If you had a Super Nintendo, you might vaguely remember Konami’s sleeper hit, Cybernator. In that game, players took control of a mech as they bought untold amounts of destruction upon the enemy. Gigantic Army, developed by Astro Port, seems to be a spiritual successor to Konami’s classic. Once again, players take control of a mech as they bring untold amounts of destitution upon an enemy. Before you begin the game, you select a basic loadout for your mech. You also have a shield, jetpack, and a melee weapon. While most of the game’s enemies are pushovers, the real challenge comes in conserving HP as you battle the game’s larger-than-life bosses. Also, a timer constantly counts down, forcing players to always be on the move. This insures that the action is chaotic and frantic at all times. The story (not that there is much of one) is told through diary entries in between levels. If you’re a fan of 16-bit gaming, you’ll want to check this game out. It’s on sale on steam for only $2.99, so check it out.

In 2012, Rusty Moyher, Shaun Inman, and Matt Grimm worked together during the Ludum Dare game jam. Dureing the event, they created the game Super Clew Land in 72 hours. Inspired by the efforts, the three began a kickstarter that would see the trio develop 6 games throughout 6 months, each being developed in three days. Backers would vote on a theme, and when the game was finished, they would be able to play the finished effort. The 6 games were collected in this compilation, and you can buy it on steam now. Each of these games could easily pass as an NES classic, and each of them have their own little quirks.
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Many indie games that have been released within the past few years channel the spirit of 8 and 16-bit classics via retro-styled gameplay, simplistic graphics, or both. Shovel Knight does more than simply pay homage. Developer Yacht games developed it’s 2014 debut as if were a Nintendo title, limited graphics palette, chiptune soundtrack, limited button scheme, and all. The game was inspired by classic titles such as Mega Man, Castlevania, and Zelda II among others. Playing as Shovel Knight, you explore a fantasy landscape as you make your way to a mysterious evil tower to rescue your one-time partner, Shield Knight. Shovel Knight’s shovel is used to attack enemies, break down barriers, and dig up treasures. You’ll run into several bosses, and between levels you can visit a town to purchase new abilities, upgrade your character, and interact with townsfolk. Had this game been released on the original NES, it would have been fondly remembered as one of the system’s top games alongside games like Contra, Punch Out, and Super Mario Brothers. As it is, this game is one of 2014’s best titles. Fans of classic gaming will definitely want to check it out, as it will make them reminiscent of the games of their youth. Newer gamers will want to check it out as well to see why exactly it is we still love those classic NES titles.

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