With the release of next-generation consoles, video games look crisper than ever. As reported by IGN, the upcoming launch of a new next-gen console by Xbox will usher in the largest technical leap ever seen in a hardware generation. The age of photorealistic games is upon us. Yet, a rising number of video games resists this trend in favor of good old pixels.
For gamers growing up in the 80s or 90s, this retro style feels like a delightfully nostalgic trip down memory lane. But the resurgence of pixelated games doesn’t appeal solely to old-timers, as their popularity has been soaring among new generations of players. While realistic-looking visuals can be breathtaking, pixel art has a timeless charm. So, let’s explore some pixelated games worth trying.
Celeste
Celeste is a wholesome story of self-discovery that may make you shed a few tears. In this narrative platformer, you control a young woman plagued by anxiety and depression. Your goal is straightforward: help Madeline defeat her inner demons on her way to the top of Celeste Mountain. Not only are you in for an emotional ride, but this surprise masterpiece is as profound as it is challenging.
While the controls are easy to learn, consisting merely of jump, air-dash, and climb, you’ll face many perils as you brave the journey and die more times than you can count. However, there is a valuable lesson to learn from each death. An engaging narrative complements the gameplay, keeping it fresh despite its difficulty. The 8-bit art style makes Celeste stand out even more, even if its eyeless character sprite can take some getting used to.
Undertale
Landing an impressive 92 Metascore on Metacritic, Undertale is one of those games that everyone seems to praise. Created by American developer Toby Fox, this morally grey RPG-adventure-puzzle hybrid defies easy classification. The story kicks off as a child falls deep into the Underground. This indie darling challenges conventional gaming norms by allowing players to avoid violence and befriend the monsters banished into this underground kingdom.
Friendliness is just one option, as players can choose a more combative path, choosing whether to kill or spare their enemies. Each choice impacts the outcome of this unique adventure, leading to a journey filled with unexpected twists and turns. The game’s short length encourages multiple playthroughs to explore its various branching paths and relish its charmingly nostalgic pixel art, only enhanced by a banger of a soundtrack.
Terraria
Next up is another indie gem that remains incredibly popular years after its release. Blending elements of traditional action games with the creativity of a sandbox game, Terraria is what you make of it, which is why this action-packed adventure boasts hundreds of hours of gameplay.
Exploration is key to understanding the world of Terraria, providing a sense of freedom that new gamers can revel in, as this universally-acclaimed game is very beginner-friendly. Terraria runs on any budget-friendly PC system or laptop with Windows XP, making it easy to enjoy with low-end hardware. This pixelated title even offers cross-play for PC and mobile users willing to indulge in multiplayer fun.
Stardew Valley
Stardew Valley started as just another farming sim, but this global phenomenon spawned a string of copycats trying to recapture the magic of its 2D graphics and relaxing vibe. While many cozy games have become more than mere Stardew Valley clones, nothing beats the extensive content of the original. When they’re not growing crops or raising animals on their farm, players can forage around the valley or fish on exotic islands. Newcomers can pour hundreds of hours into Stardew Valley and uncover new secrets, such as mysterious quest-giving characters or a hidden casino.
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You don’t need to be a retrogamer to have a soft spot for the art style that shaped video games’ identity from the beginning. When modernized, pixelated games can even stand the test of time better than those aiming for realistic graphics—only to age poorly as technology advances.