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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.
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Super early alpha demo, what you'd expect? I think the framework is there for something special, though
I see you wrote about Dungeon of the Endless. I was intrigued by the game due to the art style and aesthetic but the talk of the very hands-off gameplay made me hesitant. Would you still recommend it?
Indie Games [January] Now Voting - Post 634!
- Thread starter Toma
- Start date
I thought that at first as well, but it "works" for me. Did you get to try it yourself? Choosing your own locations for pictures and mapping out the island to search for secrets is strangely addicting.
I also sort of like that its "different" than the usual "explore yourself" games, even though I certainly look forward to some of those that are supposed to come out in the midterm future. I think they pulled it off pretty nicely. For some reason, I dont mind the waiting and every hour I get to see a new spot on the map by indirect player interaction. Its not the most interactive and action-rich game in the world, but the whole concept (plus the virtual work station/messages you get from colleages etc) thing works out surprisingly well.
But yeah, even though I usually dont like games that revolve around waiting too much (especially with Microtransactions), this game hits a spot for me. I can see how it might not appeal to quite a few people though.
More_Badass
Member
So after letting Fancy Skulls get a few updates, I decided to play again
A lot's been improved and added. More complete visuals, new enemy designs, new enhanced versions of existing enemies, new room layouts, new items and abilities. There are new "classes" you can unlock by completing in game challenges (one starts you with a random gun, etc.). The controls and physics seem more tuned and tightened. The mana system is now based on recharges rather than limiited uses. And better yet, the game still maintains its abstract, strategic approach to the FPS roguelike genre.
A lot's been improved and added. More complete visuals, new enemy designs, new enhanced versions of existing enemies, new room layouts, new items and abilities. There are new "classes" you can unlock by completing in game challenges (one starts you with a random gun, etc.). The controls and physics seem more tuned and tightened. The mana system is now based on recharges rather than limiited uses. And better yet, the game still maintains its abstract, strategic approach to the FPS roguelike genre.
Wok
Member
I had the same feeling as yours during the firw week or so.
Funky Functionality
Member
But there are so many other games out there offering real-time exploration--I feel this one is meant to scratch a different itch. I could spend a few moments plotting out my rover's course, then get on with my life in the meantime (or play something else) and be rewarded with new photos of my findings later. I'm not looking at it as a game in the traditional sense, but more as a means to experience the feelings of discovery normally reserved for the likes of NASA engineers. Just a passively interactive simulation of communications with a rover on a distant planet. It's a brilliant model for casual 'gameplay'--like a game of chess by mail with more rewarding outcomes.
Those inherent limitations of its theme are what make it so intriguing to me. The fact that your only feedback with the planet is limited to photos taken by your rover--and that this feedback is limited in frequency to once every hour at best--really lends itself to a spirit of discovery and mystery. "What's behind that distant rock?" is now a question that may take significant time to answer, and that passive time investment makes the answer that much more valuable.
I understand it might not work for everyone, but with how busy I typically am, this type of experience could be awesome for me.
Yep, I agree, but Wok raised some valid concerns about the long term motivation, so I am going to see how thats going to hold up for me. I'll report back.
More_Badass
Member
Hey Toma, I saw you got Hoplite. Great game.
Oh, and you can play the original 7DR version of 868 Hack, 86856527, here: http://mightyvision.blogspot.co.uk/2013/03/7drl-success-86856527.html. The PC version of 868-Hack is coming this year
As for a worthy Android game, Badland is my IOS GOTY and was on the overall GOTY list on my blog: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.frogmind.badland
The game took the simplest control scheme possible and molded a varied challenging experience that combines physics puzzles, fast paced obstacle evasion, and inventive power ups. The atmospheric art style is icing on the cake. And the fantastic post release support makes this game the model all premium game should follow. I highly recommend it
Oh, and you can play the original 7DR version of 868 Hack, 86856527, here: http://mightyvision.blogspot.co.uk/2013/03/7drl-success-86856527.html. The PC version of 868-Hack is coming this year
As for a worthy Android game, Badland is my IOS GOTY and was on the overall GOTY list on my blog: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.frogmind.badland
The game took the simplest control scheme possible and molded a varied challenging experience that combines physics puzzles, fast paced obstacle evasion, and inventive power ups. The atmospheric art style is icing on the cake. And the fantastic post release support makes this game the model all premium game should follow. I highly recommend it
Wok
Member
After watching all the youtube trailers, I change my mind about my guesses for the future IGF winners. I am eager to try Jazzpunk this
More_Badass
Member
Anyone know when we'll see a list of student finalists? Honestly I'm more interested in those
Wok
Member
It usually takes one additional week.
Lord British
Member
I'm going to try and stick around for these threads.
I can't seem to come into them without buying something, though. One Way Heroics is now mine.
I can't seem to come into them without buying something, though. One Way Heroics is now mine.
More_Badass
Member
Ha, got to try and stick to the free games and demos. Or else it won't be too long till your wallet is crying
New indiegame music episode is on the books for the new year:
MetaVendetta - Episode 8: New Indie Year
iTunes (sometimes this one takes a day or two to update)
soundcloud
website
track list:
1. Valdis Story: Abyssal City
2. The Cave
3. Antichamber
4. The Stanley Parable
5. Samurai Gunn
MetaVendetta - Episode 8: New Indie Year
iTunes (sometimes this one takes a day or two to update)
soundcloud
website
track list:
1. Valdis Story: Abyssal City
2. The Cave
3. Antichamber
4. The Stanley Parable
5. Samurai Gunn
More_Badass
Member
Permutation Racer - Free (PC, Mac)
Game got favorable impressions from IndieStatik. Similar to Race The Sun, but more alien landscapes
http://www.big-robot.com/2014/01/08/permutation-racer/
In Permutation Racer you race against the clock to reach checkpoints, collecting stars (you can jump, dont forget) and avoiding barriers or red spikes. Because its all mathematically generated, every track is different. This is just a prototype, so its very simple, but we think youll enjoy it.
More_Badass
Member
Need to start listening to your podcast, become more knowledge about indie soundtracks and composersNew indiegame music episode is on the books for the new year:
MetaVendetta - Episode 8: New Indie Year
iTunes (sometimes this one takes a day or two to update)
soundcloud
website
track list:
1. Valdis Story: Abyssal City
2. The Cave
3. Antichamber
4. The Stanley Parable
5. Samurai Gunn
Also do you know of any podcasts that discuss indie gaming as a whole, reviews, previews, news, discussions, etc.? That kind of stuff
PandaPedinte
Member
I think Idle Thumbs cover some indie games.
Please do, I welcome you to!
In regards to your question: I think the Idle Thumbs guys cover a good range of topics. The Giant bomb "spinoff" morning show podcast "Bombin' the A.M. with Scoops & the Wolf" covers indie games fairly frequently and normally have great guests on the show.
Specifically indiegame shows though, I am personally still looking for a good one, to be honest.
Not on the scale that you/we are looking for. We'd probably be lucky to find a single podcast that mentioned Factorio in one and SuperHOT in any of their other episodes (maybe one of them, though). We are digging too deep so that no one sees us in our dark, small hole :/
Loving the art style and concept of One Way Heroics , too bad the darkness mechanic would make me rage
Its not really all that bad. You cant play it super leisurely, but its not like you will fall prey to darkness all the time. Its really well balanced in how it enforces some way planning and use of your abilities (there is one ability that allows you to escape darkness a few times on each run!).
Dont pass up on it just because of that, its dirt cheap anyway, I'd say go for it and see for yourself for $2
And because my landrover just got me this beauty, I'll leave it here:
And wallpaper sized view of my exploration:
PandaPedinte
Member
Consortium - $19.99 (PC)
NeoGAF thread
Link
Taking place entirely aboard a massive futuristic aircraft, CONSORTIUM is a first person science-fiction role-playing experience unlike any other. The story begins in our world - the "real world" - where we here at Interdimensional Games have developed a satellite (iDGi-1) capable of opening a digital rift through time and space...
Anyone with an internet connection can travel through this rift and awaken within an alternate dimension from our own - the "game world" - in the year 2042.
NeoGAF thread
belleannah
Neo Member
Its not really all that bad. You cant play it super leisurely, but its not like you will fall prey to darkness all the time. Its really well balanced in how it enforces some way planning and use of your abilities (there is one ability that allows you to escape darkness a few times on each run!).
Dont pass up on it just because of that, its dirt cheap anyway, I'd say go for it and see for yourself for $2
And because my landrover just got me this beauty, I'll leave it here:
And wallpaper sized view of my exploration:
How did you sign up for the beta? The website says closed beta.
Yeah, closed Beta, and I signed up via their website for it. They admit users as they open up new spaces. Cant search for the box/link anymore though since their website just directly logs me in now.
Anyone else having issues finding that sign up option?
Other than that, just wait a bit. They said they aim for open Beta this january, so it shouldnt be far off.
More_Badass
Member
Wishlisted. Really like the stylized low-fi aesthetic.
According to that thread, guess I really need to get System Shock 2 next time it's on sale.
Oh and people were comparing about the art style of Dust: An Elysian Tale?
Dont bother with System Shock 2. Its a very deep game, but some of its gameplay mechanic REALLY dont hold up well today, and I'd go as far as to say that its almost unplayable if you dont have any nostalgia for it or plan on forcing yourself through instead of enjoying a game.
phantomspiker
Member
You're very brave Toma.
I LIKE IT, BUT I AGREE!
Oh, and consortium looks really cool...definitely wishlisted that.
PandaPedinte
Member
If it's not the artstyle they want they'll complain and from that thread some people put top end graphics > gameplay and story but I don't want to turn it the indie thread into this discussion.
Good news: Jazzpunk is being released someday in February. Credits goes to Zia.
More_Badass
Member
Energy Hook is progressing nicely and is releasing this year, first for Playstation consoles, then PC and Xbox One
http://blog.us.playstation.com/2014/01/09/energy-hook-coming-to-ps4-ps-vita-in-2014/
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From the OP, checked out:
Fountain
Once again, Cavanagh puts his own spin on a familiar genre. Here you explore the landscape surrounding a mysterious fountain. You soon learn that this fountain is your salvation, and soon you must make the ultimate choice: stayed chained to the fountain and its power or risk it all to explore further than you've gone before.
Master Spy
I really hope this gets Greenlit. The controls are tight and while some might say it's reminiscent of Gunpoint at a glance, the games couldn't be more different. Really I wouldn't call Master Spy a stealth game; it's a quick reflex platformer that uses stealth as an obstacle to overcome. Your cloaking suit becomes a tool for quick evasion and split second timing, rather than careful sneaking. And the devlog progress shows that future (and existing levels) will only get more complex and challenging
Beyond
A simple game and the platforming is more on the imprecise side, but exploring this abstract world of angular landscapes and shattered staircases is interesting
http://blog.us.playstation.com/2014/01/09/energy-hook-coming-to-ps4-ps-vita-in-2014/
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From the OP, checked out:
Fountain
Once again, Cavanagh puts his own spin on a familiar genre. Here you explore the landscape surrounding a mysterious fountain. You soon learn that this fountain is your salvation, and soon you must make the ultimate choice: stayed chained to the fountain and its power or risk it all to explore further than you've gone before.
Master Spy
I really hope this gets Greenlit. The controls are tight and while some might say it's reminiscent of Gunpoint at a glance, the games couldn't be more different. Really I wouldn't call Master Spy a stealth game; it's a quick reflex platformer that uses stealth as an obstacle to overcome. Your cloaking suit becomes a tool for quick evasion and split second timing, rather than careful sneaking. And the devlog progress shows that future (and existing levels) will only get more complex and challenging
Beyond
A simple game and the platforming is more on the imprecise side, but exploring this abstract world of angular landscapes and shattered staircases is interesting
More_Badass
Member
Thanks for Idle Thumbs podcast recommendation. I got The Toucharcade Show for IOS, MetaVendetta for music, and now Idle Thumbs for game discussion. I really enjoyed the show I listened to and they definitely sold me on Nuclear Thrones
Any GAF impressions of NT here?
Edit: oh, and the Idle Thumbs guys (or at least one of them) is on GAF? Anyone know who they are or if they post regularly?
Any GAF impressions of NT here?
Edit: oh, and the Idle Thumbs guys (or at least one of them) is on GAF? Anyone know who they are or if they post regularly?
More_Badass
Member
That Wasteland Kinds Prototype is very fun. If I wasn't sold on Nuclear Throne already, I would be now. Very hectic and bullet hell-ish.
What's with the campfire I see mentioned in the Nuclear Throne changelogs? Are there areas to rest and explore?
What's with the campfire I see mentioned in the Nuclear Throne changelogs? Are there areas to rest and explore?
Family Fry
Member
Just watched the trailer and I thought, wait a god damn sec.
This looks so familiar, then it hit me.
Skrillex!
http://www.skrillexquest.com/
Anyone grab it?
CheesecakeRecipe
Stormy Grey
I grabbed continue?, have been working my way through a review for it.
The tl;dr version is - do not buy
I was just gifted this from a buddy...so excited!
More_Badass
Member
This is pretty cool. It's a tech demo for an upcoming game called Museum of Simulation Technology, and the core mechanics is all about forced perspective
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HOfll06X16c
I think it uses the idea of perspective even better than SCALE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HOfll06X16c
I think it uses the idea of perspective even better than SCALE
NihonTiger90
Member
I'm about to find out in a short while when I start Let's Playing Nuclear Throne. Looks fun.
The Mona Lisa scene twisted my brain a little. And the scale with size thing and the hidden exits are incredibly cool ideas. Those guys seem to be able to actually transform that idea into interesting puzzle levels.
Reminds me of Beyond Perception, only significantly more jovial. Neat!
More_Badass
Member
Turbo Dismount releases today! Have any of you tried the web demo? I'm interested if the appeal is widespread or if it's just the fans of the original Dismount games who "get" the game
Oh, and I'm learning Game Maker, even taking notes!
Oh, and I'm learning Game Maker, even taking notes!
Good luck
Dont be too proud to start off with small scale projects and reprogramming tutorial programs. One of the easiest mistakes to make is to bite off more than you can chew.Yeah.. Haven't played too much of it, but.. yeah.. *sigh*
More_Badass
Member
Hmm, maybe it's because I've played it on IOS already, or maybe I'm just more accepting of certain things, I wouldn't say it's a bad game. I don't think it's the best game or that polished, but as an experience, and the surreal nature of the narrative, I found it interesting and unique.
Is everyone aware of the Indie Dev Super Show by Robotloveskitty this weekend? I'm proud to have our game, Shutshimi, as a part of it.
http://robotloveskitty.com/supershow/
The festivities kick off tonight with Greenlit Gaming's Indie Showcase and continue through the weekend.
http://robotloveskitty.com/supershow/
The Supershow Collective Marathon is a 48+ hour event that showcases over 60 indie games and their developers. Tons of gameplay, special guests, Q&A's, giveaways, sneak peaks, cake, and more!
The first 24 hours Greenlit Gaming's "Indie Showcase" will treat you to games on Steam and Greenlight, then for 24 hours Robot Loves Kitty's "Indie Dev Supershow" will intrigue you with indie games you might not have heard of, but really should have.
This event was put together to help bring devs and players together in an unprofessional fun-time bonanza.
all hours are Eastern Standard Time
The festivities kick off tonight with Greenlit Gaming's Indie Showcase and continue through the weekend.
More_Badass
Member
Will those video segments of games be on Youtube later? Quite a few I'm interested but I'll probably be sleeping then. Master Spy, XenoRaptor, etc.
Slightly OT, but.. this website is weird:
http://omgili.com/thread/jHIAmI4hxg_gPlYjvXugMnEGy0KIRJSqGQsr9j3byCGqmgZqYW3..5D7lcoIEWkd64daQO04eg1Sd5D9CNjw2A--/
It automatically analyzes the thread and comes up with this:
This could even be somewhat useful it it collected the whole thread instead of just the first page. Cute idea to analyze message boards that way. I like our description
http://omgili.com/thread/jHIAmI4hxg_gPlYjvXugMnEGy0KIRJSqGQsr9j3byCGqmgZqYW3..5D7lcoIEWkd64daQO04eg1Sd5D9CNjw2A--/
It automatically analyzes the thread and comes up with this:
This could even be somewhat useful it it collected the whole thread instead of just the first page. Cute idea to analyze message boards that way. I like our description