Retro-style graphics seems to be popular amongst indie devs nowadays. Though the graphics may look old some of these games are quite original. Here is a short list of good indie games that you may not have seen yet.
#1 Desktop Dungeons
a point-and-click dungeon crawler RPG. A very difficult game which features perma-death. The goal is to simply defeat the boss in the dungeon. To do this you will first need to level up your character which starts at level 1 and can level up to level 10. Killing the weak enemies first is usually a good way to start. you will have a very limited amount of heals and magic so be wise with your choices.this game has a freeware version and a pre-purchase version for $10 PC/Mac.#2 Hack Slash Loot
another point-and-click dungeon crawler. this game is a bit different though, the enemies move around along with you, making this a strategy/turn-based RPG. there is no leveling system so all your stats come from your equipment. There are different classes and quests you can choice from as well as randomly generated dungeons. this game has a freeware version and a full version for $10 PC/Mac/Linux.#3 Realm of the Mad God
An MMO shooter RPG. probably the first of it's kind. you level up while killing swarms of enemies in a total bullet hell. co-op play is incredibly easy in this game compared to most MMOs as you can teleport to anyone at anytime within the server via the world map. there are dungeons and massive boss battles which test your skills in this massive RPG. team work is a necessity if you are to survive. This game is completely free and has a flash version as well as a Steam version._________________________________________________________well that's all i have for now. i would like to know what people think about these games. also add any recommendations you may have for me as well, so long as they are free.
Desktop Dungeons is stupidly addictive when you lack access to a better computer. It's also a great scheme to get users interested in the prototype they've made/finishing up in game maker to move on to the upcoming commercial Unity version.
Hack Slash Loot looks like a modernized NetHack, I'ma try nab a copy on Steam while the sale lasts.Realm of the Mad God is basically what Kilin said, amusing for a while.Regarding the retro graphics deal, it's a safe bet, make an indie game that hints to nostalgia with graphics and game play with a modern twist, get on Steam, get some media coverage and bam, mohnay from all the 20 years old and upwards indie gamefreaksenthusiasts.Desktop Dungeons stole a month of my life a few years ago. That game is addictive once you get into it.
I really ought to buy the full version, now that I think about it.Like all art creating good graphics is about sincerity, really. You can paint a canvas a single colour and get it hung in a national art gallery. I shit you not I've seen it. Of course there is also the functional aspect of graphics. That too.
Although don't listen to me because I am genuinely bad at graphics.