Have you ever wondered what your favorite games would look like if they were made in a simpler time? That’s the magic of video game demakes.
By stripping modern hits down to retro graphics and streamlined mechanics, we have the opportunity to uncover the heart of what makes each title unforgettable, reminding us why we fell in love with them in the first place.
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Back in my day!
The pixelated terror of Dead Space, the Nintendo Entertainment System-era charm of Breath of the Wild, and the chaotic, pulse-pounding frenzy of Ultrakill—each one takes you back to roots of video gaming.
Apart from making the souls of AAA icons more accessible to lower-end systems, there’s just such a thrill seeing modern favorites transported to the past—especially if its done as well as those on this list.
10Escape the Ayuwoki
Annie, Are You Okay?
This demake takes the unsettling Ayuwoki meme—rooted in the eerie origins of Michael Jackson’s “Annie, Are You Okay?"—and turns it into a surreal experience.
The pixelated visuals add a dreamlike, almost otherworldly feel, while the lo-fi sound design intensifies every creak and groan, heightening the tension.
The claustrophobic spaces remain as chilling as ever, but theever-popular PS1-style horroraesthetic amplifies the dread in ways you wouldn’t expect. It’s a creative twist on the original, proving that sometimes limitations in horror push it into truly unforgettable territory.
This is definitely one of the more fascinating stories behind a game. The pipeline from missing French woman to hit song to iconic internet meme to retro-styled game is a strange path to follow.
9Retrokill
Fewer Pixels Takes Away Nothing
Retrokill channels the chaos of Ultrakill into a retro shooter that’s pure adrenaline. The pixelated blood splatter, frenetic movement, and fast-paced combat are an homage to the 90s arcade era that I missed by a few years.
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Every encounter is a visceral thrill, and the simplified graphics focus your attention on the unrelenting gameplay.
It’s proof that you don’t need cutting-edge visuals to create a heart-pounding experience. If you’re into classic shooters, this one’s a must-play.
8Watch Dogs 1985
Retro Hack-‘N-Slash
Watch Dogs
Here we have a brilliant mash-up of retro visuals and modern gameplay ideas. The pixelated cyberpunk aesthetic is a perfect backdrop for hack-‘n-slash chaos, and the gameplay’s emphasis on stealth and problem-solving feels right at home in this framework.
Even with the limited graphics, the gritty narrative still packs a punch. It’s a fascinating look at how Watch Dogs could have existed in a simpler time, and it’s endlessly engaging.
I might be biased because I have a particular fondness for retro games, but, in this case, the demake trumps the original.
7Bit of War
Mythical Grandeur On A Pixelated Scale
God of War
Bit of War reimagines Kratos’ rage-filled odyssey in a retro pixel-art format that manages to retain the soul of the original God of War.
The gritty brutality and mythological weight are captured beautifully in its vintage aesthetic, while tight combat and grand boss fights deliver a classic beat-‘em-up vibe.
While it’s an impressive homage, I’ll admit the retro platforming style takes some intensity away from the experience.
God of War’s gripping immersion and epic stakes feel pared down here, and depending on your platform, the controls can be a little frustrating. That said, the emotional resonance and storytelling are still intact, proving great games can transcend time and tech.
I enjoyed this one, andIf you enjoy robust 2D platformers, you might too. If you’re playing it for the franchise name, temper your expectations.
6Luigi’s Mansion
Charming & Spooky
Luigi’s Mansion
This Luigi’s Mansion demake is an absolute treat.
The pixel art feels like it’s been plucked straight out of the NES library, with just enough eerie charm to keep things spooky without losing the whimsy.
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The puzzles are cleverly adapted, and Luigi’s timid, lovable character shines through. Despite its retro simplicity, the game still immerses you fully in its story.
It’s perfect for anyone looking to revisit Luigi’s ghost-hunting adventures with a nostalgic twist.
Survival In Deep Space
Dead Space
Dead Space in retro form might sound like it’s losing its edge, but this demake keeps the terror alive and well.
The pixelated corridors of the USG Ishimura are claustrophobic in the best way, with every shadowy corner adding to the tension.
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Strategic dismemberment and resource management translate surprisingly well to the simplified mechanics, and the haunting sound design—even in lo-fi—still gets under your skin.
It’s proof that atmosphere and gameplay trump flashy visuals when it comes to delivering a truly chilling experience.
4Super Odyssey 2D
Steeped In Nostalgia
Super Mario Odyssey
Super Odyssey 2D is like opening a time capsule filled with joy.
I grew up playing the original Super Mario Bros with my sister on a classic NES, so this felt like a nostalgic homecoming. The pixelated kingdoms are vibrant, the mechanics—including Cappy—are incredibly well-done, and it perfectly captures Mario’s adventures’ playful spirit perfectly.
It’s a brilliant blend of old and new, proving Mario’s magic can thrive in any era—it’s no wonder Mario is stillone of the best Switch gamesin history.
Calling it a love letter to the franchise sounds like I’m laying it on a little thick, but that’s the nature of independently developed demakes.
3Zelda Retro Wild
Open Your Eyes
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
Zelda Retro Wild takes Breath of the Wild’s expansive wonder and wraps it in charming NES-era visuals.
The Great Plateau becomes a pixelated playground, cleverly adapting the tutorial area from the original game into this nostalgic world. The shrines are now delightful dungeons, and the sense of exploration feels just as rewarding in its simplified form.
The 8-bit graphics are so on point it almost feels like an original Game Boy title rather than a demake.
It’s incredible how the game manages to capture both the essence of modern Zelda and the series’ roots. For me, it’s a heartwarming and adventurous trip back in time.
Silksong When? Silksong Now!
Hollow Knight
Silksong’s demake takes everything hauntingly beautiful about the Hollow Knight universe and translates it into pixelated perfection.
Hornet’s acrobatics feel fluid, the combat is as sharp as ever, and the eerie atmosphere lingers even with simplified visuals—or perhaps because of them.
Exploring the world feels just as rewarding, and the game’s challenge is perfectly intact. This is simply a nostalgic hit. I love how it strips back the Hollow Knight, but never loses what made the original one of thebest indie games to hit the big leagues.
1Elden Ring Demake
An undisputed number one—at least in my eyes. Elden Ring’s vast, intricate world gets a pixelated makeover in this jaw-dropping demake, but it keeps the sprawling mystery and awe.
The pixel-art dungeons and bosses still feel just as intimidating and grand, and the gameplay preserves that signature tough-but-fair challenge.
Unlike many demakes that simplify things into platformers, this one stays faithful to the brutal combat and layered storytelling—if anything, it doubles down on kicking your ass.
The PS1-style graphics hit a nostalgic sweet spot without detracting from the game’s original appeal. Be prepared to die—and love every second of it.
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