As a gamer of a certain age, I truly love the classics I grew up with. But even I’ll admit that sometimes, they lack the proper balance to be a totally enjoyable game.
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New, old school cool.
Luckily, many modern adventures mix convenience with old-school flair. Nailing that vibe takes true craftsmanship. Thankfully, each of these modern adventures manages it very well.
They range from platformers to arcade games, RPGs, and even some rogue adventuring. Regardless, each of these modern games manages to expertly nail that sexy retro vibe.
10Cyber Shadow
Ninja Upgrade
Cyber Shadow
Cyber Shadowwas a surprise, both in that Yacht Club Games was publishing it, but also that it was one of the better modern retro adventures.
Visually, it nails the aestheticstyle pioneered byNinja Gaiden, but adds many flourishes all its own. That’s mandatory when you’re playing a cybernetic ninja.
As far as gameplay,it alternated between pure platformer and lite Metroidvania, and offered a robust challengefor those who played it.
A great game, and far from the only pleasant surprise on this list!
9Panzer Paladin
Flame and Grit
Panzer Paladin
Panzer Paladinis almost like a lost classic NES game, but one that runs perfectly well on modern consoles. It’s a testament to the creative dedication of Tribute Games, and a rousing platformer with great replay value.
Whether you’recreating custom weapons, fighting in a giant mech, or popping out as a teeny pilot to solve puzzles, you’ll find something that’s both charming and well-designed.
Just get ready for a steep challenge, because the demonic forces arrayed against you inPanzer Paladinwill put up one hell of a fight.
8Astalon: Tears of the Earth
Reptilian Reverie
PC, Switch, PS4
DANGEN Entertainment
Metroidvania
Release Date
June 3rd, 2021
Astalon: Tears of the Earthis the type of game I would have been spellbound by as a child, as well as intimidated by.
This gorgeous, retro-inspired adventure isone that demands excellence as you explore the Tower of Serpents, and strategic acumen as you fight brutal, reptilian bosses.
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It’s also a game where death is an inevitability, but thankfully not the end. Each one affords new opportunities in the way of upgrades as you make a deal with a literal devil, the Titan of Death.
Combine that with three different heroes to alternate between, both for puzzle and combat, and you have one epic adventure.
7Prison City
Take Down the Techno-Terrorists
PC, Switch, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S
Platformer
June 26, 2025
I remember when I first sawPrison Cityat PAX West. It had a sweet little booth full of merch and banners, and I instantly knew I wanted to play it.
Once I did, I saw it was inspired by many classic adventures. There are elements of the NESTMNTgames,Bionic Commando, and evenContraall mixed together.
What they all combine to give us isa thoroughly retro, undeniably challenging platformer.
You’ll need all your twitch reflexes to survive the dystopian world where everything wants to kill.
6Sea of Stars
Retro Eclipse
Sea of Stars
I have backedalotof games over the years via Kickstarter. But one of the titles I’m most proud of backing wasSea of Stars.
Not only did Sabotage Studio give usa stunning prequel set in the world ofThe Messenger, but they didChrono Triggerproud as well.
This isn’t just a game inspired by one great RPG, though. It proved to be a massive success all its own, thanks in part tothe artwork, storytelling, and riveting gameplay.
While this is one story I didn’t want to end, when it does, you can always try theThroes of the WatchmakerDLC campaign.
One Hell of a Climb
It’s not every day a game resonates as much with me asCelestedid.
Not because I’m a mountain climber, far from it. It’s because I know what it feels like to sometimes be my own worst enemy.
Sure,Celesteis about climbing a mountain, butit’s also about surmounting the dark voices in our heads telling us we’re never enough.
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It’s also a stunning, surprising, and completely diabolical platformer that will regularly seem impossible, and then demand you achieve a new feat of greatness. Again and again.
If this were a list based on my favorite games of all time, it would have been much closer to the top. But we’ve saved some equally special games for the last few entries.
4Sonic Mania
Gotta Go Fast!
Sonic Mania
Even though I grew up as a Nintendo kid, I’ve always appreciatedSonicfrom afar.
I’ve just never been very good at this blazing-fast platformer series, even though I was blown away by its visual flair.
Sonic Maniamanaged to tap into that nostalgia and give ussomething utterly new that still felt classic.
It has super speedy 2D levels, devious robotic bosses, and even three different playable characters in Sonic, Tails, and Knuckles.
Even if you’ve never played aSonicgame before, you probably owe it to yourself to check outSonic Mania.
3Bloodstained: Curse of the Moon
One Heck of a Stretch Goal
Bloodstained: Curse of the Moon
Due to my love of Igavanias, you can bet I backedBloodstained: Ritual of the Moon.
So imagine my surprise when the game that actually blew me away originally started as a mere stretch goal calledBloodstained: Curse of the Moon!
In many ways, it played out like an NESCastlevaniagame, though with some modern conveniences like multiple playable characters and difficulties.
You’ll need all the help you can get to defeat monstrous bossesand explore twisty secret paths.
Not only was this a successful retro adventure, but it’s one that spawned an equally amazing sequel inCurse of the Moon 2.
2TMNT: Shredder’s Revenge
Cowabunga, Dude!
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge
It wouldn’t be a proper modern retro list without another contender from Tribute Games.
They’ve proven they’re quite adept at channeling old style into a new format, and they did just that withTMNT: Shredder’s Revenge!
WhileShredder’s Revengelooks like an arcade adventure, it plays like the best of modern beat ‘em ups. you may upgrade your turtles and find the perfect combos to smash Shredder’s goons.
The game is fun solo, but even better with a group of friends, just like many classic adventures.
Best of all, this pixel-perfect experience not only lets you play as the turtles but also as Casey Jones, Splinter, and April O’Neil!
1Shovel Knight
Can You Dig It?
Shovel Knight
There were a lot of amazing modern retro games on this list, and I honestly am fond of all of them. But onlyShovel Knightcould dig up the gold trophy.
Yacht Club made its mark on the world with this stunning adventure. And while I did back it,I wish I had thrown even more money its way.
Not only isShovel Knightfull of retro flair and challenging platforming, but it tells a mournful and memorable tale of love lost.
Throw in tons of epic achievements to collect, DLC campaigns, sweet Amiibo and even spiritual successors, and you have a lot of reasons why this blue knight was crowned king.
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