Expansive Collection of Retro-Inspired Games
Mossmouth, the developer behind Spelunky, has unveiled UFO 50, a remarkable compilation that goes beyond mere categorization as it encompasses an impressive array of 50 original games spanning multiple genres. What truly sets UFO 50 apart is its heartfelt presentation, making it a perfect addition to the Nintendo Switch, which complements the retro style of these fresh offerings.
Nostalgic Presentation Enhances the Experience
While I wasn’t part of the gaming scene during the 1980s, having been born in 1994, I can still appreciate the brilliance of presenting this collection as if it were a box of old cartridges discovered at a garage sale. This approach adds an element of mystery to the experience. Upon launching UFO 50, each game appears as a muted, NES-style cartridge arranged neatly in rows. Players are left in suspense about the content of each game until they select one, reminiscent of uncovering a hidden treasure. This unique experience conveys multiple messages: these are games that have been untouched for years, they draw inspiration from classic NES and SNES titles, and they reflect the developers’ childhood gaming experiences, all wrapped in a sense of wonder. This moment stands out as a highlight in a game brimming with memorable experiences.
Personalized Journeys through a Virtual Library
UFO 50 recognizes that each player will embark on their own unique journey. The developers have woven a thoughtful meta-narrative that traces the fictional history of a video game company called UFOSoft through the release years of the games, although players can choose to ignore this narrative entirely. Think of it as a Choose-Your-Own-Adventure book or a virtual library where you can dive into the games in any sequence you prefer. This freedom evokes a sense of youthful excitement, as every game loads in seconds and can be enjoyed at your own pace. Each title can be completed (indicated by a gold cartridge) and features specific objectives (represented as gifts) that reward players with decorations for their virtual garden. Additionally, each game includes a challenging achievement (symbolized by a cherry) that may require completing it within a set time limit, allowing players to explore as deeply as they desire. Having owned UFO 50 previously, I approached it with a fresh perspective, and this review will spotlight some of my favorite titles from the collection.
Unexpected Favorites Among Diverse Genres
The intriguing aspect of UFO 50 lies in the range of genres it encompasses. Initially, I was aware of the presence of my preferred genres such as Racing, Arcade, and Fighting, alongside those I typically enjoy less, like Strategy and Point-And-Click Adventure. However, my expectations fell short as I discovered a wealth of enjoyable titles. Surprisingly, the games I anticipated disliking ended up being my favorites. A standout was Bug Hunter, a strategic puzzle game focused on resource management where players must collect energy cubes to utilize and purchase action tiles for bug elimination in the correct sequence. As larger bugs and other challenges appeared, the escalating intensity and straightforward mechanics captivated me, leading me to spend hours on Bug Hunter before considering any of the other 49 games.
Innovative Gameplay Blends Genres
As an avid fan of golf and pinball games, I was drawn to Pingolf in UFO 50 and found it to be an exhilarating experience. This game melds side-scrolling platforming with golf mechanics, incorporating a dunk move that causes the golf ball to bounce like a pinball. Players must navigate various surfaces, each affecting the ball’s behavior differently, adding a layer of strategy to the gameplay. With only nine holes, Pingolf is easy to pick up but hard to set down, offering a blend of physics-based challenges and arcade-style fun.
Engaging Adventures and Classic Multiplayer Fun
Another noteworthy title is Planet Zoldath, a top-down adventure game reminiscent of Zelda and Metroid. In this game, players control a space traveler whose ship has crash-landed, and the objective is to gather pieces to repair it. Despite my initial hesitations regarding the slower pace and limited movement, I found the thrill of discovery and the interaction with various items in the game world to be incredibly rewarding. The need to manage inventory and engage with alien creatures added depth to the experience, reminiscent of my favorite game from 2024, Animal Well.
Dynamic Multiplayer Experiences
UFO 50 also features some of the most enjoyable multiplayer games I’ve encountered. Hyper Contender presents a 2D arena where players compete to collect rings, with unique character abilities adding to the excitement. The chaos that ensued while playing as a character who uses an elevator instead of jumping created hilarious moments. Additionally, Quibble Race takes inspiration from the Chao Race mini-game in Sonic Adventure, introducing a betting system and an underground world of manipulation that keeps players entertained. These examples merely scratch the surface of the diverse offerings in this collection of fifty games.
A Nostalgic Yet Innovative Experience
UFO 50’s charm lies in its ability to blend various concepts into familiar yet unexpected titles. Mossmouth has successfully encapsulated the warm nostalgia of classic gaming while infusing it with the innovation characteristic of indie titles. This approach made me reflect on how thrilling early console gaming must have been in the 1980s, an era I never experienced firsthand. Although UFO 50 also captures the challenges of the NES era, I am confident that players will discover at least one title that resonates with them. With a price tag of $25, this collection offers an excellent value in 2025. The portability of the Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 makes UFO 50 an ideal choice for both newcomers and returning players alike, providing endless opportunities to explore this rich game library.
