Pixel art games are really cool and have a special kind of look that people love. They take you back to the old days of gaming and make you feel all nostalgic. These games have simple graphics made up of tiny squares, but they're super detailed and unique.
Some pixel art games are like the classic ones we used to play, while others are new and creative. They have different colors and characters that make the game world feel alive. People still love playing these games because they're fun and bring back memories.
So if you want to have a great time and experience something different, try playing these pixel art games and see for yourself how awesome they are.
10. Triangle Strategy, 2022, Switch & PC
Released by Square Enix, this isn’t the developer’s first pixel art game, but it’s definitely the most significant release of the year. The game features a turn based game play, similar to a few classics. If you loved Final Fantasy Tactics, you’ll like this one as well.
The action takes you right in the middle of a conflict. The world’s about to go to war because of a lack of resources. Characters, themes, actions and stories are incredibly detailed and comprehensive. Although the gameplay seems inspired from other games, it also has a style of its own.
The pixel graphics are outstanding. Locations? Great! Characters and models? Stunning!
9. Potion Permit, 2022, Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PC, PS4 and PS5
If you’re the type who likes life simulators, this one will put you in a completely different situation. It’s not about building, killing or ruling, but about medicine. Forget about farms and focus on the medical field for a few moments.
You’re a chemist who ends up in a conflictual community. Outsiders are not welcome there, so you’ll need to work hard to make yourself appreciated. This means you’ll need to find solutions for diseases, developing potions and completing all kinds of quests.
It’s not a massive challenge, but the game offers a warm atmosphere and distinct pixel art graphics.
8. Octopath Traveler 2, 2018, PC, PS4, PS5 and Switch
If you’ve played the first Octopath Traveler, you’ll love the second one. It’s similar to classic turn based JRPGs, but it has its own story. There are eight characters and while they’re connected in their stories, each adventure is individual.
Choose who you want to start with and enjoy the experience of a lifetime. It’s by far one of the most attractive mechanical experiences and yes, it’s not for everyone, but it will stand out. You’ll love the turn based fights, as well as the modern twists.
As for the pixel art, it’s very well detailed and offers an old school appearance.
7. To the Moon, 2011, Mobile, PC and Switch
With so many RPGs to choose from, deciding on one takes a lot of thought. It must be truly special to make a difference. Well, To the Moon manages to draw attention the moment you launch it. It features elements from a classic RPG, but it also has a unique fighting system.
Puzzles and quests represent a priority in this game, while story progression changes the outcome of every action. Since its official release, the game has been through a Unity upgrade, which made it even better.
The pixel art is somewhere between fantasy and a realistic approach.
6. The Messenger, 2018, PC, Switch, Xbox One and PS4
The action platform is classic, you travel from left to right and reveal new territories. You’re running a ninja and you have one goal. There’s a scroll and you must deliver it safely in order to save your clan of other ninjas.
From many points of view, The Messenger is designed like a retro game. But here’s the interesting part about it. It starts with 8 bit graphics. But as the adventure evolves and there’s more action, it switches to 16 bit graphics.
Controls and abilities become more comprehensive as you unlock new abilities.
5. Eastward, 2021, PC and Switch
Eastward cannot compete against other games in terms of popularity. It’s an indie game, but it stands out with the immersive adventure. Everything is incredibly well-detailed, so get ready for a bit of action with countless possibilities.
The story follows John and Sam. John is mute, but super strong. Sam is young, but she’s got the right energy. They’ve been raised in an underground community, but they believe it’s time to go outside and explore the surroundings. It sounds like one of these modern TV series, right?
The story is strong, while the visuals will pleasantly surprise you. Eastward is simply a delight.
4. Kingdom Two Crowns, 2018, Xbox One, PC, Mobile, Switch and PS4
There are a few games in the series. The first one took the gaming industry by storm, but the second one is the release that stands out. Kingdom Two Crowns tried an uncharted territory. A side-scrolling game based on strategy. Weird, but it worked wonders for Raw Fury.
Players go through a dead land. Everything’s been destroyed, but they need to search through ashes and rebuild a kingdom. That means everything, from infrastructure and buildings to the people willing to work on these lands.
Other than that, the game allows two rulers to work together in order to create the perfect world.
3. Owlboy, 2016, Xbox One, PC, Switch and PS4
Otus is the main character, a boy and an owl. He can fly anywhere, but that doesn’t make your job easier, especially when pirates get to your land. There are lots of puzzles and quests, some of them quite challenging.
Enemies are everywhere and the ability to carry your friends around to fight them, how cool is that? While Otus’ capabilities are not great, his friends actually become his weapons and that’s what makes the game so deep.
As for the design and graphics, no comment, it’s top-notch! Despite being a pixel art game, the attention to small details is outstanding.
2. Starbound, 2016, PC
Starbound takes pixel art to another level. And the gameplay makes it even better. As a player, you’re free to design your own story. Craft your adventure from scratch and keep in mind that every little action can change everything.
There are multiple worlds, lots of enemies and plenty of resources. As you explore different planets, you find unexpected things and numerous surprises. If you like pixel art, but also a strong direction, Starbound won’t disappoint.
Visually, it’s very neat and attractive.
1. Dead Cells, 2018, Mobile, Switch, PC, Xbox One and PS4
Dead Cells brings back the intense Metroidvania style, but the animation goes further and will surprise you with its attention to detail. It has a type of structure that requires activity and skills. Once you get used to it, you’ll love its rhythm.
Now, apart from the action, there’s one more thing that will keep your heart pumping. The so-called permadeath means much of what you earn is lost when you get killed, so you’ll always be worried about some unexpected enemy coming out of nowhere. The thrill is hard to describe in words.
As for the action, you must go through some dungeons, complete quests and escape the castle. It has a nonlinear progression, so you’ll discover different paths based on your choices in the game.
Final words
Exploring the top 10-pixel art games has been an immersive journey filled with visual grandeur. These games showcase the incredible talent and creativity of their developers, proving that pixel art is an art form that can captivate and transport players to stunning worlds. Let us continue to celebrate the beauty and innovation of pixel art games.