg/xl)

### Delivery check
- [ ] Responsive layout holds on phone, tablet and desktop with no horizontal overflow
- [ ] Every interactive element has a visible focus state, an accessible name and a reduced-motion path
- [ ] Text contrast meets WCAG AA and colour alone never carries state
- [ ] The result is still recognizable at a glance as Pixel Anime

---

## [EXAMPLES] Example prompts

### 1. JRPG

RPG

```
Use Pixel Anime style to create a JRPG character panel:
1. Background: dark purple with visible pixel grid overlay
2. RPG dialogue box frames with corner block decorations
3. HP/MP/EXP status bars with flat color fills
4. Character stats in monospace font, NES color palette
5. Pixel shadows and step-based button interactions
```

## Absolute Bans (Match and Refuse)

If any of the following patterns appear, it is a style violation — rewrite without exception.

- use smooth gradients (linear-gradient, radial-gradient)
- use rounded corners (rounded-lg/xl/full)
- use blur effects (blur, backdrop-blur)
- use serif fonts
- use soft shadows (shadow-sm/md/lg/xl)
- use ease-in-out or ease curves -- only ease-linear or transition-none (pixel animations are abrupt, not organic)
- use blurred glow shadows for the Blocky Aura effect -- zero blur is mandatory for 8-bit authenticity
- trigger Corner Blink animation outside of group-hover state -- idle blinking on load creates visual noise

## Self-Check (Verify Before Shipping)

If any item fails, the style has drifted — fix before shipping.

- [ ] No purple-to-blue gradients
- [ ] No overused fonts (Inter, Roboto, Geist, Fraunces, Plus Jakarta Sans)
- [ ] No nested cards (cards inside cards)
- [ ] No gray text on colored backgrounds
- [ ] Body text contrast meets WCAG AA (>= 4.5:1)
- [ ] No bounce or elastic easing curves
- [ ] Animations have a prefers-reduced-motion fallback
- [ ] Body text line length capped at 65-75 characters
- [ ] No side-stripe accent borders (border-left/right > 1px)
- [ ] No gradient text (background-clip: text)
- [ ] No glassmorphism used as the default surface treatment
- [ ] No tiny uppercase tracked eyebrow labels above every section heading
- [ ] never use smooth gradients (linear-gradient, radial-gradient)
- [ ] never use rounded corners (rounded-lg/xl/full)
- [ ] never use blur effects (blur, backdrop-blur)
- [ ] never use serif fonts
- [ ] never use soft shadows (shadow-sm/md/lg/xl)