palette swap
Hue-shifted duplicate
A palette swap is a variation of a video game character, sprite, or asset created by changing its colors while keeping the underlying design identical.
The technique originated as a memory-saving shortcut—creating new enemies or alternate character costumes without additional graphics.
The fighting game had twelve characters but half were just palette swaps of each other.
The term now applies broadly to any recoloring that passes as variety: The sequel's "new" levels were mostly palette swaps of the originals.
Change something's hue
- color schemePlanned set of hues
- colorwayDesignated color combination offered
- themeCentral recurring concept
- variationChange from a norm
iteration · template · modularity · interchangeability · consistency · efficiency · scalability · standardization
Pleasing arrangement of hues
- complementaryMutually supplying lacks
- analogousComparable in certain respects
- triadicOf or involving three
- monochromeSingle-color rendering
vibrancy · saturation · tint · shade · tone · chroma · gradient · spectrum
Outer animal coverings
- reskinsCosmetic alterations only
- recolorsTints something anew
- unlockablesContent earned through play
- DLCSupplemental game content
cosmetics · microtransactions · variants · character select · sprite · texture pack · modding · player choice
Hypothetical divergent reality
- evil twinMorally inverted lookalike
- cloneGenetically identical organism
- doppelgangerSupernatural duplicate of oneself
- shadow selfUnconscious rejected aspects
corrupted · transformation · disguise · alter ego · costume change · secret identity · fusion · shiny
recolor
Change something's hue
- color schemePlanned set of hues
- colorwayDesignated color combination offered
- themeCentral recurring concept
variation · iteration · template · modularity · interchangeability · consistency · efficiency · scalability · standardization
color harmony
Pleasing arrangement of hues
- complementaryMutually supplying lacks
- analogousComparable in certain respects
- triadicOf or involving three
monochrome · vibrancy · saturation · tint · shade · tone · chroma · gradient · spectrum · contrast
skins
Outer animal coverings
- reskinsCosmetic alterations only
- recolorsTints something anew
- unlockablesContent earned through play
DLC · cosmetics · microtransactions · variants · character select · sprite · texture pack · modding · player choice · customization
alternate universe
Hypothetical divergent reality
- evil twinMorally inverted lookalike
- cloneGenetically identical organism
- doppelgangerSupernatural duplicate of oneself
shadow self · corrupted · transformation · disguise · alter ego · costume change · secret identity · fusion · shiny