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In a world of high-resolution graphics and visually-focused game mechanics, there’s undeniably a charm to pixel art. In modern games, the main emphasis is on providing realistic graphics and smooth transitions. Although these new era games have amazing mechanics, the nostalgic pixel art has its own charm.
It reflects the golden age of gaming, when imagination and creativity flourished. Some developers still prefer to include this art style in their games exclusively for pixel art lovers. There are many games that follow the classic art style while still offering satisfying end products.
Table of Contents
10 noita
Noita is a roguelite game set in a magical world full of wizards and mythical creatures. The game was officially released in 2019 and still has a sizable following to this day. The protagonist is a magician who begins his journey in a strange world and fights the monsters using magical powers.
Noita uses permadeath and you have to fight opponents and various mystical creatures throughout the game. You can engage in combat, adventure, and use elemental powers to burn, freeze, and destroy to progress through the beautifully pixelated world.
9 Omori
Omori is a role-playing video game with an interesting plot, set in dual worlds of dream and reality. The plot revolves around a hikikomori teenager named Sunny and his alter ego dream world variant, Omori.
You experience adventures in the real world, but also in Omori’s dream world, where he expresses or suppresses his fears and forgotten secrets. As the gameplay progresses and you uncover more mysteries, your choices and paths will determine your fate.
8th Katana Zero
Katana Zero is a platform game set in a dystopian metropolis. The plot revolves around Subject Zero, a deadly assassin wielding a special katana with the ability to predict future outcomes and slow down time. Zero solves the mysteries of his past while completing assassination orders.
Zero carries out various assignments for a mysterious psychiatrist throughout the levels. These levels are divided into different locations and you have to use your powers to neutralize all the threats in the room without getting killed.
7 Enter the dungeon
Enter the Gungeon is a bullet hell roguelike game that gives you multiple characters to choose from. The plot follows the group of characters called Gungeoneers as they advance through the procedurally generated rooms in search of a weapon that can “kill the past”.
The four Gungeoneers encounter all sorts of enemies throughout the game that need to be overcome. The game also has a permadeath mechanic that causes you to lose all your resources and collected items and start over if you die.
6 Celeste
In Celeste, you must help Madeline fight her inner demons and help her achieve the goal of reaching the top of the mountain. During the journey, you’ll discover many twists and turns and meet several characters, including a self-doubting character named Badeline, who will try to stop Madeline from reaching the top.
You can run, climb walls, jump and dash in the air to overcome the obstacles and continue your adventure. You also collect certain objects and items that increase your abilities and add to the overall story of these characters.
5 dead cells
Dead Cells is a famous Metroidvania roguelike game that has been released on pretty much every platform. The protagonist is an amorphous creature referred to as the “prisoner”. The main story takes place on a sick island and your main goal is to escape its horrors and eliminate the king of the island.
As you progress you can collect different weapons and search for treasures and other tools to fight the mutant creatures efficiently. However, if you die, you’ll wake up and have to start over.
4 Undertale
Undertale is an RPG in which you play as a child who has fallen into an underground dark region deep inside the earth, separated from the real world by a magical barrier. You will meet many characters that will help you escape from the mystical world.
During your journey you will also encounter some monsters and magical creatures that don’t want you to leave. The events of the game depend on the dialogue you choose and the actions you take, as each decision changes the outcome of the plot.
3 Vampire Survivor
The beautiful pixel art of Vampire Survivors will definitely make a satisfactory impression. The game offers intense action as you face endless waves of undead monsters. Your main goal is to survive the horde of enemies trying to dominate you from all directions. Each level has a specific time limit and if you survive within the given time you will complete the level.
As you advance through the levels, you’ll unlock new characters, better weapons, and utility items that will help you survive against the tough monsters. Good luck because things get overwhelming quickly.
2 Stardew Valley
If you are interested in farming simulation games, you probably already know about Stardew Valley. The game is quite famous for its life simulation mechanics and farming relaxation. You inherit your grandfather’s dilapidated farm and your main objective is to grow crops, grow food and take care of farm animals – all while becoming part of this small community.
Besides farming, you can adventure and go deep into the mines where you can fight monsters. You also enjoy a peaceful social life by interacting with the locals. You can really live your life as a farmer while exploring the various mysteries of this valley.
1 terrariums
Terraria is a famous action-adventure sandbox game that still has a huge following to this day. Although the game is a bit older now, it’s still one of the most well-known pixel games on Steam and has stood the test of time. Terraria’s gameplay revolves around building, exploring, and shaping your world, while focusing on combat, survival, and mining.
The game also features a multiplayer option, which doubles the fun as you can work together with friends – or battle them if you like. You’re free to build your character and their abilities with things like melee combat, magic, ranged weapons, and summoner powers, allowing you to tailor your playstyle to your liking. Overall, Terraria offers an exploration-adventure-style experience that’s often referred to as a 2D take on the genre’s colossal title, Minecraft – although Terraria is certainly considered a standalone game.