We were spoiled with fantastic games throughout 2024, and while big-budget titles certainly impressed, a big chunk of our time was spent indulging in new, yet familiar experiences. Throughout 2024, numerous retro-inspired games hit the shelves, offering a satisfying variety of gameplay that harked back to the gaming days of the past. To celebrate these original titles, we’ve whipped up a list of the best retro-inspired games of the year, ranked in no particular order. For this list, we’re not considering any remakes or remasters, only fresh, new games that pay homage to our favorites from the past. With that, let’s check out the best retro-inspired games of 2024!
1. RetroRealms Arcade
Developed by Wayforward, RetroRealms Arcade is a compilation pack that, as the title implies, takes its inspiration from arcade era platformers. At launch, RetroRealms offered two arcade-style adventures, both inspired by classic slasher horror films. This includes Ash vs Evil Dead and Halloween, starring your favorite horror movie stars as they slash through enemies, collect power-ups, and defeat bosses. Simplistic in nature, these titles are reminiscent of arcade games like Splatterhouse, but with a decent boost in difficulty. Extra features like being able to swap the playable character between games makes for decent replayability, making this one of the best retro-inspired games of 2024.
2. Metal Slug Tactics
A long time staple in the run ‘n gun genre, Metal Slug is a franchise that always provides a hefty challenge and explosive action, often with plenty of “game overs” to boot. Metal Slug Tactics, developed by Leikir Studio, takes this notoriously tough series and transfers the concept into a grid-style tactics game, similar to Final Fantasy Tactics. However, Metal Slug Tactics preserves the aggressive attitude of the original games, as you must execute your strategies with speed and precision if you want to prevail. If you like grid-style tactics games but consider them a bit too slow-paced, Metal Slug Tactics is an awesome retro revival that should hit the spot.
3. Animal Well
Animal Well was a huge indie hit this year, and you may be surprised to learn that this wickedly smart Metroidvania game was primarily developed by just one guy, Billy Basso. Inspired by classic retro platformers like Super Mario Bros. 3, modern puzzles games like Fez, and even iconic survival horror games, Animal Well defies expectations at every turn. Playing as a cute little blob, it’s your job to explore the mysterious environment around you, discovering new items and interesting ways to use them in order to progress. With no combat to speak of, Animal Well is a game for players who like to think, as well as those who like to find secrets. Packed with secrets to find, multiple endings, and some of the smartest puzzles in recent memory, Animal Well is by far one of the best retro-inspired games of 2024.
4. The Karate Kid: Street Rumble
If you like old-school beat ’em up games like TMNT: Turtles in Time or River City Ransom, The Karate Kid: Street Rumble is absolutely worth playing. Given the recent onslaught of arcade-style beat ’em up games, Street Rumble might appear like a lackluster cash-in at first glance, but that’s simply not the case. Developed by Flux Game Studio, this surprisingly long brawler covers all three films in the classic Karate Kid film franchise, following protagonist Daniel LaRusso as he battles to become the best martial artist around. Street Rumble contains multiple playable characters, level-specific challenges, and a nifty upgrade system that encourages replayability. Especially if you’ve got a few buddies around for couch co-op, The Karate Kid: Street Rumble is a welcome surprise that will have you button mashing with glee.
5. UFO 50
In 2024, there was no game more ambitious than UFO 50, a retro-inspired compilation pack that offers 50 unique games to try. Developed by Mossmouth, the same studio that brought you Spelunky and other indie hits, UFO 50 tells the story of UFO Soft, a fictional retro games company that mysteriously closed their doors. After booting up the game, you are free to choose any of the 50 unique games that look interesting, with each title offering a fun fusion of genre tropes. Seriously, there’s something special in UFO 50 for every kind of retro gamer, whether you’re into arcade-style shoot ’em ups, turn-based RPGs, old-school dungeon crawlers, or all of the above. Secrets are abundant, unlockables are smart and require skilled play, and every moment feels like magic. After just a few months, I’ve already played over 150 hours of UFO 50, making it not only one of the best retro-inspired games of 2024, but an incredible value for gamers on a budget.
