UFO 50 Launches on Nintendo Switch
Last week marked the debut of UFO 50 on the Nintendo Switch, following its earlier release on Steam in late 2022. What caught my attention is that this exciting development seemed to fly under the radar—no one mentioned it to me! As a devoted enthusiast of retro gaming, I’ve encountered my fair share of less favorable aspects of the hobby, particularly concerning the controversies surrounding sealed games. Nevertheless, my love for retro titles remains unwavering.
Nintendo’s Indie Focus and UFO 50
During a recent Nintendo Direct presentation dedicated to indie developers, I eagerly tuned in to discover a treasure trove of intriguing titles. Among the highlights was UFO 50, an intriguing compilation of “retro” games designed for a fictional console that never actually existed. While this may sound perplexing, UFO 50 consists of a collection of 8-bit inspired games, crafted by some of the most talented indie developers over a span of seven years. The unique twist is that these games are presented as if they originated from a legendary 1980s development studio, encompassing a diverse array of genres.
A Unique Gaming Experience
While it would be impractical to delve into every single game within the collection, especially given that UFO 50 has been available for a while and numerous reviews can already be found online, I will touch upon a few that stood out to me. One game, Rail Heist, revolves around the theme of train heists—though this is hardly a spoiler. I advise against reading too many detailed reviews, as part of the joy lies in the exploration and discovering which games align with your personal preferences. While I will share a few of my favorites, they may not necessarily resonate with everyone, just as some games in the compilation haven’t quite captured my interest yet.
Comparisons and Contrasts with Action 52
A recurring theme in online discussions surrounding UFO 50 has been to liken it to the infamous Action 52, a notoriously poor collection of games that plagued the NES era. However, this comparison is grossly unjust to UFO 50. Unlike Action 52, which sought to cash in on unsuspecting parents, it is evident that the creators of UFO 50 invested significant time to produce unique and innovative spins on classic gaming concepts. The overall feel of UFO 50 resonates more with the high-quality 8-bit game compilations of yesteryear—collections that have become increasingly rare in today’s gaming landscape.
A Nostalgic Compilation
While labeling four games as a “giant compilation” might be a stretch, many of the titles within UFO 50 could have genuinely surprised players back in their heyday. Others offer refined versions of classic gaming experiences, showcasing aspects that original hardware limitations may have hindered. The need for a fictional retro system highlights the developers’ creativity rather than suggesting these games could have fit into the limitations of the NES or Master System.
Personal Favorites and Creative Titles
Currently, I find myself captivated by several standout games such as the Son Son-inspired Ninpek, the challenging Lemmings-like Mortol (which has a sequel that I’m eager to explore), and the underwater shooter Porgy. Ninpek, though straightforward, is refreshingly enjoyable, and I am determined to improve my skills. Additionally, I must commend the clever naming of the insect-fighting game, Combatants—a pun I thoroughly appreciate.
Room for Improvement
As a self-identified critic, I certainly have my qualms. The concept of exploring a library of game disks is charming, but it heavily leans into the discovery aspect, which isn’t always executed perfectly. With 50 titles at your disposal, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, leading to indecision or the temptation to switch games if one proves too challenging. The sheer volume of new games can be daunting, but the effort is worthwhile. Having experienced the era of these games, I remember how sparse some game manuals could be. In certain instances, a few titles would greatly benefit from comprehensive in-game instructions to help players orient themselves. While online guides are available, relying on them undermines the intended focus on discovery.
Late Discovery of UFO 50
Ultimately, my primary frustration lies in the fact that UFO 50 was released last year, yet I only became aware of it recently. Why did no one inform me about this gem sooner?
Final Thoughts on UFO 50
As a note of transparency, this reflection is based on my experience with the Steam version of the game, which I purchased myself. I have yet to acquire a Switch 2, adhering to Kidman’s Law. Notably, UFO 50 performs exceptionally well on the Steam Deck.
