8 Pico-8 Games Worth Playing

Generally speaking, when you pick up a retro handheld, you want to play something that is at least seven years old unless you're simulating consoles that are still available for handheld or docked modes. You might be playing F-Zero on the SNES or some excellent licensed game.

But lately, I've been heading toward Pico-8 when I pick up my handhelds. A fantasy console that features a large selection of games created by both new and established game developers. I've been having a lot of fun with it, whether it's Fake-08 or an authentic copy of Pico-8. You should dust off your Miyoo Minis or grab your RGB30s because I'm going to reveal eight Pico-8 games that are worth playing.

Pico Off-Road

Although the first one seems a bit corny, you are aware that I enjoy curdled treats. The racing game Pico Off-Road, which is reminiscent of Micro-Machines, allows you to try to be the fastest truck driver by driving a truck through off-road courses.

Both a tournament and a single-race option are available in the game; however, I like the single races more for short bursts of action. There, you have the option to select laps, vehicle colour, and difficulty. From there, the steering is very loose, but the sensation is eerily similar to vintage 2D racing games. I suggest playing this game if you like to play racing and are seeking a quick pick-up.

Air Delivery

Air Delivery, a platformer, is actually the next item on the list. You serve as a mail carrier on a number of sky islands in it. You're working happily until all of a sudden, things go wrong, and mail and packages aren't getting delivered. Therefore, it is your responsibility to locate and provide each of these letters to the appropriate owners and receivers.

The game's sky design, which gives everything a beautiful look that I didn't initially anticipate, is the first thing that really makes it stand out. The controls are good, though I found it difficult to find every letter, and the gliding experience was better than I thought. This is another game that I suggest playing even if you weren't planning on playing platformers on your pocket Pico-8, buddy.

Celeste 2 – Lani's Trek

Following the platformer theme, this is the follow-up to one of the most well-liked games on the Pico-8 Platform. Celeste. 2. Lani's Journey. Another "precision" oriented platformer that follows in the original's footsteps is Lani's Trek, which is about ascending a mountain and gathering strawberries as you go.

This is the challenge you've been searching for. It seemed more difficult to me than the first Celeste. Something that really confused me was exchanging a dash for a grappling hook. As a result, it also demanded a great deal more accuracy because you had to land exactly where you wanted to or else you would fall to your death and have to start the level over. Try this one if you're sick of the first Celeste. However, I'm not proud of the fatalities required to complete it.

Just One Boss

One trading platform for fighting that I suggest trying is the game Just One Boss. There is just one boss, though. To survive, you must dive, dodge, and dip your way through the game.

There isn't much to say about this game because it's essentially just one lengthy boss fight, but if you have the stamina to finish it all at once, you might find yourself attempting to avoid getting hurt.

Picolumia

Are you a fan of Tetris? Or simply games of falling blocks? So, I suggest Picolumia. Yes, the blocks fall in this falling block game, but they fall diagonally. Rotate your blocks to discover matching diamonds or lines in this damage demake of the game Mixolumia, which aims to give you the highest possible score.

Although I advise aiming for a good score, the actual objective is to clear 450 blocks and reach level 15. Doesn't that sound simple? If you're as intelligent as I am. Although I haven't finished all 15 levels, I find this game to be equally as addictive as Tetris. In addition to looking at Picolumia, you should also look at Mixolumia.

Demake Central

It would sound dishonest to put this on a Top-8 list. However, if you're looking for a game to play, I recommend looking at some demakes on the platform. There will be something for everyone, whether you're looking at the iconic Doom remake Poom or my favourite, Picohot, which is a demake of Superhot.

My personal favourites are arcade game remakes. Two excellent examples of those are Pico Driller and Gaplus: Galaga Edition. On the other hand, No Man's Sky demakes Low Mem Sky, and Terraria demakes Terra. If you haven't already, you should look into that kind of game in general.

Cosmic Collapse

Returning to single games, the final two on my list are ones that I believe are actually too addicting for me. I'd probably keep playing my handhelds if the battery didn't run out. The first of these is Cosmic Collapse, a game with a twist on the Suika genre.

To create even larger planets and rocks, combine them. Your score increases as they drop and combine more. Do you feel anxious about filling your level as it approaches? The twist is here. Destroy one of the planets by launching a rocket, then boom. There is more room for you to work! Strongly advised. Please let me know your high score if you purchase this and give it a try. It probably exceeds mine!

Buns: Bunny Survivor

The last game is a "demake" game of something I've been spending too much time on lately. Not Balatro, please. Vampire Survivor. Buns: In the VS-style game Bunny Survivor, you must run about eliminating foes, gaining experience, and levelling up. Your ability to properly aim your weapons and fire them on time will determine how you spend that time and how far you may go.

I first discovered this game while testing the RGB30 some time ago, but I keep returning to it; thus, it's remained in my Pico 8 library. It may be my addiction to vampire survivors. This is one of my favourite games to play, albeit perhaps it's because I need to get the most significant scores.

Final Words of Wisdom

An RGB30 is not required. A Miyoo Mini, RG35XX+H2024SP, or even your PC might be used. The purpose of the Pico-8 platform is to be on as many objects as possible. I've only included eight games that are worth trying (or seven and a considerable category), but you can always return and play a few of the things here if you're bored.

Or, like me, you may use Splore as a TV guide. If you keep scrolling, you will eventually find something to play.