Loading critic reviews...
Finding live streams...
About The Good Old Days
The Good Old Days is a 2D action-adventure Metroidvania developed by Gravity, released on October 22, 2025, for PC, Switch, and Linux. Set in the fictional city of Arostia, you play as Sean, a boy determined to clear his father’s debt by rescuing three friends, battling enemies, and navigating a large, interconnected world. The game leans heavily into 16-bit era aesthetics and gameplay, with a focus on exploration, combat, and puzzle-solving. Its single-player structure and nostalgic tone aim to evoke the spirit of classic indie games from the early 2000s.
Gameplay
You spend most of your time platforming through five distinct zones, each with locked areas requiring upgrades like a stronger slingshot or a grappling hook. Combat is real-time, using a mix of projectile attacks and melee strikes, with a stamina-based dodge system. Bosses require memorizing patterns, and puzzles often tie to environmental storytelling. Sessions rarely exceed 2-3 hours due to a deliberate pacing and frequent save points. Controls are responsive but lack modern concessions like assist modes, so difficulty spikes can frustrate. Progression relies on backtracking, which rewards players with shortcuts or new weapons.
What Players Think
PlayPile users rate it 8.7/10, with 78% completing the main story. Average playtime is 12 hours, though 30% report 15+ hours due to exploration. Community moods skew nostalgic (42%) and charming (35%), but 20% call the combat repetitive. Critics praise its pixel art (9.1/10) but note underdeveloped side quests. At $19.99, it’s seen as a bargain, though 18% feel the price justifies the content. 38 achievements exist, with “Debt Repaid” (final boss) being the most cited. One review: “Loved the pixel art but combat feels samey after 5 hours.”
PlayPile's Take
This is a must-play for fans of 2D action-adventure who prioritize nostalgia over polish. The debt-repayment narrative is thin but functional, and while combat lacks depth, the world design compensates. With 38 achievements and a $20 price tag, it’s a low-risk buy for those craving a mid-2000s indie vibe. Skip if you prefer modern mechanics or deep storytelling. It sits firmly in the “solid, but not essential” camp.
Game Modes
Single player
Deals
Finding deals...
Achievements
Loading achievements...
Similar Games
Finding similar games...
Buzzing on Bluesky
Checking Bluesky...