If Contra’s lightning-fast action stole your heart then the following run and gun platformer games are not to be missed.
Valfaris Full Metal
If sadistic punishment had a name then Valfaris is my top vote. The aesthetics of this game are truly extraordinary. The game exudes an edgy vibe in a surprisingly delightful manner, with its over-the-top violence, abundance of gratuitous gore, and an array of cheesy one-liners scattered throughout the experience.
Valfaris represents Steel Mantis’ second foray into the world of heavy metal-inspired 2D action-platformers, following their initial success with Slain! back in 2016. Evidently, the studio has wholeheartedly embraced this style, making it their signature hallmark for delivering captivating and adrenaline-pumping gaming experiences.
The inspiration for this game is quite obvious and it proudly wears it on a sleeve. That being said, while the game is quite harsh, there are methods and ways to outsmart every encounter.
Valfaris boasts an incredibly vast arsenal, boasting a staggering selection of twenty distinct weapons, each adorned with awe-inspiring names like “Envoy Of Destruction” and “Hellhammer,” now hailed as one of the all-time top-notch videogame shotguns.
The game’s richness lies in its multitude of options, allowing players to tackle encounters in countless ways by experimenting with various loadout combinations. As a result, Valfaris offers surprisingly high replayability, as even after completing the game, players will likely discover they haven’t fully explored at least ten of the remarkable weapons at their disposal.
Moreover, the production values of Valfaris are simply outstanding. The game’s visuals are beautifully gruesome, and I say that as the highest compliment. The pixelated art is so masterfully crafted that it would bring tears of pride to the artists of Heavy Metal magazine.
The plethora of supremely well-designed and challenging boss encounters is a sight to behold, featuring firebreathing cybersnakes, mummies wielding sniper rifles, massive eyeballs, and over a dozen other awe-inspiring foes that will keep players on their toes.
Available on- Microsoft Windows, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Amazon Luna.
Couch co-op support- No.
Blazing Chrome
Blazing Chrome is an absolute gem! As a Sega Genesis enthusiast from our childhood, this game flawlessly captures the nostalgic essence of classic run-and-gun, Contra-like gameplay from that era. Its setting and audio/visual ambiance are steeped in the 90s chic, evoking a wave of nostalgia that’s hard to resist.
Without a doubt, had Blazing Chrome been released back in those days, it would have been an instant mega-hit, captivating gamers worldwide with its retro charm and thrilling action-packed gameplay.
While Blazing Chrome thrives on its abundant retro appeal, it cleverly incorporates numerous modern quality-of-life (QOL) additions, making it feel incredibly fresh in contemporary times. The inclusion of dodge rolls, level select, and a well-designed checkpoint/save system are all exceptional enhancements that elevate the gameplay experience to new heights.
Even without these features, the game would still be outstanding, but their presence further enriches the overall enjoyment, providing a seamless and convenient experience for players of today.
Available on- Microsoft Windows, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Amazon Luna.
Couch co-op support- Yes.
Huntdown
Huntdown proudly stands as a heartfelt homage to the myriad of riot movies from the vibrant 80s era. Brace yourself for an exhilarating ride filled with explosions, clamor, and pixelated blood, reminiscent of the action-packed extravaganzas of that time.
The game treats players to a barrage of empty yet entertaining jokes, vile villains, and a stylish synthesizer soundtrack that perfectly complements the ballerfest atmosphere, delivering an electrifying experience that pays homage to the beloved spirit of 80s cinema.
In this gritty, futuristic metropolis, you step into the shoes of one of three skilled bounty hunters, each seeking their fortune by taking on dangerous assignments. With 20 intense levels ahead, you’ll find yourself confronting brutal street gangs, engaging in epic battles to bring law and order to the chaotic city streets.
The true highlight lies in the 20 diverse and meticulously crafted bosses. From massive mechs and attack helicopters to lightning-fast ninja sisters, mutated hockey players wielding mini-guns, and an Elvis impersonator on a flying motorcycle with a lance, each boss fight is a unique and exhilarating experience like no other.
Available on-Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, macOS, Android, iOS.
Couch co-op support- Yes.
Cyber Shadow
Cyber Shadow offers a well-rounded experience that draws inspiration from the best of the NES era. For fans of this classic gaming style, it is an absolute must-buy. However, if you consider yourself a more casual player, you might want to hold off on tackling the challenging achievements. Nonetheless, the game promises a nostalgic and thrilling journey for those who appreciate the charm of retro gaming.
The game’s story is captivating, blending various cyberpunk tropes while carving out its unique place among familiar works. Our protagonist, a ninja with a mechanical body, is now bound to fulfill the will of a dragon spirit.
On this journey, he will come across the remnants of his former clan. The narrative is primarily delivered through computer terminals featuring text or cutscenes, evoking a nostalgic NES gaming experience.
Characters in the story remain relatively static, lacking significant development, which aligns well with the thematic essence of NES games. While some aspects could benefit from expansion or better explanations, the potential for a sequel could easily address those areas and further enrich the already intriguing plot.
The gameplay in this package offers a rollercoaster of experiences, ranging from smooth, tight, and fantastic platforming moments to challenging and punishing sections that can feel like an endless death fest. While often compared to the classic Ninja Gaiden, it also shares gameplay aspects with Shadow of the Ninja (1990).
As you progress, your character acquires a satisfying array of moves, which come in handy regularly throughout the game. However, the special weapons present a mixed bag, some being situational and not always ideal for the current predicament, while others feel a bit too powerful. Nevertheless, using all of these weapons is an enjoyable aspect of the gameplay, adding variety and excitement to the overall experience.
Available on-Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4,Playstation 5, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, macOS, Linux.
Couch co-op support- No.
Katana Zero
“Katana Zero” emerges as an electrifying indie slash-and-dash experience, delivering an adrenaline-fueled rush of action. While drawing inspiration from the intense gameplay of “Hotline Miami,” it weaves a gripping tale of a drug-addicted neo-noir-inspired samurai, who relies on injecting needles into his body.
Honoring its influences, the game masterfully refines the classic one-hit-kill mechanic, infusing it with a fresh, exhilarating, and innovative twist that takes players by surprise. With its stylish kimono-clad protagonist, “Katana Zero” carves its own path as a standout and thrilling gaming adventure.
Embark on an enthralling journey as you assume the role of a mysterious samurai assassin, gifted with the extraordinary ability to control time and foresee the future. With ingenious and enjoyable storytelling, each level unfolds as a tactical assassination plan. Rather than facing defeat, your precognition gracefully rewinds the moment, accompanied by a nostalgic VCR effect, urging you to rethink your approach and discover a path that avoids your demise.
This ingenious mechanic adds a thrilling twist to the gameplay, providing you with the chance to find the perfect solution to ensure your success in this gripping adventure.
In the spotlight of Katana Zero lies its captivating time-bending samurai action, which steals the show. Supported by a distinctive presentation and engaging dialogue, the game manages to prop up a plot that, at times, feels reserved, holding back its most compelling ideas for a potential sequel.
As an action-packed experience, the game’s relatively shorter length offers a quick yet satisfying fix, leaving players yearning for more as they anxiously await the next exhilarating installment to satiate their cravings.
Available on-Microsoft Windows, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, macOS.
Couch co-op support- No.
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