retro aesthetics Archives

AppWizard

February 18, 2025

Stories from Sol: The Gun-Dog captures the spirit, as well as the sprites, of the past

Gun-Dog is a sci-fi adventure game inspired by the PC-98 era, featuring pixel art and nostalgic design elements such as chunky save points and CRT-style monitors. The gameplay includes basic verb commands and a limited inventory, reminiscent of classic gaming experiences. The narrative follows a rookie security officer on a chaotic mission aboard a ship with diverse characters, where player choices influence the story. The game combines retro aesthetics with modern gameplay, offering an engaging experience that honors the depth and quality of past adventures while remaining accessible to new players.

AppWizard

December 24, 2024

I played at least one retro game every week in 2024: Here are 10 I’d still recommend to everyone

The text discusses the appeal of classic video games and their modern counterparts, highlighting several notable titles. - Dig Dug (1982) is an arcade classic known for its simple yet challenging gameplay, where players clear dirt and drop rocks on monsters. - Mr. Driller DrillLand (2002) is a modern twist on the Dig Dug experience, featuring puzzle-solving and whimsical aesthetics, originally a GameCube exclusive now available on Steam. - Thief (1998) offers a first-person stealth experience in a detailed steampunk universe, focusing on exploration and heists. - Wing Commander (1990) combines space combat with a narrative that evolves based on player choices. - Strahd’s Possession is an RPG inspired by Dungeons & Dragons, featuring an innovative automap system for exploration in a gothic fantasy setting. - Baldur's Gate: Dark Alliance 2 (2004) provides engaging character development and loot collection, compatible with modern platforms. - The Castlevania Dominus Collection includes classic titles like Haunted Castle (1987) and Dawn of Sorrow (2005), showcasing the potential for redemption through redesign. - Alone in the Dark (1992) is recognized as a pioneer of the survival horror genre, known for its puzzle design and atmospheric tension. - Skald: Against the Black Priory (2024) captures retro aesthetics with modern gameplay mechanics, reminiscent of classic Commodore 64 adventures. - Devil Blade Reboot (2024) channels '90s arcade shooters with vibrant pixel art and fast-paced action.

AppWizard

November 1, 2024

It looks like an Atari 2600, but I’d use it as a sub-$200 indie gaming Steam Machine

The Atari VCS mini PC was launched in 2021 with an initial price of 9, which deterred potential buyers. As of now, it is available for 9.99, making it an attractive option for retro and indie gamers. The VCS features 100 pre-loaded classic Atari games, a modernized 2600 joystick, a wireless gamepad, and is built on an AMD mini PC architecture with a VEGA APU, 8GB DDR4 RAM, and 32GB MMC storage that is expandable via an M.2 slot. It can run lower-spec titles at 1080p and manage some recent games like Sonic Superstars and Tomb Raider Remastered at reasonable settings. However, it is not suited for high-performance gaming and has limitations due to its 4GB VRAM. Alternatives like the Steam Deck OLED and Asus ROG Ally offer more portability but at a higher price. The VCS combines retro aesthetics with modern gaming capabilities, appealing to a new generation of players.

AppWizard

October 22, 2024

Tormenture takes the Inscryption meta-horror formula back to 8-bit gaming and the 1980s

Tormenture is a newly launched horror game inspired by cult classics like Inscryption and Pony Island, set in the 1980s. Players take on the role of a child engaged in a haunted 8-bit game, navigating between the game world and their unsettling bedroom filled with eerie toys. The game features complex puzzles, including one that requires a zombie hand to activate a button, and combines retro aesthetics with modern 3D environments. The demo is available on Steam, although technical limitations may affect gameplay performance. The game's design incorporates nostalgic elements while creating a tense atmosphere, appealing to players who enjoy horror gaming.

AppWizard

July 15, 2024

This new PC game turns Asteroids into a retro roguelike | Digital Trends

- Galactic Glitch is a new early access game on Steam developed by Crunchy Leaf Games. - The game offers a unique blend of retro aesthetics and modern action-roguelike gameplay. - Players pilot a small spaceship through interconnected arenas filled with enemies and rewards. - Players can grab small enemies or meteors and hurl them at foes, adding a strategic element to combat. - Galactic Glitch features a friendly fire mechanic where enemies can inadvertently damage each other. - The game is still in early access and has the potential for growth with a variety of weapons and run-based upgrades.