Steam Sale - (Overlooked) Indie Game Deals Discussion Thread

I think this was a game with very mixed reviews. Heard the difficulty gets really frustrating and there are some control issues...?

'course, I already own the game so I should probably try it for myself :p

It can get really frustrating since the levels are really long compared to Super Meat Boy, but you can manipulate where to set the check points and you can "solve" the various sections of every level in quite a few different ways, so it's not really that bad.
And I found the control scheme absolutely perfect, but I played it with the 360 pad, I don't think it would be the same using keyboard and mouse.
 
Why are Eversion and Starseed good/special/unique?

Sorry for the late answer. The most unique thing about the game is the way it uses the players curiosity to push the gamer to continue playing it. It sounds basic, but this game lets you explore its game MECHANICS, instead of a story, world etc. This game rarely offers a definite direction, and even though there is a goal, the temptation to deviate from the path to just build and figure out how things "work" is strong. During the first hour of play, most players will simply feel confused and probably angered at not being able to progress in a way they are used to. Instead they need to sit back and actually watch their surroundings, and take into account and evaluate how the game reacts to the player. The basic gameplay revolves around growing "seeds", which then turn into structures that the player can traverse, but the process of finding out how to use these new found tools was so refreshingly unique and even mysterious, that I would consider it a recent gaming experience I wouldnt want to miss. What people take from games inevitably varies, but it showed me that I didnt lose the sense of wonder and curiousity that games instilled in me when I was younger. It was pure fun to explore what this game had to offer, and showed me that a recent surge of disinterest in gaming wasnt necessarily due to me getting older, but due to the games I have been playing being less and less playful. I always loved Indie Games, but completely submerging myself in these kind of games and closely examining what these Indie devs have to offer, rejuvenated my interest for my hobby, which I am very glad for.
 
Sorry for the late answer. The most unique thing about the game is the way it uses the players curiosity to push the gamer to continue playing it. It sounds basic, but this game lets you explore its game MECHANICS, instead of a story, world etc. This game rarely offers a definite direction, and even though there is a goal, the temptation to deviate from the path to just build and figure out how things "work" is strong. During the first hour of play, most players will simply feel confused and probably angered at not being able to progress in a way they are used to. Instead they need to sit back and actually watch their surroundings, and take into account and evaluate how the game reacts to the player. The basic gameplay revolves around growing "seeds", which then turn into structures that the player can traverse, but the process of finding out how to use these new found tools was so refreshingly unique and even mysterious, that I would consider it a recent gaming experience I wouldnt want to miss. What people take from games inevitably varies, but it showed me that I didnt lose the sense of wonder and curiousity that games instilled in me when I was younger. It was pure fun to explore what this game had to offer, and showed me that a recent surge of disinterest in gaming wasnt necessarily due to me getting older, but due to the games I have been playing being less and less playful. I always loved Indie Games, but completely submerging myself in these kind of games and closely examining what these Indie devs have to offer, rejuvenated my interest for my hobby, which I am very glad for.
No prob, thanks for the info. I'm on vacation as well, so I know it's harder to find time to reply.

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Sorry, off topic, but maybe someone knows the answer: I'm using the mobile site, I try to post in the main Steam thread and I get a NeoGaf Unavailable page. It's weird because I can post here and I posted in that thread earlier today. Any suggestions for what to do?
 
Starseed Pilgrim - $2,69 (55% off)
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http://store.steampowered.com/app/230980

The basic gameplay revolves around growing "seeds", which then turn into structures that the player can traverse, but the process of finding out how to use these new found tools was so refreshingly unique and even mysterious, that I would consider it a recent gaming experience I wouldnt want to miss. What people take from games inevitably varies, but it showed me that I didnt lose the sense of wonder and curiousity that games instilled in me when I was younger.
 
McPixel - $0,99 (80% off)
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http://store.steampowered.com/app/220860/?snr=1_7_15__13

Brilliant and addictive. Figure out how not blow up the scene. If it means shoving something up someone's @$$ it's all good or least within the developers demented consciousness it is. Fail and repeat until you get the solution right. Doesn't make sense, doesn't matter, worth a chuckle or two. Customized visuals through filters is a sweet touch.
 
Finally getting around to adding more games that people didnt recommend in the proper format so far (just going through some of the notable games that should be on that list atm), I will post them in the usual format (like McPixel).
 
Great addition :D
I'll put a review for all the indies on Steam sale that I played. Soon.
Ok, I'll try the set format.

It was actually a coincidence, I was JUST planning on adding it anyway, but you gave me the better picture for the post.
If you do recommendations for games that are already in the OP, there is no need to stick to the format ;)
 
The Blackwell games are good, the two I've played so far. Primordia is excellent and a lot less frustrating to play than Gemini Rue. I'm waiting for Resonance to come up in a daily or whatever.

Primordia- £4.19 (-40% off)



Resonance - £2.79 (-60% off)




Gemini Rue - £2.79 (-60% off)



The Blackwell Bundle Containing: Legacy, Unbound Convergence and Deception -£5.99 (-60% off.)

Thanks a lot for updating it, put these into the OP. I love these games as well.
 
Shatter - $1.99 (80%)
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http://store.steampowered.com/app/20820/

Ah, Shatter. How do I love thee? Your jaw-dropping electronic soundtrack (which should be- and is- a separate album in itself), your delightful tweaks on traditional Breakout, your technical feats... Shatter is great. And you should buy it.
 
Shattered Haven - $1,99 (80% off)
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http://store.steampowered.com/app/234370/

Not the best game on this list, but certainly something that deserves to be mentioned here. Solve environmental puzzles under pressure. Figure out how to use the tools, traps, and weapons in each level to clear all the Levels.

I still need to properly try this game, I cant quite sign the bad reviews it got so far, but i cant properly judge that yet. Still, for $2 it deserves a mention here.
 
My thoughts exactly! I loved HoMM1/2/3 years ago, but this looks more like Civ to me.

I'll probably pull the trigger on it, but anyone else have some input?

Literally every impression I read about Eador here on GAF was a recommendation full of praise and love for the game. I have a hard time resisting the purchase.
 
Heh, most of the stuff here I have due to bundles.

Would you guys recommend Organ Trail?

Tough game to recommend. Its not among the worst games I've ever played, but very... uhm... specific. Some elements have an old school arcade vibe to it, that some people wont appreciate, but it was entertaining to use your real life friends as passengers and seeing who died in the most stupid way possible :p

Nothing with longevity though. Literally only started it up once.
 
Here is a good one for this thread, which some of you might already own from previous Bundles:

Droplitz - $0.99 (80% off)
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http://store.steampowered.com/app/23120/

Fun and fast paced puzzle game that initially seems very frantic, but exposes a decent level of strategy once you get into the inner workings of the game. Highscore gaming and several game modes guarantee that you can play this game for a while.

I used this game for a gaf contest a while ago. Some people hated it, because they got the impression that its random and no skill involved, while others really liked it. The game might be a bit hit or miss according to that thread, but its definitely worth a look if you like Pipemania style gameplay or frantic puzzle games in general.
 
So it's not as good as Oregon Trail then?

Noooo, not even close.

Btw, FTL is different, but playing it I got many Oregon Trail vibes and I consider it the best game evoking that Oregon Trail feeling.
 
Very very happy with my Dyad purchase.

I've had Jamestown for a while, but its a great game, especially on a SHMUP starved platform like Steam.
 
Very very happy with my Dyad purchase.

I've had Jamestown for a while, but its a great game, especially on a SHMUP starved platform like Steam.

More impressions for Dyad would be very appreciated. Its one of the games I am interested in picking up. And I second the Jamestown recommendation, the game gets even better if you try to beat the harder difficulties. Magnificient level design.
 
Delve Deeper - $1,37 (75%)
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http://store.steampowered.com/app/63800/

If we are just talking of Steam releases and the price its going for, this game is basically the definition of an underappreciated gem. Its basically a boardgame played it turns where its your task to secure as much gold as possible by placing board tiles, defeating enemies and being generally faster than your opponents. This game is playable in SP, but shines in local hotseat MP.
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Literally every impression I read about Eador here on GAF was a recommendation full of praise and love for the game. I have a hard time resisting the purchase.

Reviews do seem extremely positive, but they warn of bugs--which, looking through the community forum on Steam, seem like they're being addressed by devs--and bad UI, which sounds potentially annoying, but unfortunately isn't really something I can judge without playing it myself.

It does look like a lot of game for 12 dollars, though, so I'm very tempted. If I do bite on it I'll post some impressions.
 
Noooo, not even close.

Btw, FTL is different, but playing it I got many Oregon Trail vibes and I consider it the best game evoking that Oregon Trail feeling.

Oh yeah, I loving me some FTL.

And thank goodness I didn't get that bundle with Organ Trail.
 
UnEpic - £5.99(0% off)
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http://store.steampowered.com/app/233980/

UnEpic, probably one of the best games I have ever played, on the surface looks like a simple dungeon crawler, but there is depth here which AAA titles wish they could tap into, written by one person, a 20 hour single player campaign, also a MP game, which I have not tried, you can also buy it on his site where you can buy credits to help you get better weapons etc. Also just been approved for release on the Wii U

"...the developer pulled inspiration from multiple games and genres, including The Maze of Galious, Castlevania and World of Warcraft. While each of these titles influences this title, the story, humor, and levels are uniquely UnEpic."
 
Gnomoria - $3,99 (50% off)
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http://store.steampowered.com/app/224500

Easily among the best Indie games you can currently grab in this sale, Gnomoria is basically an easier accessible version of Dwarf Fortress due to an easier decipherable UI and mouse integration. For $4, you get dozens hours of sim goodness in which you need to make sure your gnome settlement is thriving and able to fend of invaders.

Bonus:
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Finally got round to adding Unepic :)

Yeah, just noticed its not on sale though :( Super fun game though and I should finally take my time to create the OT for it. I've been meaning to get around to that for a few weeks now.
 
Yeah, just noticed its not on sale though :( Super fun game though and I should finally take my time to create the OT for it. I've been meaning to get around to that for a few weeks now.

I know, guess it better not go in the OP
 
I'd like to mention Superbrothers: Sword & Sworcery EP, a original point & click adventure with an amazing art style, a spledidly crafted pixel art and one of the most beautiful OST ever. Unfortunately I'm not confident enough in my english to write something for the OP, but I think it's a pity that nobody mentioned it. :(
 
Superbrothers: Sword & Sworcery EP
iixNW52.jpg

store.steampowered.com/app/204060/

Play this game, people. Not quite like much I've played before, but if I had to categorize it, it's similar to a point and click adventure game, with some light combat. Very cool abstract game that incorporates some interesting social media features that break the fourth wall , great atmosphere/vibe, beautiful visuals, and fantastic electronic soundtrack from the great Jim Guthrie.
 
Great addition :D
I'll put a review for all the indies on Steam sale that I played. Soon.

I finished my list, and noticed that:
  • I played too many games
  • I liked few of them
  • I suck at writing reviews
I mean I wouldn't even call these reviews, except I already did.

  • Ares: A platformer game similar to old Mega Man/Metroid games. It has nice level setup and some hidden passages to add some puzzle. Nice game if you like the genre. I recommend a gamepad to play it. 3/5
  • And yet it moves: This is a platformer with an interesting concept. You turn the landscape as it is a paper to change your surroundings. This creates some interesting puzzles but I think puzzles and the platforming are a bit disconnected in this game. 2/5
  • Anomaly Warzone Earth: It is an interesting take on tower defense games, since you represent the troops trying to bypass towers. Try to make your way with planning and some "help". Nice game if you like the tower defense and short bits of play. 3/5
  • Atom Zombie Smasher: Tactical placement game would be a proper description of the game but is more than that. It is a lot of fun. You are trying to hold the outbreak of a zombie virus which infects everyone it touches, so you nuke them, shoot them, hunt them. The catch is the zombies are pink dots and you aren't any larger. 4/5
  • Awesomenauts: A MOBA game played as a 2D platformer. I don't think it is as good as its hype but I don't like MOBAs in general. 2/5
  • Beep: A platformer game where your avatar is a small robot. I don't think it has more than its cuteness to offer. 2/5
  • Bit.Trip Beat: It is a musical pong game. If you have the dexterity to play it you'll have a lot of fun, if you don't you'll have a lot of frustration. 3/5
  • BIT.TRIP RUNNER: Another Bit.Trip game, you just have to run, forward. And it is hard to run forward. Once again really good musical game if you have the timing. 3/5
  • Ben There, Dan That! and Time Gentlemen, Please!: A point and click adventure game with great humor. It is similar to old Monkey Island games but the humor might be a bit more adult oriented. 3/5
  • Binding of Isaac: A flash game where you shoot diabolical stuff with your tears. It has a nice story and fun character designs. 2/5
  • Braid: A puzzle-platformer game with great artwork and a time twist which allows you to go back and forward in time in order to solve the puzzles. 3/5
  • Breath of Death and Cthullu saves the world: This is a game inspired by the old Final Fantasy games. If you like the old RPGs this one might be played as a parody of them. 2/5
  • Bunch of Heroes: It looks like a fun minimised remake of Freedom Force, and it is not. It is an isometric action game with low variety. 1/5
  • Castle Crashers: Fast paced beat 'em up game set in a medievalish setting. Multiplayer is fun and the single player is more like a training play for the same quest. Don't try without a gamepad. 3/5
  • Cave Story+: Great artwork, music and stroyline in a platformer/exploration game. This might be the game to please your nostalgia. 5/5
  • Chivalry: AGATHAAAA!! A great first person slasher, where you can cut and pierce your friends. The only downside is that it is Multiplayer only. 5/5
  • Cogs: A 3D puzzle game where you try to make the cogs fit in order to start the machinery you have. 2/5
  • Cortex Command: A game where you control minds of stuff you designed and ordered to solve a puzzle like level. Despite the great idea the game fails to deliver and not optimized enough to run properly if there are 20+ minds on the level. 2/5
  • Costume Quest: A kid friendly game where you play small kids with "magical" Halloween costumes. Nothing great but fun nontheless. 3/5
  • Critical Mass: A 3D puzzle game, best described as tetris with a rotating cube. 2/5
  • Critter Crunch: Imagine Magical Drop but remove the semi-naked girls and add cute animals in a jungle. It is a good puzzle game. 4/5
  • Dear Esther: A tour on an island. Walk around, watch the scenery, and don't expect a game but a somewhat interactive story telling. If you like a good atmosphere with great scenery get it. 3/5
  • Defense Grid: A tower defense game with good artwork and actual planning. And it offers something many others don't, replayability. 3/5
  • Delve Deeper: It's a game of dwarves digging deeper to get more gold and gems while not getting killed to beat the opponent team of dwarves. 2/5
  • Dungeons of Dredmor: A rogue-like with a nice variety of skills and humor. 3/5
  • Freesia: A beat'em up game set in a single screen. 1/5
  • Flotilla: A tactical game similar to Frozen Synapse but set in space. You control your ship by giving it a direction and speed and order, and try to destroy your enemies.
  • Fortix: It is a Xonix clone. 2/5
  • Frozen Synapse: Imagine a top-view tactical game like Jagged Alliance, know imagine yourself sending the orders and watching what happens when they execute them agaisnt the unknown. Good game. 4/5
  • FTL: Random instances of battles where your enemies is blowing you up to pieces, if you are a good player. You are managing a spaceship crew and trying to survive during your escape. 4/5
  • Gemini Rue: A point and click adventure game with a dark theme. It has some nice artwork but the story isn't great. 3/5
  • Hamlet: It is a series of puzzle with a story line inspired by Hamlet. 2/5
  • Hotline Miami: A game of ultraviolence with a soundtrack which makes you feel the crime. Imagine a puzzle game where the puzzle is to kill everyone. 5/5
  • Jamestown: A shoot'em all game with a good story and even better soundtrack. 4/5
  • Legend of Grimrock: Dungeon crawling game which can be count as a 3D remake of the old Eye of the Beholder. 3/5
  • Machinarium: Series of puzzle with a silly robot. Puzzles are good and the graphics are better. 3/5
  • McPixel: This game is really fun. But the hidden fun is in the Free DLC submitted by others. There is really good stuff there.
  • Mount & Blade Warband: Starting as a nobody you are trying to make your way to king. And in your way lots of people will be slain. This is one of the best medieval life simulations. 5/5
  • The Misadventures of P.B. Winterbottom: Platforming in the trail of a pie. This is a fun game with a Braid like time twist. 3/5
  • Nikopol: A point and click adventure game based on a graphic novel of the same name. You can expect great artwork. 2/5
  • Osmos: If you are larger than the other you absorb it and you move by throwing your parts thus getting smaller. This is the basic of the game, and it is really interesting to play. 3/5
  • Rochard: A platforming game where you have a gravity gun. Good artwork and soundtrack. 3/5
  • Sanctum: A tower defense game where you build the maze, upgrade it, maintain it and also shoot the enemy in a fps mode. 3/5
  • The Ship: A ship where there are hunters and prey. And hunters have to kill their prey secretly. Good idea, yet fails to manifest in multiplayer where people either kill each other or don't move at all. 2/5
  • SpaceChem: A puzzle game where you set up a production line with inputs, outputs and lots of ot other stuff to produce some elements. It is really good. 4/5
  • StarSeed Pilgrim: You plant seeds everywhere and they grow, but the darkness is growing too. When the darkness reaches you everything reverses and you see the key, and reach for it. Interesting puzzle game. 3/5
  • Super Hexagon: A reflex and dexterity game which is certain to kill your brain at long exposure. 3/5
  • Super Meat Boy: A very hard and fun platforming game. 3/5
  • Swords and Soldiers: A very simple strategy game where you spawn units at one end of a line and your enemy at the other end. You have to support your units with spells to destryo enemy HQ. 3/5
  • They Bleed Pixels: A very good platformer might be called a metroidvania, it includes great amount of violence and has really good artwork. 4/5
  • To The Moon: Wonderful story with some puzzles in it. I believe everybody must play it. 5/5
  • Toki Tori: Cute and funny puzzle game where you lead a small bird to safety. 4/5
  • VVVVVV: Short yet really hard platform game. 3/5
 
I finished my list, and noticed that:
  • I played too many games
  • I liked few of them
  • I suck at writing reviews

I noticed that:

  • You need to play SpaceChem
  • You need to play Gnomoria
  • You need to play Cart Life
  • You need to play Gunpoint
  • You need to play Starseed Pilgrim
  • You need to play Tiny& Big
  • You need to play The Whispered World
  • You get a thumbs up for liking FrozenSynapse, Hotline Miami, Jamestown and FTL
  • I should finally get around to Mount&Blade

Thanks for writing that up :)
 
Winter Voices - $1,12 (75% off)
QiGKmTU.jpg

http://store.steampowered.com/app/72900/

A unique strategy RPG that is definitely undeservedly overlooked. Dont trust the Metacritics average, just looking at the user average, you'll notice that there is a 30% difference with the "professional" reviews. Its not a game for everyone, and if you are used to skinner box style gameplay progress, you wont be able to stand the slow progress and movement in this game. However, if you can stomach that, you might get to enjoy a very unique art style in a very uniquely themed SRPG.
 
I finished my list, and noticed that:
  • I played too many games
  • I liked few of them
  • I suck at writing reviews
I mean I wouldn't even call these reviews, except I already did.

  • A really long list

I admit that my list might not be the best, but if you have any questions about these games I'll try to help.

I noticed that:

  • You need to play SpaceChem
  • You need to play Gnomoria
  • You need to play Cart Life
  • You need to play Gunpoint
  • You need to play Starseed Pilgrim
  • You need to play Tiny& Big
  • You need to play The Whispered World
  • You get a thumbs up for liking FrozenSynapse, Hotline Miami, Jamestown and FTL
  • I should finally get around to Mount&Blade

Thanks for writing that up :)

I knew I forgot something, and it was your favourite game!
Updated!
 
Any indie games with combat and dismemberment? I don't always need gore in my games, but I find that it adds a visceral and raw edge to the gameplay. You're not just hitting with swords or fists, you slicing off limbs and decapitating enemies
 
I admit that my list might not be the best, but if you have any questions about these games I'll try to help.




I knew I forgot something, and it was your favourite game!

I'd love someone to convince me to finally learn how to play AIWar. Already own it, but I cant find the motivation to learn it. I'd also love to read how other people liked Delve Deeper. English Country Tune worth it?
 
Can anyone vouch for Deadlight? Doesn't seem to be any mention in this thread.

I'd love to get this too, but most impressions on GAF seem to be rather negative. Though watching the trailer, I dont quite get why. Tough one.
 
Any indie games with combat and dismemberment? I don't always need gore in my games, but I find that it adds a visceral and raw edge to the gameplay. You're not just hitting with swords or fists, you slicing off limbs and decapitating enemies

Hotline Miami is your game.
 
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