My 5 Favourite Retro-style Games on Steam
Last Updated on February 7, 2023
Looking for an instant retro vibe? These retro games on Steam might now be authentic, but they look and feel like they belong in the 80s and 90s.
Retro-style vs. real retro
In the modern gaming world, simplicity is gone. vast open worlds, controversial microtransactions, and various bugs get in the way of playing – at least until the inevitable patch comes along.
Retro gaming is an escape from the immersive approach of modern games and the slipshod attitude of publishers. But retro gaming can be hard; there’s the original equipment to consider, or the emulation to configure. Specialist hardware to connect old systems to modern controllers and displays can prove expensive.
That’s where the indie developers come in. A whole host of indie dev teams have become more prominent in the past few years with their retro-style offerings. A bunch of them are on Steam, so here are my five favourite retro-style games that you can play on PC or Steam Deck.
5. Slipstream
Slipstream is a racing game which pays tribute to Outrun. In this game, you choose from 5 cars based on real-life counterparts and race in exotic settings. Opposing characters include computer racers from the 90s, and there’s even a Takumi-like character in the game as a ‘Delivery Boy’.
The game relies heavily on the drift mechanism where you quickly tap brake and press the gas; this is important as many tracks have long drift corners and slowing down isn’t the solution. But because of that, the game is fast and doesn’t slow down which makes it an enjoyable arcade racing experience. Add the beautiful 90’s spirit soundtrack and a variety of race menus and Slipstream makes a solid Outrun tribute.
4. Angry Video Game Nerd Deluxe I and II
Remember when I told you that Angry Video Game Nerd has 3 video games to his name? Well this is one of them.
Combines volumes 1 and 2 of the game, this version has various improvements, making it an ultimate 2D platform experience for Angry Video Game Nerd fans. The game takes all the elements from the Angry Video Game Nerd videos from Season 1 to 10, with many pop culture and game references from his videos.
Boasting No Mercy elements and tough challenges, this version of the game is suitable for newcomers to get into. Now featuring a difficulty level select option and checkpoints, even those playing for the first time can ease in with ability-appropriate play before taking on the serious challenge.
Be very warned though, there will be some stages and elements which will make it extremely uncomfortable for some players so I advise you to watch his videos from Season 1 till 10 to get an idea of what to expect. It’s not what you would call “family friendly.”
The Angry VIdeo Game Nerd Deluxe I and II on Steam
3. Final Vendetta
Final Vendetta pays tribute to the 90s beat em ups in many ways. There’s the kidnapped female, the linear left and right pathway, collectable weapons, food to restore your health, and the bad guys that need beating up. Complete a level by beating the boss, if you can meet the challenge…
But this game is truly stunning. First of, Final Vendetta‘s gameplay is fluid and fast. The 3 characters have many moves to unleash on the enemies and you can use your super without losing health once it is filled. There is also a training mode where you can practice those moves on a particular enemy or boss. The visuals and animations are truly awe-inspiring and resemble a Neo-Geo game.
Did I mention the music? A dance/techno soundtrack accompanies gameplay, which absolutely hooked me in.
Final Vendetta is a must play for those who remember the glory of the 90s beat em ups. It has been confirmed that it will come to the Neo Geo AES as well. So Neo Geo fans can get pretty excited that they have a great new beat em up game in their hands to play.
2. Donut Dodo
‘If a long lost arcade game from 1983 resurfaced today, it would be Donut Dodo – a classic 2D platformer from the golden era, tough as nails and challenging for the whole family! Ready to top the high score table?’ – Steam
Remember when arcade games were all about competing for a high score, making you determined to give it another go despite the difficulty? This game is that.
Donut Dodo is a 2D platformer which pays tribute to Donkey Kong and, to some extent, the Popeye arcade game. You play as a baker and your job is to collect all donuts before collecting the big one while avoiding all sorts of obstacles who are out to stop you from doing so. Sounds simple right?
It is simple but it is very challenging. At one stage, there is a toilet like minion who follows you everywhere you go and at the other stage, you have to avoid the balloons which are floating on the air. Meanwhile, the developers went out of their way to give the game an 80s feel with an old-school screen ratio.
Retro Dodo has perfect pixel graphics with a 16-color palette, an original chiptune soundtrack, and traditional leaderboard with 3-character initials, just like a classic arcade game. It’s a great game that could easily have been part of the Golden Age of the Arcade.
1. TMNT: Shredder’s Revenge
TMNT: Shredder’s Revenge is based on the 1987 TV show which was one of my favorite cartoon TV shows when I was young. It also borrows elements from the previous TMNT games by Konami while adding some modern flair here and there. Think the antics of the bosses and the enemy soldiers, with a few 90s things thrown in: Game Boy, VHS, Pizza Power, etc.
The game play is breath-taking. Combat is designed to allow some crazy chain combos, air combos, and even special attacks. There is also a co-op mode where you can play as 6 characters in one go. The graphics really remind me of the 1987 show with a touch of modern polish. The audio is spot on and features rappers such as Ghostface Killah.
TMNT: Shredder’s Revenge is a must-have for those with fond memories of the TMNT show and video games. In fact, this game is so popular that it even has its own Wikipedia page.
Get TMNT: Shredder’s Revenge on Steam
CONCLUDING SECTION
Hopefully we can get to see more retro-inspired indie games shine this year.
