UFO 50

97%
Game Brain Score Based on 2,458 reviews
  • gameplay
  • graphics
  • music
UFO 50 Game Cover
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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.

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Reviews

97%
Audience ScoreBased on 2,458 reviews
gameplay67 positive mentions
grinding9 negative mentions
  • UFO 50 offers an incredible value with 50 unique and fully realized games for the price of one, making it a must-have for retro gaming fans.
  • The collection showcases a wide variety of genres, ensuring that there is something for everyone, from platformers and RPGs to puzzle games and action titles.
  • The game's design cleverly combines retro aesthetics with modern gameplay mechanics, providing a nostalgic yet fresh experience.
  • Some games in the collection can be frustratingly difficult, with steep learning curves and a lack of clear instructions, which may deter casual players.
  • The first game, Barbuta, may give a poor first impression as it is intentionally clunky and less engaging compared to the other titles.
  • While many games are enjoyable, a few may feel like filler or not resonate with all players, leading to a mixed experience overall.
  • gameplay253 mentions

    The gameplay in "UFO 50" is characterized by a diverse collection of 50 unique games, each featuring innovative mechanics that blend retro aesthetics with modern gameplay elements. While many titles offer engaging and deep mechanics, some players find the lack of tutorials and the steep learning curves frustrating. Overall, the collection is praised for its creativity and nostalgic charm, providing a satisfying experience for those willing to explore its intricacies.

    • “Every single game in this collection has some well thought-out design, with surprisingly many original ideas and elaborate gameplay that allows you to experiment with its mechanics.”
    • “The sheer amount of gameplay you get for your money here is insane.”
    • “Ufo 50 is an incredible collection that masterfully blends nostalgic 8-bit charm with fresh, modern gameplay.”
    • “It's an effective timesink if you're looking for an extensive to-do list, but there is no engaging moment-to-moment gameplay anywhere to be found.”
    • “A majority of these games are gimmicky trash or knock-off versions of better games, but with worse mechanics instead.”
    • “Unfortunately, the novelty wears fast as these mechanics made them obscure, while unintuitive controls, bad level design and hard difficulty ruin the fun.”
  • graphics110 mentions

    The graphics of UFO 50 are characterized by a charming retro aesthetic that pays homage to 8-bit and 16-bit eras, featuring pixel art that is both nostalgic and modernized with contemporary design principles. Reviewers appreciate the consistent art style across the collection, noting that while the visuals may evoke classic gaming, they are enhanced with fresh mechanics and thoughtful design, making the overall experience engaging and visually appealing. Despite some minor graphical glitches, the overall presentation is praised for its creativity and variety, appealing to fans of retro gaming aesthetics.

    • “I love the unified art style and the choice to lean heavily into pixel art as it really allows the artists to express themselves.”
    • “Incredibly charming visuals and obviously great variety: if you buy the game, and can vibe with the visual style, there will almost certainly be 3+ games in the pack that you'll enjoy enough to be worth the price of entry.”
    • “50 fully realized unique games, each of them with beautiful graphics and modern twists that make every single one worth playing.”
    • “The short pitch is that it's a package of 50 retro games made recently, but dressed up as though they were made by a fictional 80's game studio for a fictional 80's computer called the 'LX.' The games are mostly somewhere between Atari and NES era graphics, but with some more modern design principles mixed in with the old school design.”
    • “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.'”
    • “These feel like retro games, but the graphics and audio are perhaps not quite as limited as you might expect from games in the early and mid-80s.”
  • music91 mentions

    The music in the game collection has received widespread acclaim for its catchy, chiptune-inspired tracks, with many users praising the sheer volume and variety of the soundtrack, which features over 300 original pieces. While the retro aesthetic and delightful melodies transport players back to a nostalgic gaming era, some reviewers noted that the music can become repetitive over extended play sessions. Overall, the soundtrack is considered a standout feature, enhancing the game's charm and appeal.

    • “The music across the collection is delightfully chiptune, and would've fit quite well on a period-appropriate console.”
    • “You can tell a lot of love was poured into the soundtrack, which is, as a composer, very important to me.”
    • “The music is great, the pixel art is phenomenal, and the 80s vibe is perfect, while still having modern and fresh design.”
    • “All the graphics are awesome, although in exchange the music gets repetitive after a while... even that is pretty great at first, before you realize you're gonna be hearing one or two songs for the next 3 hours.”
    • “Amazing game, the only thing I wish is that the music was a bit more modern; it can get irritating in some games.”
    • “The music in those games is pretty banger.”
  • story73 mentions

    The story aspect of the game collection "UFO 50" is centered around a fictional game development company, showcasing the evolution of its games over a decade. Players are encouraged to start with "Pilot Quest," which features idle mechanics that enhance the overall experience, while the collection weaves a meta-narrative filled with lore, character development, and hidden secrets across its 50 titles. The storytelling is both nostalgic and engaging, inviting players to explore the progression of game design and the imaginative world of retro gaming.

    • “The developers have delivered a package that includes 50 individual games that are all fun in their own right, but also tells a story about a company slowly developing mastery over game development over a decade.”
    • “It's like a window into an alternate reality with trivia and lore that combines into a coherent story with recurring characters, mascots, and sequels.”
    • “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.”
    • “The game's story is about following the lifecycle of this imaginary console as the games get more sophisticated over the years.”
    • “It's weird, it's hard, it's cryptic & loose in terms of 'story', and it truly gives that feeling of exploration & discovery that can only come when you're dropped into foreign worlds with little to no direction.”
  • replayability17 mentions

    The reviews highlight a strong emphasis on replayability, with many games offering engaging singleplayer experiences alongside multiplayer and co-op options. Players appreciate the depth, variety, and metaprogression elements that enhance replay value, often leading to hours of enjoyable gameplay. Overall, the consensus is that these games provide significant replayability, making them worth the investment.

    • “Well worth $25, endless replayability.”
    • “Great music and art, fantastic game design, and so much replay value!”
    • “The amount of variety and replay value in this is staggering.”
    • “Secrets and mystery add replay value; it's huge.”
    • “I fully expect to sink 100 hours into this game full of games before I put it down for good - and even then there's enough games with replay value that I think I'll keep coming back to it.”
  • emotional14 mentions

    Ufo 50 is celebrated for its heartfelt and nostalgic emotional impact, evoking feelings of joy and sorrow reminiscent of childhood experiences. Players appreciate the game's ability to make them laugh and cry, highlighting its sincere dedication to the art of gaming. Overall, it is described as a touching tribute to the medium, filled with love and a sense of shared experience.

    • “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).”
  • humor10 mentions

    The humor in the game is widely praised for its charm and cleverness, often eliciting genuine laughter from players through unique mechanics and memorable moments. Many reviews highlight the balance of humor with emotional depth, making the experience both entertaining and slightly haunting. Overall, the game's comedic elements are described as smart, engaging, and capable of providing laughs even in tense situations.

    • “It made me laugh, and it made me cry (that orange couch in the mias program, man)”
    • “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!”
  • grinding9 mentions

    The grinding aspect of UFO 50 is largely viewed as tedious and frustrating, with many games in the collection described as shallow or artificially difficult, leading to a lack of enjoyment. While some players appreciate the variety and the nostalgic feel of the games, the overall experience is marred by the need for excessive grinding, which can feel more like a chore than a rewarding challenge.

    • “There is a lot to like about UFO 50 from a distance, but the games themselves are tedious and dull at their best.”
    • “Quite literally every game in this collection is, to some degree, irritating, tedious, and infuriatingly difficult.”
    • “I'll come back and review the rest later; after playing these so far, I got tired of the tediousness of it and lack of interest.”
  • stability6 mentions

    Overall, the game runs smoothly on the Steam Deck with no major stability issues reported. Some users noted minor graphical glitches and NPC behavior, but these are considered minor and easily fixable. The general consensus is that the game is stable and enjoyable, making it a worthwhile purchase.

    • “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; I'm not sure what the info box is talking about since I've never seen a mouse or keyboard icon in the game.”
    • “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. These are patchable issues, but they do affect the overall stability of the game.”
    • “The game has some stability issues that remind me of the poorly buggy experiences from the past, like Action 52 back in 1991. It's frustrating to see these kinds of problems in a modern game.”
  • atmosphere5 mentions

    The atmosphere in the game is consistently praised for its charm and creativity, with reviewers highlighting the whimsical and immersive environments across various gameplay experiences. The developers have effectively crafted a captivating mood that enhances the overall enjoyment, complemented by cleverly designed puzzles. Overall, the atmosphere is described as remarkable and engaging, contributing significantly to the game's appeal.

    • “But whether I'm stumbling through the wonderfully weird and atmospheric Mooncat, exploring the charming overworld of Pilot Quest, or sweating my way through an intense bout of Bushido Ball, one thing's for certain: I'm having an absolute blast.”
    • “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.”
  • optimization5 mentions

    Overall, the game's optimization is highly praised, with users reporting smooth performance and no significant issues. The experience is described as streamlined and efficient, allowing players to enjoy the content without unnecessary distractions. Additionally, players have noted the ability to fine-tune performance for personal preferences, such as extending battery life.

    • “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).”
    • “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).”
    • “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).”
  • monetization3 mentions

    Reviewers appreciate the absence of microtransactions and predatory monetization practices in Ufo 50, highlighting a refreshing return to simpler gaming experiences without battle passes, ads, or separate launchers. The game prompts players to reconsider the value of budget game compilations, suggesting a nostalgic and honest approach to monetization.

    • “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 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 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

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Play time

19hMedian play time
27hAverage play time
8-43hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 32 analyzed playthroughs

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