Games of the '80s and '90s knew how to show players a good time. They weren’t concerned about a story, and the innovators that did have compelling stories were bogged down by endless cutscenes. In the early days of the NES, SNES, PS1, and beyond, gameplay was often more favored.
It’s great that video games have evolved further to have moving stories with cutting-edge graphics, but for those who want to get straight to the action, it can be challenging to find a game sometimes. That’s where these indie games come in, as the gameplay hooks rarely take a breather. Also, there are some AAA games worth noting.
Minecraft
Dig, Build, Repeat
Minecraft will randomize a world unless players use a SEED, and then that’s it. There's no objective, no story, and no tutorial to speak of. It’s like buying a bucket of LEGO bricks, dumping it in front of a child, and then saying, “Have fun.” Minecraft is the modern LEGO equivalent, which offers simple-to-follow gameplay and an endless list of ways to be creative. There's a reason why it’s still popular with kids and adults over a decade later, with seemingly no end in sight.
Rogue Legacy 2
The Family Business
Rogue Legacy 2 is the perfect roguelike for those who don’t want to be bothered by story in-between runs and want to feel a greater sense of progression quickly. Gold collected on runs can be used back at the castle to rebuild it, which will unlock new stat boosts and perks.
What makes this series unique is that players will come back as a new line in the family, each of which will be randomized by classes, from a quick-firing gunslinger to a pirate that can ride an airship. With a colorful hand-drawn look and responsive gameplay, Rogue Legacy 2 is an easy recommendation for roguelike newbies.
Ball X Pit
Rebuilding Ballbylon
Ball x Pit is a new game published by Devolver Digital, which enters their library of oddball games. The core of the experience resembles ball breaker games like Arkanoid or Peggle, but with a roguelike twist. Players will shoot their balls at undead soldiers as they are guided along a vertical path.
They will level up and get stat boosts along with temporary power-ups. Upon death, players can use gathered materials to help rebuild Ballbylon, which acts as the permanent upgrade system, and it can do everything from boost stats to unlock new characters. It’s a goofy name, but the gameplay is beyond solid and hard to forget.
Mario Kart World
Vroom Vroom!
Mario Kart World will give players a lot to do, whether they want to race alone in single-player matches or go online. There are standard Mario Kart modes, but the Battle Royale-inspired circuits are a lot of fun to go through and addictive once players have a taste of sweet victory. There’s also an open world to explore, wherein players can discover secrets like new costumes and mini-games. If anyone needs an easy-to-access racing game with colorful characters, wondrous levels, and music that feels nostalgic, Mario Kart World is it.
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This article originally appeared on GameRant and is republished here with permission.
