Alternative picks
We mine the library for gold. This month: pixel art masterpieces
ICONOCLASTS
Ian Dean finds hidden treasure in the latest retro game to catch the eye This cute, colourful adventure blends puzzling, platforming, and shooting – all of life’s treats – into one stunning pixely experience. Iconoclasts has me reminiscing for Treasure’s classic 16-bit games, not least because it celebrates the art of the boss battle. While modern games steer clear of a post-level footnote, this indie revels in giving you one more taxing challenge.
RAIN WORLD
Jess Kinghorn refuses to be deterred by this punishing pixel art pick I am not very good at Rain World. In fact, I am not very good at all. But having backed the original Kickstarter way back in 2014, I can’t help but root for this little slugcat surviving an unforgiving world. The gorgeous art direction combined with a difficulty curve approaching a vertical line drew me in and makes for something quite unlike anything else I’ve ever played.
THIMBLEWEED PARK
Miriam McDonald gets the point, and indeed the click, of solving crimes For all my love of modern open worlds and stunning graphics, classic point-and-clicks were one of my earliest game loves (I still have Monkey Island on floppy!) and this recaptures all the magic. Who murdered the man in the creek? Can Ransome the sweary clown break his curse? What did happen at the pillow factory? The story’s sucked me right in, and it’s great.
I CAN’T HELP BUT ROOT FOR THIS LITTLE SLUGCAT SURVIVING IN AN UNFORGIVING WORLD.