UFO 50

96%
Game Brain Score Based on 3,160 reviews
  • gameplay
  • graphics
  • music
UFO 50 Game Cover
UFO 50 is a celebration of retro gaming, full of wonderful modern ideas, sensational video games and a whole lot of content.
Starting at €24.50Buy now
Get on Steam

"UFO 50" is a collection of 50 single and multiplayer games, encompassing a variety of genres with a nostalgic 8-bit aesthetic. The games, created by the developers of Spelunky, Downwell, and Catacomb Kids, are allavailable to play immediately and offer a range of experiences from small arcade-style games to larger open-world adventures. The games are presented as part of a shared alternate universe, with recurring characters and connections between titles.

  • PC
  • Windows
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

96%
Audience ScoreBased on 3,160 reviews
gameplay91 positive mentions
grinding14 negative mentions
  • UFO 50 is an incredible collection of 50 retro-style games, each offering unique mechanics and experiences.
  • The game provides exceptional value at $25, with many games being worth the price individually.
  • The variety of genres and gameplay styles ensures that there is something for everyone, making it a must-have for fans of retro gaming.
  • Some games are overly difficult and lack clear instructions, which can lead to frustration for players.
  • The first game, Barbuta, may deter players with its clunky mechanics and steep learning curve.
  • Not every game will resonate with every player, leading to a mixed experience despite the overall quality.
  • gameplay347 mentions

    The gameplay in this collection of 50 games is characterized by a blend of nostalgic mechanics and innovative twists, offering a diverse range of experiences across various genres. While many games feature unique mechanics that encourage exploration and discovery, some players find the lack of tutorials and explanations frustrating, leading to a steep learning curve. Overall, the collection is praised for its creativity and depth, though it may not appeal to those seeking straightforward gameplay.

    • “Each one of the 50 games in the compilation is another complete mechanical system for me to solve and enjoy.”
    • “Ufo 50 is an incredible collection that masterfully blends nostalgic 8-bit charm with fresh, modern gameplay.”
    • “The amount of varied gameplay, the unexpected depth from each of the 50 games, and more than anything else the awesome feeling of nostalgia that takes you back to a gaming era where half the fun is figuring out what the hell you're even supposed to be doing in a game is great.”
    • “However, learning how to play this game is harder than most contemporary games, as the gameplay mechanics are not taught to you.”
    • “The biggest problem is that the game devs don't explain any mechanics in the games!”
    • “Unfortunately, the novelty wears fast as these mechanics made them obscure, while unintuitive controls, bad level design and hard difficulty ruin the fun.”
  • graphics134 mentions

    The graphics in "UFO 50" are celebrated for their authentic retro aesthetic, effectively emulating the 8-bit style of classic games while incorporating modern design elements. Reviewers appreciate the charming pixel art and cohesive visual presentation, which evoke nostalgia while allowing for creative expression across a variety of genres. While some desire more visual diversity, the overall consensus is that the graphics successfully capture the essence of retro gaming, making it a must-play for fans of the genre.

    • “Aesthetically, there's an incredible dedication to the collection's 'hardware limitations', with UFO having its own selected palette, sound effects, and tracker music to really sell the authenticity of its classic design.”
    • “It's an absolute tour de force combining retro aesthetics and retro-style games with more modern design principles.”
    • “The graphics here are really nice, specifically the color choice and cutscenes.”
    • “Of course the graphics are not what we've grown used to in the 21st century.”
    • “I don't buy any sort of excuse to the effect of 'it's supposed to be like old games'; the description right here on Steam says their aim was to combine the 8-bit aesthetic with 'modern game design.'”
    • “This wasn't quite the out-of-the-blue indie revelation I was (perhaps unrealistically) hoping for, as everything is a variation on some familiar NES or flash game, scrubbed free of its original aesthetic hallmarks and replaced with something cutesy but vaguely corporate.”
  • music132 mentions

    The music in the collection is widely praised for its nostalgic chiptune style, with many tracks described as catchy and memorable, often evoking a sense of retro gaming charm. While some games feature a limited number of tracks, leading to repetitiveness, the overall quality and variety of the soundtrack are highlighted as standout elements, enhancing the gaming experience. Many reviewers express a desire for a standalone soundtrack due to the impressive composition and attention to detail in the music across the various titles.

    • “The music is also dope and I'm pretty sure is mostly wavetable and occasionally sample-based—it feels more inspired by the TurboGrafx-16 to me than by more common chiptune inspirations like the NES or Game Boy or Commodore 64, which is a neat choice.”
    • “The music across the collection is delightfully chiptune, and would've fit quite well on a period-appropriate console.”
    • “The music has been great all around, many ideas are very interesting and it has been fun to figure out the controls and mechanics without any instructions.”
    • “A lot of these games needed more music.”
    • “Block Koala - fifty levels and one music track is cruel.”
    • “Amazing game, the only thing I wish is that the music was a bit more modern; it can get irritating in some games.”
  • story111 mentions

    The story aspect of the game collection "UFO 50" is characterized by a meta-narrative that follows the fictional development journey of a game company, UFO Soft, over a decade. While individual games vary in narrative depth, many players appreciate the interconnected details and overarching themes that enhance the experience, evoking nostalgia for retro gaming. Notably, "Pilot Quest" stands out as a recommended starting point, offering idle mechanics that enrich gameplay across the collection while contributing to the broader story.

    • “The story/meta-narrative of the fictional video game company UFO Soft (formerly LX Systems) is fascinating as well.”
    • “But as a whole, UFO 50 weaves a story of a fake video game company - their highs, their lows, their iteration and technical advancements - that is fascinating to work your way through.”
    • “It's like a window into an alternate reality with trivia and lore that combines into a coherent story with reoccurring characters, mascots, and sequels.”
    • “If you're motivated to play a game for at least any form of a story, you won't find anything too sophisticated given the nature of the era it emulates.”
    • “Some of these games barely contain any story, if at all, as they just plonk you into the gameplay with your character and not much of a plot; others do a short-form introductory cutscene and ending, but that's mostly it.”
    • “Night Manor has an uninspired story and a gimmick that just wastes your time as you try and solve the game's puzzles.”
  • replayability27 mentions

    The reviews highlight a strong sense of replayability across the games, with many users noting that they can enjoy several hours to potentially hundreds of hours of gameplay, especially when pursuing challenges or alternate win conditions. The variety, polish, and engaging design contribute to a rich experience that encourages repeated play, whether solo or with friends, and many titles are praised for their addictive nature and depth. Overall, the collection offers a nostalgic yet modern gaming experience that keeps players coming back for more.

    • “The alternate win conditions (cherry carts) give some replayability and additional motivation to keep playing; or at least they're doing that for me.”
    • “Even if not all the games are to your liking, the games have plenty of replayability and challenge, so finding and playing the ones you personally enjoy will be enough to carry you through many hours of excitement with very little of the repetitive tasks you'd normally find from a game of this length.”
    • “I'm expecting to keep playing for a while, maybe until I beat all the games, and then keep replaying this later on in life, because this has replayability through the roof.”
    • “If games were 8x longer it would be much better and represent the 'cartridge gaming' era better, but it feels more like 50 demos. Maybe if it had a built-in cheat engine feature or 'cartridge tilting' it would have more replayability despite the short length of the games while capturing the fun of the era.”
    • “Even if not all the games are to your liking, they have plenty of replayability and challenge, so finding and playing the ones you enjoy will be enough to carry you through many hours of excitement with very little of the repetitive tasks you'd normally find from a game of this length.”
    • “However, replay value factors in here sometimes in ways that didn't really happen back then.”
  • humor19 mentions

    The humor in the game is widely praised, with players finding it both charming and genuinely funny, often leading to moments of laughter even amidst frustration. Titles like "Waldorf's Journey" and "Quibble Race" are highlighted for their wacky multiplayer modes and clever design, which elicit joy and amusement. Overall, the game's ability to blend humor with challenging gameplay creates a memorable and entertaining experience for players.

    • “It's been a while since a game got me saying 'this is so hard, this is so hard!', then nervously laughing, and then endlessly retrying.”
    • “Waldorf's journey: charming, unique, genuinely funny, and oh so slightly haunting.”
    • “The first time we booted Mortol, we cried laughing at the arrow ability for a solid minute!”
  • emotional16 mentions

    The emotional aspect of the game is widely praised for its heartfelt and nostalgic qualities, evoking feelings of joy and sorrow without veering into cringeworthy territory. Players describe it as a touching tribute to the medium of video games, with a strong sense of love and care evident in its design, making them feel like children again and deeply connecting with their experiences. Overall, the game is celebrated for its ability to elicit genuine emotional responses, from laughter to tears.

    • “Ufo 50 is one of the most heartfelt and interesting pieces of collaborative art to have ever graced the world - nonetheless the video game industry.”
    • “The amount of love that went into this game is heartwarming.”
    • “It made me laugh, and it made me cry (that orange couch in the mias program, man).”
  • grinding14 mentions

    Reviews indicate that the grinding aspect of the games is often viewed as tedious and overly time-consuming, with some players feeling it detracts from the overall enjoyment and completionism. While certain games offer a well-crafted experience, many encounters are described as unnecessarily prolonged, leading to frustration. Overall, the need for extensive grinding can make gameplay feel punishing, although some players appreciate the strategic depth it adds.

    • “Had promise but just way too grindy for my tastes, and every combat encounter took way longer than it needed to.”
    • “There is also a need for a lot of grinding in order to level up.”
    • “I've clocked up 70 hours, none of that is grinding, and I still don't feel like I've scratched the surface of what this collection has to offer.”
  • atmosphere9 mentions

    The atmosphere of the games is highly praised, with users highlighting the enchanting music and unique settings that enhance the overall experience. Titles like Mooncat and Pilot Quest are noted for their whimsical and immersive environments, while the developers are commended for their ability to create a captivating mood that complements the gameplay. Overall, the atmosphere is described as remarkable, with a blend of charm and creativity that keeps players engaged.

    • “The music also really adds to the atmosphere.”
    • “The developers did a remarkable job creating a mood and atmosphere surrounding the IPs of this fantasy console.”
    • “Absolutely amazing atmosphere and cleverly well thought out puzzles.”
  • stability7 mentions

    Overall, the stability of the game collection is praised, with users reporting smooth performance and no significant lag or bugs during gameplay. While a few minor graphical glitches and NPC issues were noted, they are considered easily fixable and do not detract from the overall experience. The games run exceptionally well on the Steam Deck, further enhancing their appeal.

    • “This collection of games is worth every penny; it runs great on the Steam Deck with zero issues.”
    • “Loving it already; it runs great on the Steam Deck!”
    • “Runs great on the Deck too; I'm not sure what the info box is talking about since I've never seen a mouse or keyboard icon in the game.”
    • “Also, if I must critique some things, there are a few random graphical glitches I've noticed in Vainger and an NPC that can body-block you in front of a saloon in Grimstone. Those are patchable issues, but it's just me nitpicking.”
    • “What an amazing accomplishment for these devs. You have here 50 games, all giving a vibe of coming from the late 80s or early 90s, but clearly made in the modern era with a lot of subtle nods to modernity. However, there is no lag or buggy gameplay, which is a significant plus.”
    • “(and not at all like that dumpster fire Action 52 back in 1991 where they charged $200 for poorly buggy and recycled shovelware before that was even a thing. For reference, look up AVGN's review of it and Cheetahmen.)”
  • optimization6 mentions

    Overall, the game's optimization is praised for its smooth performance, with users reporting no significant issues. The experience is described as streamlined and efficient, allowing players to focus on gameplay without unnecessary distractions. Additionally, players appreciate the gradual skill progression and the ability to optimize their strategies effectively.

    • “And, it shouldn't have to be said but it does, the game actually runs totally fine; I've not had any issues with anything relating to performance.”
    • “Updating review at almost 50 hours: I still feel this way (I have 16 hours in Party House itself and have optimized each situation, currently am in the middle of a 13-game random win streak).”
    • “Updating review at almost 50 hours: I still feel this way (I have 16 hours in Party House itself and have optimized each situation, currently am in the middle of a 13-game random win streak) ... but have also gotten more into Porgy and Mortol, among other games.”
    • “Distills the bizarre and wonderful experience of exploring a retro console's library into a quick, easy, and optimized experience (i.e. no adult mahjong games or 'Oda no Yabou' to sift through).”
    • “Seeing your skill increase gradually as your performance improves on the 1st level is something gaming has lost these days.”
  • monetization4 mentions

    The monetization aspect of the game is praised for its integrity, as it avoids microtransactions, predatory practices, and modern gaming trends like battle passes and ads. Players appreciate the game's focus on genuine content rather than profit-driven tactics, likening it to a nostalgic era of gaming free from cash grabs.

    • “An era without microtransactions, predatory practices, and modern gaming trends as a whole.”
    • “Best of all, I get to forget about battle passes, ads, separate launchers, and all the other woes of modern gaming.”
    • “Ufo 50 asks an interesting question: 'What if those bargain bin '251 games in 1' game packs weren’t just shameless cash grabs?'”
  • character development3 mentions

    Character development in the reviewed games shows a mixed reception, with some praising the quality and style of character designs, while others criticize the overall art palette and consistency, likening some designs to "looney toons." The variation in visual quality across different games contributes to a polarized view on character aesthetics.

    • “All of the character designs so far are so good!”
    • “While the collection is stylish overall, the visual and character design quality varies widely between the games.”
    • “The characters lack depth and their development feels rushed and superficial.”
    • “I found the character arcs to be predictable and uninspired, making it hard to connect with them.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

Critic Reviews

83% average critic score

Buy UFO 50

Play time

22hMedian play time
29hAverage play time
8-48hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 45 analyzed playthroughs

Videos

Similar Games