Hollow Knight is a successful 2D game with a hand-drawn texture, which is quite impressive. This adventurous game will have you play as a wandering knight in a Kingdom full of monsters, yet also heroes.
Throughout the many levels of the kingdom, you will encounter different types of obstacles that require certain skills, as well as tough bosses that will need your best gaming skills to be at their peak in order to win. Hollow Knight might look simple, but it is a hard game to beat.
1. Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night
Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night is a 2.5D Gothic-style horizontal action RPG game developed by Artplay. The game’s graphics are beautiful and the character animation and abilities are made to be very realistic. The background of the game is set in 18th century England.
Demons summoned in the world, powerful monsters are threatening humankind, it is only you that can defeat them all. Miriam, a female protagonist, will be your character. You can customize her outfit, craft her new weapons and learn new abilities. She will have different parameters that can be improved through the game, like health and attack.
2. Dead Cells
Dead Cells is an overwhelmingly positive game that has been named a Masterpiece. Although some might not be a fan of Pixel Art graphics, Dead Cells is different! The game looks amazing and the animation is super smooth.
In this 2D action-adventure game, you will face different monsters that can prove tricky to destroy when they are stacked in groups. But nothing is more satisfying than killing all of them, it will definitely get you addicted.
Play a rogue named RogueVania and use more than 50 different weapons and spells to complete the world’s levels.
3. Ori and the Blind Forest
Ori and the Blind Forest is a visually stunning side-scrolling game. Players have all come to agree that this game holds one of the best soundtracks in the history of gaming. Some soundtracks might be relaxing, but the game itself can be frustrating with the difficulty. Play as an orphan that is set on a heroic journey to save the dying forest.
Side-scrolling games might include slash and hack type of battles, or just senseless fights and killing, which is satisfying, but Ori and the Blind Forest presents a deep and emotional story that will likely have your tears fill your face. All of that is added to fantastic mechanics and enjoyable gameplay.
4. Axiom Verge
An indie pixel art game. This one will take you back to the 90s as the texture and visuals look very similar to games released in those years. But that isn’t a lack of quality, in fact, it was purposely made to have those visuals.
Axiom Verge is a story about a scientist that has suddenly found himself in a foreign world, full of aliens and dangerous creatures. In order to survive, he will have to fight through his path to find the truth about this event and perhaps a way to return home.
There are countless weapons and helpful items that you can choose from. Just make sure not to die when it comes to boss fights.
5. Guacamelee 2
Guacamelee 2 is a unique game inspired by Mexican culture, thus creating a Mexican world called the Mexiverse. Play solo or with a friend using brawlers with unique moves that massively crush different enemies and villains.
Finding different combos to knock out everyone in your path, fight bosses, discover new powers, upgrade your abilities and explore everything in the world. The game is confirmed to have different endings, and it will be challenging to achieve a good one.
The comedy in this game and also its prequel is heavy and good! So expect lots of funny events and hilarious sounds.
6. Cuphead
Cuphead went viral upon release, and many famous YouTubers, like PewDiePie, have played it. Cuphead can be played alone or multiplayer, featuring only two players at max. The game is unique because it is inspired by the cartoon in the 1930s, it can be seen through the visuals and the way things move inside the game.
Although the game might appear somewhat childish, it is actually extremely difficult and frustrating! The best part of the game is watching other people play it and absolutely lose their calm.
The goal of the game is to pay back a debt Cuphead took from the devil, but in order to do that, he will have to pass through different levels and defeat multiple enemies by unlocking new powers and finding hidden secrets.
7. Hyper Light Drifter
Hyper Light Drifter is a beautiful Pixels Graphic game set in a mysterious world with lost technology. The game has a deep meaning. The creator of the game has expressed his difficulties with his heart condition inside the video game.
Hyper Light Drifter has a dark past, but as you play, you will discover redeeming cutscenes in this alien world. The game has stunning visual storytelling, and the ending of the game will have you at peace.
However, until you reach that point, you will have to explore the world and fight dangerous aliens! You have plenty of work to do!
8. Shovel Knight
Play as Shovel Knight! A brave honorable fighter that uses a shovel in his battles to find treasures. Although the game has been named after him, there are other characters you can play with unique abilities! Use your shovel to spread hope throughout the kingdom.
Travel the different levels and pass through obstacles and dangerous creatures that will try to stop you. Shovel Knight is a 2D Pixel Graphics game with 16-bit music in the background. After you beat the game using Shovel Knight, you can play three more different games using the other characters!
9. Salt and Sanctuary
Of all games on the list, Salt and Sanctuary is meant for only mature audiences. The game is set in a dark cruel world with an unsettling atmosphere. Every spot you can find can be menacing, and the world is very foggy and hard to see. These visuals are done perfectly for the purpose of the game.
Play in this 2D world as a lost Sailor who found himself on an abandoned Island, only that it isn’t abandoned by evil spirits and monstrous creatures. If Dark Souls or Sekiro were made in a 2D style game, they would be Salt and Sanctuary.
10. Steamworld Dig 2
What if the world you’re trying to explore is made by your own hands? Steamworld Dig 2 is an addictive fun indie adventure game. Your goal in the game is to find out the truth about your missing friend. Start digging and discover the underground world that is swarmed with monsters and dangerous paths.
Upgrade your gear that way you think it suits you, then go on in your journey as you create your own path by using your pickaxe. Dig and find expensive loot, but most importantly, don’t get lost or distracted from your original goal.
