1. Castlevania: Symphony of the Night:
• Acclaimed title in the Castlevania series and a defining PlayStation game.
• Belongs to the Metroidvania sub-genre, combining action and exploration.
• Visually impressive with pixel art graphics and smooth animations.
• Engaging gameplay with monster battles and secrets to uncover in a gothic environment.
2. Chrono Trigger:
• Highly praised RPG released on SNES.
• Involvement of industry veterans like Yoshinori Kitase and Akira Toriyama.
• Complex story involving time travel and life after death.
• Innovative turn-based combat system and memorable music by Nobuo Uematsu.
• Influential pixel art visuals that inspired future games.
3. Dead Cells:
• Modern pixel art game that showcases excellent graphics.
• Combines Metroidvania exploration, action RPG elements, and roguelike mechanics.
• Impressive visuals, especially on Android devices.
• Smooth gameplay experience with up to 165FPS.
4. Octopath Traveler: Champions of the Continent:
• Square Enix's pixel art game with a traditional JRPG style.
• Offers high-definition pixel art visuals in a genre dominated by spectacle.
• Immersive fantasy world and assembly of a heroic party.
• Blends modern and retro elements for a unique experience.
• Mobile release with grind and gacha mechanics to be aware of.
5. Papers, Please:
• Unique game set in the fictional communist state of Arstotzka.
• You play as a border inspector, making decisions on who can enter the country.
• Matures narrative with moral dilemmas and consequences.
• Minimalist pixel art visuals that enhance the game's bleak atmosphere.
6. Stardew Valley:
• Colorful resort game inspired by Harvest Moon.
• Offers a wide range of activities and features to enjoy.
• Farming, mining, trading, relationship building, and even marriage.
• Regular content updates provide extensive gameplay opportunities.
• Peaceful and vibrant pixel art visuals create a calming atmosphere.
7. Terraria:
• 2D game with open-world freedom like Minecraft.
• Combines pixel art visuals with exploration and resource gathering.
• Building structures and digging deep into the world for treasures.
• Offers challenges and boss encounters to test your progress.
8. Vampire Survivors:
• Retro gothic game where you face hordes of undead creatures.
• Guide your character to avoid contact and survive.
• Collect experience points to unlock new abilities and increase survival chances.
• Gothic pixel art visuals create a similar vibe to Castlevania.