UFO 50 is both developed and published by Mossmouth, a studio best known for the indie hit Spelunky. This ambitious project, which released on September 18, 2024, for PC and surprise-launched on the Nintendo Switch on August 7, 2025, is the brainchild of a talented team led by Derek Yu, alongside Jon Perry, Eirik Suhrke, Ojiro Fumoto, Paul Hubans, and Tyriq Plummer.
The concept began in 2016 as a modest collaboration between Yu and Perry, initially prototyping small games in GameMaker. This evolved into a sprawling collection of 50 unique titles, inspired by the chaotic creativity of 1980s multicarts and the fictional narrative of a lost game developer, UFO Soft. Over eight years, the team crafted a love letter to retro gaming, blending nostalgic 8-bit aesthetics with modern design sensibilities.
Content and Features ...
UFO 50 is a collection of 50 distinct games spanning genres like platformers, shoot 'em ups, puzzle games, roguelites, and RPGs, presented as the complete catalog of the fictional UFO Soft for their imaginary LX consoles (1982–1989). Each game is a full experience, not a microgame, with its own title screen, mechanics, and end credits. The collection is immediately accessible, with all 50 games unlocked from the start, encouraging players to browse freely or follow the chronological order to trace UFO Soft’s fictional evolution.
Features include local multiplayer (co-op and versus) in half the titles, a 32-color palette for authentic retro visuals, and a meta-narrative woven through developer notes and recurring characters. Completion mechanics add depth: beating a game earns a gold cartridge border, while achieving tougher “cherry” objectives grants a red border. A terminal for entering cheat codes hints at secrets, including a hidden 51st game, enhancing the exploratory vibe
The Gameplay...
The collection’s diversity is staggering. Barbuta (1982), an adventure platformer, challenges players with trap-filled castles and obtuse mechanics, demanding patience to master its brutal design. Mortol introduces a clever twist on platforming, where players sacrifice lives to create platforms or clear obstacles, balancing strategy with survival. Bushido Ball, a samurai-themed tennis game, blends simple volleying with special moves and increasing difficulty, offering arcade-style fun that can consume hours. Grimstone, a Wild West RPG, is a standout with a 60-hour campaign, streamlined combat, and strategic enemy avoidance, showcasing the collection’s depth. Pingolf mixes pinball and golf for quick, addictive multiplayer sessions, while Campanella 2 features procedurally generated exploration, letting players hop in and out of their UFO to explore shops and caves.
These games range from accessible arcade romps to complex adventures, with goals varying from high-score chases to narrative-driven quests, ensuring broad appeal.
The Presentation ...
UFO 50’s presentation on the Switch is a nostalgic triumph, faithfully recreating the 8-bit era with a 32-color palette and chiptune audio that evoke NES classics. The pixel art varies by game, from the crude, early-80s sprites of Barbuta to the vibrant, detailed visuals of Cyber Owls and Campanella 3, maximizing the retro aesthetic while feeling fresh. In docked mode, the games shine on larger screens, with crisp pixel art and no performance hiccups, making multiplayer sessions (like Hot Foot or Quibble Race) a joy with friends. Handheld mode is equally impressive, with the Switch’s screen enhancing the retro charm, perfect for pick-up-and-play titles like Magic Garden or Seaside Drive.
The audio, with its bleeps and bloops, complements the visuals, though some tracks can feel repetitive over long sessions. Controls are simple, relying on a D-pad and two buttons, ensuring seamless play in both modes, though the lack of touchscreen support is a minor missed opportunity
The Verdict ...
UFO 50 is a resounding success for retro enthusiasts and curious gamers alike, offering an unparalleled blend of quantity, quality, and creativity for its $25 - $35 price tag. With 50 full-fledged games, including arcade-style score-chasers and sprawling RPGs, the collection delivers hundreds of hours of content. Its replay value is immense, driven by challenging “cherry” objectives, multiplayer modes, and a secret meta-game that rewards exploration.
While some titles’ obtuse mechanics may frustrate casual players, the sheer variety ensures everyone will find multiple gems. On the Switch, its portability and retro controller compatibility make it a perfect fit, whether for quick sessions or deep dives. UFO 50 is a must-buy for anyone who loves retro gaming or innovative indie projects, easily justifying its cost with a treasure trove of nostalgic brilliance.
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