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WayForward Technologies has been a mainstay in the gaming industry for decades, consistently delivering charming, inventive, and often surprisingly challenging experiences across a wide range of genres and platforms. From their early work on licensed titles to their more recent, critically acclaimed original IPs, WayForward has cultivated a unique and recognizable style characterized by vibrant hand-drawn graphics, catchy soundtracks, and gameplay that prioritizes fun above all else. Their dedication to quality and attention to detail have earned them a devoted fanbase that eagerly anticipates each new release, making the question of which game represents their absolute best a subject of much debate. This poll aims to settle that debate, or at least provide a snapshot of the community's current favorites. We've compiled a list of some of WayForward's most beloved titles, encompassing everything from the iconic *Shantae* series and its genre-bending platforming adventures, to the beat-em-up action of *River City Girls*, and the pulpy superheroics of *Mighty Switch Force!*. Cast your vote to help us determine which WayForward game reigns supreme, and feel free to share your reasoning and fondest memories in the comments! Let's celebrate the creativity and talent that makes WayForward one of the most cherished developers in the industry.
By popular demand, the critically acclaimed "Shantae: Risky's Revenge - Director's Cut" from WayForward is now available on Steam for Windows PC. This definitive version of the beloved handheld title combines all the award-winning content of previous releases, enhanced with new features. Experience the pixel-perfect action with HD portrait artwork, extra challenges, and a re-imagined Warp System perfect for speedrunners. Players can unlock a Magic Mode with an alternate costume, earn Steam Trading Cards, Achievements, and Emoticons, while also enjoying fully configurable controller support. "Shantae: Risky's Revenge - Director's Cut" is an essential addition to the "Best games by WayForward" list due to its exceptional quality and its place in the Shantae series, which solidified WayForward's reputation for vibrant animation, engaging gameplay, and memorable characters. Featuring thousands of animation frames, epic boss battles, and a sprawling adventure, the game showcases WayForward's mastery of the Metroidvania genre. The success of "Risky's Revenge" paved the way for future Shantae titles, further establishing WayForward as a leader in the indie gaming space and a developer known for creating beloved, high-quality experiences.
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DuckTales: Remastered is a lovingly crafted update to a beloved 8-bit classic. This game takes the familiar gameplay of the original DuckTales and revitalizes it with stunning hand-drawn animation, a wealth of detail, and the authentic voices of Disney characters. Scrooge McDuck and his nephews, Huey, Dewey, and Louie, are brought to life with vibrancy, alongside richly painted level backgrounds inspired by the classic cartoon series. The gameplay stays true to its roots, remaining simple and enjoyable, while incorporating subtle improvements to enhance the experience. WayForward's commitment to preserving the core essence of the original while adding modern polish is a hallmark of their work, making DuckTales: Remastered a standout title. The game perfectly encapsulates the spirit of the original, while showcasing WayForward's dedication to creating high-quality games that honor their source material. Their skill in creating beautiful animations and ensuring a high level of graphical quality is a key element. The success of the game not only proved WayForward's ability to respect its source material, but also to successfully remaster a title of such high acclaim, therefore making it a worthy addition to a "Best games by WayForward" list.
"River City Girls" is a vibrant and action-packed beat 'em up that revitalizes the classic River City Ransom formula for a new generation. This entry features the hard-hitting girlfriends, Kyoko and Misako, taking center stage as they battle their way through a sprawling city to rescue their captured boyfriends. The game boasts a fantastic 16-bit aesthetic, complete with anime cutscenes and manga-style story panels, and a killer synth-pop soundtrack. This updated version, patch V1.1, refines the experience with improved controls, functional in-game books, adjusted character movesets, and altered dialogue for the ending. WayForward, renowned for their mastery of pixel art and engaging gameplay mechanics, delivers a true gem with "River City Girls." The game's blend of classic beat-'em-up action, RPG elements, and a stylish presentation make it a standout title. Its tight controls, diverse combat options, and engaging level design are all hallmarks of WayForward's signature style. The game also features fantastic music and memorable characters, making it a worthy addition to the "Best Games by WayForward" list due to its exceptional quality and its demonstration of the studio's ability to create unique and engaging experiences within well-established genres.
Embark on a swashbuckling adventure in *Shantae and the Pirate's Curse*, where you'll join the hair-whipping genie, Shantae, as she unexpectedly teams up with her nemesis, the pirate Risky Boots. Stripped of her magic, Shantae must rely on pirate weaponry like the Flintlock Pistol, Scimitar, and Risky's Boots to traverse cursed islands and battle hordes of monsters. Explore vast, labyrinthine levels, upgrade your skills, and uncover hidden secrets to save Sequin Land from a looming evil. This entry in the series offers a compelling story filled with humor, charming characters, and a vibrant art style. *Shantae and the Pirate's Curse* earns its place on the list of "Best games by WayForward" due to its excellent execution of a Metroidvania formula, combined with the studio's signature charm and personality. The game's tight controls, rewarding exploration, and clever use of pirate-themed abilities showcase WayForward's talent for crafting memorable gameplay experiences. Its beautiful high-resolution artwork, alongside a fantastic soundtrack, further elevate the game, making it a standout title in their impressive catalog and a must-play for fans of the genre.
Shantae: Half-Genie Hero (2016) marks a significant leap for the series, bringing the vibrant world of Sequin Land and its energetic heroine, Shantae, into the realm of full HD. This action-packed platformer sees Shantae battling a mysterious crime wave, utilizing her iconic Hair-Whip Attack and Belly Dance transformations to overcome obstacles and enemies. Players will explore a vast, interconnected world, battling huge bosses and interacting with the series' signature quirky cast. With its blend of arcade-style action stages and exploration, the game offers a dynamic and engaging experience, all culminating in a showdown against the formidable Risky Boots. This title earns its place among the "Best games by WayForward" due to its polished execution and embodiment of the studio's strengths. "Half-Genie Hero" refines the series' core gameplay mechanics, offering fluid controls, stunning visuals, and creative transformation abilities. The game's success also owes to its implementation of a new Relic System, allowing players to unlock new powers and customize Shantae's abilities. Furthermore, WayForward's knack for charming storytelling and memorable characters is on full display, resulting in a standout entry that solidifies their reputation for delivering high-quality, innovative platforming experiences.
Double Dragon: Neon is a BRO-TACULAR reimagining of the classic beat 'em up, delivering a fresh coat of neon paint to the beloved series. Players step into the shoes of martial arts masters Billy and Jimmy Lee as they battle through hordes of enemies, including the iconic Linda and Abobo, on a quest to rescue the damsel in distress, Marian. The game boasts a vibrant aesthetic, a catchy original soundtrack by Jake Kaufman, and a satisfying combat system built upon the Sōsetsuken fighting style. It introduces a unique "Mix Tape" system, letting players customize their abilities and string together devastating combos. WayForward's pedigree in the genre is evident in Double Dragon: Neon. Their experience with titles like DuckTales: Remastered and BloodRayne: Betrayal is clearly reflected in the game's polished gameplay, creative level design, and attention to detail. The game revitalizes the Double Dragon formula with a modern sensibility while still retaining the core essence of what made the original a hit. Featuring online co-op and developed by Abstraction Games, it exemplifies WayForward's dedication to revisiting and revitalizing classic franchises, solidifying its place among their best works.
Shantae and the Seven Sirens is the fifth installment in the critically acclaimed Shantae series, and a shining example of WayForward's signature blend of platforming, Metroidvania exploration, and vibrant animation. This 2020 release whisks players away to a tropical island setting, where Shantae must harness powerful Fusion Magic abilities to navigate a massive, interconnected world, both above and below the sea. Along the way, she'll encounter new Half-Genie allies, battle the formidable Seven Sirens, and uncover a wealth of secrets through charming minigames and item acquisition. This installment truly exemplifies everything that makes the Shantae series so beloved, refining the gameplay formula while still delivering a fresh and exciting adventure. WayForward has consistently demonstrated a talent for crafting memorable experiences, and "Shantae and the Seven Sirens" solidifies their position as masters of 2D platforming. The game's beautiful hand-drawn visuals, fluid animation, and infectious soundtrack are hallmarks of the studio's style. The clever level design, challenging boss battles, and compelling story, combined with the innovative Fusion Magic system, make for an incredibly engaging and replayable experience. The game's inclusion of returning fan-favorite characters and a fresh, exciting setting further contribute to its placement on the "Best games by WayForward" list, showcasing the studio's ability to constantly innovate and captivate its audience.
The River City Girls are back, and the brawl is bigger and better than ever in River City Girls 2! When a familiar enemy seeks revenge, Misako, Kyoko, Kunio, and Riki, now joined by the formidable Marian and Provie, are ready to pound the streets in a vibrant, action-packed beat-'em-up. This sequel boasts a significant upgrade with enhanced combat that includes guard-crushing moves, lift-off combos, and elemental effects. Explore a vastly expanded River City with more areas to discover, enemies to defeat, and allies (and hired heavies!) to enlist. Featuring local and online co-op, a day-night cycle, and a wealth of shops and unlockable moves, River City Girls 2 offers a deep and engaging experience. This game easily earns its place on a "Best Games by WayForward" list because it epitomizes their commitment to quality. WayForward is known for its beautiful 2D art, tight gameplay, and infectious charm. River City Girls 2 takes all of those elements and cranks them up a notch, delivering a polished and enjoyable experience. It's a love letter to classic beat-'em-ups with a modern twist, and the distinctive art style, character voices, and killer soundtrack (by Megan McDuffee) elevate it beyond simple nostalgia. Its dedication to both the gameplay and the aesthetic details is a prime example of what makes WayForward a standout developer, solidifying this title's deserved spot on a list of their best work.
By popular demand, the critically acclaimed "Shantae: Risky's Revenge - Director's Cut" from WayForward is now available on Steam for Windows PC. This definitive version of the beloved handheld title combines all the award-winning content of previous releases, enhanced with new features. Experience the pixel-perfect action with HD portrait artwork, extra challenges, and a re-imagined Warp System perfect for speedrunners. Players can unlock a Magic Mode with an alternate costume, earn Steam Trading Cards, Achievements, and Emoticons, while also enjoying fully configurable controller support. "Shantae: Risky's Revenge - Director's Cut" is an essential addition to the "Best games by WayForward" list due to its exceptional quality and its place in the Shantae series, which solidified WayForward's reputation for vibrant animation, engaging gameplay, and memorable characters. Featuring thousands of animation frames, epic boss battles, and a sprawling adventure, the game showcases WayForward's mastery of the Metroidvania genre. The success of "Risky's Revenge" paved the way for future Shantae titles, further establishing WayForward as a leader in the indie gaming space and a developer known for creating beloved, high-quality experiences.
Shantae: Half-Genie Hero Ultimate Edition (2018) marks the debut of the beloved half-genie hero in a vibrant, fully animated HD adventure! When a wave of crime strikes Sequin Land, Shantae must use her signature Hair-Whip Attack and Belly Dance transformations to stop the culprits and face her arch-nemesis, Risky Boots. This complete edition delivers the definitive Shantae experience, featuring all previously released DLC, modes, and costumes, allowing you to play as different characters and experience the story from various perspectives, all while enjoying the signature blend of fast-paced action, exploration, and quirky humor that the series is famous for. This game undoubtedly belongs on a "Best games by WayForward" list because it exemplifies the studio's strengths. WayForward is known for their stunning 2D art, fluid animations, and engaging gameplay. Half-Genie Hero showcases all of these qualities with its gorgeous visuals, precise platforming, and creative transformations. The inclusion of multiple modes and costumes, coupled with the game's inherent replayability, makes it a shining example of WayForward's dedication to crafting fun, polished experiences that are also incredibly charming and memorable. It's a true celebration of the Shantae franchise and a testament to WayForward's dedication to quality.
The Mummy Demastered is a 2D action-adventure game that throws you into a thrilling battle against the undead in a vibrant, 16-bit-inspired world. As a Prodigium agent, you'll navigate a nonlinear environment, using a diverse arsenal of weapons like grenades and flamethrowers, to defend humanity from the resurrected Princess Ahmanet. Explore eerie tombs, cursed streets, and abandoned tunnels, fighting hordes of terrifying enemies and powerful bosses. Uncover the fate of your lost allies, all while collecting hidden relics and immersing yourself in the atmospheric chiptune soundtrack. The Mummy Demastered belongs on the list of "Best Games by WayForward" because it perfectly encapsulates their strengths: expert pixel art, fluid and satisfying gameplay, and a deep understanding of the Metroidvania genre. WayForward's meticulous animation, environmental storytelling, and clever enemy design shine throughout, creating a truly captivating experience. They took a license with relatively low expectations and crafted a game that is not only a fun, action-packed adventure, but also a visually stunning and mechanically impressive piece of game design that elevates the genre.
Contra: Operation Galuga is a thrilling reimagining of the iconic run-'n'-gun series, breathing new life into the chaotic action that made the originals so beloved. Developed by WayForward, known for their expertise in crafting tight platforming and satisfying combat, Galuga delivers a modern experience while staying true to the core Contra formula. The game features updated visuals and sound, fresh stages and enemies, and a revamped weapons system that includes stackable upgrades and exciting Overload abilities, making for a deeper and more engaging gameplay experience. Whether you're a long-time fan or a newcomer to the series, prepare for an all-out war against the Red Falcon, featuring explosive co-op action for up to four players. This title firmly deserves a spot on the "Best games by WayForward" list due to their evident passion for delivering high-quality retro revivals. WayForward has a proven track record of taking beloved franchises and modernizing them with respect and flair. Their expertise in side-scrolling action, fluid movement, and meticulous attention to detail are on full display in Contra: Operation Galuga. The game showcases the developer's talent for crafting challenging but rewarding gameplay, memorable characters, and a vibrant visual style, solidifying its place as a standout title in both the Contra legacy and WayForward's impressive portfolio.
"A Boy and His Blob" (2016) is a lovingly crafted reimagining of the beloved NES classic, bringing a heartwarming story and charming gameplay to a new generation. Players take on the role of the boy, using jelly beans to transform the blob into various forms needed to overcome challenging puzzles and navigate beautiful environments. The game features a hand-drawn and animated art style that breathes new life into the concept, drawing players into a quest to dethrone an evil emperor and forge a bond with their blob companion. This title earns its place among WayForward's best due to their signature talent for visual storytelling and gameplay refinement. WayForward excels at taking familiar concepts and elevating them with gorgeous art direction, tight controls, and engaging level design, as seen in other titles like "Shantae" and "Contra 4." "A Boy and His Blob" exemplifies this, offering a polished and emotionally resonant experience that pays homage to the original while creating something fresh and exciting. The blend of puzzle-solving, exploration, and heartfelt narrative, combined with WayForward's artistic prowess, makes it a standout title in their impressive portfolio.
Clock Tower: Rewind (2024) is a faithful resurrection of a survival-horror pioneer, finally translated and released globally. This revival plunges you into the unsettling depths of the Barrows family manor as Jennifer, an orphaned teenager stalked by the unrelenting Scissorman. Armed with your wits and the ability to hide and evade, you must scour every disturbing detail for clues and ways to escape this scissor-wielding fiend. The game offers both an Original mode, delivering the 16-bit experience as it was in 1995, and a Rewind mode, offering enhancements and added content to refine the experience. WayForward's commitment to preserving gaming history and crafting high-quality remasters makes this title a worthy addition to their legacy. Clock Tower: Rewind perfectly captures the essence of the original, while adding new elements, such as a new opening animation, motion comics, and a vocal theme song performed by Mary Elizabeth McGlynn, to further enhance its immersion. Its meticulous approach to translating and revitalizing a genre-defining classic highlights WayForward's dedication to both respecting the source material and pushing the boundaries of modern accessibility, making it a fantastic example of their game development prowess.
The walk home from school in *Goosebumps: The Game (2015)* is guaranteed to be a chilling experience! Your once-peaceful neighborhood is now crawling with R.L. Stine's iconic Goosebumps monsters, unleashed from their literary prisons and eager to cause chaos. Players must utilize their intelligence and problem-solving skills to navigate treacherous environments filled with werewolves, gnomes, and scarecrows, all while uncovering clues and evading these classic creatures. The game takes players on a spooky adventure, leading them through familiar locations such as the Dead House and a nighttime mall, culminating in a final showdown with the mischievous Slappy, the game's primary antagonist. This title earns its place among the "Best games by WayForward" due to their signature blend of charming art style, challenging platforming elements, and a clear understanding of the source material's tone. WayForward is known for crafting games that are mechanically sound, visually appealing, and full of personality. *Goosebumps: The Game* perfectly exemplifies these qualities, capturing the spooky yet whimsical essence of the Goosebumps books with its vibrant graphics, well-designed levels, and engaging gameplay mechanics. The game's blend of puzzle-solving and stealth, combined with the nostalgia factor for Goosebumps fans, makes it a standout in their impressive library.
In *Mighty Switch Force! Hyper Drive Edition*, the intergalactic law enforcement officer Patricia Wagon is tasked with apprehending a group of escaped Space Hooligans who are causing chaos on Planet Land. Using her Pellet Gun and the ability to manipulate the environment with her Helmet Siren, Patricia must navigate a series of cleverly designed levels, switching between foreground and background layers to solve puzzles and outmaneuver her foes. The gameplay focuses on precision platforming and strategic block manipulation, forcing players to think on their feet and master the mechanics of switching between dimensions. The game is fast-paced, challenging, and packed with WayForward's signature style and charm. This title easily earns its place among WayForward's best due to its innovative gameplay loop and tight level design. It exemplifies the studio's knack for crafting unique experiences with memorable characters and smooth mechanics. The original *Mighty Switch Force!* was a standout on the Nintendo 3DS, and this "Hyper Drive Edition" enhanced it with improved visuals, optimized performance, and additional content. The game showcases WayForward's ability to create highly replayable games that are both fun and rewarding to master, cementing its position as a landmark title in their extensive and well-regarded library.
Dive into an explosive new RWBY action-adventure in RWBY: Arrowfell! This side-scrolling 2D game lets you instantly switch between Ruby Rose, Weiss Schnee, Blake Belladonna, and Yang Xiao Long, utilizing their signature weapons and Semblances in combat and exploration. Set during RWBY Volume 7, Arrowfell boasts an original theme song by Jeff Williams and Casey Lee Williams, along with all-new cutscenes penned by the show's writing team. Explore over 25 diverse areas, solve environmental puzzles, and battle formidable foes while interacting with familiar faces like Penny, Winter, and Ironwood, alongside the new team of Huntresses, Team BRIR. The fate of Remnant rests in the hands of Team RWBY as they face a mysterious new threat. RWBY: Arrowfell perfectly fits on a "Best Games by WayForward" list due to WayForward's proven expertise in crafting exceptional 2D action games. WayForward is renowned for their beautifully animated characters, tight platforming, and engaging combat, all of which shine brightly in Arrowfell. The game capitalizes on their established mastery of side-scrolling action, delivering satisfying combat with distinct character abilities, detailed environments, and compelling gameplay loop with its collectible skill points and puzzle elements. The studio's commitment to quality and understanding of what makes a game fun to play makes Arrowfell a shining example of WayForward's abilities.
"River City Girls Zero" is a thrilling blast from the past, finally bringing the 16-bit beat-'em-up "Shin Nekketsu Koha: Kunio-tachi no Banka" to Western audiences after a 28-year wait. Step into the shoes of Kunio, Riki, Misako, and Kyoko as they battle their way through a variety of gritty environments to clear their names. The game retains its classic arcade-style gameplay, complete with bone-crunching combat, special moves for each character, and a focus on local co-op action. Prepare to punch, kick, and stomp your way through high school, docks, amusement parks, and more in this retro-fueled adventure that sets the stage for the later "River City Girls" titles. This release perfectly embodies WayForward's dedication to preserving and celebrating classic games while adding modern touches. The studio expertly translated and localized a previously inaccessible gem, giving players a chance to experience the origins of the beloved "River City Girls" storyline. The inclusion of new motion-comic cutscenes, an animated intro, and new music by the talented Megan McDuffee and DEMONDICE further enhances the experience, showing WayForward's commitment to not just porting a game, but making it a polished and engaging retro experience. This respect for the original source material, combined with the WayForward's signature polish, makes "River City Girls Zero" a worthy addition to the "Best games by WayForward" list.
This collection brings together four vibrant and clever platformers starring the cybernetic Officer Patricia Wagon. Players will experience the thrill of switching blocks in and out of the foreground and background, blasting enemies with a Pellet Gun, and strategizing through tricky puzzles in the original *Mighty Switch Force!* and its HD remake, *Hyper Drive Edition*. In *Mighty Switch Force! 2*, Wagon gets a fire hose, adding a new layer of gameplay as she extinguishes fires and rescues those in need. Finally, *Mighty Switch Force! Academy* offers expansive HD stages with co-op and versus modes, allowing for some lighthearted competition. With a colorful cast of characters, over 70 challenging levels, and gameplay perfect for speedrunners, this collection delivers a dynamic and enjoyable experience. This "Mighty Switch Force! Collection" is a prime example of why WayForward is considered a top-tier developer. WayForward is known for their exceptional 2D platforming mechanics, creative level design, and memorable characters, and the *Mighty Switch Force!* series embodies all of these strengths. The "Switching" mechanic is a clever and unique twist on the genre, offering both puzzle-solving and action-platforming elements. The collection showcases WayForward's dedication to refining gameplay experiences, and bringing multiple installments in one package represents their commitment to providing value to the player. The series also demonstrates WayForward's knack for creating engaging and replayable titles, further solidifying its place among the best games by the studio.
From WayForward Technologies, the masters behind beloved titles like Shantae and River City Girls, comes *Yars Rising*, a 2D action-adventure exploration that reimagines Atari's classic *Yars* franchise. Players take on the role of Emi Kimura, a young hacker hired to uncover the secrets of the shadowy QoTech corporation. *Yars Rising* blends classic 2D platforming with hacking minigames inspired by the original *Yars' Revenge*, offering a blend of action, stealth, and exploration. As Emi delves deeper, she unlocks powerful augmentations, delves into a sprawling interconnected world, and uncovers a sci-fi mystery linking her to an alien race. *Yars Rising* rightfully belongs on the list of "Best games by WayForward" because it exemplifies their signature style. The game showcases WayForward's strength in crafting vibrant anime-inspired visuals, engaging character designs, and fluid, satisfying gameplay, characteristics that consistently define their best work. Furthermore, the game demonstrates WayForward's skill in blending nostalgia with modern game design, paying homage to the original *Yars' Revenge* while expanding the experience with fresh mechanics and an intriguing narrative. The inclusion of the original game directly from the main menu is a testament to their dedication to the original while expanding on the initial concept. This makes *Yars Rising* a showcase of everything that makes WayForward such a successful studio.
The cataclysmic clash of titans rages in *Dawn of the Monsters (2022)*, a manga-inspired, side-scrolling beat-'em-up where colossal kaiju battle for the fate of Earth. When monstrous Nephilim invade, humanity's last hope lies with DAWN, who deploy four powerful behemoths - Megadon, Aegis Prime, Tempest Galahad, and Ganira. Players control these behemoths, each with unique abilities and playstyles, to pulverize foes across destructible, real-world environments. Unleash devastating Rage moves, brutal finishers, and team up with a friend for intense 2-player co-op action to become the planet's last line of defense against the monstrous threat! *Dawn of the Monsters* rightly belongs on a "Best Games by WayForward" list due to the studio's signature blend of tight, responsive gameplay and stunning visuals. WayForward is renowned for their expertise in crafting beautiful 2D animation, which is on full display here, bringing the kaiju and the environments to life with incredible detail and style. The game builds on their strengths from titles like *Shantae* by providing exhilarating combat within a fresh, albeit familiar, genre, while also delivering a vibrant visual experience through its distinct manga-inspired aesthetic and diverse roster of playable monsters, making it an exciting and memorable entry in their portfolio.
RetroRealms Arcade (2024) plunges players into a gory, pixel-art world of classic horror action! This double feature, available separately, lets you control iconic characters like Michael Myers from "Halloween" and Ash Williams from "Ash vs Evil Dead" across multiple levels of side-scrolling platformer chaos. Featuring familiar sights and sounds from the source material, each game provides a unique playstyle, story, and achievements to unlock. The core gameplay promises a nostalgic experience, with a focus on challenging arcade action, weapon-based combat, and epic encounters against twisted versions of classic villains. The Day One Edition Bonus sweetens the deal, offering access to Laurie Strode from "Halloween" and Kelly Maxwell from "Ash vs Evil Dead" and their own unique stories, characters, and achievements to unlock for a limited time before November 17, 2024. While not explicitly confirmed, RetroRealms Arcade (2024) *could* be a great title by WayForward. Given WayForward's proven track record of creating excellent retro-styled platformers with meticulous attention to detail, vibrant art, and tight gameplay, the description aligns with their strengths. WayForward has demonstrated expertise in capturing the essence of classic genres while adding their unique touch. The emphasis on pixel art, tight controls, and challenging gameplay resonates with WayForward's signature style, while the focus on iconic horror characters and unlockable content aligns with their experience with licenses. Therefore, with the description's emphasis on retro aesthetic and tight gameplay, RetroRealms Arcade has all the hallmarks of a potential hit from the masters of retro-inspired game design.
BloodRayne Betrayal: Fresh Bites is a revitalized take on WayForward's 2011 classic, offering a bloody and action-packed 2D hack 'n slash adventure. This definitive edition enhances the experience with high-resolution visuals, supporting up to 4K displays, and modern features. Players take on the role of Rayne, a dhampir tasked with infiltrating a giant underground castle to confront her father, Kagan. The game distills the best elements of the BloodRayne series, presenting fifteen challenging stages filled with gruesome foes, deadly traps, and thrilling platforming sections. The core experience remains, with fast-paced combat, strategic feeding mechanics, and the visceral satisfaction of slicing through enemies. This game rightfully belongs on the "Best games by WayForward" list due to its high production value and the fact that it is a fresh, upgraded release of the original developer's work. WayForward is known for its mastery of 2D action and platforming, and BloodRayne Betrayal: Fresh Bites showcases this talent perfectly. The studio’s dedication to bringing retro gaming experiences to the modern era shines through in the attention to detail, with the updated graphics, and even the inclusion of the original voice actors. Its tight gameplay, challenging levels, and the iconic BloodRayne aesthetic make it a standout title in WayForward's impressive library, representing a key aspect of their successful evolution as a studio.
"Mighty Switch Force! Hose It Down!" from 2015, represents a delightful evolution of WayForward's acclaimed "Mighty Switch Force" series. This pick-up-and-play puzzler tasks players with joining Officer Patricia Wagon, now a member of Planet Land’s Fire Brigade, to extinguish blazes and rescue the Hooligan Sisters from a fiery Tangent City. Utilizing Officer Wagon's Infinity Dousing Apparatus (a.k.a. hose), players must manipulate sliding blocks across 50 levels, each progressively more challenging and incorporating various block types, like Turnpike and Mud Blocks, to reach the flames. The game cleverly blends puzzle mechanics with the series' signature block-switching, adding a refreshing twist. This title easily earns its place among the "Best games by WayForward" due to its polished gameplay, vibrant visuals, and clever puzzle design. It embodies the studio's commitment to crafting high-quality, engaging experiences. The inclusion of fully illustrated cutscenes, speed run challenges, and a top-notch soundtrack by Jake “Virt” Kaufman further enhances the game's appeal, showcasing WayForward's meticulous approach to every aspect of development and solidifying its position as a standout title within their impressive catalog. It embodies the charm and innovative spirit that have defined WayForward's success.
Dive headfirst into the magical world of Arcadia as Jim Lake Jr. in *Trollhunters: Defenders of Arcadia*! This action-packed adventure lets you team up with Claire in couch co-op to battle Porgon the Trickster Troll and his devious plans. You'll need every ounce of strength and skill, with familiar faces like Toby and Blinky offering support as you confront unknown forces threatening to unleash a Time-pocalypse. As the fate of the Trollhunter Universe rests on your shoulders, you can upgrade your armor and abilities and journey through time to halt Porgon's schemes. WayForward, known for their impeccable 2D platforming and love for licensed properties, delivers a visually stunning and engaging experience in *Trollhunters: Defenders of Arcadia*. The game perfectly captures the charm and excitement of the animated series with fluid combat, charming character animations, and a vibrant world to explore. The cooperative play further enhances the fun, allowing players to experience the thrill of the adventure with a friend, cementing its place as a standout example of WayForward's ability to elevate even licensed titles into beloved, high-quality games.
**Spidersaurs (2022)** is a thrilling run-and-gun action game where you must face off against nightmarish dinosaur-spider hybrids! Created by the nefarious InGest Corp to solve world hunger, these Spidersaurs have broken loose, unleashing chaos across six intense stages. As either Adrian, a police officer-in-training, or Victoria, a punk-rocker, you'll wield an arsenal of twelve unique weapons, ranging from spread guns and lasers to musical attacks, to blast your way through treacherous environments like jungles, labs, and volcanoes. Team up with a friend in co-op mode for a truly explosive and fun experience, complete with a catchy theme song and a Saturday-morning-cartoon aesthetic. This title absolutely belongs on the "Best Games by WayForward" list. Known for their expertise in crafting vibrant 2D action games, WayForward excels at taking familiar genres and putting their unique spin on them. *Spidersaurs* showcases their signature blend of tight gameplay, fluid animation, and memorable character design, all wrapped in a wonderfully nostalgic package. The game's attention to detail, from the enemy designs to the varied environments, coupled with its cooperative gameplay, makes it a prime example of WayForward's commitment to delivering high-quality, engaging gaming experiences. This makes it a worthy addition to a collection showcasing the studio's best work.
Embark on a thrilling adventure in *Scooby Doo! & Looney Tunes Cartoon Universe: Adventure*! Join the Mystery Machine gang in Kraken Cove as they unravel a spooky mystery, or team up with Bugs and Daffy in the Looney Tunes world to expose the sabotage behind defective products. This top-down action/adventure platformer combines the beloved worlds of Scooby Doo and Looney Tunes, offering 16 vibrant maps, 5 boss battles, and plenty of puzzles to solve. Collect loot, find hidden treasures, and customize your character with themed outfits and special ability upgrades, bringing your inner cartoon character to life with wacky gadgets and weapons. While *Scooby Doo! & Looney Tunes Cartoon Universe: Adventure* isn't officially developed by WayForward, the developers' portfolio would indicate a strong interest in the subject matter. Despite being developed by other companies, WayForward is very well known for creating titles based on existing licenses (Shantae, DuckTales, etc.), and their games often feature vibrant visuals, tight platforming mechanics, and character customization options, all of which this game prominently features. This, combined with the game's focus on action and adventure, makes it a strong fit for fans of WayForward's general style and would make it highly relevant to include it on a list of "Best games by WayForward" assuming the list's purpose is to showcase games with a similar focus on gameplay and overall style, as this game, given the provided description, showcases.
Mighty Switch Force! Academy (2015) is a platforming puzzle game where you play as Cadet Patricia Wagon at the Planet Land Police Academy. Her training module has malfunctioned, forcing her to navigate holographic endurance courses filled with puzzles and challenges. The goal is to capture simulations of the notorious Hooligan Sisters by using your pellet gun and quick wits to solve the puzzles before you. The game features 20 all-new stages to test your skills, as well as some twisted classics to revisit, and a frantic cooperative couch play option for up to four players. This title rightfully earns its place among the "Best games by WayForward" due to its innovative gameplay, clever level design, and trademark WayForward charm. Building upon the core mechanics of the original *Mighty Switch Force!*, the Academy entry expands the puzzle elements, offering more complex and rewarding challenges. The introduction of cooperative play further enhances the experience, fostering a sense of teamwork and camaraderie. The vibrant visuals, upbeat soundtrack, and WayForward's attention to detail solidify its position as a worthy addition to their impressive portfolio.
Venture into the chilling corridors of a haunted high school in LIT (2017) and help emo teenager Jake find his missing girlfriend, Rachael. This reimagining of WayForward's classic puzzle horror series thrusts players into a world of shadows and light, where they must solve intricate light-themed puzzles to navigate perilous environments. Utilizing an array of gameplay mechanics – slingshots, light bulbs, windows, matches, lamps, and even TV sets – you'll need to strategically manipulate the environment to outsmart deadly creatures lurking in the darkness and reach each room's exit door before being consumed by the shadows. LIT (2017) earns its place among the "Best games by WayForward" due to its innovative blend of puzzle-solving and horror, a hallmark of the developer's diverse portfolio. WayForward is known for its unique takes on classic genres, often showcasing detailed pixel art and tight gameplay. This PC version amplifies that with HD graphics, 16 stages, multiple par time goals, and the added bonus of an unlockable character. LIT demonstrates WayForward's ability to craft an atmospheric and engaging experience, proving their mastery in blending clever level design with compelling narrative and consistent quality.
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