Two examples of this are :
Penny’s big breakaway and DUSK from the top of my head.
I’m not sure about you but I think the rise of indie games going with the PS1 aesthetic and other low gfx easy to run games is that the past, despite its flaws, was much better.
I also think there’s a charm with low polygon games and spritework ones, it’s your imagination that fills in the gaps.
And lastly, I think of the simpler times when you play modern indie “retro” games, no bullshit, you pay the devs, you get your game, everyone is happy.
What are your thoughts on indie games going for that nostalgia feel? Any examples to cite?
Personally, I consider “retro graphics” to specifically mean the graphics evoke the look of an old game system, as opposed to just having “lo-fi” art. So I’d say that Celeste has great pixel art, but it’s not retro graphics, since it doesn’t remind me of any old console’s look. In addition to the games others have mentioned, I’ll point out these ones.
- Nintendo 64 — Corn Kidz 64
- Game Boy Color — Mina the Hollower
- Game Boy Advance — Pipistrello and the Cursed Yoyo
- Commodore 64 — VVVVVV
- Mid-late 90s PC — Hypnospace Outlaw
Indie games using retro graphics is nothing new. The ratio of effort vs looks is pretty good. The solo dev of Cave Story (released 2004) said that was why he went for that aesthetic.
