Recently I’ve taken interest in pixel art games. They are fun, rich in story, and easy to play. It’s a nice break from competitive gaming. If you think the same, check out hits list of the 20 best pixel art games ever. You’ll find some popular games and some hidden gems that are highly underrated.
PHILOSOPHICAL PC GAMES < Another great genre.
Pixel art games are really good for two reasons. One, they don’t require high end system. So, you can enjoy pixel art games with older PCs. Two, art style is amazing. Especially, if you like the nostalgia as an older gamer.
Let’s delve in. Best story rich pixel games:
1. Undertale
Undertale is a pixel art RPG all about decisions. The game is heavy on moral aspects of choices you’re going to make. It is possible to complete the game without killing a single thing. But you’ll have many options to kill, even wipe out entire species. Well, it’s up to you to decide. Undertale is an RPG after all.
In the game, you control a human who falls underground into the world of monsters. So, you’ll either find your way out or stay trapped forever and ever.
2. To the Moon
This brings back unforgettable stories. To the Moon is a masterpiece guy and gals. Even if you’re not fan of the pixel art, you should play To the Moon.
The story is about two doctors traversing backwards through a dying man’s memories. They do it to artificially fulfill his last wish. It’ll be the last memory of dying man.
Johnny, the elderly man has a unique wish of going to the moon.
3. Finding Paradise
Finding Paradise is another masterpiece of Freebird Games. It’s about two doctors and fulfilling last wish again.
It’s the second and full episode of To the Moon’s series. Let me say this, the game is easy on the computer but hard on the heart.
4. Impostor Factory
Third and the last Freebird Games studios game on this list is Impostor Factory. It has completely different story and not related to To the Moon series.
It’s a murder mystery game with time-loop tragicomedy elements. A man gets invited to a fancy party at a suspiciously secluded mansion. He wents there and finds a time machine in its bathroom… Of course, he tampers with it and ends up changing the time. But of course, people start dying because of what he did.
Warning: Lovecraftian tentacles are party of the story.
5. The Test
The test is a short game that asks questions and analyzes your subconscious. Can you answer all the hard questions? You sure you want to learn hard truth about yourself?
The game is very psychological. Also, short and direct. Overall, one-of-a-kind experience is waiting for you.
6. Coffee Talk
Coffe Talk brews to games perfectly. One is coffee brewing simulation and the other is talking simulation.
The main topic of talks happens to be the problems of modern peoples. You’ll be helping them by serving up warm drink and giving advice etc. This game features all girls dream life. But boys can enjoy too.
Damn, I better go grab myself a cup of coffee now.
7. A Space for the Unbound
Let me introduce you the story of two high school sweethearts. It’s set at the end of their school days, and end of the world…
Explore crumbling town together, help friends, and stop the apocalypse. Bond more while doing so.
It has free demo on steam I highly recommend. So that you can decide whether buy it or not yourself.
8. The Last Door
The Last Door is a story rich horror game set in the Victorian England.
Something ancient and evil from lovecraftian tales haunting people. Only you can stop it. Set forth into the darkness and solve the mystery in the brink of madness.
For a point & click game it’s really immersive, you’ll be falling in love with it.
9. Roadwarden
Roadwarden is an illustrated text based RPG that is also using isometric pixel art. What’s more, it’s a combination of visual novel, interactive fiction, and adventure genres. Basically, it’s all in one.
In this game you are the roadwarden. A brave man putting his life on the line to make a difference in a grim world. In this game you are the roadwarden. A brave man putting his life on the line to make a difference in a grim world. You’ll be guarding travelers, helping villages, supporting merchants, and defend innocent lives against monsters, undead, and bandits.
10. The Red Strings
Do you like cyberpunk genre? If so, The Red Strings Club is a treat for you.
The game is a narrative experience about fate and happiness. You’ll be experiencing extensive use of pottery, bartending, and impersonating people on the phone to take down a conspiracy. I love thrilling short stories like this one.
All in all, go play The Red Strings Club now, it’s one of my personal favorites!
11. How We Know We’re Alive
Winner of the Best Execution in Art and Best Execution in Narrative from Swedish Game Awards 2021, I present you the How We Know We’re Alive.
Cogito, ergo sum – “I think, therefore I am” – René Descartes
It’s a mature and thought-provoking tale set in Härunga, a small industrial town in the bible belt of the mid-north Sweden.
12. Kentucky Route Zero
Kentucky Route Zero is the strangest game you can ever play. It’s a magical surreal adventure set in the secret highway running through the caves beneath Kentucky. You say WTF? Don’t say it before you meet the mysterious folks who live under.
Best way to describe Kentucky Route Zero would be something like this:
A beautiful tragedy, in written and visual poetry.
13. Cats and the Other Lives
Part interactive fiction, part adventure, here is a game that explores the reunion of a broken family from the perspective of their house cat, Aspen.
Life of a cat is simple. But not for this one. As you play as the cat Aspen, you’ll quickly find yourself in a journey across the hopes, disappointments and regrets of the family.
With its simple yet intuitive point and click play style, unique design, and rich story, Cats and the Other Lives stands out as a unique game.
14. Unusual Findings
Story is about three friends uncover mysteries in the 1980s. Pretty similar to the tv series Stranger Things.
If you are old like me and nostalgia, don’t miss this one. You’ll re-experience the era of synthesizers, VHS Rental stores, 8 bits games and evil alien conspiracies.
15. Papers, Please
First of all, check the PAPERS, PLEASE – The Short Film on Youtube whether you played the game before or not. It’s an amazing game with its own movie!
Papers, Please is a game about border checkpoint. As a officer, you’ll be checking the visas, names, and behaviors of the people who try to move across border.
Don’t let anyone suspicious in, or the dictator of your country might have you sent to prison. Or worse, a terrorist might get in and bomb the border checkpoint.
16. Milk Outside a Bag of Milk Outside a Bag of Milk
No typo or whatsoever, the game is literally called Milk Outside a Bag of Milk Outside a Bag of Milk. I haven’t seen a weird video game name like this one for a while.
In fact, it’s a sequel to Milk inside a bag of milk inside a bag of milk. What is this game about? Well, you dive into demented and bizarre world and help the girl become a little happier.
17. If on a Winter’s Night, Four Travelers
Number 17, a narrative-driven point-and-click adventure that explores the stories of four different characters.
Story revolves around a masked ball taking place on a train in the late 1920s. Basically, you explore 4 fringe characters taking a part in the weird party.
18. The Darkside Detective: A Fumble in the Dark
Last point & click game of this best pixel art games list is happens to be The Darkside Detective: A Fumble in the Dark. As can be seen on the name, games story is about a detective. The game is not really serious though. You’ll find many comedic elements in it.
As a detective, you’re tasked to go to the Twin Lakes – America’s 34th most haunted city. Puzzle your way through 6 chilling cases, risk your life, and solve the mysteries.
19. Death Trash
Delve into a post-apocalyptic world where cosmic horrors lurk. That’s what Death Trash offers. It’s an RPG with rich story, classes, character customizations, and tough decisions. What’s the best part of it? Co-op option of course.
The game features real time gameplay, action, stealth, inventory, crafting, pickpocketing, and many other immersive utilities.
20. Celeste
Final pixel art game of this list is a super popular game Celeste. It’s about a rich journey that’ll warm your heart.
Though unlike other games I’ve mentioned, Celeste is a little bit difficult. It’s a precision platformer after all.