Perhaps game enthusiasts are familiar with best pixel games, where graphics are not the main factor to enjoy the game.
Despite its simple appearance, it does not mean that the game is considered bad. This is due to the developer’s ability to present an interesting story, gameplay, and puzzles in the game even though it only uses pixel graphics.
A pixel game is a type of video-game with pixel graphics consisting of small squares. This style was popular in the era of 8-bit and 16-bit games. Although it looks old-fashioned, the pixel art style is trending again, especially in indie games. Many developers use this style because it’s unique, cost-effective, and has artistic appeal.
List of Best Pixel Games
Below, Dafunda has prepared a list of the best pixel games with simple yet entertaining graphics for you to play.
1. Blasphemous
One of the first best pixel games is Blasphemous. It’s a Dark Souls-style game with tense scenes of violence and strange creatures. The gameplay is based on the hack n slash genre, set in a Renaissance-era world with religious elements.
In this game, you will encounter evil creatures and bosses full of dark and blood-soaked scenes in graphics reminiscent of the 16-bit era. For those of you who like games with a Souls-like style, then this game deserves to be your choice.
2. Stardew Valley
Stardew Valley is an RPG and simulation game that invites Harvest Moon fans to reminisce about the countryside. Players take on the role of a grandson who inherits his grandfather’s estate and returns to the village to take care of the garden, farm animals, and interact and marry villagers.
Stardew Valley, a pixel game with 8 bit graphics offers a peaceful and immersive experience of life. The game also supports multiplayer, allowing players to share the experience of managing a farm with friends.
3. Celeste
Celeste is one of the outstanding Metroidvania-type pixel games. The pixel graphics may be simple, but the game presents a challenge that intrigues the player. Each stage presents an appropriate level of difficulty. In addition, the game is also easy to play.
Not only that, Celeste offers visuals that are truly stunning and pleasing to the eye, plus the story is captivating and amazing. Therefore, this game is certainly the right choice for those who want to enjoy the story in Celeste.
4. Triangle Strategy
Next, Triangle Strategy is one of Square Enix’s best pixel games with a turn-based strategy genre similar to Final Fantasy Tactics. The game depicts a war situation with a shortage of critical resources.
This game has a good narrative and gameplay, combining classic genres with a unique style. Suitable for RPG lovers with cool pixel art graphics and can be a recommendation for 8 bit graphics games.
5. Octopath Traveler
Octopath Traveler is one of the best pixel games that is very popular. Especially for gamers who love to play JRPGs. This game has 8-bit graphics and presents a fantasy world with various characters that can be used throughout the game.
In addition, Octopath Traveler also has an in-depth and challenging story. If you like Chrono Trigger-like stories and gameplay, this game is perfect for you.
6. Vampire Survivors
Vampire Survivors is one of the best pixel games that is very popular among gamers. In general, the game is simple. Players just need to survive enemy attacks, collect resources, and upgrade their weapons to become stronger.
This game is simple but challenging with a selection of upgrades essential for survival. Enemies get stronger as time passes, making this game very exciting.
7. Shovel Knight
Shovel Knight has been recognized as one of the best retro games of all time that is worth checking out for fans of pixel art games. With a fantasy atmosphere presented in an 8-bit graphical display, this game is truly mesmerizing.
Shovel Knight is a game that combines the gameplay style of several classic games such as Mega Man 2, Ducktales, Castlevania, and many more. It’s very popular among indie gamers for its engaging story and nostalgia-inducing gameplay style.
8. A Space for the Unbound
A Space for the Unbound has been the best pixel game from Mojiken Studio and published by Toge Productions, which has captured the attention of game enthusiasts. The game presents a unique fantasy world experience with a strong supernatural touch.
This game follows the adventures of Atma and Nirmala, two best friends who are involved in creating a fairy tale story in a red book. However, Atma suddenly wakes up in class with Raya after an incident. Despite the pixel graphics, this game is full of mystery stories.
9. To the Moon
To the Moon is an adventure game that follows two doctors who give dying patients the chance to live their dream life in their minds. The story focuses on an old man named Johnny who wants to go to the Moon before he dies.
The game’s narrative is highly emotional with touching music. The doctors uncover pieces of Johnny’s past, explaining the reasons behind his strange desires.
10. Finding Paradise
Finding Paradise offers simple gameplay with easy mechanics and graphics, similar to its predecessor A Bird Story. Players don’t need high skills to complete it, but finding objects to unlock “mementos” can get tedious.
These games offer unique and fresh gameplay elements, often packed with hilarious comedic elements. In addition, there are classic elements that evoke nostalgia, such as gameplay from turn-based RPGs and classic shooters.
Those are some of the best pixel games of all time that can be your choice if you’re looking for a relaxing game with addictive old-school graphics. Good luck!
