Pixel Heroes: Byte & Magic is an old-school role-playing game that brings us back to a much simpler era in gaming. The graphics, music and playstyle are all reminiscent of the earliest days of playing video games on a 1980’s console. As an owner of a ColecoVision and an avid NES player that amassed a collection of over 100 games, it did feel a bit like going through a time machine. However, looking back on such experiences from a modern perspective, you realize how many flaws they had.
The story revolves around an ancient cult that has set foot in the lands. They call themselves The Sons of Dawn and pray to a dark elder god. They have started recruiting people for their cause all over the country. They’re doing this to awaken a long-forgotten evil entity. As expected, it’s up to you to stop them.
You start Pixel Heroes: Byte & Magic by getting a brief introduction to all of the playable characters in a tavern. It’s a useful way to choose your party and get to know the characters a bit. From there you’ll walk through the town where you can chat with the townsfolk, buy equipment and pick up quests. You’ll soon be off on your first mission through your first dungeon. Players who are familiar with games like Shovel Knight will immediately notice the similarities. Role-playing games were structured in a particular way back in the day and all of these titles pay homage to that style.
The game has little more than clearing out enemy-infested rooms one at a time. The combat is turn-based and each playable character offers a different way to attack. There are warriors, mages, ranged attackers and more. Pixel Heroes: Byte & Magic is actually quite difficult and your characters die permanently so you’ll have to be strategic and get the most out of your party if you want to survive.
The humor is decent in the game. Quest givers and party characters offer lots of witty dialogue that will have you laughing at times. The writing isn’t mind-blowing but it serves it purpose. The main issue is that the repetitive nature of the combat can lead to boredom and frustration. Pixel Heroes: Byte & Magic needs more variety apart from going around clearing dungeons.
Summary
For what it is, Pixel Heroes: Byte & Magic succeeds in accomplishing what it sets out to do. It’s an unapologetic retro game that looks to capture the nostalgia of an era in gaming long gone. But while it does succeed in doing that, it remains to be seen if many gamers will actually find that enjoyable. Outside of the nostalgic gaming crowd, I’m not sure that many will. Even though the game has roguelike features and procedurally-generated loot, I can’t see gamers getting addicted to the experience.
Kevin was a community contributor to ICXM, writing 2 articles in 2016–2017 covering game reviews, and Xbox news. ICXM operated as an independent Xbox and Windows gaming outlet through the Xbox One X launch year and Microsoft’s wider Play Anywhere / UWP gaming initiative, drawing from a rotating bench of editorial volunteers. They post on X as @K_Alex1.