Beneath the layers of new, exciting, cutting edge games there are these others that exist. These others are just laying, waiting to be dealt with. Spooky? Nah, they’re amazing! They may not be cutting any edges or melting any graphics cards but they’re destorying gamers everywhere with their retro-style gameplay that, at times, feels like a kick in the teeth! Here’s a list of a few of those, where to get them, some videos and pictures and a short bit of my personal feedback on them.
First up, You Have To Win The Game. PC only as far as I can tell currently.
It’s a far cry from Far Cry…… see what I did there? But it’s one of the most fun, casual games I’ve ever scrolled sideways in. The objective is simple, the levels are straight forward and the necessary level-up’s are just where you’d need them to be. The game is pretty laid back, you’re going from screen to screen and doing everything you can to grab the money bag’s and move on. Sometimes, though, that’s not as easy as it sounds. To get 100% on the game, you’ve got to clear them all and there is at least one that I’ve yet to get. I’m no expert or elitist, but this game makes me want 100%! It’s just too fun to not finish completely, though you can infact finish it without getting 100%. A must have for a multitude of reasons, one being that it’s completely free! Nope, not a demo, the full game. Not only that, look at it! That’s not a picture of the game on a monitor, you can actually set it in the options to look like it is. It’s just brilliant, a must have!
Get it!
http://www.piratehearts.com/blog/games/you-have-to-win-the-game/
http://store.steampowered.com/app/286100/
Next, we have VVVVVV. This one is on iOS, Android and Steam I should mention.
This one may not be free, but it is cheap at $4.99. It truly is worth every penny, it’s one hell of a challenging game that’ll tie you up for a good while. Some of the levels are pretty tough, but it makes you feel like you got your money’s worth without question. You’re basically saving your space peeps after getting separated by going through different little pieces of the map at a time and using the physics to avoid obstacles. Physics? Yeah, why not. There are no weapons, there isn’t even a jump button, you literally use gravity to thwart obstacles to your rear-view mirror… you know, if you had one attached to you while playing. It may sounds quirky, but it actually isn’t. It’s very challenging, again, at times but it works as beautifully as you could want it to without it being far too easy. This is one I’ve still yet to beat, I’ve just gotten lost and don’t know where I’m going at this point but that’s my problem and not one of the consensus of players. It really is a genuinely fresh experience, in a Nintendo meets Atari fashion.
Get it!
http://store.steampowered.com/app/70300/
Last we’re looking at Magic Rampage for Android
You know you’re in good shape when the game is considered an RPG-style Metroidvania tribute. That’s a hell of lot of sexy to put together in just one sentence. This one looks a lot more up to date than the Atari slash early Nintendo styles we’ve been looking at in the other games but it really doesn’t play all that much differently, it’s mostly just vanity I think. It’s a sharp looking game, is extremely player friendly for n00b’s and long-timers alike and is pretty gory actually. It’s not as disgusting or creepy as a Splatterhouse game but it is right on for what it’s doing. You don’t even need to be a zombie fan here, the game itself lends to anyone who enjoys side scrollers with some RPG elements mixed in. I’ve played through the first 4-5 levels and have been having a really great time with it! It’s absolutely free, easy to play no matter where you are so long as your phone is with you and is surprisingly challenging. Definitely pick it up for your mobile device!
Get it!
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ethanonengine.magicrampage&hl=en
I also want to mention Love+. I reviewed it recently, head over to the review and check it out! It’s a must for any retro gamer!
There’s a few games that should keep you busy, keep your wallet happy and take you back to some of gaming’s shining moments all at the same time. If you know of others that you think we, or our readers, should look into, drop us a comment and let us know! Thanks for reading, game on!
About the Author
definitely check out Braid….such an amazing and beautiful title… https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uyH4Hd1NHho
I’ve heard about it but haven’t ever played it. It definitely looks interesting. I recently nabbed Rayman Origins on the Humble Store for super cheap, it reminds me a little bit of that.