Games Like 198X

UFO 50 is a collection of 50 single and multiplayer games that span a variety of genres, from platformers and shoot 'em ups to puzzle games, roguelites, and RPGs. Our goal is to combine a familiar 8-bit aesthetic with new ideas and modern game design.

Why similar: Retro 29.3%, 1980s 19.8%, Pixel Graphics 17.3%, Indie 13.1%, Arcade 10.7%

Why You'll Like It: Like 198X, this is a collection of high-quality, distinct arcade-style games that feel like a love letter to a bygone era.

Katana ZERO is a stylish neo-noir, action-platformer featuring breakneck action and instant-death combat. Slash, dash, and manipulate time to unravel your past in a beautifully brutal acrobatic display.

Why similar: Great Soundtrack 41.2%, Pixel Graphics 27.3%, Retro 16.8%, Indie 11.5%, 2D 3.2%

Why You'll Like It: It shares the cinematic storytelling and high-octane, stylish action that makes 198X feel so immersive.

California, 1986: A group of friends discover a mysterious pink stone that allows travel between two realms. This gang will live the summer of their lives in an adventure that will get them involved in a government conspiracy. Control five kids with special skills while fighting and solving puzzles.

Why similar: 1980s 37.9%, Pixel Graphics 18.5%, Great Soundtrack 18.4%, Retro 14.3%, Indie 9.2%

Why You'll Like It: This adventure game is deeply rooted in 80s pop culture, mirroring the nostalgic narrative tone found in 198X.

Become symphonic in Narita Boy! A radical action-adventure as a legendary pixel hero trapped as a mere echo within the Digital Kingdom. Discover the mysteries behind the Techno-sword, lock swords with the corrupt and tainted Stallions. Save the world!

Why similar: 1980s 46.6%, Retro 32.2%, Pixel Graphics 17.2%, 2D 4%

Why You'll Like It: A synth-wave fueled adventure that leans heavily into 80s nostalgia and retro-futuristic pixel art.

In the mayhem-filled streets of the future where criminal gangs rule and cops fear to tread, only the bounty hunters can free the city from the corrupt fist of felony. Lay waste to the criminal underworld and make a killing in this hard boiled action comedy arcade shooter.

Why similar: 1980s 34.5%, Retro 27.3%, Pixel Graphics 19.2%, Arcade 15.1%, 2D 3.8%

Why You'll Like It: This game perfectly captures the 80s action movie aesthetic with its gritty pixel art and intense, arcade-style run-and-gun gameplay.

Hotline Miami is a high-octane action game overflowing with raw brutality, hard-boiled gunplay and skull crushing close combat.

Why similar: Great Soundtrack 35.6%, 1980s 29.4%, Retro 14.9%, Pixel Graphics 11%, Indie 8.1%

Why You'll Like It: The definitive 80s-inspired synth-wave experience that blends fast-paced, violent action with a surreal, retro atmosphere.

Fight’N Rage is a brand new old-school side-scroller beat’em up. Inspired by the classics from the “golden age”, and with an art style that mimics the aesthetic from the 90's arcade gems, this game pays homage to all classic gameplay features that makes this genre one of the best from its time!

Why similar: Beat 'em up 34.9%, Great Soundtrack 19.7%, Retro 16.3%, Arcade 10.3%, Pixel Graphics 9%

Why You'll Like It: Offers deep, satisfying beat-em-up mechanics with a distinct retro soul and high replayability.

BRO-TACULAR! Legendary martial artists, Billy and Jimmy Lee return in this creative re-imagining of the classic beat ‘em up, Double Dragon Neon. Fight your way through countless henchmen including Linda and Abobo on your way to rescue the love of your life, Marian!

Why similar: Beat 'em up 39.7%, 1980s 23.7%, Great Soundtrack 16.8%, Retro 9.7%, Arcade 6.9%

Why You'll Like It: A self-aware, high-energy beat-em-up that celebrates 80s tropes with a fantastic, era-appropriate soundtrack.

Amongst the best beat’em up series ever created, jammin’ ‘90s beats and over the top street fighting, the iconic series Streets of Rage comes back with a masterful tribute to and revitalization of the classic action fans adore.

Why similar: Beat 'em up 53.4%, Indie 12.1%, Great Soundtrack 11.9%, Retro 10.9%, Arcade 9%

Why You'll Like It: The modern gold standard for the beat-em-up genre, delivering the same satisfying arcade combat found in 198X.

In Blazing Chrome, bring your best pal and kick some metal butts to free the humankind while enjoying a classic run’n’gun, fully loaded with action and exciting fights!

Why similar: Retro 37.6%, Pixel Graphics 19.3%, Arcade 14.6%, Indie 13.1%, Great Soundtrack 11.2%

Why You'll Like It: Delivers high-intensity, retro-styled run-and-gun action that feels right at home in an 80s arcade cabinet.

This is the story of a fighter who wanted to become...

Why similar: Great Soundtrack 37.2%, Retro 19.2%, Indie 14.5%, Pixel Graphics 14.4%, Arcade 12.1%

Why You'll Like It: A modern shoot-em-up that respects its arcade roots while offering a surprisingly deep and emotional experience.

As a demon army besieges his village, a young ninja ventures through a cursed world, to deliver a scroll paramount to his clan’s survival. What begins as a classic action platformer soon unravels into an expansive time-traveling adventure full of thrills, surprises, and humor.

Why similar: Retro 34.8%, Great Soundtrack 31.4%, Pixel Graphics 18.8%, Indie 11%, 2D 4.1%

Why You'll Like It: Expertly blends retro gameplay mechanics with a modern narrative structure, much like the genre-shifting nature of 198X.

Arcade-style racing game inspired by the spirit of the early 90s, with drifting mechanics and exotic tracks.

Why similar: 1980s 39.1%, Retro 20.2%, Arcade 15.4%, Pixel Graphics 13.3%, Indie 9.3%

Why You'll Like It: This racing game perfectly recreates the specific aesthetic and feel of 80s arcade driving games.

The original epic introduction to the eternal KUNG FURY beat ‘em up saga. New stages, and the Hackademy. Both THE ARCADE STRIKES BACK and the A DAY AT THE BEACH campaign.

Why similar: 1980s 28.5%, Beat 'em up 25.1%, Retro 18%, Arcade 11.2%, Pixel Graphics 8.4%

Why You'll Like It: Pure, unadulterated 80s arcade parody energy with fast-paced, addictive combat.

The world has been taken over by synthetic lifeforms. A desperate plea for help sets Shadow, the sole survivor of his clan, on one last mission to uncover what started the path to perpetual ruin.

Why similar: Retro 38.5%, Pixel Graphics 20%, Great Soundtrack 16.8%, Indie 10.4%, Arcade 9.7%

Why You'll Like It: A masterclass in 8-bit action that feels like a lost classic from the golden age of arcade gaming.

OPEN-WORLD carjacking goes back to the '80s in this 8-BIT nostalgic throwback. Run missions! Outrun the law! Rampage the city with weapons, power-ups and vehicles!

Why similar: Retro 32.1%, 1980s 30.2%, Pixel Graphics 16.2%, Indie 10.9%, Great Soundtrack 8.9%

Why You'll Like It: A chaotic, humorous tribute to 80s and 90s gaming culture that packs in countless genre references.

80's OVERDRIVE is a 2D pixelart racing game, designed to take you back in time to when 8 and 16 bit consoles and arcade games ruled the world. Compete against opponents in career mode to unlock new races, buy new cars and upgrade them with state-of-the-art technologies!

Why similar: 1980s 39%, Retro 25.2%, Pixel Graphics 13.8%, Arcade 10.9%, Indie 8.6%

Why You'll Like It: Specifically targets the 80s arcade racing aesthetic with vibrant colors and retro-inspired driving mechanics.

The Takeover is a side-scrolling beat'em up inspired by 90's classics such as Streets of Rage and Final Fight. Battle solo or alongside a friend in local co-op while listening to awesome tunes from Little V Mills, Richie Branson, James Ronald and industry legend Yuzo Koshiro!

Why similar: Beat 'em up 61.6%, Retro 16.3%, Arcade 11.4%, Indie 10.7%

Why You'll Like It: A modern beat-em-up that feels like a classic arcade cabinet brought to life with updated visuals.

Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove is the complete Shovel Knight collection, containing all 5 games in the epic saga! Dig, blast, slash, and bash your way through a fantastical, 8-bit inspired world of pixel-perfect platforming, memorable characters, and world-class action-adventure gameplay.

Why similar: Great Soundtrack 33%, Retro 31.1%, Pixel Graphics 18.8%, Indie 11%, 2D 3.5%

Why You'll Like It: The quintessential modern retro experience that captures the charm and challenge of classic 8-bit platformers.

Super Hydorah is a nonlinear horizontal shoot’ em up designed to offer a challenging experience, sublimating the richness of traditional shmup classics. Face the menace of the Meroptians aboard the Delta Lance, alone or with your friends in this game with direct action and nostalgic art.

Why similar: Retro 31%, Great Soundtrack 21.5%, Arcade 18.7%, Indie 16.8%, Pixel Graphics 8.6%

Why You'll Like It: A challenging, authentic arcade shoot-em-up experience that feels like a tribute to the genre's peak.

There's trouble once again in River City, and this time only the girls can save the day! Using a variety of attacks, weapons, and items, these hot-blooded heroines are ready to teach the city’s lowlifes a lesson - either solo or in 2-player co-op! It’s an old-school rumble for a new generation!

Why similar: Beat 'em up 48.1%, Great Soundtrack 19.9%, Pixel Graphics 15.5%, Retro 13.3%, 2D 2%

Why You'll Like It: A vibrant, modern take on the classic beat-em-up genre with a strong focus on style and personality.

"99Vidas" is a "beat 'em up" set in a contemporary world that pays tribute to both the new and the classic in gaming industry. Brought to you in all pixelated, 16 bit-esque glory, chockfull of references to not only gaming, but all 80's and 90's pop culture.

Why similar: Beat 'em up 27.9%, 1980s 25.9%, Retro 19.4%, Pixel Graphics 11%, Indie 7.5%

Why You'll Like It: A heartfelt tribute to classic beat-em-ups with a distinct, nostalgic pixel art style.

A 8-bit retro action platformer that goes beyond just pixels and chiptunes

Why similar: Retro 41.8%, Indie 30.7%, Pixel Graphics 23.3%, 2D 4.2%

Why You'll Like It: Classic platforming action that feels like a direct successor to the NES era of gaming.

Battle with swords and whips in this retro-style action game brought to you by game creator Koji Igarashi and Inti Creates! Play as Zangetsu, a demon slayer bearing a deep grudge, who must travel through perilous lands to defeat a powerful demon lurking in a dark castle.

Why similar: Retro 33.7%, Great Soundtrack 21.4%, Pixel Graphics 20.3%, Arcade 12.1%, Indie 8.8%

Why You'll Like It: Captures the precise feel and challenge of 8-bit Konami classics with modern polish.

Mayhem Brawler is an urban fantasy themed beat 'em up that brings back the 90s arcade vibe to present day. With comic book style art and kick-ass soundtracks, it offers a unique experience that you can tackle solo or as co-op with friends while defining the next step in the story with your choices.

Why similar: Beat 'em up 46.1%, Retro 24.6%, Arcade 17.4%, Indie 8.2%, 2D 3.7%

Why You'll Like It: An urban fantasy beat-em-up that uses a comic book style to modernize the classic arcade brawler experience.

When a global war nearly decimated humankind, an evil military organization called Oniken takes advantage of the situation to dominate and oppress the few remaining survivors. Even though any resistance to this organization seemed hopeless, a small rebel movement organizes strikes against Oniken.

Why similar: Retro 40.9%, 1980s 27.6%, Indie 13%, Pixel Graphics 11.5%, Great Soundtrack 5.1%

Why You'll Like It: Hardcore 8-bit style action that captures the difficulty and aesthetic of early arcade games.

Explore and uncover the mystery of a surreal alien world by blasting aliens and glitching your environment in this intense retro side-scrolling action/adventure.

Why similar: Great Soundtrack 34.6%, Retro 23.8%, Pixel Graphics 22%, Indie 15.8%, 2D 3.9%

Why You'll Like It: Deeply atmospheric pixel art adventure that pays homage to the roots of the Metroidvania genre.

Hop in the Paladin power armor, seize melee weapons from the demonic invaders and give them a taste of their own medicine!

Why similar: Retro 34.7%, 1980s 31.8%, Pixel Graphics 18.3%, Arcade 11.6%, 2D 3.7%

Why You'll Like It: Retro-inspired action platforming that emphasizes weapon variety and classic arcade challenge.

Return to the Golden Age of arcades with a hardcore action platformer that pulls no punches! Possesses all the hallmarks of true classics like Super Ghouls 'N Ghosts (SNES), Rastan Saga (Arcade), Castlevania (NES) and more with precise controls, high challenge, and meticulous design.

Why similar: Retro 44.5%, Indie 21%, Arcade 17.9%, Pixel Graphics 11.1%, 2D 5.5%

Why You'll Like It: Brutally difficult, authentic arcade-style action that demands precision and mastery.

Critically-acclaimed action-RPG that takes the template laid down by classics like Wonder Boy, nails the 16-Bit aesthetics for nostalgia fans, but updates the mechanics to feel fresh and modern. Explore a beautiful open world and plunder dungeons, caves and forests to help take down epic bosses!

Why similar: Indie 37.5%, Retro 34.4%, Pixel Graphics 23.7%, 2D 4.4%

Why You'll Like It: A retro-styled action-adventure that captures the exploration and combat feel of 80s console classics.

1982 is a FREE retro inspired blasta-thon that will test your gaming skills to the max.

Why similar: 1980s 30.1%, Retro 29%, Pixel Graphics 14.5%, Arcade 14.4%, Indie 9.7%

Neon lights, palm trees, synthwave, '80s supercars speeding down an endless highway... Welcome to the world of Retrowave!

Why similar: 1980s 44%, Retro 26%, Great Soundtrack 13.3%, Indie 10.8%, Arcade 5.9%

Join Pixel as he quests through gaming history, teleporting across the most iconic video game systems of generations past. He’ll have to jump, dodge and play smart if he wants to survive all the traps, puzzles and enemies waiting to take him down at every turn.

Why similar: Retro 36.1%, Great Soundtrack 25.5%, Pixel Graphics 18.3%, Indie 16.4%, 2D 3.7%

Retro Game Crunch is a series of 7 games, full of the charm and challenge of the 8-bit generation. Each world feels like an authentic NES classic. A massive genre-spanning collection.

Why similar: Retro 35.2%, Pixel Graphics 16.7%, Indie 16.3%, Beat 'em up 15%, Great Soundtrack 14.1%

Our valiant hero Flynn possesses the ability to influence a mysterious energy and modify his style of combat, transforming him into a force to be reckoned with. Inspired by the golden age of the SNES, Flynn: Son of Crimson is the 2D action adventure that’ll take you right back to the 90s!

Why similar: Beat 'em up 35.4%, Pixel Graphics 26.4%, Indie 19.2%, Great Soundtrack 12.8%, 2D 6.2%

Find yourself diving into a retro-futuristic city infested with bad guys!

Why similar: 1980s 31.7%, Retro 18.5%, Indie 16.8%, Great Soundtrack 15.9%, Arcade 9%

Jump back to the good old days of arcade machines with Void Invaders: a colourful, chaotic and explosive arcade shoot-em-up game inspired by classics such as Galaga and Space Invaders!

Why similar: Great Soundtrack 37.8%, Retro 28.6%, Arcade 17.5%, Indie 16%

Story of a Cube is an action packed shooter about a lone cube and his quest for revenge. Mixing elements of twin-stick shooters and bullet hell games, this is a hardcode arcade game with a crazy amount of explosions.

Why similar: Great Soundtrack 25.9%, Retro 23.7%, Indie 19.5%, Arcade 16.7%, Pixel Graphics 14.3%

The feeling of 90's arcade shooter will come again !! Arcade-like side scroll shooter of 7 stages in all!

Why similar: Indie 42%, Pixel Graphics 35.2%, Arcade 16.2%, 2D 6.6%

Cybarian The Time Travelling Warrior is a classically inspired arcade action game, with a mixture of modern and retro gaming tropes.

Why similar: Retro 32.1%, Pixel Graphics 19.1%, Arcade 16.4%, Indie 14.4%, Great Soundtrack 14.1%

Relive the glory days of cooperative arcade games with the Capcom Beat 'Em Up Bundle! This comprehensive collection includes seven classic titles, each with various multiplayer options and online capabilities!

Why similar: Beat 'em up 59.3%, Retro 18.4%, Arcade 14.5%, Pixel Graphics 6.7%, 2D 1.1%

A century after the legendary boy Noitu Love saved the world from the evil Darns, they rise again, but in a chaos of time-bending mayhem!

Why similar: Beat 'em up 37.2%, Pixel Graphics 16.1%, Indie 15.8%, Great Soundtrack 15.2%, Retro 8.9%

When I Was Young is a stylish and challenging 2D action game set during the Vietnam War. Fight your way through the brutal firefights enjoying a unique combat system and a story-driven campaign. Immerse yourself in the fascinating entourage of the 1960s!

Why similar: Indie 34.8%, Great Soundtrack 25.4%, Pixel Graphics 18.8%, Retro 16.2%, 2D 4.9%

Evoland Legendary Edition brings you two great and unique RPGs, with their graphic style and gameplay changing as you progress through the game!

Why similar: Indie 46%, Retro 36.7%, Pixel Graphics 14.8%, 2D 2.6%

A timeless classic

Why similar: Beat 'em up 31.3%, Retro 17.2%, Indie 15.6%, Great Soundtrack 13.4%, Pixel Graphics 11%

A nostalgic metroidvania from the good old days back in 19XX. Take on the role of Sean, a young boy who ventures into the fictional city of Arostia to repay his father's debt. Rescue your 3 friends from imprisonment, defeat strong enemies, all while getting your debt paid in time!

Why similar: 1980s 34.2%, Retro 27.3%, Pixel Graphics 24.7%, Indie 10.5%, 2D 3.3%

In this pixel-perfect homage to the classic action platformers, you play as Sydney Hunter - an explorer who gets trapped inside a Mayan pyramid while he's out exploring!

Why similar: Retro 27.1%, Indie 26.5%, Great Soundtrack 19.2%, Pixel Graphics 14.2%, Arcade 9.9%

Streets Ablaze is a 3D side-scrolling beat em' up inspired by the arcade and console games we played growing up.

Why similar: Beat 'em up 40.5%, Indie 17.3%, Great Soundtrack 16.5%, Retro 16.4%, Arcade 9.3%

Guns of Fury is a retro-inspired action platformer that combines the run & gun and Metroidvania genres. Explore a vast interconnected world, gain new abilities and weapons, battle epic bosses and stop the plans of an evil corporation before it’s too late!

Why similar: Retro 43.3%, Pixel Graphics 24.7%, Arcade 14.1%, Indie 14%, 2D 3.9%

VirtuaVerse is a challenging old school cyberpunk point & click adventure set in a future not so far away narrating tales of technomancers, AVR graffiti writers, hacker groups, tribes of cryptoshamans, digital archeology, epic cyberwars and virtual reality debauchery.

Why similar: Retro 45.2%, Pixel Graphics 31.1%, Indie 16.8%, 2D 6.8%

Ultionus is a love-letter to the home computer arcade games of the late 80s and early 90s, with colorful 2D visuals, catchy chiptune music by the legendary Jake 'Virt' Kaufman, and 7 stages of hard-as-nails gameplay.

Why similar: Retro 48.3%, Pixel Graphics 17.6%, Great Soundtrack 11.5%, Arcade 10.9%, Indie 9%

Ageless is a story driven puzzle platformer where you must alter the age of animals and plant life around you to progress. Play as Kiara, a young girl who braves through heartache and loss as she journeys across a mysterious world to discovers its secrets and herself.

Why similar: Retro 23.9%, Great Soundtrack 23.7%, Pixel Graphics 22.9%, Indie 17.7%, Arcade 11.8%

Fight for your freedom in a sprawling fantasy world caught between the living and the fallen. Hone your skills in a retro epic featuring puzzle platforming, metroidvania exploration and crunchy soulslike combat.

Why similar: Pixel Graphics 94.7%, 2D 5.3%

A bite-sized, 8-bit style run-and-gun inspired by Saturday morning cartoons of the 80s!

Why similar: Retro 42.9%, Indie 18.5%, Great Soundtrack 18.5%, Pixel Graphics 15.2%, 2D 4.8%

GRIDD: Retroenhanced is an intense arcade-style cyberpunk hacking shoot 'em up with an incredible soundtrack, procedurally generated elements, and electric visuals.

Why similar: Indie 100%

Taking to the stars in this six-axis arcade shooter, your ship flips at every angle, tackling enemies and mazes in a race to be the best that humanity has to offer. Collect the orbs and blast your way through 360° of pure synthwave action. Upgrade your craft and make your mark as the top starfighter of all time.

Why similar: Great Soundtrack 27%, Retro 25.9%, 1980s 22.5%, Indie 15.3%, Arcade 9.3%

Gravity Circuit is a flashy action packed 2D platformer in the spirit of console classics. Follow Kai, a lone operative war hero who harnesses the mysterious powers of the Gravity Circuit, on an adventure in a futuristic world inhabited by sentient robots.

Why similar: Retro 22.5%, Beat 'em up 21.7%, Pixel Graphics 19.6%, Great Soundtrack 18.3%, Indie 13.6%

Prodeus is a first-person shooter of old, re-imagined using modern rendering techniques and technology. Experience the quality you’d expect from a modern AAA game, designed with retro aesthetics and gameplay that invoke the tech-imposed limits of older hardware.

Why similar: Retro 63.3%, Great Soundtrack 15.7%, Indie 12.3%, Pixel Graphics 8.7%

An indie story-driven space shooter with intense battles, escalating enemy waves, and massive boss fights. Choose and upgrade ships, unlock powerful weapons, and protect your allies. Upgrade your base and construct a battleship to take on even stronger enemies. All set to a rock & synth soundtrack.

Why similar: Retro 52.6%, Pixel Graphics 39.8%, 2D 7.5%