Make your RPG textures better in Barony

Barony: Barony HD Mod is a free video game utility that improves the graphic resolution of your copy of the pixelated RPG, Barony. Developed by p0ss, this graphics mod pretty much just replaces the original assets with high-definition alternatives in order to make the visuals pop. However, because these new assets from another source and not handcrafted, they tend to make some of the visuals look mismatched and awkward.

HD graphics for everyone

Barony is a 2015 first-person roguelike role-playing video game developed by Turning Wheel. Unlike most RPGs, it allows for co-op play. You can have up to 4 players in multiplayer and scour different dungeons. The roguelike elements you’ll find here are the permadeath system, maze-like maps, and the lack of handholding—even for new players. There are over 13 different classes available and you can even customize your own adventure with the level editor. 

Since this makes the game open-source now, it’s easy to create mods. One such mod is Barony HD, which replaces the in-game assets for better-looking ones from open-source alternatives. All assets used are GPL compatible and come from OpenGameArt.org, which is a media repository of free content assets that allows developers to easily replace programmer art. This mod replaces all environmental tiles, items, and even interface elements with new HD textures.  

However, while the free assets themselves look nice, they tend to look awkward once viewed inside the game. Much of the graphics clash with each other due to the different artistic level of textures. They also clash with the simple shapes they’re plastered on. It doesn’t help that this mod is still in constant development and releases updates bit by bit. It would be much better if the whole project is released all at once.

A bit unpolished

All in all, Barony: Barony HD Mod looks okay but tends to disappoint. It’s not fully finished and this adds to the overall patchwork of high-definition art that’s been layered over everything else. It looks clean at times, but you’ll often find where one seam starts and ends and it can be hard to ignore. If you’re looking to improve the game’s visuals, it’s best to try out other mods until this one is finally complete.