Releasing a video game is no picnic. But dropping 50 all at once? That’s a whole new level of insanity. UFO 50 is stepping up to this colossal challenge, finally hitting the shelves this September, seven years after its first tease. Believe me, the wait is more than worth it.
UFO 50 isn’t just a collection; it’s a treasure trove of complete video games, each with its own distinct title, genre, and story. Developer Derek Yu, the mastermind behind the 2008 hit Spelunky, insists, “They’re not minigames. Every game could exist as a full release on some 80s console or computer.”
The charm of UFO 50 is its fictional backstory: all these games are supposedly from a mysterious 80s video game company named UFO Soft. These games, developed for a fictitious console, range from puzzles and platformers to tactical war games and RPGs. Some even defy easy categorization, like Pingolf—a pinball-golf hybrid—or Waldorf’s Journey, featuring flying walruses. They all sport that nostalgic NES look but come with modern gaming twists. Low-res, high-concept, if you will.
What’s even cooler? Some genres in this mix didn’t even exist in the 80s. Picture roguelike platformers and tower defense games with vintage vibes. “Take Mini & Max, for example. It looks like a regular platformer, but you can shrink or grow to uncover hidden worlds,” Yu explains.
And don’t think these are just simple time killers. Some are vast, like Grimstone, an RPG that Yu estimates could swallow 20 hours of your life. Plus, the fictional UFO Soft has a ‘history’ from 1982 to 1990, with games evolving in complexity over these ‘years.’ You’ll even find sequels and recurring characters, including their mascot, Pilot, who stars in several games, including a top-down dungeon crawler, Pilot Quest.
The real brains behind UFO 50 are a collective of six indie developers known for cult hits like Spelunky, Catacomb Kids, and Cadence of Hyrule. The retro 80s style isn’t just for show; these devs crave the mystery and allure of that era. Yu reminisces, “You weren’t always sure what kind of experience you were in for, and that alone added an air of tension and excitement.” He recalls playing the original Legend of Zelda with his dad, drawing maps to keep track of dungeons. “The graphics may not have been realistic, but the world felt incredibly real to me,” says Yu.
There’s so much to dive into with UFO 50. Uncovering secrets and finding connections between these 50 games could take months. Whether you’re a retro game fanatic or a newbie, this anthology promises a wild ride. UFO 50 launches on PC on September 18, with console versions coming in 2025.
UFO 50 is a nostalgic trip with modern gameplay that no gamer should miss. Mark your calendars for an adventure that will keep you hooked for months.
Source: Theguardian