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.
“A turn-based RPG that takes place in a medieval rodent society beneath the streets of modern London. The story follows Verm, a particularly angry mouse armed with a pen knife, who is hunting for the human who stole his tail.
“On the way, Verm befriends a mole wizard, a squirrel harlequin, and a lab rat lancer. Together, the party upend rodent society, clash with titans, and eventually face off against the gods themselves.”
Platforms: Windows, Mac, PS4, Switch
Release: Summer 2021
developed by Starsoft
“An open-world, action-adventure platformer, centered on rebuilding the divided planet of Arcadia. You’ll be empowered to save the people you discover from problems like hunger, superstition, tyranny and destruction. As you help the Arcadians regain their lives and thrive, you’ll earn experience, abilities, powerful tools and allies to aid you in your quest.
“You play as Sam, a stranger with no possessions or memory. As you explore, you’ll learn of your origin and place among the characters you encounter. Battle, evade and persuade your enemies to join you in rebuilding a broken world.”
[Back on Kickstarter] | [Wishlist on Steam]
Platforms: Windows, Mac, PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
Release: TBA
developed by Florian Lackner
“A challenging platformer game, set in a modern, near-distant future not too far from our own time. Explore a vast and immersive world and uncover the mysteries it holds!
“The game tells the story of Violet on her adventure trying to find Airena, her beloved sister, who seems to have disappeared very suddenly and without a trace. With her world suddenly turned upside down, help Violet find out what dangers and mysteries are lurking in the shadows, and where her sister might have disappeared to.”
Platforms: Windows
Release: 2020
developed by Jonathan Barcellos
“A 2D action game with platform elements inspired by the classic RPGs from the 16-bit era. After a strange phenomenon caused panic in the small town of Yellow Cedar Davus and his friends decide to investigate the source of the event.
“With their wooden swords and walkie-talkies, they leave their hometown to discover that the reality is not what they expected it to be.”
Platforms: Windows, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
Release: TBA
developed by tea_basira | published by PLAYISM
“A 2D action-exploration game set in the world of Gensokyo. Join Suika Ibuki as she wreaks havoc throughout Gensokyo against the backdrop of the festival held at Hakurei Shrine.”
Another cool looking spin off of Touhou Project, a bullet hell shooter series.
Platforms: Windows
Release: Summer 2019
developed by Jason Newman | music by Craig Collver
A retro block pushing puzzle game inspired by Chip’s Challenge and Zelda. The developer has been working on Akurra in their free time for about a year (with their childhood friend doing the music) but would like to dedicate more time to the project and is planning a Kickstarter in the near future. There is a demo you can try on the website below if you want to check out how it plays. :-)
Platforms: TBA
Release: TBA
developed by Atma Team | published by Rubika Supinfogame
“In a world where spirits and humans coexist, Shaya, guardian of the unseen, keeps the safe balance between the living and it’s spiritual entities. She once was Atma’s eternal lover, but as he passed away, she became the next Guardian. He asks one last thing from her : recollect his fragments of memory he shared with his relatives…
“But, In order to offer him the chance to return among the living, Shaya will have to make dangerous decisions. Here begins her desperate quest for resurrection. Will she betray her vows as a guardian to be reunited with the one she loves ?”
[Play on itch.io] | [Play on Steam]
via Gazette of Indie Games Platforms: Windows
Release: July 10, 2019
developed by Pixelnicks | published by Screenwave Media
“Discover the avian world of Eagle Island with Quill and his loyal owl companion, Koji. Explore lush forests, treacherous caverns, and uncover the ruins of long lost civilizations on your way to confront the gargantuan deity, Armaura, in a desperate attempt to rescue Ichiro from her clutches.”
[Buy on Steam] | [Nintendo eShop]
Platforms: Windows, Mac, Linux, Switch
Release: July 11, 2019
developed by Theropods Team
“An old school point and click adventure game that combines puzzles with a cinematic story, colourful characters, playable action sequences and a retro aesthetic. Oh, and lots of dinosaurs!”
“A young hunter travelling home to free her enslaved tribe from bloodthirsty barbarians. A mysterious spaceman stranded on a strange prehistoric planet with slim hopes of returning home. Experience friendship, bravery and betrayal, all while playing a classic adventure game!”
[Back on Kickstarter] | [Wishlist on Steam] | [Play the Demo]
Platforms: Windows, Mac
Release: 2021
developed by Ted Sterchi
“A new retro single-player 8-bit action-adventure platformer game being developed by former SEGA designer Ted Sterchi. This game is being carefully developed to be a completely authentic experience, fully created under the graphic and audio specifications of the NES.
“Explore a pastel-hued island while uncovering mysteries from the past. Players will explore a vast island, swapping between five different playable characters who have their own unique magical abilities and discovering who is best suited for different areas and obstacles. This is an island that will reward the curious with plentiful secrets and hidden ancient relics to be found.
“One normal Summer vacation soon turns into a generational tale about family, friendship, hope, bravery, and our impact on the environment.”
[Back on Kickstarter] | [ Wishlist on Steam]
Platforms: Windows, Mac, Switch, NES
Release: Q1 2020