The Best Retro Games

Update : Rugrats: Adventures in Gameland added at rank #17.
1

Atari 50: The Anniversary Celebration - Digital Expanded ... (2022)

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95
Review score
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PC Windows Xbox One

Atari 50: The Anniversary Celebration takes players on an interactive journey through 50 years of video games via interviews with designers, developers and industry leaders, documentary footage, product design documents, high-res original artwork, and a curated list of more than 90 playable games.

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  • historical
  • arcade
  • retro
  • 1980s
  • classic
  • interactive
  • software
  • voxel
  • compilation
  • shoot-em-up
  • education
  • attack
  • score
  • pvp
  • narration

2

Infernax (2022)

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84
Review score
Logo of Infernax Screenshot of Infernax Screenshot of Infernax Screenshot of Infernax

PC Windows Xbox Series X Xbox One Nintendo Switch Playstation 5 Playstation 4

Embark on an epic, bloodthirsty adventure in Infernax! With challenging castle-dungeons, multiple endings, and the option to play with friends, this retro side-scrolling platformer keeps you on the edge of your seat. Upgrade your character and unlock new skills to defeat demons and reverse the curse on your homeland. With secret areas to discover and a unique morality system, Infernax offers hours of exciting gameplay.


What we like:
  • Fun co-op
  • Multiple fun endings
  • Multiple playable characters
  • Lots of replayability
  • Incredible music
What could be improved:
  • Lots of instadeath pits
  • Weird morality system
  • Some metroid-esque elements but not a true metroidvania

  • dungeon
  • retro
  • gore
  • boss
  • metroidvania
  • platform
  • old-school
  • demons
  • pixel
  • dark
  • classic
  • side-scrolling
  • violent
  • castle-dungeon
  • boss-fight

3

Atari 50: The Anniversary Celebration (2022)

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87
Review score
Logo of Atari 50: The Anniversary Celebration Screenshot of Atari 50: The Anniversary Celebration Screenshot of Atari 50: The Anniversary Celebration Screenshot of Atari 50: The Anniversary Celebration

PC Windows Playstation 5 Nintendo Switch Xbox One Playstation 4 Xbox Series X

Immerse yourself in 50 years of gaming history with Atari 50: The Anniversary Celebration! Enjoy over 100 classic and new games, unlock hidden gems, and delve into fascinating interviews and archival material. Whether you're a nostalgic gamer or a history buff, this collection will keep you entertained and educated.


What we like:
  • Rich collection of classic and new Atari games
  • Exciting hidden games to discover
  • Comprehensive history through interviews and archival materials
  • Good value for money
  • Appeals to both gamers and history enthusiasts
What could be improved:
  • Absence of Activision games and some licensed games
  • Limited subtitle availability for non-English speakers

  • arcade
  • classic
  • retro
  • historical
  • 1980s
  • interactive
  • software
  • voxel
  • compilation
  • vector
  • platform
  • shoot-em-up
  • education
  • pinball
  • pvp

4

HUNTDOWN (2020)

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91
Review score
Logo of HUNTDOWN Screenshot of HUNTDOWN Screenshot of HUNTDOWN Screenshot of HUNTDOWN

Android Linux Mac OS PC Windows Xbox One IOS iPhone

Join the action-packed world of HUNTDOWN, a hard-boiled arcade shooter set in a gritty, neon-soaked 80s cityscape ruled by criminal gangs. Take on the role of one of three legendary bounty hunters and lay waste to the underworld to collect your bounty. With unique boss fights and an arsenal of weapons to choose from, HUNTDOWN is a must-play for those who love fast-paced, co-op shooters.


What we like:
  • Pixel art, music, and gameplay are fantastic
  • Perfect gunplay and 80s vibe
  • Packed with addictive carnage
  • Well-designed levels
  • Memorable and funny boss fights.
What could be improved:
  • Bonus objectives are repetitive
  • Difficulty on some bosses can seem off
  • Characters can be hard to follow in intense fights
  • Comedy can go overboard and may disappoint those expecting a more serious tone.

  • cooperative
  • boss-fight
  • cover
  • shooter
  • retro
  • boss
  • cyberpunk
  • arcade
  • hockey
  • pixel
  • action
  • platform
  • dystopian
  • 2d
  • classic

5

Streets of Rage 4 (2020)

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90
Review score
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Android Linux Mac OS PC Windows Xbox One IOS iPhone

Streets of Rage 4 is the long awaited fourth entry into the classic Sega franchise. It features a blend of old and new, with classic characters such as Axel and Adam Hunter returning alongside a new main character, Cherry. All characters have unique playstyles, from Axel's powerful punches to Cherry's speedy strikes. There are tons of unlockables to discover and it has an amazing soundtrack.


What we like:
  • Satisfying combat
  • Incredible music and visuals
  • Tons to unlock
  • Simple yet rewarding combat mechanics
What could be improved:
  • Lack of 4 player online
  • Occasionally too easy to get cornered

  • brawler
  • boss
  • cooperative
  • beat-em-up
  • combo
  • retro
  • classic
  • side-scrolling
  • fight
  • old-school
  • arcade
  • online
  • hand-drawn
  • crime
  • combat

6

Astalon: Tears Of The Earth (2021)

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86
Review score
Logo of Astalon: Tears Of The Earth Screenshot of Astalon: Tears Of The Earth Screenshot of Astalon: Tears Of The Earth Screenshot of Astalon: Tears Of The Earth

Xbox One Linux Mac OS PC Windows

Astalon: Tears of the Earth is a post-apocalyptic action-adventure game full of challenging platforming, epic bosses, and captivating storytelling. Control a party of three heroes with unique skills and abilities, explore a tower full of secrets and hidden artifacts, and embrace death as an opportunity to upgrade your characters and progress further. With retro graphics and music that nail the 8-bit vibe, Astalon delivers an unforgettable journey that will appeal to fans of classic NES-era games and modern side-scrollers alike.


What we like:
  • Smooth gameplay
  • Retro graphic style and music
  • Interesting map full of shortcuts and secrets
  • Fun to switch between different characters
  • Captivating story
What could be improved:
  • Forced backtracking every time you die
  • QOL upgrades earned too late in the game
  • Items in shop have no description
  • Dungeons feel repetitive
  • Bosses are mostly easy

  • platform
  • retro
  • metroidvania
  • fantasy
  • exploration
  • 2d
  • pixel
  • boss
  • post-apocalyptic
  • chiptune
  • action-adventure
  • old-school
  • anime
  • magic
  • demons

7

Axiom Verge 2 (2021)

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83
Review score
Logo of Axiom Verge 2 Screenshot of Axiom Verge 2 Screenshot of Axiom Verge 2 Screenshot of Axiom Verge 2

Playstation 4 Nintendo Switch wii u vita PC Windows Mac OS Linux

Dive into Axiom Verge 2, an epic adventure that takes you into a mysterious parallel universe. As Indra, unravel the secrets of this world, battling monsters, hacking machines, and exploring ancient ruins. With intriguing gameplay, unique combat mechanics, and a refreshing protagonist, this game offers an immersive, fast-paced, and thrilling experience.


What we like:
  • Excellent game design with a lot to discover
  • Unique combat mechanics that encourage stealth and hacking
  • Refreshing protagonist that breaks stereotypes
  • Improved aesthetic with varied pixel art and haunting music
  • Gameplay is fast-paced and responsive with a diverse array of weapons
What could be improved:
  • Level tree imbalance and unclear progression at times
  • Combat feels optional and some weapons are underutilized
  • Occasional confusion in navigating the open world
  • Less emphasis on bosses and limited weapon options

  • boss
  • exploration
  • platform
  • metroid
  • retro
  • boss-fight
  • classic
  • sci-fi
  • alternate
  • pixel
  • combat
  • metroidvania
  • narrative
  • adventure
  • fight

8

Vengeful Guardian: Moonrider (2023)

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78
Review score
Logo of Vengeful Guardian: Moonrider Screenshot of Vengeful Guardian: Moonrider Screenshot of Vengeful Guardian: Moonrider Screenshot of Vengeful Guardian: Moonrider

PC Windows Nintendo Switch Playstation 4 Playstation 5

Step into the shoes of Moonrider, a vengeful ninja warrior in the thrilling side-scrolling action game, Vengeful Guardian: Moonrider. Battle through eight deadly stages, customize your fighting style, and immerse yourself in the captivating retro experience with an incredible soundtrack and stunning visuals.


What we like:
  • Solid and responsive gameplay
  • Fun and challenging stages
  • Visually stunning with a retro feel
  • Great soundtrack
  • Customizable fighting style
What could be improved:
  • Slightly underwhelming for its price
  • Limited unlockable content
  • Occasionally fiddly controls
  • Some graphics can be unclear

  • platform
  • retro
  • ninja
  • boss
  • action
  • side-scrolling
  • pixel
  • 2d
  • classic
  • metroidvania
  • hack-and-slash
  • boss-fight

9

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Cowabunga Collection (2022)

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82
Review score
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Xbox Series X Xbox One Nintendo Switch PC Windows Playstation 5 Playstation 4

Dive into the nostalgia with Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Cowabunga Collection. Relive the classic TMNT games, journey through New York City, sewers, enemy bases, and even time itself. Enjoy the unique features like button mapping, cheat codes, and a wealth of bonus content. A must-play for TMNT fans and lovers of classic beat 'em-up games.

Buy

What we like:
  • Great value for the price
  • Access to Japanese regional versions
  • Easy activation of cheat codes
  • Nostalgic experience
  • Wealth of bonus content
What could be improved:
  • Limited online play
  • Button mapping limitations
  • Some bonus content is disappointing

  • arcade
  • retro
  • compilation
  • classic
  • fight
  • platform
  • side-scrolling
  • online
  • sprite
  • boss
  • cooperative
  • local
  • strategy
  • action

10

Steel Assault (2021)

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81
Review score
Logo of Steel Assault Screenshot of Steel Assault Screenshot of Steel Assault Screenshot of Steel Assault

Nintendo Switch PC Windows Mac OS Xbox Series X Playstation 4 Linux Playstation 5 Xbox One

Punch, whip, and zipline your way through a post-apocalyptic America in this 16-bit retro-style action platformer! Play as Taro Takahashi, a resistance soldier on a revenge mission against the dictator who lords over the ashes.


  • platform
  • post-apocalyptic
  • retro
  • arcade
  • old-school
  • pixel
  • action
  • america
  • 2d
  • perma-death
  • scroller
  • futuristic
  • classic
  • mech
  • fast-paced

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