10 Upcoming Pixel Art Games in 2021 to Put on Your Wishlist

Visual fidelity in video games has undeniably reached new heights with the decade’s new next-gen tech in gaming. Developers always find new ways to “wow the crowd” with their enhanced engines and flashy graphics, yet there seems to be a firm, deep-rooted connection with the simplistic pixel art style games and the gaming community. Whether you’re looking to satisfy your refined taste in “pixel-y” aesthetics or just craving a proper sip of nostalgia, here are ten upcoming pixel art games to put on your radar.

10. Sunblaze 

• Platforms: Nintendo Switch and PC

If the difficult precision platformer Celeste didn’t bully you enough, fear not fellow masocore lovers, Sunblaze will be releasing next month. The expectations of a superhero’s daughter are undoubtedly high as Josie (aka Sunblaze) must undergo elaborate training in her dad’s training simulator. Heavily emphasizing puzzle mechanics, Sunblaze features over 300 challenging, brain-twisting levels that will keep you “dying for hours and hours.” While Sunblaze may be insanely hard, it doesn’t have to be inaccessible. The developers also designed a Zen mode through which players can alternatively experience the whole Sunblaze story in a much more accessible and easily approachable fashion. 

9. Black Skylands

• Platforms: Nintendo Switch, PS4, Xbox One, and PC

Discover what perils lurk in the clouds in the upcoming skypunk top-down shooter Black Skylands. Eva is on an unrelenting quest to avenge her father, who died at the hands of the Kain’s Falcons. Take flight and fight as you conquer territory among floating islands, customize weaponry of mass destruction, and expand your ariel base. Manage your crew as you explore an open-world sandbox environment and battle fearsome enemies on land and in the sky. In a nutshell, imagine an experience akin to Sunless Skies — but with more engaging gameplay. 

8. UNSIGHTED

• Platform: PC

Time is ticking, and the few androids that survived the war in Arcadia are slowly fading away. Without Anima, the life energy of androids, all hope is lost. Alma takes it upon herself to save her friends from becoming UNSIGHTED. Solve puzzles, gather new tools and abilities, and utilize your weapons to suit your playstyle. UNSIGHTED is a sci-fi, fast-paced action/adventure in a slight mix of Crosscode and Hyper Light Drifter.

7. Flynn: Son of Crimson

• Platform: PC

Retake your homeland from the gripping terror of the Scourge by mastering the art of the Crimson energy. Flynn: Son of Crimson is a 2D action platformer based in the overworld of Rosantica. Armed with blades, claws, and even magic, Flynn is on an arduous quest of discovery and redemption to regain the power of the Guardian Spirits and save his people. Those who enjoyed the combat and gameplay of Momodora: Reverie Under The Moonlight should definitely keep an eye on this title.

6. Garden Story

• Platforms: Nintendo Switch and PC

Since the immense success that was Stardew Valley, we have gotten our fair share of charming yet less memorable farming life sims over the years. However, Garden Story finally brings something different to the table by letting you play as an adorable grape. Concord, the newly-appointed Guardian, must restore the broken community while fending off the Rot that threatens the livelihood of The Grove. Featuring a cozy and inviting atmosphere, Garden Story offers an appealing mix of gameplay mechanics that every life-sim lover will come to enjoy. Meet all manner of friendly fruits, frogs, and fungi to help cultivate your quaint village for the better. Garden Story shows “grape potential” with its cutesy stylized presentation and sweet, positive vibes. 

5. Rune Fencer Illyia

• Platforms: Nintendo Switch and PC

The Kingdom of Ithos is not a place for the faint of heart. Young Runist Illyia of Moonstone must hone her blade and harness powerful runic magic to fight the evil hoards that roam the fallen kingdom and rescue her twin sister Lilly. Rune Fencer Illyia is a spellbinding action-platformer that features intense combat and atmospheric exploration. Notably, Rune Fencer Illyia also boasts of having “over 140 unique, diabolical enemies,” which is quite the enthralling characteristic in a game like this.

4. Little Witch in the Woods

• Platforms: Nintendo Switch and PC

Hopping back into the realm of wholesome adorableness in our list of upcoming pixel art games, we have Little Witch in the Woods, the leisurely daily life of Ellie the Apprentice Witch. To complete her apprenticeship successfully, Ellie must practice the teachings she learned at the Witch School and help make the mysterious fantasy world a better place. Brew magical potions, explore the mystical forest for secrets, become friends with the charming villagers, and enjoy the peaceful life of a witch.

3. Potion Permit

• Platforms: Nintendo Switch, PS4, Xbox One, and PC

Speaking of brewing potions, Moonbury’s residents need healing, and the Medical Association has decided to send their best chemist for the job — you. In the RPG pixel game Potion Permit, you’ll become the ultimate pharmaceutical alchemist as you diagnose symptoms, gather ingredients, brew potions, and cure ailments. Enjoy a peaceful and quiet life in the countryside while building relationships with the townsfolk. Accompanied by your loyal dog companion, help make Moonsbury a better and healthier place to live.

2. ANNO: Mutationem

• Platforms: PS4, PS5, and PC

Join Ann, a Corpo-hating, cyber-brass kicking, and neon blade slashing gal who is on a personal mission to fight the corrupt system of the Metropolis. Welcome to the dark, futuristic Cyberpunk world of ANNO: Mutationem. Merging unique 2D-to-3D gameplay, ANNO: Mutationem has the player seamlessly switch between 2D platforming and action to 3D style exploration. Along with your trusty hacker side-kick Ayane, explore huge breathtaking cities and complex underground structures, interacting with the environment and its inhabitants. 

1. Eastward

• Platforms: Nintendo Switch and PC

Society is on the verge of collapsing, and the human population is at an all-time low. A spreading noxious miasma has forced everyone to begin a new subterranean life below the earth; however, an unlikely duo pursues a fresh start by escaping to the world above. Play as John or Sam, an old miner and a mystical young girl who are out to explore the wonderfully weird world of Eastward. On your journey, you’ll meet strange creatures and even stranger people. The wilds are full of danger at every corner, so best keep your trusty frying pan close and your flamethrower closer. Travel through bustling towns, curious campsites, shady forests, and mysterious dungeons. Eastwards‘ soundtrack is composed by the reputable Joel Corelitz, whose work includes Death Stranding and The Unfinished Swan. 

Are you looking forward to any of the titles from this list? What other upcoming pixel art games are you anticipating this year? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below!