News: The Good Old Days Hits Nintendo Switch
Aksys Games has launched The Good Old Days on Nintendo Switch in North America, following its global Steam release on the same day. This nostalgic 2D Metroidvania draws inspiration from '80s adventure films and retro platformers, blending pixel-perfect visuals with heartfelt storytelling. Players step into the shoes of Sean, a young boy in the fictional rural town of Arostia during the 19XX era. Burdened by his late father's debt, Sean must repay it within a single day while rescuing his imprisoned friends—Foodie, Bruce, and Doc—from the clutches of a ruthless gang. As part of the Noogies crew, Sean's journey evokes the magic of childhood quests, filled with exploration, secrets, and clever mechanics that capture the glow of youthful dreams.
The game's world brims with charm and challenge, encouraging non-linear exploration across hidden areas reminiscent of classic arcades, playgrounds, and '80s pop culture icons. Starting as Sean, players unlock additional playable characters upon rescue, each boasting unique abilities that expand traversal options and puzzle-solving tactics. Foodie might excel in resource gathering, Bruce in combat prowess, and Doc in intellectual challenges, allowing seamless switching for creative pathfinding. Combat is optional; players can bypass bosses through stealth, side quests, minigames, gambling, or secret stashes to amass funds. This freedom fosters diverse playstyles, from action-packed confrontations to pure discovery, all while influencing the dynamic narrative through decisions on events, time of day, inventory, and interactions.
What truly shines is the tribute to nostalgia, packed with homages to beloved childhood toys, juvenile films, and 16-bit aesthetics crafted by industry veterans. The circular story structure ensures replayability, with multiple endings shaped by choices that alter character fates, questlines, and even the world's evolution across playthroughs. Each conclusion loops back to new beginnings, revealing branching paths and hidden gems that spark smiles and memories. Whether blazing trails through boss battles or uncovering easter eggs, The Good Old Days delivers a personal, evolving tale of friendship, redemption, and the enduring spark of adventure. Available now on Switch and Steam, it's a pixel-art gem for fans of retro metroidvanias seeking emotional depth and boundless creativity.