Voting thread up!
Link to the Voting Thread: http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showthread.php?t=734961
In short:
Rank your top 20 PC Indie Games you played last year (check the previous monthly threads if you want to remember what we played here), feel free to give the same rank to multiple games, like:
Code:1. Game XY 2. Game ÖZ 2. Game GA 2. Game XD 5. Game XT 6. Game HT
Feel free to include a second list with the ranks 21-50 in the same manner, but the second list is not needed for the voting.
Also, make sure to post about why you think certain games deserve the votes, to convince others to try a game or to remind them of a certain game. We covered ~500 games last year, so its easy to miss one or two great ones. I would also suggest subscribing to the voting thread to be informed about others writing up their impressions/why this game was awesome-posts.
Indie Games [January] Now Voting - Post 634!
- Thread starter Toma
- Start date
CheesecakeRecipe
Stormy Grey
Man I just found out 868-HACK PC got delayed til April.
Kinda bums me out a little but motherfuckin Nidhogg in 10 days
Kinda bums me out a little but motherfuckin Nidhogg in 10 days
More_Badass
Member
edit: sorry for the wall of text. Responses were a bit longer than expected
The other reason I like indie gaming so much is this sense of community that is fostered between the player and the developer. Compared to the distance between fans and big companies like EA and Rockstar, indie development feels more like a conversation between the creator and player. More often than not, I've discussed with developers directly on forums, seen player suggestions implemented, helped games become reality through crowdfunding, followed progress on Twitter, TIGFoums, and blogs. Indie development just has this engaging communal vibe that can't be found on the AAA side of gaming and in many ways, this closeness and transparency between developers and players only helps to increase my anticipation and excitement for games
Best way is to just try the free games first, that's the easiest way to start chipping away at the ever-growing list. And the best part is that so many free games are just as impressive as the paid games, it's not like there's some huge quality difference
In that regard, I'd definitely recommend Westerado, Gods Will Be Watching, SuperHOT, Outer Wilds. And then if you haven't, older must-plays like Nitronic Rush, Facade, Perspective
Regarding RoR, it's a great game. Every game on that list is a great game. But both Westerado and Fjords have something more, certain elements and mechanics, atmosphere and tone, that all coalscese in such a fashion that elevates them above the others
I still play the big console titles occasionally. Well mainly The Last of Us and GTA V. But indies appeal to me because of their overall innovation and originality and diversity. While AAA games can sometimes seen stale, indies never cease to impress me as developers continue to bring their unique and experimental concepts to life. From the gameplay depth behind Catacomb Kids' simple veneer to the engaging meta-narrative of The Stanley Parable to the immersive artistry of Mirrormon EP and sense of exploration and discovery in Outer Wilds, indie gaming has provided experiences that remain unmatched by their big AAA brethren.
The other reason I like indie gaming so much is this sense of community that is fostered between the player and the developer. Compared to the distance between fans and big companies like EA and Rockstar, indie development feels more like a conversation between the creator and player. More often than not, I've discussed with developers directly on forums, seen player suggestions implemented, helped games become reality through crowdfunding, followed progress on Twitter, TIGFoums, and blogs. Indie development just has this engaging communal vibe that can't be found on the AAA side of gaming and in many ways, this closeness and transparency between developers and players only helps to increase my anticipation and excitement for games
Hey, welcome. Always nice to see our little commuity grow. Definitely every month just seems to bring bigger and more interesting titles and I totally understand what you mean by "overwhelming"First time looking in one of these threads, but Risk of Rain should have won last month!
Geez it's kind of overwhelming how many games there are listed to come out this month. And a whole bunch look good.
Maybe I've avoided this thread in the past for a reason. XD
Best way is to just try the free games first, that's the easiest way to start chipping away at the ever-growing list. And the best part is that so many free games are just as impressive as the paid games, it's not like there's some huge quality difference
In that regard, I'd definitely recommend Westerado, Gods Will Be Watching, SuperHOT, Outer Wilds. And then if you haven't, older must-plays like Nitronic Rush, Facade, Perspective
Regarding RoR, it's a great game. Every game on that list is a great game. But both Westerado and Fjords have something more, certain elements and mechanics, atmosphere and tone, that all coalscese in such a fashion that elevates them above the others
Been playing a lot of Starbound over the last few weeks. Really like it a lot. I missed Terrarria and have limited Minecraft experience so a lot of my love is probably the newness of the whole thing, but the tech tree is a lot of fun, and I'm generally enjoying my time with the game.
Looking at maybe nabbing King Arthur's Gold as it looks like a lot of fun, anyone here play it?
Looking at maybe nabbing King Arthur's Gold as it looks like a lot of fun, anyone here play it?
Funky Functionality
Member
I really want Rodina to be good. I'll have to give the demo a try soon. It appears rather empty at the moment, but the videos are vibing with me much the same way the No Man's Sky announcement did. Games of this ilk excite me, even if there's little more to do than explore and appreciate the alien vistas.
KodeAndGame
Member
As usual this thread is a thing of beauty and a reminder of all the time I don't have to play all these wonderful looking games. Gonna try to play some of these beauties this month and post some impressions. Wish me luck!
CheesecakeRecipe
Stormy Grey
Anyone played this Continue?9876543210 game? It looks like some quality existential gaming goodness, think I might pull the trigger on it.
Wok
Member
The game was featured on the humble store during the sales, and it was the first time I heard about it.
Correct.
Ok, thanks, buying it now!
PandaPedinte
Member
Valdis Story is incredible good and I love the depth in the combat and the skill tree one of my surprises from the past year.
More_Badass
Member
Wok
Member
Card games are trendy.
http://www.faeria.net/
The game costs $8 on the Humble store:
https://www.humblebundle.com/store
http://www.faeria.net/
The game costs $8 on the Humble store:
https://www.humblebundle.com/store
I played that on Gamescom and had the dev explain it to me. It is a card game, alright, but the strategy implementation felt a bit flat to me. Considering Card Hunter is completely free for most content, there is no way that I'd recommend this over Card Hunter, which has the better map strategies with traps, field effects and what not. Oh and not to forget the equipment stuff, which is a whole extra level on top that Faeria doesnt have.
Oh and I noticed that in the december thread, we were a bit slacking off with the thread formatted posts. I know we are all super busy, but I'd really, really appreciate the proper formats and not just link drops 
There were about 5-10 games I had to look really closely for and I am not sure whether I really got everything.
(I also hugely appreciate if others reformat these link droppings by others to actual formatted posts, and that is certainly NOT spam.)
There were about 5-10 games I had to look really closely for and I am not sure whether I really got everything.(I also hugely appreciate if others reformat these link droppings by others to actual formatted posts, and that is certainly NOT spam.)
More_Badass
Member
From Hell's Heart - Free beta (PC, Mac)
A Poison Green - ???? (PC, ?)
And I believe this game might have beeen featured already, but I'm not certain and it's made a ton of progress:
Heart & Slash - late 2014 (PC, Mac)
http://onemoreturn.biz/from-hells-heart.html
From Hell's Heart is a first-person, steampunk, sea hunting game. A great sea beast is roaming the ocean and you must use your tools to hunt it down and end your blood sport against the devil! Using your tools, you'll track and slay whales to collect oil to fund your ship's endeavor, collect lost journal pages of your past, and clash against the sea monster!
A Poison Green - ???? (PC, ?)
http://www.adventuregamestudio.co.u...=jgdejftemunqjj97skthr0d002&topic=48207.0;all
A point'n'click sci-fi/thriller game, built using the AGS engine (The Cat Lady, Gemini Rue, Resonance, Primordia)
Environmental diseases are the norm due to an ever-decreasing air quality that forces people to wear a mask at all times. When all legitimate plans to make a difference failed and with a passive government that dares not listen, eco-terrorism became the only way to make one's voice heard. Such is the world in which three people's paths cross.
These three characters and their shattered moral compasses are at the center of a story of espionage in a city of perpetual rain, sickness and misunderstanding.
And I believe this game might have beeen featured already, but I'm not certain and it's made a ton of progress:
Heart & Slash - late 2014 (PC, Mac)
http://forums.tigsource.com/index.php?topic=34470.0
Heart & Slash is a beat'em up roguelike-like (think Binding of Isaac meets DmC). Apart from permadeath and random level generation, roguelike elements will show up in enemy spawning (enemies are modular and hopefully I will obtain decent variety) and the random pick up system. Apart from 3 switchable weapons, the main character can equip and level-up up to four different pieces of equipment (head, arms, body and legs) which allow for new attacks and skills that I intend to heavily modify gameplay (for example, changing from a regular roll-evade to a Bayonetta style time stop).
More_Badass
Member
nvm
Hm, just put a bit of time into it.
In short: Hm.
Long story: Gnomoria seems to be the more cohesive game, while still being accessible enough via mouse interface. Both of them pale compared to Dwarf Fortress, but thats not surprising. The game just seems a bit light on actual possibilities and content and a bit rough around the edges overall. Unless I unlock more options by playing , I wouldnt really be able to recommend this game at the moment, simply because it currently falls rather flat as a sandbox game compared to the options.
One of the more deeper complaints that seems to just be exemplary for the whole thing: This game doesnt give you many "options". You can basically play DF the way you want just by screwing around with the environment and Dwarf jobs. I just tried to plant some indoor plants inside a cave and the game simply doesnt let me. Might seem like a small thing, but if you are used to be able to irrigate these areas or dig into several hundred layers of earth, then a rather streamlined approach of where you are able to plant your plants is really bugging. Thats just a small example, but thats the impression I get when playing around with RimWorld currently. There is not much... freedom or options, which kinda sucks in a sandbox game.
Addendum:
Anyone interested in RimWorld really needs to effing try out Dwarf Fortress. Enlist my help if needed, but DF is easily one of the best Indie Games ever created and if you love these games, you NEED to get around to trying it properly.
It has sold over 2 million copies (and that number was last updated in April) and it is the most widely known due to the Let's Play community really getting into it. Amusingly enough, out of all the games that use it for a descriptor, I have only seen one other game that could legitimately be described as "BoI-like" and that is Our Darker Purpose.
There were a few others that carbon-copied the concept, but honestly, was there nothing similar decently sized before it?
2 million copies is pretty substantial for an indie game and I can't think of a similar style game that has come even close to that level of popularity. To clarify on my comment of similar games, I mainly meant games that are well done. I have seen a few shitty looking (and playing) clones like that Crypt whatever game from a few months back but nothing that seemed like a legitimately well-crafted game. Have you seen similar games that actually look decent?
More_Badass
Member
Hey guys, it seems Claire released. Just noticed it in the new games on Desura. Seems kind of odd though, no announcements on Greenlight or Twitter or anywhere else, and I remember the dev posting that they were planning to do alphafunding on Desura
Claire - disregard this. Seems like this was a mistake. Even the devs didn't realize it had "released"
Claire - disregard this. Seems like this was a mistake. Even the devs didn't realize it had "released"
That Heart and Slash looks fun. I like Binding of Isaac and I like DMC-type games so that should be great.
I made a gif of my game for screenshot saturday :
http://i.imgur.com/pSzG0Nq.gif
Testing out the not so hidden basketball easter egg. There was one in System Shock 2 as well as Deus Ex and Human Revolution, but landing baskets in those games was more frustrating than fun so I put in a little bit more effort with mine. Also drops a post-it note, if the player lands a successful basket, with a keycode to an optional locked closet with some goodies inside.
It was fun to develop even if it only took me a little while. These are the sort of things that keep me going when game development gets frustrating or overwhelming.
I made a gif of my game for screenshot saturday :
http://i.imgur.com/pSzG0Nq.gif
Testing out the not so hidden basketball easter egg. There was one in System Shock 2 as well as Deus Ex and Human Revolution, but landing baskets in those games was more frustrating than fun so I put in a little bit more effort with mine. Also drops a post-it note, if the player lands a successful basket, with a keycode to an optional locked closet with some goodies inside.
It was fun to develop even if it only took me a little while. These are the sort of things that keep me going when game development gets frustrating or overwhelming.
More_Badass
Member
Looks fun. What game is this? I didn't see a name or see anything similar on your tumblr
Oh, and Heart & Slash has public alphas, you can play it now. Just be sure to use a controller because the camera control with the mouse needs work. Dev's working on that
Well, what exactly are we referring to? Action roguelikes? Go around, beat up people, get equipment/perks and die eventually because of permadeath?
Risk of Rain, Rogue Legacy etc?
OniBarubary
Banned
Oh fuck yeah, I've been waiting for this to come out.
More_Badass
Member
Yeah me too, but I wonder if it was an accidental release or something. The devs are not talking about their game releasing on Twitter or on Greenlight, there are no articles about the game coming out anywhere. I mean, all the devs I've followed, that's just a common practice.
Also the devs commented this on Desura today:
You are looking at it more broadly than me. Our Darker Purpose is more similar than the others from a purely mechanics perspective since it features very similar moment-to-moment gameplay (top down, 8 direction dodging, projectile focused attacks, etc). The reason I say it is what I consider a "BoI-like" is because of the gameplay and I feel confident recommending it to people who like BoI. The problem with the other games is while they can tick of certain aspects of the game, the gameplay is fundamentally different (e.g. platforming and the combat involved) which is also the same issue with Heart and Slash.
Anyway, I fear this is heading for more pedantry on my part though and I don't want to bore anyone else even further haha. I feel like I talk about rogue-like games in here way too much as it is.
On a related note, I thought Heart and Slash seems like a cool concept. I tried out the pre-alpha, it was understandably buggy but I will be keeping an eye on that one.
I have noticed that marketing and communication can be a substantial issue for some devs. It is a shame too because so many gems don't get the recognition they deserve without someone constantly pushing out info on the game.
Edit: To add a recent example to this, Toma mentioned Paper Sorcerer was coming out on Steam next month. I follow the dev on Twitter and have the Greenlight page favorited and followed so I would get updates from there as well, yet I still had no idea they had announced a Steam release date.
More_Badass
Member
I don't think it's that. The game isn't unknown. There have been articles about it on sites like Joystiq, RPS, The Escapist, Indiestatik. Plus the comment by the devs imply that the game isn't ready to be released yet
I guess I am confused by their comment given that you can still buy the game right now. Is this a Desura fuckup or something then?
Thanks for the heads up, I didn't read the tigsource post so I missed that part. I use my controller for pretty much every non-FPS game anyways...
And my game is called Spirits of Xanadu (previously referred to it as simply Xanadu). I've posted an album of shots and a brief description of the game on here awhile back. Going to make a website and indiedb page eventually since I only use my tumblr to post finished games but I'd like to polish the visuals a bit first. It's definitely my most ambitious and lengthiest game, been working on it since I finished King of the Wood. Should be out later this year, hopefully.
More_Badass
Member
I really like that clean cel shaded-esque style. And the premise sounds very cool. Here's the description for everyone else:
Why is Rymdkapsel upcoming? I have it. It came out a while ago.
What
what is
what
Tell me more about yourself. Please! Now! What is King of the Wood and how can I try it?
What
what is
what
Tell me more about yourself. Please! Now! What is King of the Wood and how can I try it?
More_Badass
Member
It's upcoming to PC. The Steam version is coming this month with new content
@DocSeuss:
King of the Wood (and all my other games) is available on my tumblr with various download options. It's a 'mini' FPS, a 15 minute game I made in a month that's woefully unpolished; so don't get your hopes up. This next one will be 10x better.
Whenever I make a website and/or IndieDB page it'll explain the upcoming game a lot better. Until then you can follow my twitter (@goodmorningcmdr) to see my rather infrequent tweets about it. If you have a twitter that is, otherwise I guess wait for the website.
King of the Wood (and all my other games) is available on my tumblr with various download options. It's a 'mini' FPS, a 15 minute game I made in a month that's woefully unpolished; so don't get your hopes up. This next one will be 10x better.
Whenever I make a website and/or IndieDB page it'll explain the upcoming game a lot better. Until then you can follow my twitter (@goodmorningcmdr) to see my rather infrequent tweets about it. If you have a twitter that is, otherwise I guess wait for the website.
@alllen: Want to try out a new demo for Malebolgia? Your feedback last time was very much appreciated.
Ahhhhhhh! Moby Dick and hunting a huge monster was a major inspiration for Malebolgia. I gotta try this.
Waiting for impressions from a volunteer.
Wok
Member
I will have some feedback once I manage to finish the demo. I have found it pretty hard.
XANDER CAGE
Member
Just a heads up, there seems to be something slightly wonky going on with Paper Sorcerer. A friend and I both bought it and were unable to unzip it traditionally, and now that the game is installed some doors just lead to an instant crash to desktop. A few people on the forums have mentioned similar problems. Wonder if there's an issue with the version they put on their server. Cool game though, from what I did get to see!
Wok
Member
Thanks. Neat!
I don't mind a lack of polish, seeing as how I'm the kind of person who
Following you on both Twitter and Tumblr.
I don't need the world's greatest game. I just need interesting games. And namedropping a Tarkovsky film alongside one of my favorite games as inspiration for your next? This entices me greatly.
That sounds weird. Hope you get it to work properly somehow. I really like the game, even with its kinda clunky flaws. I am still trying to progress one level every now and then to see whether it ups the difficulty on the later levels.