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EnglishAre Madsox Games' Game Boy Games Worth Buying?
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If you want short, dense Game Boy-style games with horror, simulation, and retro themes, Madsox Games' itch.io catalog is worth a look — especially during the Summer Sale 2026. Prices run from $3 to $6, and the studio describes itself as a small British games studio. The main caveat: these are niche, small-scope titles, so they suit players who value atmosphere and compact design over long playtimes or polished production.
What Madsox Games actually sells
Madsox Games is a small British games studio publishing on itch.io. Its catalog is built around Game Boy-style releases across several genres:
| Game | Genre | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Death Row | Role Playing | $3 |
| Death Row 2 | Role Playing | $6 |
| Death Row Brawl | Role Playing | $4.50 |
| Grave Rogue | Adventure | $4 |
| Grave Rogue 2 | Adventure | $4.50 |
| Exit 8-bit | Puzzle | — |
| Retro Maker Simulator | Simulation | — |
| Retro Handheld Simulator | Simulation | — |
The Death Row games are described as "a small, dense, horror role play game set on death row." That phrase — small and dense — is the clearest signal of what the studio aims for across its catalog.
Who these games are for
- Horror RPG fans who want something compact rather than a sprawling campaign. The Death Row series is the core of this.
- Roguelike and adventure players — Grave Rogue and Grave Rogue 2 sit in the adventure category.
- Retro hardware enthusiasts — the simulation titles (Retro Maker Simulator, Retro Handheld Simulator) lean into the Game Boy aesthetic itself as the subject.
- Puzzle players — Exit 8-bit is the puzzle entry.
If you prefer long, content-heavy games, or you don't have any interest in Game Boy-style presentation, this catalog likely isn't for you.
How to decide before buying
- Check the sale first. The Summer Sale 2026 is live at the linked itch.io sale page. If a title you want is discounted, buying during the sale is the obvious move.
- Start with the cheapest entry point. Death Row at $3 is the lowest-priced title and shares the setting and genre of the more expensive sequels. If you like it, Death Row 2 at $6 is the natural next step.
- Match genre to taste. Don't buy Death Row Brawl expecting the same experience as Death Row 2 — both are role playing, but they're separate titles at different prices.
- Read the itch.io pages for each game. The catalog listing gives genre and price, but details like playtime, platform support, and content warnings live on individual game pages.
The honest trade-offs
What you get: low prices ($3–$6), a focused horror RPG series, and a studio with a clear, consistent aesthetic.
What to watch for: the catalog is small and niche. "Small, dense" experiences mean short playtimes by design. There's no evidence in the listing of bundles, demos, or refund terms — so treat each purchase as a standalone decision. Pricing signals for the simulation and puzzle titles aren't shown in the listing, so check those pages directly.
Bottom line
Buy if you want affordable, atmospheric Game Boy-style horror RPGs and retro simulations, and you're comfortable with short, dense games. Skip if you need length, broad genre variety, or mainstream production values. The safest first purchase is Death Row at $3 — and if the Summer Sale 2026 covers it, even better.