If you keep up with the Retro Handhelds Podcast, one topic that’s been getting more coverage from my end is a selection of games that you can pick up on Steam, with some of them even being playable through GameNative, GameHub, or even PortMaster. With the last two months down in terms of recommendations, I figured now’s the time to talk about some games that I’ve been putting time into and would happily recommend to you.Â
Super Battle Golf – $8
The first game on this list isn’t one that I was too sure I’d really be into, but Super Battle Golf is a chaotic, multiplayer golf game that, if you’ve got some friends and some time, you can have a pretty wild time with. The goal is simple: finish the hole first, but the gameplay is chaotic.
Fight, explode, swing, and run from the tee to the green without getting completely devastated by one of your friends. Oh, and if you want, be sure to customize your character too. It’s a load of fun that I’d highly recommend giving a try. Especially for $8, that’s psychologically just $5.
Ratcheteer DX – $13
Here’s the first one out of the bunch you could easily get running through GameNative, and that’s because it’s also available on Portmaster as well. Ratcheteer DX is a colored reimagining of the original Ratcheteer game released on Panic’s Playdate.
If you’re looking for a 2D adventure game with tools, aliens, and a bit of rolling, Ratcheteer DX is a great option to look at. And if you’re looking to learn more about the game and developer Shaun Inman, check out our interview with him and his handheld software, MinUI.Â
Deadline Delivery – $15
Going from solid exploration to crazy driving, Deadline Delivery is the next game that I’d recommend checking out. You’re playing as Carl the delivery Monkey, attempting to deliver all of your mail in the quickest amount of time before your mail van blows up.
With short, colorful maps, a leaderboard to track your times globally, and the constant warning beeps of the dynamic in your ears, Deadline Delivery is another one to watch for. And if you’re curious about running it, it boots up and has decent fps through GameNative on the Odin 3, but it looks like it’s having a seizure the entire time it does so, so I might not recommend that just yet.Â
Demon Tides – $25
Maybe you’re looking for something more open-world, maybe you’re looking for some platforms to jump over and some oceans to run through. If that’s the case, Fabraz’s Demon Tides might be worth taking a look at. It’s the most expensive game on this list, but it’s also one that holds a lot of gameplay in its 2GB file size.
It’s a simple premise as you’re playing as Beebz and her crew to discover the land and its secrets throughout its world, and just like Deadline Delivery, you can go for the fastest times just by battling ghosts throughout every level. If you’re looking to bring your Open World 3D Platformers to the PC, this is one to look out for. Or you can check out the other game they’ve been working on: Bubsy 4D.
Toree Saturn – $5
So.. apparently there’s been a theme on some of the games I’ve been recommending. Go fast, jump hard, and look good while doing it. Or something like that. Toree Saturn is another speed-based platformer, though this time a lot more linear than Demon Tides. You’re bouncing, jumping, and exploring to collect the stars in this retro-style platformer.
If you’ve already played Toree 3D and Toree 2, good news! You don’t need to do that to play Toree Saturn. But if you want more good news, this one works pretty much flawlessly on GameNative.Â
Cast N Chill – $15
Let’s take things in the opposite direction now. Technically speaking, Cast N Chill is one game I haven’t put much of any time into; that being said, another member on the team has certainly put a few good hours into it. Rather than worry about speed, jumping, or much of anything, you’re relaxing in the lake and fishing.
Catch more fish, upgrade your gear, catch better fish; profit? While not the most energetic game in the world, if you’re looking to kick back, relax, and fish. Cast n Chill is a great option and one I’d recommend too.Â
Parking Garage Rally Circuit (Euro Tour) – Game + DLC Bundle – $13.50
My highest recommendation in the entire list is right here. The European Tour DLC for Parking Garage Rally Circuit. Why am I recommending the DLC for a $10 game in a game recommendations article? Because the $5 DLC (or $3.50 if you buy them both) is the same size as the base game. This time, you’re ripping, tearing, and drifting through a number of European parking garages with one goal. Go as fast as possible. Once you get all of the goals, your goal changes. Go faster than everyone else.
If you’re addicted to racing leaderboards and you love catchy Ska music, I highly implore you to take a look at PGRC. If not, the DLC at the very least buys the base game. It runs so well on my Odin handhelds.
Raccoin: Coin Pusher Roguelike – $12
Last but certainly not least is Raccoin: Coin Pusher Roguelike. If you’re like me or Rob the Retro Tech Dad, you can get pretty addicted to these deckbuilding gambling roguelikes. Whether it’s Balatro, Luck be a Landlord, Dungeon Clawler, or more Raccoin goes straight for your pleasure receptors with dropping coins, spinning wheels, and dopamine up the wazoo. Available on Android, iOS, Steam, and playable through Gamenative with ease, if you can pick this game up, I’d highly recommend it.
Conclusion
And there you have it. One solid selection of os steam recommendations from yours truly. These are games that I’ve either played (all but Cast N Chill) or have heard enough good things about from people I trust to recommend (Cast N Chill again). There are hundreds of thousands of games across Steam, and if you want to keep your backlog growing, these 8 games will be a solid addition. Or go buy bundles from Fanatical if you don’t care what games you’re getting.
