Retro Game Crunch

83%
Game Brain Score Based on 266 reviews
  • music
  • gameplay
  • graphics
Retro Game Crunch Game Cover
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"Retro Game Crunch" is a collection of 6 mini-games, each with a unique retro-style pixel art aesthetic and gameplay mechanics. The games range from a fast-paced platformer to a strategic puzzle game, providing a diverse sampling of gaming experiences. With permadeath and high scores, the title encourages replayability and competition.

  • Mac OS
  • PC
  • Windows
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

83%
Audience ScoreBased on 266 reviews
music18 positive mentions
grinding4 negative mentions
  • The collection features a variety of unique and enjoyable retro-style games, with standout titles like Super Clew Land and Shuten.
  • Each game is well-polished and offers a nostalgic experience reminiscent of classic NES titles, making it appealing to fans of retro gaming.
  • The games are relatively short, making them easy to pick up and play without a significant time commitment.
  • Not all games in the collection are equally enjoyable, with some being repetitive or lacking depth, leading to a mixed overall experience.
  • The lack of clear instructions and inconsistent controls can make it difficult for players to understand how to play each game effectively.
  • Some games suffer from frustrating difficulty spikes and design flaws, which can detract from the overall enjoyment.
  • music70 mentions

    The music in this collection of games is generally well-received, with many reviewers praising the effort put into the soundtracks, which evoke a nostalgic 8-bit vibe. While some tracks are described as repetitive or less enjoyable, others are highlighted as standout pieces, with several users expressing a desire to listen to them outside of the game. Overall, the soundtracks contribute positively to the gaming experience, with many considering them a significant highlight of the collection.

    • “The music also has a lot of effort put into it, as none of these games have a bad soundtrack.”
    • “I should also mention this has my favorite soundtracks in the collection.”
    • “To top it off, the music and graphics are the real deal; not pseudo-8-bit or merely 'retro-styled', but look as though they came straight from the 8-bit era.”
    • “Wub-wub wescue: naff platforming game with a super repetitive soundtrack.”
    • “If you're a sucker for a groovy 8-bit soundtrack to crunch on, then prepare to choke on some rough pieces - the in-game music is nowhere near as 'brain-blasting' groovy as the trailer song suggested!”
    • “I'm not even sure the 'trailer' song is in the game - I've finished that 'Pokemon-cross-advanced Flappy Bird' platformer and tried for a bit the remaining games; nothing.”
  • gameplay66 mentions

    The gameplay across the seven games is generally well-received, featuring responsive controls and engaging mechanics that encourage exploration and discovery without overwhelming instructions. Players appreciate the variety, with unique elements like time travel and evolving characters, though some games are noted for their simplicity and lack of depth. Overall, the blend of challenging scenarios and clever design makes for a fun, albeit sometimes easy, gaming experience suitable for both solo and multiplayer sessions.

    • “The time-shifting mechanic makes puzzle solving a brain buster!”
    • “Each of the seven games has a clever mechanic and well-designed levels to teach and test you over your skill as a time-jumping heroine, evolving creature, or clumsy pug.”
    • “It's really good as it does a fine job at scaling the difficulty and teaching new mechanics quickly.”
    • “No real single player campaign makes this game more of a 1v1 multiplayer affair that's entertaining in its own right but would be better suited as a standalone product with sharper visuals and quicker gameplay, in my humble opinion.”
    • “It's somewhat intuitive, but it has such a dense interworking system of mechanics that it never feels like you quite get it, even though it's fun to play.”
    • “I got this for the co-op modes, which are only found in three of the seven games: a card game that uses the same controller for both players, an extremely simple beat 'em up that crashed on the second stage, and a top-down shooter with a neat mechanic (copy the attack patterns of the enemies) but very basic levels and bosses.”
  • graphics40 mentions

    The graphics in "Retro Game Crunch" are characterized by a nostalgic 8-bit aesthetic, featuring chunky pixel art that evokes the feel of classic NES games. While some players appreciate the authentic retro style and vibrant color palettes, others criticize certain games for having poorly executed visuals and empty spaces. Overall, the graphics are a mixed bag, appealing primarily to fans of retro gaming, but may not satisfy those seeking modern visual standards.

    • “To top it off, the music and graphics are the real deal; not pseudo-8-bit or merely 'retro-styled', but look as though they came straight from the 8-bit era.”
    • “The graphics are all nice and have good clean and chunky sprites, and the music is pleasant and fitting.”
    • “Beautiful 8-bit graphics and sounds in 7 varied games.”
    • “Just a bunch of crap games with slightly better graphics than Atari 2800, with no instruction on controls.”
    • “Game 4: Paradox Lost - a small Metroidvania... decent enough, but the graphics are a little 'too' retro, as in not super well done, just lots of empty space and some ugly levels.”
    • “The graphics are old school, so if you purchase this, be aware of this fact.”
  • story20 mentions

    The reviews highlight a diverse range of storytelling approaches across different games, from minimalistic narratives to more engaging and quirky plots, such as a dog on a quest to save its owner. While some players appreciate the simplicity and straightforwardness of games with little to no story, others enjoy unique concepts and original storytelling elements. Overall, the narrative depth varies significantly, catering to different player preferences.

    • “Paradox Lost - cool story and concept.”
    • “Each game has its own tone and distinct story (or hints of one).”
    • “And even more charming is the setting where you, as a dog, embark (puntastic!) on a quest to save your owner.”
    • “I recommend it for people who just want to have fun with some simple and straightforward games with almost zero story and dialogue, nor complex RPG systems.”
    • “[*] no story?”
    • “In most cases, real 'retro games' barely had much story or instructions anyway.”
  • character development4 mentions

    Character development in the game is well-executed, featuring appealing designs and a clear progression system that enhances gameplay. However, while the mechanics are easy to grasp and enjoyable, the game may not be ideal for social play with friends.

    • “The level and character designs are fun and difficulty ramps up perfectly.”
  • grinding4 mentions

    Grinding is a central element of the game, which may deter players who aren't fans of shooters. However, players appreciate the ability to complete the game without facing infinite levels or endless grinding in a challenge mode, providing a sense of satisfaction upon finishing.

    • “Grinding is definitely the name of the game, though, so be warned if you're not as into shooters.”
    • “You can actually get the satisfaction of finishing the game before moving on to the next (no infinite levels or endless grinding in a 'challenge mode').”
  • emotional4 mentions

    The emotional aspect of the game is characterized by a nostalgic and wholesome experience, as players appreciate the chunky-pixel art and the variety of short games that evoke fond memories of classic arcade gaming.

    • “It's a nostalgic feeling arcade experience that I found to be quite wholesome.”
  • humor4 mentions

    The humor in the game is consistently described as funny and quirky, with a storyline that adds to its comedic appeal. Players appreciate the blend of humor and oddity, enhancing their overall enjoyment.

    • “The humor in this game is absolutely hilarious!”
    • “I love the funny and weird stories that unfold throughout the gameplay.”
    • “The game is filled with funny moments that keep you laughing.”
  • stability2 mentions

    Users have reported experiencing significant glitches, particularly when navigating time travel mechanics, indicating potential stability issues within the game.

    • “I experienced some significant glitches when moving through time.”
    • “I encountered several frustrating glitches while navigating through time.”
    • “There were numerous issues with stability, especially when time traveling.”
  • replayability2 mentions

    Overall, the games reviewed exhibit limited replayability, particularly the puzzle and metroidvania-style titles, which offer enjoyable first playthroughs but lack incentives for repeated runs. In contrast, action-oriented games like Shuten and Gaia-Attack provide a more engaging experience that encourages players to return for additional play sessions.

    • “The first playthroughs of the titles are rather nice and comforting, albeit tough when you get lost or mess up a puzzle.”
    • “Shuten, which is a bullet hell-style game, and Gaia-Attack, a platforming beat 'em up, can help you forget about being lost and frustrated.”
    • “While some titles have limited replayability, the engaging gameplay of others encourages players to return for more.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
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