Tag: pixel art

Some of the best pixel art indie games that I have curated or ones that just hit you right in the nostalgia with their retro feel.

Eastward

“A beautifully detailed and charismatic adventure game with RPG elements, from Shanghai-based indie developers Pixpil.

“In the near-future society is starting to collapse, with the human population shrinking to an all-time low.  As the world around falls to ruin, a hardworking miner called John discovers a young girl named Sam deep underground in a secret facility.  After escaping the town, the unlikely pair embark on an emotional journey to discover the strange truth about her origins and the mystery behind the sinister creatures who descend on the local towns, devouring everything in their path.”

Wishlist on Steam

Platforms: Windows, Mac, Nintendo Switch
Release: 2021

Knuckle Sandwich

“A GBA-style RPG that combines fast-paced minigames with turn-based combat.

“The story is about a boy who moves out of home and starts looking for work in a new city.  After landing a job at a run-down diner, he accidentally gets wrapped up in a missing persons mystery that involves a ludicrous gang and a fanatical cult.”

Wishlist on Steam

Platforms: Windows, Mac
Release: TBA

Neon City Riders

“A 2D action-adventure mixed with super-powered urban gangs in a post-cyberpunk neon scenario…

“Assume the role of Rick, a rad masked vigilante in search of superpowers and companions to defeat hordes of vicious enemies, solve defiant puzzles, unlock new paths, complete engaging side-quests, and finally, free the decaying futurist Neon City that has been seized by a group of superpowered gangs!”

Buy on Steam

Platforms: Windows, PS4, Xbox, Nintendo Switch
Release: March 12, 2020

Backbone

“A noir-inspired detective adventure.  Step into the shoes of anthropomorphic raccoon and private eye, Howard Lotor, and explore the beautifully rendered 2.5D pixel art environments of dystopian Vancouver.

“Howard Lotor is smart, self-assured and set in his ways.  Caught in the tedium of day-to-day life, he’s resigned to the abuses of the authoritative regime in power and compliant with the systemic inequality that permeates society.  But a string of cases that grow progressively more outlandish will put his worldview to the test.

“Backbone’s gameplay is a new take on point-and-click adventure, featuring stealth, exploration, and extensive branching dialogues inspired by classic CRPGs.  As Howard, you must traverse the diverse districts of a now walled-off Vancouver, sniff out clues, collect evidence, interrogate witnesses, and choose which leads to follow.”

Wishlist on Steam

Platforms: Windows, Mac, Linux, PS4, Xbox, Nintendo Switch
Release: 2021

Cyber Shadow

“The world has been taken over by synthetic lifeforms.  A desperate plea for help sets Shadow on a journey to uncover what started the path to perpetual ruin.  Slash through the techno hordes, leap past traps, and nimbly navigate the ruins of Mekacity.  Only you can unlock the secrets to your clan’s ancient powers in Cyber Shadow, the quintessential Ninja Action game.”

Wishlist on Steam

Platforms: Windows, Mac, PS4, Xbox, Nintendo Switch
Release: fall 2020

Yes, Your Grace

“In this kingdom management RPG, petitioners will arrive in the throne room each turn to ask for your advice and assistance.  Decide whether to help them with their problems, or to conserve resources for more important matters.  Remember: supplies are limited, and not everyone has the kingdom’s best interests at heart…”

Buy on Steam

Platforms: Windows, consoles to come
Release: March 6, 2020

Dungeon Drafters

“A roguelite dungeon crawler that draws upon the magic of cards!  Play as a young adventurer, eager to explore ancient dungeons and find long-forgotten cards to build the legendary spell deck that could defeat the one wielding the forbidden cards the entire world fears!

“Employ clever tactics to defeat giant slimes and malfunctioning golems, loot conveniently placed treasure chests, uncover hidden secrets, collect rare cards and rescue lost adventurers.  Build your unique, ultimate spell deck with your signature card combo!”

Back on Kickstarter

Platforms: Windows, Nintendo Switch
Release: 2021

Nocturne: Prelude

“Journey through a digital afterlife as you discover eternal life comes with sacrifice.  Explore the first chapter of a Rhythm RPG that’ll test the limits of human existence.

“Master an entirely skill based rhythm combat with fierce battles and unexpected challenges.  With multiple difficulty options, Nocturne is a game suitable for beginners and veterans of the rhythm genre, containing the perfect balance of heart-pumping musical combat with magnificent worldbuilding and deep story.  Make friends, battle enemies, and traverse a beautiful world as it falls apart around you.”

Download on Steam

Platforms: Windows
Release: March 3, 2020

Rose of Starcross

“A colorful and explosive RPG about a place with a heavy past. 300 years ago, a being known as the Beast appeared and began to tear Starcross apart with cataclysmic magic.  This event resulted in the death of almost all of the humans and set in motion the rise of the Undead, the creation of the Anims, and the birth of the Demons…

“Things might not be so awful now!  Or they might be!  Depends on who you ask but honestly things have gotten along pretty well thanks to the leadership of some really impressive individuals!  A notable feat is that Demons, Anims, and humans live very much in harmony.  The Door locked behind the Rose, the Sword, and Mt. Starcross itself are also pretty fun tourist attractions now!  Now who knows what would happen if some unknown, idiot kid just came along and actually pulled the sword up.  But I doubt we’ll ever have to worry about that! Schools out!  Summer just started! A perfect time to take a vacation!  Go have fun!”

Back on Kickstarter

Platforms: Windows, Nintendo Switch
Release: 2022

Coffee Talk

“A game about listening to people’s problems and helping them by serving up a warm drink out of the ingredients you have in stock.  It is a game that depicts lives as humanly as possible, while having a cast that is more than just humans.

“Immerse yourself in the stories of alternative-Seattle inhabitants, ranging from a dramatic love story between an elf and a succubus, an alien trying to understand humans’ lives, and many others modern readers will find strongly echo the world around them.”

Buy on Steam

Platforms: Windows, Mac, PS4, Xbox, Nintendo Switch
Release: January 29, 2020