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.
developed by Rockwell Games, pixel art by Endymion Games, music by Kevin Won
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A JRPG in the vein of Final Fantasy Tactic and Tactics Ogre, but instead of controlling individual characters in battle, you control squads of heroes on a much larger battlefield.
Still in early development for PC, and will include the assets and code required for people to create their own campaigns using UDK.
via /r/gamedev
developed by Lasso Games
[gfycat data_id="DigitalThickHairstreak"][gfycat data_id="FrailThriftyDeviltasmanian"]
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A very retro RPG adventure game. Travel to three different continents in your ship, M.S. Tradewind, and explore various areas in a 2D sidescrolling view.
Still in very early development for PC.
via /r/gamedev
developed by Ninja Robot Dinosaur
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An FPS and roguelike hybrid with multiple playable characters which each have their own play style. Upgrade both your character and your bunker. You can take a look at the really cool trailer here.
“It’s inspired by combining the classic run-and-gun gameplay of classic FPS’s, with the random level generation, RPG elements and permadeath of roguelike games. On top of it all is a revolution/bunker survival sim, where you manage resources and upgrade your bunker to grow the Bunker Punks movement.”
[Follow bunkerpunks on Tumblr]
via Indius
created by Eric Proton
“Picture a procedurally-generated roguelike FPS where between raiding corporate bunkers you build an underground base full of pirate radio zinester revolutionaries intent on taking down the Man.
“This here is Molly Pop, the pistol-wielding leader of the Zero Sum Gang, raising a revolutionary flag in the wreckage of a Fero Psychodynamics bunker.“
I wasn’t sure if today would be super quiet due to independence in the U.S. (it’s my first time, and most of my traffic is from there), so instead of potentially throwing a game up for no one to see I thought I’d just put up a little fan art from one. Turns out it’s kind of fitting.
I’ll make a post about Bunker Punks tomorrow, but here’s one screenshot if anyone’s out there. =)
Also, happy independence day to anyone celebrating!
developed by Christophe Galati
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A Gameboy inspired 2D platformer. Play as Mr. Tako, an octopus caught in the middle of a war with the humans. You can wear different hats which give you various power ups (like shooting kittens!!). You can also change the colour palette of the screen.
It’s being developed for release on Steam, as well as the Wii U, and 3DS. You can follow the development on the TIGForums.
A collection of games created by jmakesgames, a solo indie developer. You can visit the website for more, or you can follow jdmakesgames on twitter.
A Journey to Tower
“An exploration-based game where the player can escape to this unusual world with an underlying story of intercepting a mysterious radio message.”
[Follow progress on TIGForums]
Steg and Rex
“A fun, fast paced, beat ‘em up style arcade game designed for two players on one keyboard. Steal each others eggs to win!”
[gfycat data_id="AdorableMelodicDamselfly"]“I’m hoping to bring back the fun, competitive local multiplayer experience you may of had as a kid, with accessible controls which don’t require investing in multiple gamepads.”
[Follow progress on TIGForums]
[gfycat data_id="ImpartialMarvelousFinnishspitz"]
IED
“A minimalist commentary on the dangers of overseas deployment. It’s designed as an approachable game to raise awareness of the unpredictable tragedies that IEDs (Improvised Explosive Device) can deliver.
The game puts you in the boots of a soldier stationed overseas. Follow your compass through a randomly generated minefield of IEDs to return to camp.”
developed by John Araujo
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“A crushingly difficult fantasy-horror action game for PC & mobile platforms.”
Really like the aesthetic and combos in the gifs. Also, the main character design reminds me of batman, but with antlers. So awesome. O.O
It’s planned for release in 2016, and you can follow the progress on the TIGForums here.
via Kris Truitt.
developed by TURBOGUN (Kris Truitt & zorgitron)
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A stealth-based platformer with really gorgeous pixel art cutscenes. It’s been in development for quite a bit, and should be released on Steam sometime in the latter half of 2015.
“You are Master Spy. In a world of corruption and decay, you’re not just good at what you do – you’re the best.
With the aid of your prototype cloaking suit and quick wit, you’ll sneak your way past a multitude of enemies and obstacles, all while uncovering a plot of conspiracy and intrigue that thrusts you into a role far greater than your contract promised… “
[Follow on Steam] | [Play the demo] | [Follow on Tumblr]
via /r/gamedev
The artist (zorgitron) also has a separate Tumblr with a lot more animation and art, which you can take a peek at here. The gif below isn’t part of the Master Spy universe; you can see the full loop here.
[gfycat data_id="AnxiousGrotesqueIcelandichorse"]developed by Anarchy Enterprises
[gfycat data_id="PlainAlienatedIndianelephant"]
[gfycat data_id="WanMealyGrunion"] 
[gfycat data_id="SillyAncientBetafish"]
A retro top down shooter for PC.
“Grab your machinegun, flamethrower, rocket launcher and grenades. Assault the enemy base and free commandos to join your team while you destroy everything you see. Make your way through enemy bunkers to rescue your comrades, and kill everyone else you encounter!“
via /r/gamedev
developed by YCJY
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[gfycat data_id="DevotedBoilingAfricanporcupine"][gfycat data_id="PertinentRepulsiveChinchilla"][gfycat data_id="PositiveImaginaryGoldenmantledgroundsquirrel"]
“A metroid-vania styled action/adventure game where you play as the navigator of Argo 9, a spaceship/submarine hybrid, thrust back to Earth in a time after humans have gone extinct. Whereupon one will have to explore to uncover the reasons for humanity’s downfall meanwhile encountering monstrous sea creatures.
The focus of this game lies in exploration, story and boss battles. It is up to the player to determine if the ruins of our species is a travesty or an inevitable conclusion.”
Currently on Kickstarter with only a few days left to meet its goal. There’s also a demo which you can download and try out from the link below.
[Back on Kickstarter] | [Download the demo] | [Follow on Steam]
Illustration by Pontus Ullbors