Remember those days of Flash games and animations? Newgrounds was a huge part of internet culture for a long time. Even though Flash is gone, people are still making cool stuff and celebrating the platform. There’s even a ‘Flash Forward 2025’ event happening to keep the spirit alive. We’ve rounded up some of the best newgrounds games you should check out.
Key Takeaways
- Newgrounds is still a place for creative games and animations, even after Adobe Flash ended.
- The ‘Flash Forward 2025’ event encourages new game and movie submissions using Flash.
- Many classic Flash game styles are being kept alive through emulators and new projects.
- Events and collabs on Newgrounds celebrate its 30-year history and the community.
- You can find a variety of games, from fighting games to platformers and unique interactive movies.
1. Super Smash Flash
When you think of Newgrounds, you probably think of those wild Flash games from the early 2000s. And if that’s the case, then Super Smash Flash is probably one of the first things that comes to mind. This game is basically a love letter to the Super Smash Bros. series, but made entirely in Flash. It’s pretty wild how much they managed to pack into it, considering the limitations of the technology back then.
It’s a surprisingly deep fighter that captures the chaotic fun of its console inspiration. You’ve got a huge roster of characters, many of them pulled straight from other popular Flash animations and games. Seriously, you’ll find everyone from characters from Alien Hominid to characters from the Tankmen series. The gameplay itself is pretty solid, with combos, special moves, and all the stuff you’d expect from a Smash Bros. game. It’s definitely a game that rewards practice and learning character matchups. If you’re looking to get into the nitty-gritty of how controls work, there’s a forum post that discusses controller input types and key mappings controller input types.
What’s really cool is how many different modes are packed in. You’ve got your standard versus mode, of course, but there’s also a story mode, a training mode, and even a mode where you can create your own stages. It’s the kind of game that you could sink hours into, just trying out different characters and seeing who you can beat.
Gameplay Mechanics
- Character Variety: A massive roster featuring characters from across Newgrounds history.
- Combat System: Features combos, special moves, and unique character abilities.
- Game Modes: Includes Versus, Story, Training, and Stage Creator.
Controls
- Keyboard: Typically uses WASD for movement and various keys for attacks and actions.
- Controller Support: While originally designed for keyboard, many players adapt controllers for a more familiar feel.
Why it Stands Out
Super Smash Flash really stands out because it’s a fan-made game that managed to capture the spirit of a major franchise. It shows what people could do with Flash back in the day, and it’s still a blast to play. It’s a testament to the creativity that thrived on Newgrounds.
2. Underwheels
Next up on our list is "Underwheels," a game that really pulls you into its world. Developed by LakenDaCoda, this title puts you in the shoes of Chadgore, who’s on a mission to save his family. It’s a pretty intense setup, and the gameplay really matches that feeling. You’re constantly on the move, trying to outsmart enemies and overcome obstacles. The art style is also something to talk about; it’s got a distinct look that fits the game’s tone perfectly.
The game has garnered a solid amount of attention, with over 85,000 views. It’s clear that many players have found something special in Chadgore’s quest. The challenge level feels just right – tough enough to keep you engaged, but not so hard that you want to quit. It’s the kind of game that makes you feel accomplished when you finally get past a tricky section. If you’re looking for a game with a good story and engaging mechanics, "Underwheels" is definitely worth checking out. It’s a good example of the kind of creative projects you can find on Newgrounds, much like the innovative laptop designs from 2016 that offered new ways to interact with technology.
3. Mabel’s Quest for Love!
Mabel’s Quest for Love!
Mabel’s Quest for Love! is a game from JerseyHouseStudio that puts you in the shoes of Mabel, who’s having a rough time getting dates to show up. She finally figures out why, and it turns out to be a pretty funny situation. It’s a simple concept, but it’s got that charm you expect from Newgrounds creations.
The game focuses on Mabel trying to figure out why her dates keep flaking out. It’s not a super complex story, but it’s relatable in a weird way. You get to see Mabel’s attempts to solve her dating woes, and it’s pretty entertaining.
Here’s a quick look at what you can expect:
- Mabel’s dating troubles.
- Figuring out the reason behind the no-shows.
- A lighthearted and humorous approach to dating.
It’s a fun little game if you’re looking for something quick and amusing. You can check out other games like this on Newgrounds if you enjoy this style.
4. Donkey Kong IV
Alright, let’s talk about Donkey Kong IV. This one’s a bit of a throwback, a fan-made sequel to Donkey Kong 3, and it really captures that classic feel. You play as Stanley the Bugman, who gets himself into a bit of a pickle, trapped by his old nemesis, Donkey Kong. Your main goal is to find keys to get out of this mess. It’s a fun little adventure that really shows the creativity found on Newgrounds. If you’re into platformers with a bit of a puzzle element, this is definitely worth checking out. It’s a solid entry that reminds you why these older styles of games are still so enjoyable. You can find it on Newgrounds if you want to give it a go.
5. Newgrounds 30th Birthday Locker Collab
Celebrating Three Decades of Digital Creativity
This collaboration was a massive undertaking, put together by the community to honor Newgrounds’ 30th anniversary. It’s a real testament to the site’s enduring legacy and the passion of its users. The goal was pretty straightforward: find all the hidden balloons scattered throughout the project to join in the birthday festivities. It really captures the spirit of Newgrounds, where fans and creators come together to make something special.
It’s amazing to think about how far Newgrounds has come since its early days. Back then, it was all about Flash games and animations, a format that defined a generation of internet culture. Even though Flash itself is gone, projects like this keep that spirit alive. It’s a nod to the past while looking forward, much like the ongoing efforts to keep Flash content accessible through emulators like Ruffle. This event was organized by @CosmicPunked, and it’s a great example of the collaborative energy that makes Newgrounds so unique. You can see a collection of anniversary projects at this Newgrounds collection.
Key Features and Gameplay
- Objective: Locate all the hidden balloons within the interactive environment.
- Theme: A celebratory birthday party atmosphere for Newgrounds’ 30th year.
- Interactivity: Players explore a digital space, clicking around to find the hidden items.
- Community Focus: Developed as a collaborative effort to mark a significant milestone for the platform.
6. Tankmen Tribute Collab
The Tankmen series has a pretty dedicated following, and the Tankmen Tribute Collab really shows that off. It’s a collection of short animations and art pieces made by a bunch of different creators, all celebrating the iconic Tankmen characters. You’ll see a lot of familiar faces and styles in here, with people putting their own spin on the tank-based action. It’s pretty cool to see how many people are still into this universe. Some of the entries are really well-animated, with some genuinely funny moments and impressive action sequences. It’s a great way to see the community’s passion for the series. If you’re a fan of the original Tankmen, you’ll probably find a lot to like here. It’s a good example of how collabs can bring people together to create something fun. You can check out some of the entries like "Chase (Tankman Tribute Collab 2025)" by jinmessan or "TANKMEN FIGHT (Tankmen tribute collab)" by ATOXBCC. It really highlights the creative energy on Newgrounds, kind of like how the Newgrounds 30th Birthday Locker Collab did for the site’s anniversary.
7. ToiletMen
What is ToiletMen?
ToiletMen is a short animation that was created for a Tankmen collaboration. It’s a pretty straightforward piece, showing off some basic animation skills. While it doesn’t have a complex plot or groundbreaking gameplay, it fits right into the spirit of these community projects. It’s the kind of thing you see a lot on Newgrounds, where people come together to celebrate a shared interest, like the Tankmen series. The animation itself is simple, but it gets the job done for what it is. It’s a good example of how many creators contribute to these larger events, adding their own little piece to the puzzle. You can check out similar animations on Newgrounds if this sort of thing is up your alley.
Why it’s on the list
So, why is ToiletMen even on a list of top games for 2025? Well, it’s not exactly a game, is it? This is where the article title might be a little misleading. Newgrounds is famous for its games, but it’s also a huge hub for animations, art, and music. ToiletMen represents the collaborative spirit that makes Newgrounds so special. It’s a small part of a bigger picture, a tribute to a popular series that brought many people together. These kinds of community-driven projects are what keep the site alive and interesting, even if they aren’t traditional video games. It’s a nod to the animation side of things, which is just as important to the Newgrounds legacy.
8. Invincible Vs
Alright, so if you’re a fan of the animated show Invincible, you’re gonna want to hear about this. They’ve actually made a fighting game based on it, called Invincible Vs. It’s set to drop next year, and from what I’ve seen, it looks pretty wild. The fighting seems to capture that same over-the-top, bloody style as the show, which is kind of what you’d expect, right? It’s shaping up to be a 3v3 tag fighter, and the roster is looking good, featuring characters like Atom Eve, Rex Splode, and even some of those tough Viltrumite soldiers. It’s pretty cool to see the show get this kind of treatment. This game looks like it could be a real treat for fans of the series. I’m curious to see how they handle the different powers and abilities in a fighting game format. It’s always a bit of a gamble when a show like this gets adapted, but the early signs are promising. You can catch the official reveal trailer to get a better idea of the gameplay. It’s definitely one to keep an eye on if you’re into the show or just looking for a new fighter to try out. The art style seems to be a faithful adaptation, which is always a plus. I saw an illustration recently titled "Invincible vs. Conquest" that really captured the feel of the show, and I’m hoping the game’s visuals will be just as good. It’s exciting to think about the potential matchups and combos we might see. It’s a good time to be a fan of superhero media, that’s for sure. The game is expected to be released sometime in 2025, so we won’t have to wait too long to get our hands on it. It’s a big year for game releases, and this one is definitely on my radar.
9. Gears of War: Reloaded
It’s hard to believe the Gears of War series is already two decades old. To mark this milestone, Xbox is bringing back the original with a fresh coat of paint in Gears of War: Reloaded. This isn’t just a simple up-res, though. They’ve gone all out, offering 4K resolution and support for up to 120 FPS, which should make those iconic chainsaw executions look even more brutal. Plus, the multiplayer has been completely overhauled with modern features, including cross-platform play and split-screen, so you can team up with friends no matter what they’re playing on. This remastered edition is set to launch on August 26th.
Here’s a quick rundown of what to expect:
- Visuals: Full 4K resolution for a sharper, more detailed look.
- Performance: Up to 120 FPS support for smoother gameplay.
- Multiplayer: Modernized with cross-platform play and split-screen options.
Fans who have been with the series since the beginning will definitely want to check out this anniversary celebration. You can catch a glimpse of the updated visuals and gameplay in the latest trailer released during the Xbox Games Showcase.
10. Aphelion
Developed by the same folks who brought us the Life is Strange series, DontNod, Aphelion is a new sci-fi adventure that looks pretty intense. The trailer showed an astronaut exploring some really cold, alien-looking places, and it definitely gave off vibes similar to games like Dead Space or Starfield. The story is set in 2060, where Earth isn’t doing so great, and humanity’s last hope is a planet called Persephone. You play as Ariane, one of two astronauts sent on a mission, but things go wrong, and she ends up stranded. She has to find her partner and survive the harsh environment. It seems like it’ll mix exploration with some tense stealth moments, which sounds like a cool combination. It’s slated for a 2026 release, so we’ve got a bit of a wait, but it’s definitely one to keep an eye on if you like story-driven sci-fi. If you’re looking for other games that don’t need a super powerful computer, you might want to check out some of the titles mentioned in this guide.
The Future is Flash (and Fun!)
So, that’s a look at some of the cool stuff happening with Newgrounds in 2025. It’s pretty wild to see how the platform is still going strong, especially with events like Flash Forward 2025 celebrating the old days while pushing for new creations. Whether you’re into the classic Flash feel or checking out the latest indie games popping up, there’s definitely a lot to explore. It really shows that even after all these years, Newgrounds is still a place where creativity can thrive. Keep an eye out for more awesome games and animations coming from this community.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Flash Forward 2025?
Newgrounds is celebrating its 30th anniversary with a special event called Flash Forward 2025. This event encourages creators to make new games and animations using Flash technology, even though Flash itself is no longer supported. It’s a way to keep the spirit of Flash alive and showcase new talent.
How can Flash games be played if Flash is no longer supported?
While Adobe officially ended support for Flash at the end of 2020, the Ruffle Flash Emulator is a tool that allows Flash content to run on modern web browsers. Newgrounds uses Ruffle to make sure the games submitted for Flash Forward 2025 can be played by everyone.
What kind of games or animations are accepted for Flash Forward 2025?
The Flash Forward 2025 event is looking for new games and interactive movies made with Flash. Interactive movies can include things like animated stories with choices or different endings. The main rule is that the game or movie must be new and made specifically for this event.
Are there prizes for participating in Flash Forward 2025?
Yes, there are prizes for the best entries! Winners can receive money, with amounts ranging from $50 to $1,000 depending on whether it’s a game or a movie. Newgrounds also uses crowdfunding to offer even bigger prizes.
When is the deadline for submitting entries to Flash Forward 2025?
The deadline for submitting entries to Flash Forward 2025 is April 6th. This date is special because it marks the 25th anniversary of Newgrounds’ Flash Portal, which was one of the first places online where people could easily share their own games and animations.
Why is Newgrounds celebrating Flash games?
Newgrounds was a really popular website back in the day, especially for Flash games and animations. It was a place where many artists and game makers shared their creations. This event is a way to remember and celebrate that era, and to encourage new projects that capture that same creative energy.