Owlboy (Nintendo Switch, 2018)

Owlboy isn’t just a platformer — it’s a full-blown love letter to pixel art, flight, and emotional storytelling that’ll hit you harder than a boss fight you weren’t ready for. Released in 2018 for Nintendo Switch by D-Pad Studio, this indie masterpiece took nearly a decade to make, and it shows in every feather, frame, and perfectly composed soundtrack note. It’s beautiful, heartbreaking, and just the right amount of weird.

You play as Otus, a mute owl boy who can’t seem to catch a break — until his village gets attacked, and suddenly he’s got to step up and save the world. Instead of just jumping and bopping enemies, you’ll soar through the skies, carry allies with unique abilities, and explore floating islands full of secrets, puzzles, and heart. It’s equal parts exploration and storytelling, with moments that make you go, “Wait, why is this indie game making me feel things?”

The art direction is straight-up gorgeous, blending 16-bit nostalgia with modern polish. Every scene looks like it belongs in a museum for pixel perfectionists. The gameplay is tight and creative, giving you real freedom to fly — and making every discovery feel earned. The writing? Surprisingly deep, with themes of failure, friendship, and finding your voice when you literally don’t have one.

If you want a game that reminds you why you fell in love with gaming in the first place, Owlboy is that reminder. Buy retro games on Retro Games eXchange and experience one of the most heartfelt adventures ever made — a soaring, bittersweet journey through the clouds that proves indie games can hit harder than blockbusters.