Given that we’re approaching the holiday season, we thought it was high time we brought back this list of retro throwbacks to help fill up your Switch library in time for Christmas. We’ve rejigged this to our new format and added a fantastic trio of retro-style delights — Carpathian Night Starring Bela Lugosi, Crow Country, and Fear the Spotlight.
Ah, nostalgia — it’s a tricksy thing. How many times have we gone back to revisit a treasured classic only to find that modern games have spoiled it for us? For all the brilliant aspects of retro games, the mod cons and performance we’re used to now are pretty fantastic, too, and sometimes going back can be tough.
Fortunately, alongside all the remasters, repackages and retro compilations which sand the rough edges off gaming classics and polish them up for the busy 21st-century gamer, there’s a huge number of modern releases paying tribute to retro games. Below you’ll find some of our favourite neo-nostalgia trips available on Switch. They’re not in any particular order and most of the games on this list have multiple muses, so the noted inspirations may be the only tip of the iceberg.
So, let’s take a look at our very favourite modern games with an undeniably retro vibe…
Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove (Switch eShop)
Inspired by: Zelda II: The Adventure of Link, DuckTales, Mega Man, Castlevania, the list goes on…
With a list of influences as long as your arm (which developer Yacht Club itself acknowledges in comic fashion), Shovel Knight was excellent in vanilla form, but Treasure Trove includes absolutely everything that developer Yacht Club has created for the game since its Kickstarter success back in 2013. That includes the extra campaigns Plague of Shadows, Specter of Torment and King of Cards, plus multiplayer brawler Showdown which further increases the attractiveness of an already incredibly compelling package.
These games are fantastic odes to the glory days of 8-bit(+) platforming, and having the complete Shovel Knight experience in one spot makes this a must-have for Switch owners – especially those that have never dug into this game and its add-ons. Strike the earth!
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198X (Switch eShop)
Inspired by: Streets of Rage, R-Type, Out Run, Shinobi, Kill Screen, the ’80s
A passionate love letter to a bygone age, 198X celebrates 2D, arcade-based gaming brilliantly and wraps it up in some of the best hand-drawn art we’ve seen in years. The soundtrack is also exceptional, and, in terms of pure presentation, it’s really hard to fault what’s on offer here. 198X’s biggest weakness is its brevity; you can finish it in around an hour, but the experience will remain with you for long after the credits have rolled.
While we’re sure many people will consider the game’s shortness a cardinal sin, we’d still recommend you give it a try if you’re a fan of ’80s and ’90s gaming, appreciate lush 2D artwork and desire an experience which firmly lodges itself in your consciousness – even if it doesn’t last all that long.
Horizon Chase Turbo (Switch eShop)
Inspired by: Top Gear, Out Run
Out Run might be the most obvious comparison here, but Horizon Chase Turbo actually feels much more like a modern interpretation of the Top Gear games from the SNES days.
It’s silky-smooth old-school arcade racing with blue skies, colourful cars, and retro-polygonal visuals that leave you in no doubt as to how you should be driving (fast, and with the top down).
Mega Man 11 (Switch)
Inspired by: … really?!
Mega Man 11 is an excellent resurgence for the Blue Bomber, imbuing the tried-and-true classic gameplay with modern touches and new ideas that expand on existing concepts in interesting ways. The underlying action platforming gameplay is just as tight and challenging as you remember, and when combined with the new visuals and extra options for replayability, you’ve got a game that’s every bit as good as those that came before, while surpassing them in some ways.
This is a fitting refresh for a beloved series, and we’d highly recommend you add this one to your Switch library whether you’re a newcomer or you’ve been playing since the NES days. If you’re looking for something more pixel art, then may we suggest Mega Man 9 and 10 on the Mega Man Legacy Collection 2?
The Messenger (Switch eShop)
Inspired by: Ninja Gaiden
2D side-scrolling action games like The Messenger may be a dime a dozen these days, but you’d be missing out on something special by passing this one up. Featuring a surprisingly long campaign, an incredible soundtrack and tight, challenging level designs, we’d be remiss not to mention its incredible chiptune soundtrack as well.
The Messenger stands as a shining example of great game design in the old-school mould which deftly skips from 8- to 16-bits without missing a beat, and the game remains an absolute treat in Switch’s fully-stocked larder of sweetmeats.
Sonic Mania Plus (Switch)
Inspired by: … you’re not even trying, are you?
Sonic Mania was a true return to form for SEGA’s mascot, in his 2D ‘Classic’ guise at least, and celebrates the glory days of the original Mega Drive / Genesis games while also enhancing their qualities and taking on new ideas. From new areas, imaginative second acts and some delightful boss encounters, the development team poured a lot of passion and talent into the project.
The new characters and modes that came in the Plus update added some neat tweaks which iron out some of the kinks present in the original release, and after the blue hedgehog’s unarguably patchy history in the intervening decades, it was an absolute pleasure to see him return in one of the best 2D platformers of recent memory.
Blaster Master Zero 2 (Switch eShop)
Inspired by: Sunsoft’s original Blaster Master
Inti Creates knocked it out of the park with Blaster Master Zero 2, improving on the original ‘reboot’ in nearly every conceivable way while also setting a clear path forward for what could hopefully become a flagship series for the company. Tight platforming action, memorable boss battles, plenty of extra side content, and some gorgeous pixel art make this one of the easiest recommendations on the eShop; we’d strongly encourage you to pick this one up.
Whether you’re a long-time fan of the series or are just getting into it for the first time, Blaster Master Zero 2 is a stellar experience from stem to stern, and further cements Inti Creates’ legacy as one of the best developers in the retro gaming business.
Blaster Master Zero 3 also hits all the notes to deliver a high octane and satisfying retro platforming experience with a dark world mechanic which adds a nice extra layer to the overall design.
Stardew Valley (Switch eShop)
Inspired by: Harvest Moon
Stardew Valley offers its players a chance to live a second life – one where you can forget the troubles of the real world and get excited over finding a particularly rare carrot. It is a truly magical experience; games can often be enjoyable but they don’t all manage to be as captivating as this.
It’s the sort of game that ideally requires a significant amount of time to be invested; the enjoyment doesn’t necessarily come from the day-to-day actions you perform, but rather from the general growth of pride, satisfaction, and sense of security as the days go by in this colourful, 16-bit-styled farm sim. Fans of games such as Harvest Moon or Animal Crossing will be right at home here.
Axiom Verge (Switch eShop)
Inspired by: the Metroid series
Axiom Verge channels the gameplay of Metroid into an old-school action adventure which adds a dusting of twists and surprises to keep things feeling fresh. As well as delivering the patented exploration you’d expect from a title with Metroid in its DNA, there’s also an affecting narrative to follow as you’re filling out the world map and blasting nasties to kingdom come.
While Super Metroid still plays beautifully these days, the original NES game doesn’t hold up as well as it might, and playing the sublime Axiom Verge only highlights how far we’ve come since then.
The sequel is a bit of alright, too.
Cuphead (Switch eShop)
Inspired by: 1930s Fleischer or Disney cell animation, Contra, Gunstar Heroes, Mega Man
Cuphead fires nostalgia out of every orifice. Whether you’re a sucker for its early 20th century style of animation or can’t get enough of run-and-gun boss battlers, StudioMDHR’s classic — which was an Xbox One console exclusive until it made a surprising jump to Switch — is the same visually jaw-dropping, aurally delightful, knuckle-whiteningly difficult game it was on Microsoft’s console and the Switch’s library is all the better for its presence.
Its focus on intense boss battles won’t be to everyone’s tastes, but as long as you know what you’re getting yourself into we can’t recommend it enough. Just look at it!
Hotline Miami Collection (Switch eShop)
Inspired by: the original top-down Grand Theft Auto games, Drive, the ’80s
Both games in this collection offer some of the most addictive and rewarding (not to mention ridiculously violent) experiences you can play anywhere. The Switch versions don’t bring anything particularly new to the table, but if you’re looking to experience these games for the first time (or again) on a portable platform, this is the place to do it.
The sequel is the lesser of the two games here but the pixel art visuals and synthwave soundtrack of both have aged incredibly well since 2012 – probably because nostalgia for this retro aesthetic still burns bright.
Blazing Chrome (Switch eShop)
Inspired by: the Contra series
For those longing for a time when side-scrolling shooters ruled the roost, Blazing Chrome is exactly what you’re looking for. Perfect for short sessions, its slick gameplay and old-school art direction make for an astonishingly fun game full of explosions, epic set pieces, and spectacular boss battles.
Its brutal difficulty may not be for everyone, but if you’re up for the challenge, then get ready for one of the most accomplished 2D action titles in years. The immensely disappointing Contra: Rogue Corps proved just how wrong you can get a retro-style revival — Blazing Chrome gets it so, so right.
Wargroove (Switch eShop)
Inspired by: Advance Wars
As far as strategy games are concerned on the Switch, Wargroove and its sequel are some of the best titles you can find on the eShop. Extremely deep and diverse strategy gameplay, ridiculous amounts of replayability, and charming presentation all combine to make this one an easy recommendation to anybody looking for a deep and cerebral experience for their Switch.
Advance Wars returned in Re-Booted form, of course, but Wargroove stands as a worthy successor to the cult classic franchise; Advance Wars 1+2: Re-Boot Camp has some stiff opposition to contend with on Switch thanks to Chucklefish’s efforts.
Don’t forget about the sequel, either, which is no slouch.
Pocket Rumble (Switch eShop)
Inspired by: old Neo Geo Pocket Color brawlers from the Fatal Fury, Samurai Shodown and King of Fighters series, among others
Pocket Rumble‘s arcade mode is slight, but it’s a useful training tool. Multiplayer is where the game excels, though, thanks to a diverse (albeit small) lineup of characters. Fighting games can be complicated things, off-putting to newcomers with their wide array of moves and techniques, but Cardboard Robot Games has crafted a fun and easy-to-learn experience here, bundled up in a wonderfully nostalgic audio-visual imitation of the old Neo Geo Pocket Color brawlers.
By employing just two attack buttons and simplifying the special moves, it may not offer as much depth as some fighting games, but there’s still enough to keep even a genre veteran happy here. Working well with any controller, the game is good fun and perfectly suited for quick bursts of play, whether that be in online battles or playing tabletop against friends.
Yooka-Laylee and the Impossible Lair (Switch)
Inspired by: the Donkey Kong Country series
With games like Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze keeping the series alive with new custodians at the helm (Retro Studios, in that case), Yooka-Laylee and the Impossible Lair provides a glimpse at where the original developers from the Rareware days might have steered the DKC series.
Mixing in some top-down adventuring into the platforming to change the pace up a bit, Playtonic’s 2.5D sequel strikes a wonderful balance which offers the best of both worlds. Yooka-Laylee and the Impossible Lair is a fantastic platformer that pays tribute to Rare’s past and we absolutely adore it.
GALAK-Z: The Void: Deluxe Edition (Switch eShop)
Inspired by: Macross (anime), ’80s twin-stick arcade games
GALAK-Z isn’t a game for everyone: its rogue-lite nature, its high difficulty level, and its punishing policy on death (even in its easier Arcade mode) will infuriate some players who are just expecting a quick blast of non-stop action, or a standard twin-stick shooter, for that matter – it isn’t.
Treat it like the slower-paced exploration and survival game it’s supposed to be, though, and your patience will be rewarded with some genuinely satisfying space combat and a wide variety of customisable parts (not to mention its brilliant mech upgrade), all wrapped up in a fantastic ‘80s style aesthetic.
Undertale (Switch eShop)
Inspired by: Earthbound, Super Mario RPG
Undertale is a brilliant and smartly designed game that understands well what makes a good RPG work; so much so that it can upend expectations and deliver something that’s almost a satire of the genre.
It surprises you often and in many unique ways with excellently written characters, a genre-bending battle system, and a solid soundtrack that make this one an easy recommendation, especially to RPG lovers. Do yourself a favour and give this one a download.
Demon’s Tilt (Switch eShop)
Inspired by: Alien Crush, Devil’s Crush
A spiritual successor to pinball classics Alien Crush and Devil’s Crush, Demon’s Tilt isn’t going to be to everybody’s tastes with its single table, often obtuse mechanics and sometimes brutal difficulty, but if you have even the slightest interest in pinball games then you really should check this out.
While more tables would have been welcome and it’s a shame that some of the visual effects have been toned down on Switch, what we have here is a game of stunning depth and complexity which rewards methodical players who aren’t afraid to invest a lot of time learning all of the secrets and hidden tactics. The ability to play the game in portrait mode makes this Switch port even more appealing.
Fight’N Rage (Switch eShop)
Inspired by: Final Fight, Streets of Rage, Double Dragon…
Who says the beat ’em up is dead? Fight’N Rage is one of the must-own action games on Nintendo’s console. Its surprisingly deep and satisfyingly weighty combat engine combined with three strong and varied player characters and a host of cleverly-designed enemies elevate it above the usual button-mashing experience perhaps expected of entries in this genre. It’s got an excellent arcade mode that branches off in various directions as you make your way to the final boss battle, as well as a ton of unlockable modes and extras to keep you coming back for more.
Whether you’re a learned fan of old-school beat ’em ups or you just like pummelling the life out of mutant punk pussycats and monkeys dressed as Bruce Lee, you owe it to yourself to experience what Sebastian Garcia has created here; it’s easily one of the best beat ’em ups we’ve played.
Huntdown (Switch eShop)
Inspired by: 16-bit run ‘n’ gunners, ’80s sci fi
Huntdown is a delightfully detailed and expertly crafted throwback to old-school run ‘n’ gun arcade shooters. The 16-bit graphical style is immaculately recreated whilst adding lots of modern bells and whistles to proceedings, including a fantastic soundtrack and audio design, optional CRT filter and an arsenal of heavy-duty weapons that chew scenery and enemies to pieces as your bounty hunter makes their way from boss fight to excellent boss fight.
The flow of levels may be quite repetitive but the moment-to-moment gameplay, overall sense of fun that comes from the level of carnage you can dish out, surprising amount of hammy spoken dialogue and constant pop-culture references all combine to make this one an easy recommendation, and another excellent addition to the Switch’s action catalogue.
Timespinner (Switch eShop)
Inspired by: Castlevania: Symphony of the Night, Mega Man X
Gorgeous to behold and equally delightful to play, Timespinner is yet another top-notch Metroidvania to add to the list on Switch.
A lack of tough exploration challenges and an under-utilised time-freeze gimmick aside, it succeeds in using the popular genre as a vehicle for a genuinely intriguing science-fantasy tale that will motivate players to explore every inch of its fantastic pixel-art world.
Xeno Crisis (Switch)
Inspired by: Robotron: 2084, Smash TV
Xeno Crisis feels like a lost classic from a bygone era of gaming – a brilliant twin-stick arena shooter which wears its influences on its blood-drenched sleeve.
The stern challenge may prove to be off-putting for casual players, but it rewards dedication with some of the most intense and addictive blasting action you can find in the genre. Convince a fellow player to join in and you’ve got the makings of a co-op classic.
Monster Boy and the Cursed Kingdom (Switch)
Inspired by: the Wonder Boy series
Monster Boy and the Cursed Kingdom is a tremendous accomplishment. It’s a gorgeous looking game with a fantastic soundtrack and does its spiritual predecessors proud by nailing the Wonder Boy mechanics while still offering something that will appeal to modern audiences.
As long as you can appreciate that it’s still very much an old-school game at heart and you’re going to get some 8-bit era platforming trickiness as a result, you’re going to thoroughly enjoy playing through this adventure for the 12-15 hours it’ll take you to beat it. It may not be Wonder Boy by name, but it’s definitely wonderful by nature.
Special mention: Wonder Boy: The Dragon’s Trap – Technically a remake/port of the Master System’s Wonder Boy III: The Dragon’s Trap, Dotemu’s incredible work felt like so much more than a port-and-paintover job.
The Ninja Saviors: Return of the Warriors (Switch)
Inspired by: Ninja Warriors, Final Fight…
They say you can never really go back – the game might still be there, but nostalgia mixes with memories and creates something more intoxicating in the mind than it really was. Go back to the SNES Ninja Warriors now and it’s still fun, but it’s stuck in the square box of a 4:3 screen, the animation doesn’t stand out like it did and one-player-only looks weak alongside the other Final Fight tribute acts of the day.
But when you see The Ninja Saviors: Return of the Warriors, it’s somehow exactly what you remember: huge, lush backdrops, silky animation, and tight, mob-levelling ninja moves. It makes you feel like being a kid again and, as such, this game stands as yet another essential Switch release you really should own.
Octopath Traveler (Switch)
Inspired by: Classic 16-bit JRPGs
Octopath Traveler was developed by the Square Enix studio behind Bravely Default, and boy does it live up to those high expectations. From its dazzling art style to its mechanics, it’s the kind of game that keeps an eye on the past while walking bravely into the future. All elements link together perfectly to make for a harmonious and immersive experience that you’ll find difficult to put down. We’d recommend Octopath Traveler to both fans and newcomers of RPGs; it does a fantastic job of straddling that line of accessibility and depth, satisfying both camps with its dizzying amount of content.
Classic-inspired gameplay, an orchestrated soundtrack, and a unique approach to storytelling make this a game that you won’t want to miss. Don’t forget about the fantastic sequel, Octopath Traveler II, either.
River City Girls (Switch eShop)
Inspired by: River City Ransom and the Kunio-kun series
Whether you’re playing alone or teaming up with a friend in co-op mode, River City Girls is up there with Scott Pilgrim vs The World as a visually superb, aurally fantastic, out-and-out love letter to the beat ’em up genre.
Fans of River City Ransom and other Kunio-kun games will adore how it respects the past but makes it relevant today, while those new to the series will simply find a hugely enjoyable and infectiously cheerful scrapper.
The Eternal Castle [Remastered] (Switch eShop)
Inspired by: Another World, Flashback and other cinematic platformers
The Eternal Castle [REMASTERED] is a neo-retro masterpiece. Even if you play the game from start to finish just once in a single sitting and never come back to it, this minimalist post-apocalyptic epic will stay with you for years to come.
Obviously, if you’re not a fan of classic ‘cinematic’ platformers like Another World and Flashback and their prioritising of look-and-feel over control responsiveness, then you may want to approach with caution. If you’re looking for the next true evolution of that genre, though, look no further. They just don’t make them like this any more… and we found ourselves wondering ‘why not?’.
Freedom Planet (Switch eShop)
Inspired by: Sega Genesis / Mega Drive platformers such as Sonic, Gunstar Heroes, and Ristar
Freedom Planet may have started as a mere Sonic copy, but to view the game as nothing more would be an enormously reductive judgment. Despite its ho-hum story and occasional difficulty spikes, Freedom Planet manages to rise above and become more than the sum of its parts, imbuing a well-trodden gameplay style with fresh ideas and concepts. We’d recommend that you give Freedom Planet a try, even if you’ve sampled the superb Sonic Mania; it’s clear that a substantial amount of care and work went into making this game, and it’s an excellent love letter to fans of action platformers.
If you love this one, then the sequel does even more to differentiate itself and improves upon the original in every single way,
Cyber Shadow (Switch eShop)
Inspired by: Ninja Gaiden
If you consider yourself a fan of retro action platformers, you owe it to yourself to pick up Cyber Shadow. It’s clear in virtually every facet of Cyber Shadow’s design that this project was a labour of love and that its designer is intimately familiar with what makes the stalwarts of this beloved genre so great.
Well-built levels, authentic presentation, tight controls and a high difficulty all combine to make this a supreme and focused experience, and one that we can easily say is well worth your time. Mechanical Head Studios has set a high bar with its inaugural release.
Ghosts ‘n Goblins Resurrection (Switch eShop)
Inspired by: *long stare*
A resurrection for a classic series, this gives you fewer mod-cons than you might be expecting — if you can’t stand the thought of tackling a game through an arduous process of restarts, walk away now. There are points in the campaign where it comes close to overstepping the mark, and you do wonder why some sections need to be quite so drawn out, but although its difficulty isn’t going to be for everyone, the game remains solidly coordinated, upholding the series ethos of practice-based progression via old disciplines and new processes.
Ghosts ‘n Goblins Resurrection is Tokuro Fujiwara’s love letter to a thirty-five-year-old series that’s famous for burying mortal men, and it’s a job done exceptionally well. If challenge is what you live for, toughen up, don that mental armour, and take up the mantle like a lance. If you put in the time and effort, Ghosts ’n Goblins Resurrection will see you reap the most valuable of gaming accomplishments: the prestige of victory.
Steel Assault (Switch eShop)
Inspired by: Classic Castlevanias
Steel Assault is like a bite of an extremely delicious, well-seasoned steak. Just one bite. It lingers in your mind and makes you wish for more, yet in some respects, that’s much better than if you were given the whole thing and took it for granted.
If you liked the snappy action and ridiculous difficulty of may old arcade classics, then Steel Assault is absolutely something you should look into. It’s absurd, it’s fun, it’s hard. And it’s short. It doesn’t offer up much more once you’ve reached the end, but what’s here is intensely well-executed, and we’d definitely recommend you give it a go.
Infernax (Switch eShop)
Inspired by: Ninja Gaiden, Zelda II, classic Castlevanias
While Infernax is tough, it’s resolutely fair — you can’t really make the game ‘easy’, but you can absolutely mitigate the difficulty or take a break doing something else when you get stuck. Don’t expect a simple ride, though, and don’t expect to take the right decisions on a first playthrough – not that anything seems particularly ‘right’ in this beautifully bloody little world.
It’s only familiarity that lets Infernax down — there’s nothing really new here, but it’s all done and delivered so well that you won’t really care unless you’re desperate for a completely fresh experience. In which case why play a faux-retro NES throwback to begin with? A cut above most efforts in the subgenre, Infernax both demands and requires attention.
Chained Echoes (Switch eShop)
Inspired by: Seminal 16-bit JRPGs
Chained Echoes is a wonderful mash-up of ’90s JRPG tropes, masterfully woven together to produce an experience that feels simultaneously nostalgic and fresh. A well-paced story, unconventional progression system, tactical combat system, and expansive world all come together to make for a game that is shockingly one of the very best RPGs that we played in 2022.
Really, there’s no place where it feels like Chained Echoes drops the ball, which is all the more impressive when you consider that the vast majority of it was put together by one person. If you consider yourself a fan of JRPGs, you owe it to yourself to pick this one up as soon as possible. It stands as a shining example of everything that makes RPGs great.
Arcade Paradise (Switch)
Inspired by: Arcade classics
We wholly recommend Arcade Paradise if you enjoy either simulation-style games or spent the ’90s with a pocketful of quarters down at the local arcade. The narrative centred on a lazy young adult proving to their father they can run a successful business will never really grip you, and – believe it or not – laundering clothes and peeling gum off the machines becomes a bit tiresome.
Yet the arcade games themselves and the sheer creativity and charm Nosebleed Interactive has packed into them more than makes up for the monotony. If we stumbled upon these games in the back of our local laundromat, we’d spend actual money there. But since that seems rather unlikely, we’re sure to boot up Arcade Paradise to try for some global rankings long after we’re done with laundering clothes.
Vengeful Guardian: Moonrider (Switch eShop)
Inspired by: Shinobi, Strider, Mega Man
Vengeful Guardian: Moonrider is an absolute triumph in ‘neo-retro’ game design. It boasts fluid combat with plenty of variety in environmental and enemy design and an art style that looks like it beamed straight over from the early ’90s.
While its overall short length might be a bit of a sticking point for some, those looking for an action title that is not only a fantastic experience but also feels like an authentically retro one will find this to be an absolute no-brainer.
Kraino Origins (Switch eShop)
Inspired by: Mega Man, Castlevania, Super Mario Bros. 3
It may be over in the blink of an eye, but Kraino Origins proves itself to be a well-crafted and deeply enjoyable old-school action platformer while it lasts. There’s a little bit of Mega Man in here, a little more Castlevania, some Super Mario Bros. 3, but Kraino doesn’t feel overly derivative of such titles, largely because of its excellent level design.
With some excellent 8-bit pixel art, this is an affordable and brief entry in the neo-retro genre, and one that we would definitely recommend.
Lunark (Switch eShop)
Inspired by: Prince of Persia, Flashback, Another World, cinematic platformers in general
Even our minor frustrations with Lunark can’t overshadow the joy we felt as we played this unashamedly retro platformer. It is a competently put-together and lovingly crafted homage to an often-overlooked genre of gaming. Even the imprecise controls and Leo’s sluggish movements feel like a feature and not a bug in the game’s design. If you can wrap your head around them, there is a very solid platformer to enjoy here.
Panzer Paladin (Switch eShop)
Inspired by: 8-bit action platformers
Panzer Paladin‘s uncomplicated gameplay won’t be for everyone and there are some very minor niggles that hold it back from true greatness. Even so, it has heart, and that goes a long, long way. If you’re into retro throwback games then you should really give this a try; Panzer Paladin is an unpretentious, exuberant action game from start to finish, and a must for genre fans.
Fear the Spotlight (Switch eShop)
Inspired by: PS1 survival horror classics
Fear the Spotlight is an excellent narrative horror experience loaded with atmosphere and dread throughout, with immersive, tactile puzzles and an overarching storyline that is engaging and tragic in equal measure.
Encounters with the main enemy won’t prove particularly challenging, but they’re always nerve-wracking thanks to its creepy design and accompanying spooky audio. Rare, minor performance hiccups aside, this is a must-play for horror fans and an approachable entry point for newcomers.
Carpathian Night Starring Bela Lugosi (Switch eShop)
Inspired by: Classic Castlevania
Although Carpathian Night is certainly basic in some respects, it really nails the classic Castlevania feel with its gameplay, and we were impressed with the length of the stages themselves. Granted, skilled players could get through the game in as little as an hour or two, but the variety along with the surprising level of depth from the unlockable abilities makes this an experience begging to be replayed. Heck, we’d start over just to listen to the excellent music.
Iconic Dracula actor Bela Lugosi’s inclusion is extremely limited and feels like a wasted opportunity, but otherwise this is a great little homage to gaming’s most famous series of vampire killers.
Tiny Thor (Switch eShop)
Inspired by: 16-bit Sega Genesis / Mega Drive platformers
Tiny Thor is a well-crafted retro platforming adventure that no fan of 16-bit gaming will want to miss. Though its controls can be a tad frustrating and its difficulty can be occasionally inconsistent, there’s no denying that this is a thoroughly enjoyable experience from stem to stern, especially for those who enjoy a fittingly old-school challenge.
In all the best of ways, Tiny Thor feels like a lost Sega Genesis game, easily worth your time and money.
30XX (Switch eShop)
Inspired by: Mega Man
Although it can be a bit uneven, 30XX is ultimately an enjoyable take on action platforming with a roguelite twist. The high difficulty, extreme replayability, and gorgeous visuals all come together to make for an action platformer you won’t want to miss out on.
Beyond this, Mega Mode makes this one a solid recommendation even for those who don’t usually like roguelites, as it strips out most of the randomness and presents a more old-school challenge. For any fans of Mega Man, retro action platformers, or roguelikes, 30XX covers all those bases and then some, and deserves a spot in your Switch library.
Gravity Circuit (Switch eShop)
Inspired by: Mega Man X, Mischief Makers
Now, cards on the table, we haven’t actually reviewed this one. However, the very enthusiastic championing of many Nintendo Life readers made it the most recommended game in our regular Games We Missed feature, and if you’re a fan of retro-feeling run ‘n’ gunning with a modern slant, we get the distinct impression that you’ll enjoy Gravity Circuit.
We’ll update with our own thoughts once we’ve dug through our backlogs, but feel free to yay or nay in the comments.
Chico and the Magic Orchards DX (Switch eShop)
Inspired by: Top-down GB puzzlers, Zelda: Link’s Awakening dungeons
Chico and the Magic Orchards DX is an excellent callback to simpler days, featuring authentic retro visuals, tight level design, and a surprising amount of variety for such a small package.
It’ll only last you a couple of hours at most, but anyone who misses the days of the OG Game Boy will want to give this one a look. It’s lots of fun, plenty charming, and a great use of a fiver.
Alisa Developer’s Cut (Switch eShop)
Inspired by: Resident Evil, Alone in the Dark
Alisa Developer’s Cut is an excellent homage to classic survival horror that can easily stand toe-to-toe with the likes of Resident Evil and Alone in the Dark. From the tank controls to the cheesy voiceover work, it nails almost every aspect, providing an experience that feels like it was ripped straight from the ’90s.
Its overall appeal will likely be limited to those who are intimately familiar with survival horror, but if that’s you, then strap yourself in for one of the best examples of the genre to date.
Pepper Grinder (Switch eShop)
Inspired by: Dig Dig, Drill Dozer, Sonic the Hedgehog, DKC
Pepper Grinder is a wonderfully inventive and fun platformer that no fan of the genre will want to miss out on. Channelling the spirits of several retro dig-based games and 16-bit classics, it may have a runtime that feels a little too short, but this is ultimately a deeply enjoyable, challenging, and highly replayable game with lots of personality.
If you think you’d be interested, we’d suggest you pick up Pepper Grinder at the next opportunity (and there’s a even downloadable demo if you’re on the fence).
Crow Country (Switch eShop)
Inspired by: PS1 survival horror such as Resident Evil & Silent Hill, Final Fantasy VII
Crow Country is a great retro-flavoured survival horror that manages to pay homage to the ’90s classics while providing a bunch of modern conveniences that make the game feel fresh and, more importantly, fun. Exploring the creepy yet charming titular amusement park is a joy thanks to its wealth of intriguing secrets and nasty creatures.
There are a few annoyances that keep it from being a masterpiece, like the slightly delayed screen transitions and the infuriating traps, but like Signalis before it, Crow Country is well worth investigating if you’re after a retro-style horror game that, miraculously, doesn’t feel dated right out of the gate.
Sea of Stars (Switch eShop)
Inspired by: 16-bit RPGs including Chrono Trigger, Super Mario RPG, and Illusion of Gaia.
Sea of Stars is a sensational achievement for Sabotage. The studio is two for two in providing impressively designed and genuinely innovative takes on classic genres. Some pacing issues aside, the complex narrative, deep and strategic combat, thoughtful level design, and fantastic visuals and music all combine to make this one of the easiest recommendations we can make. If you consider yourself a fan of old-school RPGs, you must play Sea of Stars. And if not? The execution and polish here are so good that we’d suggest you give it a try anyway.
There are few games that would be a better introduction and representation of what makes JRPGs great. Sea of Stars is an instant classic and a new high-water mark for modern retro-styled indies. You really shouldn’t miss out.
The past decade or so has been filled with retro-inspired gems and Switch hosts a great many of them, as you can see. We’ve reached the end of our favourites for now, and we’ll keep this up-to-date as more get released.
What’s a throwback? How is this retro? We’ve got answers to the most common reader questions below…
When we talk about throwback games, we mean games that take ideas and heavy inspiration from older games. In many cases above, we’re talking NES, Genesis, SNES, PlayStation, and N64.
Essentially, it’s putting a modern twist on a “retro” formula that reminds us of the games we played growing up.
While some of our lists are reader-ranked and reader-informed, this one is mostly made up of our picks. The game also may not fit the criteria in question, hence it’s not included.
If there’s something we’ve missed that you think absolutely deserves to be here, then give us a holler.
…that’ll depend on who you ask! We’ve mentioned a list of platforms above, and this list mostly looks at games inspired during those eras. But soon enough, you’ll see PS2 and GameCube-inspired games being thrown into the retro throwback basket.
We don’t make the decisions on what’s retro and not! The bloomin’ DS is 20 years old, and we feel old.
What modern games press your nostalgia buttons? Let us know your personal favourites below.
