UFO 50

96%
Game Brain Score Based on 4,874 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.
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"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 4,874 reviews
gameplay133 positive mentions
grinding20 negative mentions
  • UFO 50 offers an incredible value with 50 unique games, each providing a distinct experience and a variety of genres.
  • The collection captures the nostalgia of retro gaming while incorporating modern design sensibilities, making it accessible and enjoyable for both old and new gamers.
  • Many games in the collection are surprisingly deep and engaging, with clever mechanics that encourage exploration and mastery.
  • Some games can be frustratingly difficult, often requiring trial and error without clear instructions, which may deter casual players.
  • Not every game will resonate with every player, leading to a mixed experience where some may find several games unenjoyable.
  • The lack of quality-of-life features, such as save states or tutorials, can make some games feel outdated and less user-friendly.
  • gameplay481 mentions

    The gameplay in "UFO 50" is a diverse collection of 50 retro-inspired games, each featuring unique mechanics that blend nostalgic aesthetics with modern gameplay innovations. While many titles offer engaging and polished experiences, some players find the difficulty and lack of clear instructions frustrating, leading to a mix of enjoyment and challenge. Overall, the anthology is praised for its creativity and depth, making it a worthwhile exploration for fans of retro gaming.

    • “The sheer variety and quality of gameplay packed into this anthology are incredible, especially at such an affordable price.”
    • “Each game is fully realized and complete with idiosyncratic mechanics and secrets, with the occasional nod and easter egg being the only links between them.”
    • “Ufo 50 is an incredible collection that masterfully blends nostalgic 8-bit charm with fresh, modern gameplay.”
    • “With how hyped people are in the reviews, I expected a bit more. Sure, it's 50 games for a cheap price, but these are basic and slow games with no actual gameplay, just small minigames with infinitely repeating levels.”
    • “I really, really want to like UFO 50 for a wide variety of reasons, but almost every game (except for the masterpieces that are Mini & Max and Pingolf, and a couple decent others) is really boring and way too hard, with the classic old-school game design of really simple and uninspired mechanics stretched over the entire game, the playtime being created exclusively by unfair difficulty and limited or nonexistent lives.”
    • “The controls were clunky as hell, the sprite work was very basic, and the mechanics were incredibly vague.”
  • graphics202 mentions

    The graphics of "UFO 50" are celebrated for their charming retro 8-bit aesthetic, which evokes nostalgia for classic gaming while incorporating modern design sensibilities. Reviewers appreciate the consistent art style across the collection of 50 games, noting that the visuals are well-executed and enhance the overall experience, despite some criticisms regarding the simplicity of the graphics. While the retro aesthetic may not appeal to everyone, those who enjoy pixel art and classic game styles find the graphics to be a highlight of the collection.

    • “The graphics are beautiful and punchy, obviously influenced by the NES and MSX but allowing themselves to be more than that, creating games that just look... lush!”
    • “The graphics and music are endlessly charming, and each new track and art style blows me away.”
    • “Ufo 50 captures the magic of gaming in the 80s and 90s by seamlessly blending modern game design with classic aesthetic and difficulty.”
    • “I don't get what the hype is about, graphics are bad, controls are weird, coop controls have lots of issues, games are just plain not fun.”
    • “The bottom line is that UFO 50, and 95% of all games that use an '8-bit' aesthetic, is deliberately regressive and I'm sick of the industry being pulled backwards by shovelware like this that gets awards.”
    • “While many games these days are doing the retro aesthetic, either with NES/SNES or PSX/N64 graphics and sound, UFO 50 is maybe one of the only titles I've played that actually captures the feeling of playing those old games.”
  • music180 mentions

    The music in the game collection is widely praised for its catchy chiptune soundtracks, which effectively complement the retro aesthetic and gameplay of each title. Many reviewers highlight the impressive variety and quality of the music, with some tracks described as "bangers" and "earworms," while others appreciate the nostalgic feel it evokes. However, a few critiques mention that some games lack sufficient musical variety, leading to repetitiveness in certain instances. Overall, the soundtrack is considered a standout feature, enhancing the overall experience of the game.

    • “The music is incredible, the graphics are charming, and the gameplay is top-notch.”
    • “The music across the collection is delightfully chiptune, and would have fit quite well on a period-appropriate console.”
    • “The soundtrack is fantastic and worth a purchase on the author's Bandcamp for offline listening.”
    • “The sound/music is equally repetitive and low effort.”
    • “You move painfully slow and the only consistent 'music' in the whole game is a low, quiet, second-long hum when you change screens.”
    • “A lot of these games needed more music.”
  • story161 mentions

    The story aspect of "UFO 50" is a blend of minimalistic narratives within individual games and a more profound meta-narrative surrounding the fictional game development company, Ufosoft. While many mini-games lack substantial storylines, the overarching tale of the company's evolution and the secrets hidden throughout the collection create an engaging context that resonates with players, especially those nostalgic for retro gaming. Overall, the compilation is praised for its creative storytelling approach, where each game contributes to a larger narrative tapestry, despite some critiques regarding the depth of individual game stories.

    • “Ufo 50 is a masterclass in storytelling using video games as a medium and subject.”
    • “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.”
    • “This collection, telling the fictional story of the short-lived 1980s gaming manufacturer 'ufosoft', is clearly inspired and arguably even somewhat of a parody of those old, bootleg shovelware cartridges for the old Nintendo Entertainment System.”
    • “Each mini-game either has minimal or no storyline, similar to the era it was designed for.”
    • “Many of the games here have a story intro I don't care about, before throwing you into a game with poor mechanics and 'old school' lives and checkpoints.”
    • “There is no story, no connection between the games.”
  • replayability39 mentions

    Overall, the replayability of the game collection is highly praised, with many users noting that most titles offer significant replay value through various challenges, alternate win conditions, and multiplayer options. While some games may feel less engaging, the sheer variety and depth of content ensure that players can find enjoyable experiences that encourage repeated play. Many reviewers anticipate investing substantial hours into the collection, highlighting its potential for long-term engagement.

    • “Every game is very well realized and most of them even have replay value after completing them!”
    • “Outstanding idea for a game with almost-infinite replayability.”
    • “The amount of variety and replay value in this is staggering.”
    • “Played all of these 'games', but none of the titles except 3 I tried were any fun. It felt like the main design principle was giving the player a hard time instead of having any semblance of fun. I played every game, and I mean like... maybe 3 or 4 have any replay value. It seems like the people who recommend this game only like it for nostalgia reasons or a 'retro feel', and the $25 price point here is insane.”
    • “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.”
    • “However, replay value factors in here sometimes in ways that didn't really happen back then.”
  • humor23 mentions

    The humor in the game "Waldorf's Journey" is widely praised, with players finding it both hilarious and charming, particularly in its multiplayer mode where players engage in wacky walrus-hurling antics. Many reviews highlight the game's ability to evoke laughter through its quirky characters, absurd gameplay mechanics, and the shared experience of frustration and joy with friends. Overall, the humor is described as smart, unique, and a key element that enhances the gaming experience.

    • “Waldorf's Journey is a hilarious party game where you and your opponent hurl walruses at each other.”
    • “The first time we booted Mortol, we cried laughing at the arrow ability for a solid minute!”
    • “From the high concept of a found game console, to the fresh game mechanics and hilariously weird characters and concepts, it’s a treasure.”
  • grinding20 mentions

    Reviews of the game's grinding aspect are mixed, with some players appreciating the nostalgic, zen-like experience of grinding in older RPGs, while others find it tedious and overly time-consuming. Many note that the game requires significant grinding to progress, which can detract from enjoyment, especially when combat encounters feel unnecessarily prolonged. Overall, while some players embrace the grind as part of the challenge, others feel it hampers the overall experience, leading to frustration and fatigue.

    • “However, the game in question requires your full attention the entire time you're playing, and it makes the experience feel tedious.”
    • “Had promise but just way too grindy for my tastes, and every combat encounter took way longer than it needed to.”
    • “There is a lot to like about UFO 50 from a distance, but the games themselves are tedious and dull at their best.”
  • emotional20 mentions

    Ufo 50 evokes strong feelings of nostalgia and emotional connection, reminding players of the joy and innocence of childhood gaming experiences. The heartfelt design and meta storytelling resonate deeply, often eliciting laughter and tears, making it a poignant tribute to the medium. Overall, players describe it as a sincere and touching homage to video games that leaves a lasting emotional impact.

    • “The meta story told through the credits of each game and certain secrets may have emotionally wrecked me.”
    • “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.”
    • “It made me laugh, and it made me cry ([spoiler] that orange couch in the mias program, man[/spoiler]).”
  • atmosphere14 mentions

    The atmosphere across various games is described as engaging and immersive, with many titles successfully creating unique moods that enhance gameplay. Players appreciate the combination of sound design and music, which often evokes strong emotional responses and complements the visual elements. Notably, games like "Night Manor" and "Mooncat" are highlighted for their eerie and whimsical atmospheres, respectively, showcasing the developers' skill in crafting memorable experiences.

    • “Absolutely amazing atmosphere and cleverly well thought out puzzles.”
    • “At first, I was initially repulsed both by how sluggish it felt and a series of incredibly unfortunate coincidences causing me to make incorrect assumptions about the gameplay... but something about the oddly oppressive atmosphere kept dragging me in.”
    • “Night Manor is a point-and-click horror game that surprisingly creates an eerie atmosphere that games like Clock Tower pioneered.”
    • “The developers did a remarkable job creating a mood and atmosphere surrounding the IPs of this fantasy console.”
  • stability9 mentions

    Overall, the stability of the games varies significantly; while some titles like Barbuta experience freezing and buzzing issues, others run smoothly without lag or major bugs, particularly on the Steam Deck. Users have noted occasional graphical glitches and minor NPC blocking, but these are generally seen as patchable and not detrimental to the overall experience. The collection is largely praised for its performance and nostalgic charm, making it a worthwhile investment despite some stability concerns.

    • “This collection of games is worth every penny; it runs great on the Steam Deck with zero issues.”
    • “Loving it already, and it runs great on the Steam Deck!”
    • “Runs great on the Deck; not sure what the info box is talking about since I've never seen a mouse or keyboard icon in the game.”
    • “Barbuta freezes and has a buzz at every screen transition.”
    • “Cyber owls: janky / buggy but can be fun.”
    • “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, but those are patchable issues and just me nitpicking.”
  • optimization8 mentions

    Overall, the game's optimization is praised for its smooth performance and fair price-to-quality ratio, with players reporting no significant issues. However, some users noted that performance and difficulty spikes can hinder meaningful progress. The game effectively distills a retro gaming experience while maintaining an enjoyable and optimized gameplay flow.

    • “Music, art, mechanics, and performance are awesome.”
    • “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.”
    • “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).”
    • “The only thing I think needs to be improved: the performance and difficulty issues in this collection are just too much to ever make meaningful progress.”
    • “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).”
  • monetization7 mentions

    The monetization aspect of the game is praised for its absence of microtransactions, pay-to-win mechanics, and modern predatory practices, offering a pure and sincere gaming experience. Reviewers appreciate the focus on exploration and replayability without the distractions of battle passes or ads, highlighting a return to fun and integrity in gaming. Overall, the game is seen as a refreshing alternative to the cash grab mentality prevalent in the industry.

    • “No microtransactions, no modern horrors, just pure, sincere gaming, designed to be explored, shared, replayed endlessly or even mastered as a speedrun for the most tenacious.”
    • “Just plain old fun with no microtransactions and pay-to-win mechanics.”
    • “Game that actually has a soul and not a cash grab.”
    • “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.”
  • character development2 mentions

    Character development is praised for its stylish designs, though there is notable inconsistency in visual quality across different games. Overall, while the character designs are appealing, the variation in quality may affect the overall experience.

    • “All of the character designs so far are fantastic!”
    • “The character development is rich and engaging, making each character feel unique and memorable.”
    • “I love how the characters evolve throughout the game, with their backstories and personalities deepening as the story progresses.”
    • “While the collection is stylish overall, the visual and character design quality varies widely between the games.”
    • “The character development feels shallow and lacks depth, making it hard to connect with the protagonists.”
    • “I found the character arcs to be predictable and uninspired, leaving me disengaged from their journeys.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
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Critic Reviews

83% average critic score

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Play time

27hMedian play time
32hAverage play time
8-50hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 56 analyzed playthroughs

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