While it’s always exciting to see new games that break the mold from what many others have done, sometimes it’s also nice to see indies that are inspired by retro titles that older gamers grew up with. Today, there are quite a few indie games that do just that while still feeling unique with their own concepts.
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Some of these games take inspiration from classic arcade games. Others bring nostalgia from references to the 80s and 90s. For those who might want to feel some nostalgia, here are the top 10 retro indie games that are sure to be a nice trip down memory lane.
10Two Point Hospital (PC, Xbox One, PS4, Switch)
Two Point Hospitalmight not look like a typical retro game with pixel graphics, but it’s still a great game for those who were fans ofTheme Hospitalfrom the late 90s. Just like that game by Electronic Arts,Two Point Hospitallets players manage a hospital while working to help patients who have made up illnesses that tend to have punny names.
Even if players haven’t playedTheme Hospitalbefore,Two Point Hospitalcan still be a great, nostalgic game for those who have been fans of tycoon-type management games for years.
9Axiom Verge (PC, Xbox One, PS4, Switch)
For those who are fans ofMetroidvaniastyle games, this is an indie game that’s sure to be a great experience, if not a delightfully frustrating one.Axiom Vergefollows a scientist who has appeared in a world filled with new alien creatures that are on the attack.
There’s lots of cool gear to collect and abilities to use as players explore this new world. Its art style feels very retro and its boss fights are challenging, but still fun to the point where it’s hard to give up.
Cupheadreally goes all-in with its retro art style that is inspired by old cartoons from the 30s. Players can enjoy this game alone, but it can be an even better experience with a friend to share the suffering with. That’s right,Cupheadis far from a walk in the park.
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In this game, Cuphead and Mugman have sold their souls to the devil, and the only way they can get them back is by defeating enemies from a list that the devil gives them. These enemies come in the form of many boss battles, so just when players feel like they can relax,Cupheadgives them another swift kick into action.
7Thimbleweed Park (PC, Xbox One, PS4, Switch)
RememberMonkey Island? What aboutManic Mansion? Well, the creators of both of those games are back with another great adventure. This time, players can be 5 different characters while trying to solve a murder, along with other strange occurrences inThimbleweed Park.
Enjoy funny dialogue between characters, use your wits to solve mysteries, and explore new areas that are all creatively designed. These detailed maps and characters are sure to appeal to any player who has been a fan ofolder adventure games, especially those from the 90s and 2000s.
6Hypnospace Outlaw (PC)
Hynospace Outlawis sure to excite anyone who was able to use the internet in the late 90s. The game’s design is centered around this time period, and many of the websites that players get to search through are usually inspired by or parodying 90s pop culture.
The main goal is to play as an Enforcer who looks for typical internet problems to solve, like cyberbullying, viruses, and copyright issues. There’s a deeper story surrounding Hypnospace itself, but it’s up to the player to decide what they do with that information.
5Knights Of Pen And Paper Series (PC, Xbox One, PS4, Switch)
For fans ofD&Dor classicRPG campaignsusing just a pen and paper,Knights of Pen and Paperis a great addition to a video game library. While the game is single-player, the player does get to control both the game master and all the characters that are a part of the campaign.
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The game master role allows players to customize fights that they’ll have to tackle as the game’s characters. With the money that they earn, they can get better equipment to improve their skills too. There are two editions of this game, and even a version set in space.
4Hellbound (PC)
Fans of theQuakeseries orDOOMshould check outHellbound, which is heavily inspired by 90s FPS games. The metal music that plays in the background is perfect to set the tone of the game, as players travel through Hell and get in gore-filled fights with demons.
The mechanics of this game feel delightfully familiar while bringing vivid, refreshing graphics that compare to more modern games. The story may be pretty straightforward, but that doesn’t take away from how fun the game can be.
3Bloodstained: Curse Of The Moon (PC, Xbox One, PS4, Switch, 3DS)
Still want to fight demons but not interested in an FPS game likeHellbound? Then look no further thanBloodstained: Curse of the Moon. Fans ofBloodstained: Ritual of the Nightshould know that this game is much more of a platformer and less of an RPG thanRitual. However, it’s still a creative and visually interesting game.
Players get to play asa demon slayerwho has a score to settle, but other characters pop up that have different abilities that players can use.
2Shovel Knight (PC, Xbox One, PS4, Switch, 3DS)
What do you get when you combine a classic 8-bit art style, a compelling storyline, and action-packed fights with a shovel-wielding knight? You getShovel Knight, who’s on an adventure to defeat an evil Enchantress and rescue their love.
Shovel Knightis visually appealing, filled with funny and lovable characters, and fun to play both alone or with friends. It also includes great upgrades for the knight’s gear, some of which will even change the look of the player’s armor. For players who thinkShovel Knightmight be up their alley,Shovel Knight: Treasure Troveis worth it for the extra DLC adventures.
1DemonCrawl (PC)
For those who enjoyedMinesweeper,DemonCrawlis sure to be an exciting and nostalgic adventure. There are several stages to play through that all have beautifully designed backgrounds.
Not only that, but players can use different abilities and game modes to find a playstyle that they like the most. For even more help and variety, players get to buy and craft different gear that will give them a bit of a boost in their adventure. There are lots of opportunities to customize different parts of the game, leaving the experience feeling fresh and new but still familiar toMinesweeperfans.
