The Best Pixel Art Video Games

Summary

• Pixel art is a stylistic choice that evokes nostalgia and emotions in modern indie games.
• Games like Balatro and Celeste showcase how pixel art enhances storytelling and depth.
• Pixel art in games like Fez and Hyper Light Drifter sets new standards for creativity and immersive experiences.

Pixel art has become iconic, even though it started as a necessity. In the past, pixels were the building blocks of the video game experience, delighting the eyes of young gamers in the 80s (and still today). Today, while technology allows an experience that looks almost like a movie, some games, in particular indie games, have chosen the retro route, but with a modern touch.

Pixels are no longer a technical limitation but a conscious stylistic choice, used to evoke nostalgia, emphasize emotion, or tell stories in a way that more realistic graphics can’t. These tiny blocks offer big emotions, and the games that embrace this style offer a unique and emotional experience in gaming. Here are some games that prove pixel art is far from obsolete. It’s timeless.

Updated on January 14, 2025 by Emma Lanteri Devriendt: We’ve added a few more iconic pixel art games, including some new launches that have been making waves in the gaming community! These additions highlight games that have not only captured player interest but also bring fresh perspectives and innovations to the industry. Dive in to explore these exciting new entries that deserve a spot on the best pixel art games of all time.

15

Balatro

Poker And Pixel

Handcrafted pixel art, roguelike deck-building, and…poker? Yes, all in one game. This title takes the world’s most famous card game and transforms it into something truly unique. It’s cheeky, it’s colorful, and it doesn’t take itself too seriously. The game’s theatrical vibe is enhanced by dynamic animations and whimsical visual effects that perfectly complement its playful tone.

And that little retro CRT effect adds the perfect finishing touch. Winner of the Best Independent Game and Best Debut Indie Game at the Game Awards 2024, Balatro is proof that even the most traditional games can be transformed into something extraordinary.

14

Inmost

A Pixelated World Bathed In Shadows And Sorrow

Inmost is a fascinating narrative-driven puzzle platform that transports you to a world filled with pain, but each pixel feels lovingly crafted. The gloomy, dark world serves as both the backdrop and the real protagonist of the game, accompanying three nameless characters: a little girl, a knight, and a wanderer, all with a common bond.

Each scene of the game is wrapped in darkness, with perfectly designed light and shadow play. With a desaturated color palette that leans heavily on blues and gray, Inmost becomes instantly recognizable and unforgettable.

13

Celeste

A Pixelated Journey About Courage And Perseverance

In Celeste, the platformer itself becomes a metaphor for exploring delicate themes like depression. The setting shifts with the protagonist’s emotions, taking you through vibrant yet dark places. Each challenge Madeline faces isn’t just a physical one, but a mental and emotional struggle, all enhanced by the pixel art style.

The complexity of level design is perfectly suited to the simplicity of pixel art. Each pixel contributes to the emotional depth, telling a powerful story of self-discovery and perseverance, not just for the protagonist but for you as the player. Together, you’ll scale this mountain.

12

Undertale

Minimalist Pixel Art And Powerful Story

Undertale earns its spot within the best pixel art games for its simplicity and immediate emotional impact. Minimalist? Yes. Powerful? Absolutely. Its nostalgic design amplifies a narrative that sticks with you, making every pixel count. The world is filled with quirky, unique characters where you must decide how to interact: show mercy, or not? Those pixels will remember your actions, so be cautious…

In short, Undertale is a testament to how pixel art can create one of the most talked-about stories in gaming history.

11

Unpacking

The Power Of Small Things In Pixel From

Unpacking turns the stressful process of moving, into a relaxing, cozy game. Its pixel art brings life to everyday objects, allowing you to explore the story of a girl through her possessions. The game’s minimalist approach lets the pixel art shine, making these items mirror the protagonist’s personality, evolving, adding, and changing throughout her growth.

Through these things, you can get to know the girl and learn about her tastes, passions, interests, and family background without ever seeing her or even knowing her name. By the end, you’ve helped her find her true home, both metaphorically and literally.

10

Stardew Valley

A Pixelated Escape From Everyday Life

A farming simulator at its core, Stardew Valley is a serene, meditative experience that lets you escape from the fast pace of real life. The soothing, almost nostalgic atmosphere transports you to a simple farming life, whether you’re raising animals, growing crops, or mining. It’s entirely up to you.

The repetitive yet peaceful routine is what makes Stardew Valley so special and the pixel captures it. The art in Stardew Valley doesn’t just look good; it sets the tone for the entire game, where time is not your enemy but your ally.

9

Terraria

A Pixelated 2D Universe To Build And Survive

Often compared to Minecraft, Terraria is much more than a 2D alternative. Its distinct pixel art style combines the charm of retro platformers with the freedom of sandbox building. The gameplay is fast-paced and unpredictable, emphasizing exploration and creativity in this vibrant world.

Its use of dynamic lighting and shadow effects showcases how pixel art can bring depth and atmosphere to sprawling, handcrafted worlds, constantly evolving thanks to both the developers and the community of players themselves. Whether you’re exploring, crafting, or battling, Terraria’s unpredictability keeps you on your toes. So just don’t get too comfortable – especially at nightfall…

8

Dave The Diver

Pixelated Sushi, Deep-Sea Wonders, And Big Laughs

Combining restaurant management and underwater exploration, Dave the Diver showcases stunning pixel art with vibrant colors and a detailed 3D environment. The deeper you dive, the more you’re amazed by the deep-sea atmosphere.

Each character design, from the jovial Dave to the dead-serious chef, becomes instantly iconic. Dave the Drive captures the charm of pixel art in a fun and unexpected way, with its ‘boomer-style’ photos in the game’s social media parody, Cooksta, and hilarious animated cutscenes that perfectly blend humor and entertainment.

7

Animal Well

A Surreal Pixel Art Metroidvania

In Animal Well, you find yourself in a vast cavern divided into interconnected areas, much like the classic 8-bit platformers we know and love. This underground world, shrouded in shadow, sets the stage for an adventure built around exploration, and more importantly, observation.

One of the most unique aspects of the game is its reduced color palette, with dark tones emphasizing the depth and eerie vibe of this world. And let’s not forget that Animal Well was created by Billy Basso, the sole developer, who dedicated seven years to its creation. His hard work paid off with several nominations and awards.

Animal Well is only about 30 MB, but on the PS5 it’s 100 MB. That’s because the 4K image that appears as the background in the console UI is larger than the game…

6

Fez

A 360-Degree Pixel Adventure

A 2D platformer with groundbreaking mechanics, Fez allows you to rotate the game world to explore levels in new dimensions. Behind its simplicity lies a brilliant level design, where rotating the screen reveals hidden elements and new perspectives. It doesn’t just play with the space but with your perception.

All of this is accompanied by pixel art that creates a colorful and abstract yet vivid world, featuring a simple but iconic character. Fez pushed the boundaries of what pixel art can do, setting a new standard for creativity in the indie scene.

5

Tails Noir

Wolf Among Us Meets Zootropolis In A Pixelated Noir World

Set in a noir-inspired world, Tails Noir transports you into a gritty, pixelated city where you control a raccoon detective, Howard Lotor. The game’s pixel art, combined with the rain that falls gently on the screen, creates a moody and atmospheric vibe that catapults you into a noir movie.

The dirty, rain-soaked street of an alternative Vancouver brings this world to life, with its wet, dimly lit alleys, and shadowy character. Tails Noir also employs beautifully drawn cutscenes that seem like a graphic novel. This contrast enhances both the narrative and visual storytelling, adding weight to raw themes like racism and ghettoization.

4

Until Then

A Poignant Visual Novel Set In The Pixelated Philippines

Until Then proves how far pixel art can go. This emotional visual novel is a portrayal of the ‘magical’ slice-of-life genre with subtle elements of mystery. Until Then combines traditional pixel art with modern 3d elements and Gen-Z features like social media interfaces.

Set in a fictional version of the Philippines, the game deeply roots itself in the rich culture of the country, providing a unique and authentic backdrop. This setting adds a layer of depth and authenticity, making the characters and their experiences incredibly real.

3

Sea Of Stars

Old School JRPG Vibes With Modern Pixel Magic

Sea of Stars is a love letter to the classic JRPG genre with a refreshing twist. The pixel art is a feast for the eyes, blending fluid animation with a vibrant color palette. Sabotage Studio’s art will undoubtedly be a defining reference in this genre for years to come with this title.

Inspired by the worlds of SNES and Game Boy Advance games, it innovates while still capturing the essence of those classic eras. You truly feel like you’re navigating a sea of stars.

2

Dead Cells

Pixel And Action In Perfect Harmony

Dead Cell features vibrant and detailed pixel art that complements its fast-paced, rogue-like, Metroidvania gameplay. The rapid, fluid combat contrasts with the rich and atmospheric environments, giving you enough time to appreciate the art before you’re thrown back into intense action.

From the eerie, dungeon-like corridors to vibrant, glowing skies, the game’s art helps build a world that’s just as rich as its gameplay. The pixel art and the dynamic motion of characters are the perfect match in Dead Cells.

1

Hyper Light Drifter

A Pixelated Work Of Art On The Brink Of Apocalypse

Hyper Light Drifter is an RPG with retro pixel graphics but modern mechanics. The art in every frame and animation creates a hauntingly beautiful sense of decay. It’s an enigmatic yet captivating experience, filled with life despite the looming apocalypse.

In this game, pixel art becomes a true work of art, detailed when necessary, and evocative when it needs to be. Each screen presents unique, never monotonous, landscapes. As the creator, Alex Preston himself, said in an interview with Game Developer, he was heavily inspired by Final Fantasy and especially The Legend of Zelda: A Link To The Past, which Alex considers one of the best games ever created.