Ravva and the Cyclops Curse

Ravva and the Cyclops Curse

Ravva and the Cyclops Curse is a 2D platform adventure that draws inspiration from the 8-bit NES era. Players must help a young summoner fight through ten levels of monsters to defeat the evil Cyclops that cursed their mother. Along for the ride are four summons that offer different abilities for Ravva to use. Some of these are more useful than others, but they add some variety to the gameplay. The game is very short but offers an entertaining experience while it lasts and should appeal to all retro fans.

Gameplay: Cycle through different summons while platforming through levels filled with traps and monsters.

Graphics: The visuals look authentically 8-bit, but despite the limited color palette everything remains clear and visible.

Sound: Each area only has one tune, but the music is upbeat and cheerful

Hotline Miami

Hotline Miami

Hotline Miami is a surreal, brutal, and bloody top-down shooter where players are given access to a bunch of weapons and set loose on Russian mobsters. Almost everyone, including the protagonist, can be killed in one hit, which, coupled with the speed of the game, makes for a very intense experience. The neon-tinted color palette used for the retro 16-bit visuals and the synthwave soundtrack further enhances the experience and draws players into the seedy game world. The game is extremely challenging and not without flaws, but the overall experience is one that comes highly recommended.

Gameplay: The game is fast-paced with brutal violence, but one misstep can result in instant death.

Graphics: The visuals are pixelated but detailed, and the overall aesthetic is quite memorable.

Sound: The soundtrack is easily one of the highlights of the game, and the music is a perfect match for the action

Prodeus First Look Video

Prodeus First Look Video

Prodeus by Bounding Box Software and Humble Games is a first-person shooter of old, re-imagined using modern rendering techniques and technology. In addition to a hand-crafted campaign from industry FPS veterans, the game also features co-op and competitive multiplayer that draws on classic modes. Other highlights include a fully integrated level editor and a built-in community map browser. Check out the video below to see the first level of the campaign mode in action

Undertale

Undertale

Undertale looks like a traditional retro RPG, but beneath the surface lurks a captivating and emotional title that isn’t afraid to subvert expectations. Playing as a young child trapped in a world of monsters, players are free to try and befriend everyone or do what any good RPG hero would do and slay them all. With its unique combat system and quirky cast of characters, Undertale is one of the most memorable and interesting takes on a well-worn genre and should definitely not be missed.

Gameplay: Undertale plays a lot like a traditional RPG but isn’t afraid to subvert expectations at every turn.

Graphics: The visuals are distinctly retro in style but pack plenty of charm.

Sound: Undertale features a wonderful soundtrack with plenty of memorable tunes

ASTRO ACE

ASTRO ACE

Astro Ace is a retro-style space shooter that isn’t afraid to challenge players. The goal is to take down endless waves of enemies while racking up a high score in the process. Although very difficult, the experience point system keeps players hooked with a steady stream of new unlocks, and the game is addictive enough that minutes can quickly turn into hours if you are not careful.

Gameplay: Astro Ace can be frustrating, and it takes a lot of practice to get anywhere, but beating your previous high score is quite a thrill.

Graphics: The visuals can get a little cluttered, but the ship designs and different effects have just the right combination of retro and modern.

Sound: The soundtrack and sound effects, apart from the Wingman Support, are unobtrusive and provide a good backdrop for the arcade action

ASTRO ACE First Look Video

ASTRO ACE First Look Video

ASTRO ACE by Irondales Entertainment is an addictive retro-style arcade space shooter. Players must take on an evil alien fleet invading the solar system with endless waves of enemies. More than ten types of weapons are available to use in the fight, along with power-ups and different ships to unlock. Check out the video below to see some of the action in the game’s first few waves

80’s OVERDRIVE

80’s OVERDRIVE

80’s Overdrive harkens back to an era where neon colors, synth music, and fast cars were all the rage. Players can make their way through a 37 race Career Mode while purchasing new cars and upgrades along the way or hop into the Time Attack mode for a race against the clock. Unfortunately, the track editor is a little lacking, but tweaking all the variables does result in some interest tracks. While the game can be a bit of a grind and has its fair share of frustrating moments, it’s still a blast to play, and something fans of the genre will enjoy.

Gameplay: Race as fast as possible while dodging traffic, cops, and obstacles.

Graphics: The pixel art is vibrant and detailed, and there are plenty of track themes.

Sound: Sound effects are a little harsh, but the soundtrack is great

Beat Invaders First Look Video

Beat Invaders First Look Video

Beat Invaders by Raffaele Picca is a unique space action roguelite where players blast their way through enemy fleets. The neon-soaked action comes with a musical twist, too, as the movement and firing rates of enemies are dictated by the beat and tempo of each song. The ability to unlock different ship classes and upgrade them also adds more depth to the retro Space Invaders style gameplay. Check out the video below to see Beat Invaders in action

PowerSlave Exhumed First Look Video

PowerSlave Exhumed First Look Video

PowerSlave Exhumed by Nightdive Studios, Lobotomy Software, and Throwback Entertainment is KEX Engine port of the classic ’90s first-person shooter. Players take on the role of a covert operations specialist sent to the Egyptian city of Karnak to deal with alien forces. Check out the video below to see the new features, such as anisotropic texture filtering, SMAA antialiasing, widescreen support, and more

Dragon Saddle Melee First Look Video

Dragon Saddle Melee First Look Video

Dragon Saddle Melee by Main Tank Software is a classic arcade action game with chaotic multiplayer. Players must fight waves of enemy dragons and other players by bashing them from above to knock them out. Rounds become progressively more difficult, but power-ups appear to help improve your odds. Check out the video below to see Dragon Saddle Melee in action