I’ve played games my entire life, but I’m far from a scholar. Despite some credentials—I’ve hit Legend in Hearthstone and read Masters of Doom, and I play a mean game of Galaga—the reality is, I’ll always be green compared to those who came before me. My knowledge of pre-‘90s gaming is rough, and my skills non-existent. And yet, that doesn’t stop me from appreciating the lore. For every modern game like Uncharted or What Remains of Edith Finch, there are the older experiences that paved the way. Pong. Pac-Man. King’s Quest. Those games pushed the boundaries of their hardware, transcended the limits of our imagination, and challenged us to play “just one more game.” (If you entered the arcade with a fistful of quarters as a child, you went home empty-handed but smiling.)
UFO 50: A Nostalgic Gaming Experience
UFO 50, crafted and released by Mossmouth, invites players to step into the shoes of a gaming historian. Launched in September after an impressive eight-year development journey, UFO 50 accomplishes the extraordinary feat of providing access to an entire fictional library of 1980s games, encouraging players to dive in and enjoy, all for a mere $25—equivalent to a handful of quarters meant for an arcade gaming spree! My enthusiasm for this compilation, first sparked back in 2017 when it was initially announced, has only intensified. After immersing myself in all 50 titles over 90+ hours, I’m ready to present my review.
A Treasure Trove of Games
The website for UFO 50 captures its essence with the URL “50games.fun.” This aptly describes the final offering. With contributions from notable game designers like Derek Yu (known for Spelunky) and Ojiro Fumoto (creator of Downwell), UFO 50 pays tribute to the early days of gaming. Each aspect of the game, from the nostalgic pixel art to the catchy 8-bit soundtracks, evokes memories of Saturday mornings spent in front of a CRT television, striving for high scores in classics like Contra and Tetris. UFO 50 is not just a collection of microgames; it features 50 fully developed games that players can discover at their own pace. The titles span various genres, including shoot-em-ups, RPGs, platformers, and sports games, many offering dedicated modes for single-player, co-op, and competitions. Some games provide quick bursts of entertainment, while others deliver hours of gameplay, complete with save features.
A Journey of Discovery
In essence, UFO 50 feels like stumbling upon a forgotten treasure chest filled with NES games (or perhaps a room filled with classic arcade cabinets). To understand each game’s allure, players must dust off the cobwebs and try them out, possibly uncovering hidden gems along the way. If the ambitious nature of this collection raises eyebrows, you’re not alone. I recall my skepticism when I first encountered the concept seven years ago, questioning the feasibility of such an endeavor. The prolonged silence after the game’s original 2018 launch window only fueled my doubts. However, it turns out that this silence was indeed worthwhile. UFO 50 not only meets its initial promise but exceeds my expectations in numerous ways.
A Variety of Experiences
I won’t delve into the specifics of each game in UFO 50—after all, the thrill lies in unearthing them for yourself. What I can share is that having tried each title, I found a wealth of enjoyable experiences. Perhaps the standout feature of UFO 50 is its remarkable variety. Rather than just playing a single game, you’re engaging with an extensive library of titles, each with its own unique narrative, mechanics, and objectives. An intuitive home interface allows players to browse through all 50 games, filtering by categories such as “quick” or “epic” plays and multiplayer modes. Despite the diversity, each game adheres to core principles. Completing a game earns players an in-game trophy symbolized by a golden cartridge on their home screen. Achieving additional milestones—like beating a high score or achieving 100% completion—awards players with a coveted “cherry,” represented by a red cartridge. Each game within UFO 50 also boasts a fictional release year, spanning from 1982 to 1989. Earning these accolades is no mean feat; while I’ve explored all 50 titles, I’ve only fully completed around 20 and earned cherries for a mere eight. UFO 50 embodies the essence of classic gaming, featuring limited lives, scarce resources, and minimal guidance. Each game employs a straightforward control scheme—just directional arrows and two buttons—yet offers substantial depth that rivals even contemporary titles. If you’re deterred by “game over” screens, incessantly pressing reset, or struggling with challenging puzzles, this game may not be suited for you. However, for those willing to engage deeply and master its complexities, UFO 50 presents an abundance of enjoyment.
A Unified Experience
UFO 50 is a creation that transcends individual components. As I navigated through its 50 titles, I made notes on what resonated with me, what didn’t, and what aspects I adored. From the outset, the UFO 50 team aimed to craft an experience that was ambitious yet focused. The game’s artistic palette utilizes only 32 colors, yet the results are vibrantly imaginative. The two-button controls are simple and generally easy to use, although a few games might have benefited from additional buttons. While there are indeed 50 complete games, their lengths vary significantly, from around 30 minutes to several hours. Among these, there is even a point-and-click adventure. No single game stood out enough to claim an individual “Game of the Year” title; however, titles like the strategic Bug Hunter, the fast-paced shooter Campanella 3, and the surprisingly extensive RPG Grimstone each offer unique experiences. The game’s structure encourages players to shift from one game to the next, highlighting their favorites while letting others linger in the background. Each player’s experience will differ; I found joy in the shmups, sports games, and slower puzzle challenges, while I was less fond of many platformers. This collection is designed to spark conversations among friends and rivalries among gamers. You may initially dislike a game, but after learning a friend’s secret strategy, you might find yourself enjoying it after all. While UFO 50 isn’t flawless, its delightful imperfections are part of what makes it so special.
Embracing the Spirit of Gaming
UFO 50 celebrates the very essence of why we play games. It may be challenging and at times perplexing, but it is also tranquil, smart, and beautiful. I sometimes wish I could erase my memory and dive back into the experience with fresh perspective. For newcomers, I suggest approaching the game with low expectations and seeing where it leads you. If you have a friend or partner, even better; connect your laptop or Steam Deck to a TV, hand over a second controller, and enjoy many of these games together.
A Worthy Recommendation
I’ve spent considerable time contemplating the final score for UFO 50. It’s such a rich experience, with no two players having identical interactions. It’s also tailored for a specific era of gamer—a fact that may not resonate with everyone. Nonetheless, I would recommend UFO 50 to nearly anyone. With 50 games priced at just $25, it represents the best value in gaming since titles like The Orange Box. While other games may offer more depth, few can match its charm. If you have a fondness for 1980s gaming, this is a must-try. And if it’s not your usual preference, I encourage you to give it a shot, if only to appreciate the evolution of this incredible pastime.
Score: 9.8/10
UFO 50, developed and published by Mossmouth, is currently available on Steam, with plans to expand to additional platforms in the future. The game is priced at an MSRP of $24.99.
