UFO 50 is Modern Retro Done Right

UFO 50 is a new video game that's an ambitious and nostalgic collection of 50 retro-style games developed by Mossmouth, the team behind indie classics like Spelunky and Downwell. The game takes players on a journey back to the 8-bit era, with each title offering a complete and distinct experience. From platformers to puzzle games, shooters, and RPGs, UFO 50 showcases an impressive variety of genres, paying homage to the design aesthetics of the 1980s while incorporating modern gameplay elements. The developers' goal was to create games that could have existed in an alternate timeline, as if developed by a forward-thinking yet obscure game studio from the past.

The collection shines in its ability to balance brevity with depth. The developers looked to iconic titles from the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) and Sega Master System for inspiration. Games like Super Mario Bros., Mega Man, and Contra influenced the platformers and action games in the collection, while classic RPGs like Dragon Quest and Final Fantasy shaped the larger, narrative-driven titles. While some games are quick arcade-style challenges, others, such as a JRPG, can take hours to complete, offering a blend of both casual and more involved experiences. A standout feature is the shared universe and continuity across some of the games, with characters and stories interwoven throughout the collection. This narrative cohesion adds a layer of intrigue, encouraging players to explore all 50 games. Visually, the game captures the limitations of the 8-bit era, yet it avoids incorporating technical constraints like slowdowns or sprite flickering to ensure smoother gameplay

UFO 50 has so far gotten lots of buzz from reviewers and players due to its creativity and the sheer variety packed into a single anthology. The project offers nostalgic fun but also innovative design choices that keep the games fresh. The game is new but it has a high rating on Metacritic, and players have responded positively to both its accessible price point and replay value. The collection's ability to combine retro charm with modern sensibilities makes it a must-play for fans of indie games and classic gaming.

The game is shaping up to be one of the best video games of 2024, so it's definitely a video game to play. Let's hope that UFO 50 makes its way to Switch, PS5, and Xbox, but for now you pick it up on Steam. For now I'm keeping my fingers crossed for a sequal that leans into the 32 and 64-bit eras with Nintendo 64, PlayStation, and Saturn inspired games.