I would have to say that David Lubar‘s Pastfinder is one of my favourite games of all-time. Not only does it have an interesting player craft, but there’s also a compelling game buried within this seemingly impenetrable shooter.
Pastfinder, MSX
Qix, Game Boy
The Nintendo Game Boy version of Qix was developed by Minakuchi Engineering. It was first published by Nintendo in 1990.
Spindizzy, ZX Spectrum
Originating on the Amstrad CPC, Spindizzy is a genius piece of coding and game design. It is an isometric exploration game, where you play as a spinning gyroscope (called GERALD) trying to collect gems across a large map of screens. It was designed by Paul Shirley, and the Spectrum port was handled by Phil Churchyard. Spindizzy on the Spectrum was published by Electric Dreams in 1986.
Wee Ninja, Atari 8-bit
Wee Ninja is a homebrew scrolling platform game for Atari 8-bit home computers (with 32K of RAM). It was written by Paul Lay and first released by Playsoft in June 2025, to rapturous applause.
Venom Wing, Amiga
My jaw nearly hit the floor when I first saw Venom Wing on the Amiga. It’s a late release from legendary software house Thalamus, coming out in 1990, and it’s a real stinker…
Turrican, Game Boy
Developed by The Code Monkeys and published by Accolade in 1991, Turrican on the Game Boy is a decent scrolling run-and-gun shooter.
Strider, PC Engine
The PC Engine/Turbografx-16 version of Capcom‘s classic arcade game, Strider, was programmed by Capcom themselves, and first published by NEC Avenue in 1994.
The Amazing Spider-Man: Web of Fire, Sega 32X
Developed by BlueSky Software and Zono, The Amazing Spider-Man: Web of Fire is a Marvel-licensed platform/action game featuring the infamous web-slinger. It was released exclusively for the Sega 32X in 1996.
Continue reading The Amazing Spider-Man: Web of Fire, Sega 32X
Go-Go BunnyGun, ZX Spectrum
Written by Jason J. Railton and first released in 2026, Go-Go BunnyGun is a side-scrolling shooter on the ZX Spectrum that features a bunny girl on a rocket, flying through space. With smooth, colourful graphics and compelling gameplay, Go-Go BunnyGun is another great “Modern Retro” release.
Gridrunner Plus Plus, PC
What I love about Jeff Minter‘s Gridrunner Plus Plus is that it combines the simplicity of the arcade hits of old, with modern, trippy visuals. And a good dose of humour.
