#10: CrossCode (Radical Fish)

This one was years in the making, and boy did it live up to expectations. Development started back in 2012, and the game was crowdfunded on Indiegogo in 2015. Finally this year we got the end result, and it stands tall among other RPGs of its flavor. Visually rich, wonderful story… worth checking out if you’re a fan of the RPG genre!

#9: Log Jammers (Mega Cat Studios)

I wrote about these guys earlier in the year; their main deal is producing physical cartridges for the NES and other senior platforms, providing exciting new games for old systems. Though any of their releases would belong on this list, Log Jammers really is their flagship title for me. Fast-paced, exciting, and with a play style like deadly tennis, Log Jammers will remind you of your reflexes and provide a hefty challenge worthy of any thumb-fu master.

#8: Dusk (David Szymanski)

A retro-style FPS game released early this year, Dusk gained a lot of traction as 2018 went on… for good reason. Gameplay is immersive but surprisingly light for the theme, and the mood is weird and spooky. It’s a great piece of work, well balanced between action and story. Following in the tradition of its forebears, Dusk puts the bloody meat of solid single-player FPS action back on the menu.

#7: The Messenger (Sabotage Studio)

This title made a huge splash on Steam, and was released for many consoles as well. An oldschool platformer with a ton of delightful new twists, The Messenger has a nice storyline to chew on, artfully lush use of pixel graphics, and addictive gameplay that will keep you hooked. Really worth a look if you want a supercharged game in the vein of the original Ninja Gaiden series.

#6: Octopath Traveler (Square Enix)

All I should need to say is, “Square Enix released an RPG this year.” This lives up to the legacy and more. Visually, it is absolutely GORGEOUS. True to the tradition, the turn-based combat will seem familiar enough to veterans, but hold enough new aspects to retain interest. Yet another absolutely worthwhile title from the vaunted halls of Square.

#5: Celeste (Matt Thorson/Noel Berry)

Celeste is a masterwork video game. There is so much evidence of the love that went into this platformer, from the delightful graphics to the tight gameplay that leaves you nearly breathless. The prototype for this title was developed in four days, but this was no rush job – Celeste bears out as a game lovingly made by skilled hands.

#4: Into The Breach (Subset Games)

Released in February by the same folks who brought us the fantastic starship game FTL, this giant robot strategic pound-em-up holds all the same epicness, and more! While strategy-style games are rarely my bag, I still found myself sucked into this one. Wonderful depth and options lend real weight to this exciting mecha-pulse pounder.

#3: Megaman 11 (Capcom)

Capcom released another entry into the Megaman series this year, and they didn’t try to modernize it or doctor it up; they just stuck with the same filthy-rich side-scrolling action we know and love. 11 could sit right on your gaming shelf alongside all those having come before it, and belong there. I was doubly impressed by Megaman 11, since I’ve never really loved the series like so many do, and yet I was blown away by it. It has helped warm me to the franchise. That’s saying something!

#2: Bloodstained: Curse of the Moon (Inti Creates)

Another long-awaited indie game that went through the crowdfunding paces before hitting home, Curse of the Moon is like the Castlevania 3 we all wanted in our heart of hearts. Multiple characters, multiple endings and paths, and insane CV-style gameplay. As a longtime Castlevania fan, I was deeply impressed with this love letter to not only the franchise but the style. If you love this stuff like I do, you must play this one.

#1: Dead Cells (Motion Twin)

I have a friend I play D&D with, who tends to pick up these games before I do. I’m a hard sell sometimes, but he stayed on me about this one (thank you, Ben). I’m infinitely thankful. I could gush about Dead Cells all day. Procedurally-generated levels, action-packed stealth combat gameplay that demands both reflexes and cleverness, and a soundtrack to die for. This one’s picked up quite a few awards already, and when you lay eyes and hands upon it, you’ll see why immediately. Dead Cells has become a “daily” for me. I put in at least a half-hour daily. I’m helpless not to. Check it out ASAP!

2018. Another year into the future. The years seem to fly by, especially as we get older… but we’re always young so long as we remember how to play. Don’t you ever forget! And may 2019 be all you wish it to! Stay retro!

Wytches

Wytches writer Scott Snyder may be most famous for his modern run of Batman, but before that he teamed with Stephen King to deliver the stellar American Vampire. In 2014, Snyder refined those horror credentials by making one of the most unique horror comics, and one which was visually rendered in stunning detail by artist Jock. In a horror landscape where everything seems like an imitation of something else, it’s frighteningly delightful to see an imagining of witches in a completely unique way. There are no witches like Snyder’s witches, and because of that there are few books like Wytches. What would happen to you if you were pledged to the beasts of the forest?

Clean Room

Gail Simone is one of the most consistent comic book writers when it comes to her work with mainstream superheroes. One of the things that makes Clean Room so compelling is that is manages to be so tonally different from her other work while being perhaps her strongest offering as a writer.  With the Going Clear documentary giving popularity to the subject, Simone’s scary take down of a movement that bears a resemblance to Scientology is worth a read. Jon Davis-Hunt’s art perfectly compliments Simone’s story, and brings it to vivid life.

Abbott

Saladin Ahmed cut his teeth writing critically acclaimed novels. When he recently transitioned to comics, it became apparent that he had found a medium that really worked for his emotionally-driven storytelling. Noir stories lend themselves to horror well. This story of a detective solving a series of occult-connected murders gradually expands its own story. It builds its world so well that it’s hard not to wish it was longer. Sami Kivela’s artwork is straightforward, but it’s hard to imagine this comic looking any different.  It feels very classic in its delivery, but the comic feels so fresh.

Harrow County

Though it recently ended, Harrow County was a wild ride. Writer Cullen Bunn and artist Tyler Crook have created a genuinely scary comic. Each Harrow County arc somehow manages to outdo the already high bar the previous sets. At 32 issues, or 8 collected volumes, the comic feels like a sprawling, large novel that never feels tedious. It wastes little time in grabbing readers with Bunn’s stellar storytelling.  Crook’s skill with visual storytelling make this a stunning book loaded with memorable images.

The Walking Dead Vol. 1

I know. I know. We’ve reached the point of oversaturation with The Walking Dead that it makes dabbing and fidget spinners seem hip and new. Still, it probably deserves as much credit for comics being as culturally relevant today Marvel’s films. Reading the first volume of The Walking Dead, it’s not surprising that this became such an enormous cultural moment. Robert Kirkman delivers an incredible story. The building blocks of a major pop culture reference points are obvious almost immediately.

Uzumaki

As a piece of fiction, this manga may be the single scariest work on this entire list. While most of Junji Ito’s work feels obviously a cut above the majority of horror fiction, it’s in Uzumaki that Ito crafted what will likely be remembered as his definitive work from both a narrative and visual perspective. In a way that few have ever matched, Ito makes a concept as abstract as a spiral the most haunting and horrifying sight buried within in a panel. This story of a town haunted by spirals is terrifying and memorable. We don’t want to give too much away. If you just jump in, you won’t regret it. This book will consume you.

In the Flesh

This Korem Shadmi anthology is, in a lot of ways, a collection of love stories. The short story make-up of In the Flesh allows for fast, single-sitting readings of stories. For a unifying theme, Shadmi focuses on love, or, more accurately, desire. Anybody who has ever had a crush knows that they don’t always make us feel good. Sometimes our desire for someone can be, for lack of a better word, crushing. Shadmi captures that feeling with frightening precision. That fear is exponentially increased when our desires are perverse or warped.  

From Hell

From Hell is an overlooked gem in Alan Moore’s iconic bibliography. While not as radically influential as Watchmen or his work with Superman, Moore gives the Whitechapel murders an air of conspiracy and paranoia that feels real in a way that a lot of Jack the Ripper stories struggle with. If conspiracies are our way of making sense of the senseless, Moore obviously attempted to give significance to a story that has been commodified to an extent that the horror of it is sometimes lost. Moore never lets you forget that horror. His attempt to apply sense to it is proportionate to the brutality of the crimes themselves.

Long Lost

Long Lost is one of the best and most distinct comics in recent years, and as it is continuing it’s second and final arc at the time of this writing, it’s as good a time as any to jump on board and grab the first volume — a release we anticipated earlier in the year. With Long Lost, series writer Matthew Erman has crafted a world inhabited by such believable characters and strong emotional arcs that you can imagine them reacting to situations not presented on the page. Series artist Lisa Sterle gives the comic a look that draws from a number of influences, but with the end result of being something utterly distinct. The story of two sisters and their strange odyssey to their roots is not a story you should miss.       

Beautiful Darkness

If you stop this list right now and read Beautiful Darkness without reading anything else about it, I promise you that you will not expect what this book is. It’s upsetting, weird, difficult, and utterly terrifying. We don’t want to give too much away, but just know that even if it may seem cute and whimsical in the first few pages, this French comic becomes everything but. This truly scary and truly unusual book will likely be remembered for years to come. And we suspect that the reveals it has in store will stick with readers for a long time. 

10. Morgan Willis – Turbo Flash

French producer Morgan Willis kicked off March of 2017 by dropping one of the most atmospheric releases of the year in EP Turbo Flash. The music on the six track release is frequently chilled out, but never anything short of vibrant.

https://morganwillisofficial.bandcamp.com/album/turbo-flash

9. Nightcrawler – Jaegermeister Galaxy Hunter

The end of 2017 saw a flurry of stellar releases, with Nightcrawler’s latest EP rivaling his full length for best dark synthwave release of the year. The skill with which Nightcrawler makes his songs and the ear for infectious melodies he has makes this a release that would charm darksynth’s biggest detractors.

https://nightcrawler.bandcamp.com/album/j-germeister-galaxy-hunter

8. Undervatten – Politics

Undervatten’s skill at crafting songs that are equal parts strange and memorably catchy can’t be overstated. Undervatten’s October release of Politics without a doubt makes this an artist to watch in 2018. This EP’s already instantly recognizable style is going to be worth seeking out.

https://newretrowave.bandcamp.com/album/politics

7. Renz Wild – Super Stereo Sound

Late November 2017 saw the release of Renz Wild’s deeply rhythmic and infectious EP Super Stereo Sound, a release where every sound occupies such a well defined sonic space and contributes to groove. Of the EP’s on this list, this might be the most difficult to sit still while listening.

https://future80s.bandcamp.com/album/super-stereo-sound

6. Michael Oakley – California

Which brings us here. It is absolutely ridiculous that California is Michael Oakley’s first EP. It is so fully realized, memorable, and unique that it will likely be one of the releases that converts strangers to the scene into synthwave fans. In another life, Michael Oakley must have been a pop sensation, because the hooks here are unbelievable. https://michaeloakleysynthwave.bandcamp.com/album/california

5. Midnight Driver – Discotek

Diskotek is just such an odd album that’s few of expectation defying moments — moments which litter just about every song. It’s a dynamic release that sees Midnight Driver doing things with synthwave that few if any other artists are trying, and the sheer inventiveness of the tracks makes the EP exhilarating to play loudly.

https://future80s.bandcamp.com/album/discotek

4. Turboslash – EP II

Put on any song from Turboslash’s EP II if you haven’t heard it yet. After about five seconds you need to pick your jaw up since it hit the floor about four seconds earlier. The songs Turboslash crafted are so high energy that it’s hard to come down after listening to the tense and euphoric 6 tracks that all work individual and as a cohesive whole.

https://newretrowave.bandcamp.com/album/ep-ii

3. Waveshaper – Velocity

It’s safe to say that any new Waveshaper music is going to be met with excitement, yet somehow Velocity still had a surprising amount of quality despite the amount of hype accumulated from last year’s incredible Station Nova. The EP shows Waveshaper at their most cinematic and shouldn’t be overlooked.

https://waveshaper1.bandcamp.com/album/velocity

2. Timecop1983 – Lovers pt. 2

2017 proved that a lot of things in this world are not as stable or predictable as you might have once thought. Take solace in knowing that you can always count on Timecop1983 to not only release good music, but release music that reminds you of how much you love synthwave in the first place, why you love synthwave, and the way that this music has such a powerful delivery when done right, and Lovers pt. 2 is this music being done by one of the best in the scene.

https://timecop1983.bandcamp.com/album/lovers-ep-part-ii

1. The Midnight – Nocturnal

LA-based The Midnight’s Nocturnal had some of the most romantic, dreamiest synthwave of the year, all with a vocal delivery that stands out in the scene. Within two minutes of opening track “Shadows”, there’s at least three parts of The Midnight’s production that inspire chills. Whether its his subtle use of synthy flourishes floating around his tracks, the larger-than-life grandiosity with which the music presents itself, or the way he’ll manipulate his own synth sounds or vocals that sound unique and standout in a year littered with incredible EPs. And if that wasn’t enough, he probably has the best use of a saxophone sound in the past two years in the scene.

https://themidnight.bandcamp.com/album/nocturnal

10. Bug!

Source: DC Comics

DC’s Young Animal line of comics is in 2017 what Image comics was in years past — acting as the cool and alternative brand of comics that can quickly let a room know how hip you are, even if this brand is a subset of one of the Big Two. Similarly to how the US network the CW uses superhero shows to pay the bills of its less watched, more mature content, DC’s more mainstream superhero comics allow Young Animal curator Gerard Way and his band of innovative comic creators to do much the same with a punk rock and experimental aesthetic. Few comics encapsulate what makes Young Animal as enticing as it is as Bug!: The Adventures of Forager has enough psychedelic mind bending wrapped in an Andy Warhol-meets-early-80’s-heroics that it’s obvious that writer Lee Allred and artist Mike Allred have made something special.

9. Robotech

Source: Den of Geek

After Gundam, few science fiction space opera anime have more prestige, acclaim, or following than Robotech. Titan Comics’ series returning to that iconic world has been filled with strong art from Marco Turini, but it’s Brian Wood’s writing that really puts the series into the next level of comics, to the point that it no longer feels like a licensed comic and becomes closer to essential reading for fans.

8. Misfit City

Source: Comixology

We covered Misfit City back when it debuted, and the Goonies-esque charm that the series revels in has only gotten stronger with time, as the incorporation of Astoria inspiration and post-Goonies reference points has created a world that NRW readers wouldn’t be able to help being won over by. What makes this comic truly great, however, is the cast of characters, a group of, well, misfits that would make any setting or plot instantly believable.

7. The Kamandi Challenge

Source: Weird Science DC Comics

The form that The Kamandi Challenge takes and the process by which it was made is arguably more impressive than the stories or art that it contains, but the strength of the stories and images shouldn’t be overlooked. This book saw an ever-rotating buffet of artists and writers giving love to an oft-overlooked DC character, and all in honor of Jack Kirby, a man whose influence on the medium is felt in nearly every facet of the artform today.

6. Black Hammer

Source: Twitter

Ever since Watchmen laid waste to the barrier between comics as pulpy fiction and literary narratives, a lot of comics have tried to take that post-modern torch and run with it to varying degrees of success, but few felt as true of successors to Alan Moore’s savage deconstruction of caped heroes quite like Jeff Lemire’s Black Hammer. This shouldn’t come as a surprise, as Lemire’s work on Bloodshot Reborn and The Nobody already proved that he’s one of the best comic writers of his generation. A memorable cast of characters makes this post-hero age series on of the most exciting comics of 2017.

5. Silver Surfer

Source: My Free Wallpapers

Few titles have warrented double takes when glancing at covers quite like Dan Slott’s Silver Surfer. From the cover to the core, Silver Surfer nails its aesthetic, which takes equal inspiration from Jim Starlin’s classic Marvel cosmic stories and Jack Kirby. Slott’s tale of the former herald of Galactus has been described as a “cosmic romance”, and its hard not to get hooked by the exciting story that he started around two years ago and finished this year.

4. Big Trouble in Little China / Escape From New York

Source: Screen Rant

This comic didn’t need to be as good as it was. In many ways, it had no business being as good as it was. From #1 to #6, the team behind the Big Trouble in Little Chine / Escape From New York crossover took the ball and ran with it. The two source materials are some of John Carpenter’s most tonally different titles, but a strong comedic sensibility, kinetic art, and lush coloring made this comic make sense, where a lesser creative team would have simply made fanfiction. It’s short, it’s sweet, and, above all, its a fulfilling comic.

3. Doom Patrol

Source: DC Comics

If Bug! was the sleeper hit of the Young Animal line, Doom Patrol has been its blockbuster. Penned by Young Animal curator Gerard Way, who is quickly making his work in My Chemical Romance something of a footnote in his comic book career, delivers a story that is a more than rightful heir to the throne vacated when Grant Morrison left the title decades ago. Doom Patrol is hard to summarize as far as plot goes, but instantly understandable when you jump into any issue. The narrative jazz is accompanied perfectly by the same kind of retro aesthetic that dominates Young Animal titles, but that feels particularly appropriate in this book.

2. Mech Cadet Yu

Source: Syfy

Mech Cadet Yu is a special comic. That might sound overly sentimental, but its hard to read it and not feel like you have something rare in front of your eyes. It has the kind of timelessness and immediate immersiveness that would make most science fiction stories envious. Greg Pak write protagonists with huge amounts of relatability as rule, but with Mech Cadet Yu, he delivers his best work as a writer.

1. The Power of the Dark Crystal

Source: The Hollywood Reporter

Here’s a brutally honest opinion from somebody who reads way too many liscenced comics. Most comics that act as supplements to other forms of media are garbage. The comics on this list are exceptions, and this year few comics were as exceptional as The Power of the Dark Crystal. Not only was this comic the best retro-inspired comic series of 2017, it was, like the previous three entries on this list, one of the best comics in general of the entire year. Not only has author Simon Spurrier made the world that Jim Henson created feel as real and full of intricacies and stories in a way that only Henson himself was able to with the source material, but the art team of Kelly and Nichole Matthews has created one of the most visually impressive and gorgeous looking books in recent years, and one which fans of stories in general should read.

10.) The Tick

Source: Amazon

The Tick is back in action and again live action. Too bad it’s not on regular cable.

9.)Samurai Jack 

Source: Comicbook.com

Jack returned to us in the form of a mini-series to answer some of the questions left unanswered from the previous series. Animation n story is flawless victory.

8.) Mindhunter

Source: Vulture

Although at times a drag. The actors playing the specific killers are engaging. And even if you’re bored, it’s Fincher doing what he does best and destroying the romanticism around serial killers that girls on the internet flutter over.

7.) Twin Peaks

Source: Business Insider

I didn’t much like it nor knew what the hell was going on. However, it’s David Lynch doing whatever the hell he wanted and you couldn’t ask for more… Maybe more Audrey?

6.) She’s Gotta Have It

Source: Netflix

Rarely has a show blown up my phone with people requesting I watch something… I will not spoil it. It’s urban Spike Lee pulp with a lot heart n laughs.

5.) The Deuce

Source: Hollywood Reporter

Filmed in NYC to resemble the drug infested, hooker littered, dirty Times Square of yesterday.. an all star cast, all stars I tell you. Even Francisco is good playing a set of twins.. unapologetic and in your face. Sex, nudity, profanity, violence and dread – it’s New York City baby.

4.) Mike Judge:Tales from the Tour Bus

Source: IndieWire

Imagine the art style of King of the Hill and Beavis & Butthead and the actual behind the scene tales of the great outlaw country music icons: Tammy Wynett, Johnny Paycheck, Jerry Lee Lewis, Waylon Jennings and George Jones.. I’ve watched it a bunch of times and people think I’m crazy.. but it’s really good.

3.) The Get Down: Season 1 – Part 2

Source: The Hollywood Reporter

1970s South Bronx, directed by the dude who made Romeo & Juliet and Moulin Rouge. I binged this entire unfortunately cancelled series in one sitting with family.. Amazing. Jimmy Smits is dynamite in this series. WATCH IT! Only downside is Jaden Smiths storyline either it was rushed or not but the actors definitely didn’t go for it in that story arc.

2.) Stranger Things: Season 2

Source: Digital Spy

A lot more emotion and levity in this one. Probably because we’ve already fallen in love with the characters. Not much is different same monster just more of them, a new mega monster controlling the upside down. The kids are older and new kids enrolled into the shenanigans. Only episode I’m like ehhhh about is the episode everyone is “eh” about. But the series is going strong into season 3.

1.) The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel

Source: Paste Magazine

Oh my god this show is so freaking good. It’s on Amazon Prime. Thanks story of a quick witted quirky yet prissy upper westside Jewish woman who one night discovers her husband is leaving her for his younger secretary. After a night of walking in the rain, drinking a bottle of wine, walks into a beat generation era open mic and starts waxing poetic about her life in hilarious earnest and befriends an amateur talent agent and the almighty Lenny Bruce. 1960s NYC in full pastel and pencil skirt glory. The music is outstanding with some cuts from the Go Go’s and others thrown in at closing credits. You like comedy, you like family drama with a hint of levity. WATCH THIS SHOW. 

We normally talk about the literal classics in my articles: games that came out when we were young, that defined our video game experience as we grew into what we are now. However, sometimes I like to shine a deserved spotlight on modern titles that seek to recapture that gold-spun retro feel. They may do it through their setting, their style, even their subject matter. The idea continues to not only sustain itself, but to grow in popularity. Here are the ten games from 2017 that have really stood out in that manner… dare we say, the best of the year.

#10

Door Kickers: Action Squad

Killhouse Games

“exitus acta probat” translation: sometimes you gotta shoot down a fucking door.

A true inheritor of the run-and-gun bloodline, Action Squad is one part squad tactics, one part gunfighting action and two parts high-octane RIDICULOUS. This side-scrolling pixel style number is reminiscent of the earlier Broforce, but its multiplayer and goal-oriented facets are more strongly emphasized. The game has made a deep impact on Steam, even before its full release. Bust down doors, wreck perps, and get wrecked in turn. Action Squad is one of those games where you can’t even get mad when your guy dies, because you’ll be laughing your ass off.

#9

Shadows of Adam

Something Classic Games, LLC

This is home. This is where you belong.

If you are one of those diehard fans of the classic Super NES era JRPGs, then this is a must-have for you. Rich, lush pixel graphics combine with a strong soundtrack and a killer storyline to recapture the magic of the genre the way it was when games still came in cartridges. Shadows of Adam also features a refreshing AP combat system, which encourages economical and clever battle strategy outside of the time-honored “thwock and be thwocked back” method. Definitely recommended for RPG fanss who love the classic formula but could do with a bit of a twist.

#8

CrossCode

Radical Fish Games

Only one example of the stunning visuals you will encounter in CrossCode.

And then there’s THIS neo-retro RPG masterpiece. The best way I could describe this one would be: if all those classic SNES RPGs smoked an undiluted hit of action and stuffed their backpack with all the great bells and whistles that have become part of the RPG genre from then to now… but still stayed true to the form you first knew. CrossCode is the story of a mute girl who logs into an MMO from the future, but there’s more to it than that (PLAY IT). The game’s got talent trees, side quests, a slick story, and incredibly sick 2D graphics in the JRPG style. You won’t just be engaging in live full-action combat (a step up from the one thing that could be considered boring about the old school source material), you’ll be solving puzzles and exploring a huge game world. There’s tons to suck in old school RPG fans and action junkies alike.

#7

Flint Hook

Tribute Games, Inc.

The game’s selling point can be summed up in two words… SICK. MOVES.

This side-scrolling action plunderfest is a real gem with a lot going for it. Flint Hook combines incredibly fun gameplay elements with undeniably old-school audiovisual elements to provide an addictive time sink worthy of any gamer’s thumbs. The levels are procedurally generated, which means the game’s replay value is through the roof. There’s nothing not to love about Flint Hook; playing as a space bounty-hunter with a neat array of gadgets and an endless supply of daunting challenges makes for one hell of a fantastic voyage. There’s also a ton of achievements worth unlocking, since nearly all of them give you something tangible and/or equippable in the game. Tribute Games has really crafted a great example of game design with this one!

#6

Orbt XL

Nickervision Studios

This barely does it justice. Peep this video of someone rocking hard. You’ll get the idea.

An addictive yet easy to pick up game, eloquent in its simplicity, Orbt XL makes the list not only for its popularity but for its sheer playability. While it’s not a full-on immersive experience, this space-themed bit of retro goodness will keep you occupied. Moving the little moon in between orbital zones to keep it clear of the incoming projectiles gets harder and harder, making Orbt XL a game you can never “win…” but you will constantly be trying to one-up yourself (and your friends) in the pursuit of a higher and higher score. A test of guile and reflexes, this one is worth checking out if you consider yourself a true daredevil.

#5

Ubermosh Vol. 5

Walter Machado

A lurid rave party of dayglo splatter.

Ubermosh is a series that’s been rolling like thunder since 2015, and 2017’s Volume 5 is the best one yet. Brutal gameplay simplicity packaged in 90s-bright cyberpunk vividness and festooned with blood and blast-marks. Pure poetry. With a soundtrack every inch as brutal as the game itself and a fast pace of high-impact bloodshed, Ubermosh is as gruesomely wonderful as I am trying to make it sound. What’s even better? It’s dirt-cheap on Steam. Scoop it up.

#4

Crawl

Powerhoof

Eldritch as fuck. Best believe. 

It’s no secret that I love roguelikes, dungeon crawlers, or whatever you’d like to label them. They tend to be unforgiving and dark… hideously entertaining. Crawl is no exception. In fact, it’s kicked the bar up a few notches. It has a delightful Lovecraftian overtone, executed beautifully in unspeakable pixel art with a haunting 8 bit soundtrack to match. The coolest part is multiplayer; your friends control the very monsters assaulting your well-being and sanity in the depths of this ghastly dungeon. Only so much can be said. The unearthly delights of Crawl must be seen.

#3

Thimbleweed Park

Terrible Toybox

Yes, that is a clown getting electrocuted. It gets even better.

When you have a look at Thimbleweed Park, you will instantly be reminded of all those classic LucasArts story-games. In fact, it’s made by Ron Gilbert and Gary Winnick, the minds behind the classics Maniac Mansion and Monkey Island! It starts out as a murder mystery… but you’ll quickly find it to be much more than that, a journey into the supernatural, the absurd, and the unbelievable. Set in 1987, Thimbleweed Park tells a set of connected stories that require you to control 5 playable characters while navigating the narrative. Overflowing with brilliantly made puzzles and twists beyond Shyamalan’s wildest dreams, Thimbleweed Park has real staying power as a return to the adventure game format. It exceeds expectations.

#2

Null Vector

Optical Override

Soak it all in. This is as 80s as it gets.

Null Vector blasted off in August and blew a lot of retro gamers’ minds. It’s a roguelike, but it’s unlike any roguelike I’ve seen. Represented in absolutely delicious faux-3D early 80s arcade style, this hybrid has a tie to shoot-em-ups as well. Null Vector places you in control of a fully customizable ship for your journey through its neon world. There is a real difficulty to this one; it keeps you going at it through some really rewarding but challenging play. Two things I love the most about it: it’s still in early access so it’s only going to get better, and it’s currently FREE on Steam. Go get it and start blasting through your 80s dream in a whole new way.

#1

Cuphead

StudioMDHR Entertainment Inc.

It is heaven and hell in one beautiful package.

Oh my god, Cuphead. So much has already been said. This is the game that kicked the gaming world directly in the ass this year. Not only is Cuphead a visual masterpiece, but it is everything a retro-style game should be in terms of play. It’s got chops to go up against the most brutal run-and-gun classics; it’s Contra on steroids with a priceless coating of retro-cartoon glaze that multiplies its appeal. This is a hard game, but we like a challenge, don’t we? It is rare for a game to have this level of visual appeal AND be punishing in all the right ways. Cuphead has put StudioMDHR on the map, and it’s made me hope we see a lot from them in the future.

On the subject of the future… we have so much coming your way in 2018. Get ready! NewRetroWave and NRW Gaming will be bringing the fire… We’ve enjoyed bringing you the dream in 2017, and may we dream in even brighter neon colors in 2018. Happy Holidays, and we will see you next year!

10. Morgan Willis – Miami Calling

At 25 tracks (!), Miami Calling, the debut LP by the Frenchman Morgan Willis is a bit a of a slog to listen through in one sitting, but it’s undeniably one of the most interesting albums this year. Coming in right at the end of the year, it plays as an unabashed love letter to Miami Vice and Jan Hammer’s score, and gets us as close as possible to the 2nd part of the soundtrack of the mythical series.

9. Hyboid – Terrör of the Üniverse

An album that went largely unnoticed by the larger synthwave fandom, Hyboid’s Terrör of the Üniverse is a feat not just because it was recorded entirely with vintage synths (Oberheim DMX, Roland TR-606, CSQ-600, Juno-60, SH-09, Korg Polysix, Mono/Poly, Arp Axxe, Octave Kitten…) and effects. It’s also a window into the producer’s childlike creative mind and fascination with 70s Kraut sound and pop culture of the yore and shines a bright beacon in our often stale musical niche.

8. Makeup and Vanity Set – Brigador Opus

Makeup and Vanity Set is probably one of the most overlooked modern retrosynth (thanks Vehlinggo for making me confident to use this term more ;)) artists, especially in the increasingly crowded (and derivative) dystopian, “darkwave” subgenre. His releases stand on top of his peers, and his Brigador that came in 2 parts and an EP is definitely worth your attention if you’re into sprawling, narrative soundscapes.

7. Trevor Something – Soulless Computer Boy and The Eternal Render

After the gloomy Death Dream LP, the world sighed in relief when Trevor came out of nowhere in August 2016 with a brand new waporwave-tinged album that marks his return to more classic Trevor Something sound, but also shows his irrefutable growth as a musician. Next stop, we’d like to see some growth as a vocalist *wink*.

6. John Carpenter – Lost Themes II

John Carpenter fans squealed in unison when the Master of Horror himself showed up in 2015 to deliver a whole album of original, dark synth compositions that seemed ripped straight from some unreleased movie of his. The fans hollered in climax this year when the Master delivered a swift sequel of dark, brooding compositions that was a harbinger of a sold-out tour in summer and fall 2016.

5. Peter Zimmermann – Eine Nacht Mit Peter Zimmermann (Part I)

Anyone trying to break the boundaries of retrowave today deserves at least a shoutout, but Peter Zimmermann, a young German dude, delivers that in droves and so deserves a spot in this list. Your go-to album when you tire of the usual tropes, Eine Nacht is a mix of synth styles and feels with a tongue firmly planted in cheek.

4. Waveshaper – Station Nova

Released in April 2016, Waveshaper’s follow up to 2015’s Exploration 84 deepens the space saga this masterful producer is weaving and further cements Sweden as one of the bastions of modern synthwave. Perfect listening while landing on the Moon.

3. Robert Parker – Crystal City

Robert Parker has already established himself as one of the retrosynth names to look out for in the years past capable of hitting a wide range of styles and registers in the synthwave spectrum. Crystal City is then his flagship album, that establishes his core sound and prowess with keys and knobs. An album to make you dance – and long for the years long past at the same time –  from the first minute.

2. The Midnight – Endless Summer

A sequel to the fan-favorite Days of Thunder from 2014, Endless Summer epitomizes the most emotional, wistful of modern retrowave. Tim & Tyler are an amazing team and champions of great production values, and while the worldly charm of their vocal tracks really helps bring new audiences into our beloved music genre, personally I preferred the bare-naked brilliance of the instrumental version of the album (The Comeback Kid is perfection).

1. Atlas – FM-84

By far, the best – and one of the most anticipated (hi MN1984!) – release of the year, Atlas is a dream modern synth pop album, mixing the right amount of nostalgic wistfulness with a knack for superb production. Equally a fruit of labor of Col Bennet and Ollie Wride, the main vocalist on the album, it is a super-potent cocktail of emotion, flawless vocal delivery, clever pacing and FM-84’s signature synth work.

Honorable Mentions:

Droid Bishop – Lost In Symmetry: Just under 30 minutes, didn’t really qualify as an album, but is full of awesome.

Syntax – Transmissions:  Sequel with more chilltronica-meets-synthwave by one of the nicest guys on the scene

CONFRONTATIONAL – Kingdom of Night: Massimo Usai nurtures his sound that outgrows the boundaries of the genre and paves a way to a possible trilogy.

Ludrium – Through Sentient Eyes: Apple doesn’t fall far from the tree and Cody Carpenter thrills us with each new volume in his prog rock meets 16 bit RPG meets retrosynth space opera.

Ben Businovski – Gotanda’s Maserati: Ben delivers at first glance typical italo-disco tropes with lots of style and self-awareness.

Satori in Bed – Short Notice: the master of lavish arrangements and one sexy mother ducker, Satori in Bed continues the teachings of his gone-too-soon master Prince

Absolute Valentine – Police Heartbreaker: Not many know Johann Derimme has his fingers in plethora of retrowave releases. His latest LP shows the guy has solid skills as a producer as well.

Unrelated to albums per se but I want to say big thanks to unsung heroes of the scene such as Marko Maric of Synthetix Sundays and Noah Kaufmann of Synth Waves on KFAI 90.3 who relentlessly promote our ever expanding scene!

Filip Galetic

Following the debut album, “Endless Echoes,” this fresh EP is entitled simply “004.” Lucy In Disguise fails to disappoint, producing a chilled-out midtempo funk ride. At times bordering on ambient to full-on outrun, this EP swings through genres with groove.

https://innerworksrecords.bandcamp.com/album/004

9. Com Truise – Silicon Tare

The synthmaster himself is back with another mind-blowing EP this year, entitled “Silicon Tare.” This mournful maelstrom of synthesizer and beat madness is part of the synthwave epic that began with “Galactic Melt.”

https://soundcloud.com/ghostly/sets/com-truise-silicon-tare

8. Vincenzo Salvia & Pj D’atri – Follow The Power

Pulsing adrenaline like an 80’s action flick, this EP is filled with some fantastic retro guitar and melody transitions. “Follow The Power” is sure to stimulate as it swings through its numerous power riffs and solos.

https://newretrowave.bandcamp.com/album/follow-the-power

7. Alex – Blood Club

Evil and brooding, you can feel the dread seeping from your speakers. This unspeakable EP, “Blood Club” is easily some of the best dark synth we saw all year.

https://soundcloud.com/alex-davidsonmusic/sets/blood-club

6. Tokyo Rose – Chases 2

Filled with futuristic grit and unparalleled intensity, “Chases 2” showcases the dark side of outrun with amazing results. This cyberpunk pursuit is built to please.

https://aphasiarecords.bandcamp.com/album/chases-2-ep

5. Slvmber – Hypersleep

Slvmber is a newcomer with “Hypersleep” being their first ever release. The future is bright here, as this EP features the expert melding of numerous synths to quickly build some extremely fresh sounds in the synthwave genre. 

https://slvmberofficial.bandcamp.com/album/hypersleep-ep-1

4 . Metal Disco – Tease

The fantastic “Tease” EP melds the genres of retrosynth, minimal and old school goth darkwave. This release manages to invoke an beautiful cold nostalgia with it’s relatively simple composure.
https://synthesizer.bandcamp.com/album/271-metal-disco-tease

3. Makeup and Vanity Set – Wavehymnal(Data044)

 MAVS is known for ominous moody music, and Wavehymnal is no different. What makes this release special is its uncharacteristic upbeat house-esque lean, rather than the usual cinematic score.
https://makeupandvanityset.bandcamp.com/album/wavehymnal-data044

2. Aileron – Mirage
 

This EP is a mixture of futuresynth and nu disco, resulting in and especially intense and danceable form retro music – which can be something of a rarity in a genre based on soundtracks.
https://lazerdiscs.bandcamp.com/album/mirage

1. Timecop1983 – Lovers EP – PART 1

 Part 1 of the remarkable “Lovers EP” is truly a must-listen of the year. This release is expertly produced and filled with passionate synths –resulting in a truly infatuating and nostalgic retrowave epic.
https://timecop1983.bandcamp.com/album/lovers-ep-part-i

All of these films make sense as starting points for their own reasons, but the truth is Marvel got started on film a little more than 50 years before Blade. That’s right: there was a serial film called Captain America released in 1944 (and you’d better believe you can watch it on YouTube). It’s kind of fascinating, though a 1944 film predates what we’d typically refer to as “retro” by about 30 years. 

Fortunately, there’s a sweet spot in between the very first Captain America film and the modern frenzy of superhero films. Many don’t realize that there were actually four Marvel movies made from 1986 to 1994. Here’s a look back at each one. 

Howard The Duck (1986)

Howard the Duck is among the most ridiculous Marvel comic characters ever created, and that’s saying something. He’s essentially a large duck with human-level intelligence, super strength, and expertise in “quack-fu” who’s known as a grumpy and satirical character. And strangely enough, he may actually have a place in the MCU. Howard the Duck appeared in the end credits scene after Guardians Of The Galaxy, and he was even involved in the Civil War comics that Marvel’s adapting into Captain America: Civil War this May. 

But the 1986 film was just about Howard. Co-produced by Universal Studios and George Lucas (yes, the George Lucas), the film was about a citizen of “Duckworld” (like Earth, but with Ducks) being accidentally transported to Earth, where he quickly becomes a kind of ornery guardian to a woman named Beverly. That’s about all there is to it (other than the fact that Tim Robbins had a supporting role), and the film was pretty much a disaster. In fact, according to an old LA Times article, there was even a rumor that two studio executives came to blows over finger-pointing about who green-lit the project, which earned only $1 million more than its $35 million production budget. 

The Punisher (1989)

The Punisher may just be the hottest character in Marvel right now following Jon Bernthal’s portrayal of the character in the recently released second season of Netflix’s Daredevil show. Reviewing the season, Gizmodo claimed it was finally the adaptation that the character deserved, implying that a number of previous efforts fell short. 

1989’s The Punisher, produced by Live Entertainment, was the first of those efforts, and one that went straight-to-VHS in the U.S. It had a few fun things going for it: namely, the casting of Dolph Lundgren as Frank Castle (aka Punisher), and an endless stream of high-octane action sequences. To an extent, that’s what fans of this character want. The Punisher is an uncompromising and morally questionable vigilante, and in this film we basically got to see him take down as many mobsters as he could find in 79 minutes. The issue for critics was that it was a little too barebones. Light on plot and lacking even The Punisher’s signature skull logo (Lundgren pretty much wears plain dark clothes), it did feel a little lazy—but not without its fun moments.

Captain America (1990)

Needless to say, Captain America has become one of the central characters of the modern Marvel universe. And while it looks like more of an ensemble project, this spring’s Captain America: Civil War will technically be part of the character’s current, ongoing series. What’s interesting about that series is that it’s done a pretty good job of displaying most of the classic Captain America visuals and storylines we’ve seen for nearly a century’s worth of comics now, as well as in previous films. 

The 1990 film played a role in establishing that flavor, so to speak, for a Captain America film, which isn’t to say it was any good. In fact, this movie probably got more criticism than any other project on this list. Still, fans of the modern movies who go back and watch this one might be surprised at the basic core of the story (Steve Rogers becomes a super soldier during World War II, battles Red Skull, and end up frozen in ice), as well as the general image of the character, and how much both resemble today’s Captain America. Another fun fact about this one: the lead actor who played Rogers, Matt Salinger, is the son of famous author J.D. Salinger (who wrote The Catcher in the Rye).

The Fantastic Four (1994)

The most interesting thing about the 1994 version of The Fantastic Four, which was produced by Constantin Film Production but ultimately went unreleased, may actually be the characters’ uniforms. Modern Marvel has gone with a darker take on the costuming, with the 2005’s film black-and-blue version serving as the new standard. Gala Bingo features a Fantastic Four casino game that still shows off this uniform from the 2005 film despite the fact there’s since been another reboot. Indeed, as a slot reel rather than action video game, the focus is almost entirely on the image of characters, furthering the black-and-blue approach. 

Meanwhile, the 2015 reboot went with a nearly all-black approach. However, in 1994 we got a delightfully campy blue-and-white version that does have a place in some of the old Fantastic Four comics. The suits lend a comedic factor to a movie that really needed one to survive. Saying it survived may be a stretch, but there are some good things to be said about this film. For a B-movie operating with a virtually non-existent budget, it took itself lightly and told a faithful story of the superheroes’ first battle with Dr. Doom.

So there you have them! The four films that bridged the gap between 1944’s Captain America and 1999’s Blade. This is the retro chapter of Marvel, and while there’s not a success among these four films, there’s a lot of fun to be had in going back and checking them out for real Marvel fan—or for those who like to chuckle at old, campy projects.