We’re taking a look at some retro-inspired gaming titles that will help you enjoy this year’s National Video Game Day!
On National Video Game Day, we celebrate the history and love for video games. The definition of “classic” may differ between generations. Yet, iconic games like Pac-Man, Mario, and Galaga remain timeless as they appear in arcades and game collections today.
I believe the best way to experience the past is through modern games that embrace the retro aesthetic while offering updated gameplay. As such, for this year’s National Video Game Day, I wanted to take a look at some more recent titles that exemplify the retro approach, so you can enjoy them as part of your own celebrations!
River City Girls (1 and 2)
River City Girls is the pinnacle of a retro-inspired game doing absolutely everything correctly. The game’s soundtrack is something I keep on my rotating playlist daily, the story is very fun, and the characters are even more fun. This is a game that takes you back to the 80’s in terms of a beat-em-up, button-mashing title where you roam the streets with gangs attacking you at every turn. Boss battles will pummel you, and you’ll be retrying a lot of areas over and over again. The retro-bit inspired aesthetic features numerous environments and characters that are incredibly well done. Plus, the powers you unlock over time are something you wish you had back on Sega.
Cuphead
Despite the lack of pixel art assets, Cuphead harkens back not only the nostalgia of classic games, but the appeal of classic old school cartoons with it. Everything in this game is designed phenomenally well, and if you want to remember just how hard games used to be, this is the game. Cuphead is a try, and try again, and try…100 more times type of game. It can be frustrating, but ultimately the feeling of success when you reach the end of a hard level is unmatched. Something I think 80’s and 90’s kids can truly relate to. Luckily we have save points now….
Prodeus
If shooters are more your style, there’s a seemingly endless stream of FPS titles that aspire to be like Doom, Wolfenstein, and Duke Nukem. When you shuffle through a majority of the easy to build titles, however, you’ll come across some gems…like Prodeus.
Prodeus encompasses everything Doom did right and expands on it all; even to the point of having what could easily be some of the coolest levels Doom ever created. It’s a complete package with user levels, a quick campaign, and fast paced arena style combat. You get the feel of an old school shooter with some modern perks, without losing that aesthetic of a classic shooter. Another new notable title in this vein coming out soon is Selaco (currently in early access on Steam).
Tormented Souls
If horror is more your thing, then there are several retro-inspired titles to choose from. Daymare 1998 revives the classic Resident Evil spirit with an older camera setup and odd puzzled quests. Fobia very easily brings all of that into a modern world and has some of the most incredible puzzle progression.
But one game that does classic horror absolute justice is Tormented Souls. It hits all the right notes with a proper story, spooky environments, and creative gameplay controls. The cameras are placed beautifully to keep corners scary, light and shadows heighten the environment, and enemy placement keeps the tension high as you try to solve puzzles in an ever changing facility. Not only that, but speed running this game is incredibly fun, something classic horror titles are well known for.
Soulstice
Like I said, “classic” could be very different for various generations; so this pick doesn’t go as far back as the others. Could it be considered Retro? Maybe, depending on who you talk to, but I’d argue that Soulstice celebrates a new generation of “classic” games dating back to PS1 and N64 style titles.
The hack-n-slash gameplay, combined with a camera you’re constantly fighting at every encounter, subtly reminds you of why certain advances in gaming were made. Yet, this also showcases how incredible classic games have become. I’m not entirely sure why this game flew totally under radar when it was released, but it’s worth checking out to get a glimpse of old school with new school combat.
Death’s Door
I’ll include one more, in case you get upset that “Soulstice isn’t retro!” and go way back to the beginning again. Death’s Door is one of my favorite games ever and I’ve completed it entirely at least a few times. Just writing about it makes me want to fire it up again.
The game takes inspiration from classic Zelda titles and blends it beautifully with its own flair. The result is an action-packed game full of exploration and RPG elements. The further along you get, the more fun the game becomes, but the action sequences with perfectly timed attacks makes you feel like a real hero. And again, like most old school games, this game is incredibly fun to try and speed run too.
Overall there are a ton of modern games with that retro flair that are worth checking out. Some other notable and popular titles include Shovel Knight, Celeste, Sea of Stars, and of course Stardew Valley. There is even Evoland which finds a way to celebrate multiple generations of retro titles. What are some of your favorite new games that dove into the past?
