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Thread internal voting now in progress, see this post:
http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showpost.php?p=51358473&postcount=774

GAF Indie Steam Group (For announcing votings, contests and Greenlight collections):
http://steamcommunity.com/groups/NeoGAFIndie

Alright. Gaf, lets try once again. Every week and month Indie games come and go and no one notices. I am sure some of you guys have a fair share of games to talk about that I have never heard of as well. Indie game OT's are nice and usually a work of love, but unfortunately they tend to disappear from the frontpage FAST.

I would like to talk about experiences these games invoke, ideas they tried, where they succeeded and failed. And of course I want a thread where people can just throw smaller games they found interesting without needing to create a thread for it.

I WANT to try these smaller bite sized games that most people dont deem thread worthy, lets have a place to talk about those please. Any game in here that gets enough attention is of course still worth its own thread, and you are also free to mention anything in here that is related to already existing OT's. If you just discovered an older Indie game that completely floored you, let us know! I am sure others missed it as well.

I'll try to keep the OT updated with any notable release or development that a) I find or b) you post, and depending on the size of the thread, I will consider adding more stuff to the thread than just the recent ones, but we'll see. Maybe we finally get a community going If you are interested in this thread, keep it alive by posting (trying games and commenting for one).

Basically the only rule if you want me to update the OP with your information (plus additional guideline help):

1. If you post something about a new game, state the price and platform and please provide a link AND if possible some media (screenshot/teaser picture), since that means less work for me.
2. If its not your game, but you still found it interesting on ANY level, its good enough to be mentioned here.

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| Recent New Releases |
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6180 the moon - €4,99 (PC)

http://www.desura.com/games/6180-the-moon

This here is probably the gem of the bundle. The screenshot makes the game looks deviously simple, but there is quite a bit more to it. I really liked the sound integration too which basically rewards you by advancing in the game with a more involved sound palette and more challenging levels. The main mechanic of the game is quite different and it will probably take a while for a new player to wrap its head around it. Surprisingly good!

Anodyne - $9.00 ($12.00 to get soundtrack included)(PC, Mac, Linux)

http://www.anodynegame.com/
http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showthread.php?t=511997

Indie game that takes after Zelda, specifically Link's Awakening. Has impeccable atmosphere, a wonderful sense of exploration, and some neat puzzles.

A Slower Speed of Light - Free (PC)

http://gamelab.mit.edu/games/a-slower-speed-of-light/

A Slower Speed of Light is a first-person game prototype in which players navigate a 3D space while picking up orbs that reduce the speed of light in increments. Custom-built, open-source relativistic graphics code allows the speed of light in the game to approach the player’s own maximum walking speed. Visual effects of special relativity gradually become apparent to the player, increasing the challenge of gameplay. These effects, rendered in realtime to vertex accuracy, include the Doppler effect (red- and blue-shifting of visible light, and the shifting of infrared and ultraviolet light into the visible spectrum); the searchlight effect (increased brightness in the direction of travel); time dilation (differences in the perceived passage of time from the player and the outside world); Lorentz transformation (warping of space at near-light speeds); and the runtime effect (the ability to see objects as they were in the past, due to the travel time of light)

Back to Bed - Free (PC, Mac, Flash)

http://backtobed.dadiugames.dk/

I'll try to keep this one short. Its an Escher-inspired Puzzle game with an artstyle reminiscent of Salvador Dali... with Portals. Unfortunately, the game is only a rather short vision (shouldnt take you longer than 30 minutes to finish), but thankfully these guys threw up a successful Kickstarter! I cant wait for them to go all out on the concept, artstyle, interactivity and challenge.

Bientot l'ete - $9,99 (PC, Steam)

http://tale-of-tales.com/bientotlete/
Took me 5-6 hours. Abstract as all fuck. While I didn't get much out of it emotionally compared to The Path, figuring out what went wrong in the relationship in this holodeck beach setting and trying to figure out the gameplay loop in itself was intriguing. The "poetry of the waves" effect is really unique. Mix Facade, Solaris, and French new wave and you can get sort of an idea what it's going for. There's a last item you collect, and it does have an "ending", that might put perspective as to what happened to match up the abstract clues. If nothing else, the visuals will give you something to gawk over, although its certainly not for everyone and the price is a bit steep, considering the online functionality might not work as intended.

Césure - Free (PC)

http://www.noctuelles.info/Cesure
Alternate DL link: https://www.dropbox.com/s/ycecumdxpkzq8me/C%C3%A9sure.rar

This game does NOT work in screenshots, but looks very intriguing ingame. Its an exploration game with no goal. Quote from a review: "You take whatever you want from Césure, and some are certainly going to find more than others: fear, intrigue, beauty, emptiness, loneliness, nothing". Trippy experience. Worth checking out!

Cognition: An Erica Reed Thriller - $9,99 (PC, iOS)

http://www.postudios.com/cognition/
Havent played much of that actually yet, but the art style is pretty well done and the premise: "with one touch, she can see the past and piece together how a crime unfolded" sounds pretty awesome. Its an episodic release, and only part 1 and 2 are out yet. I also really liked the comic style they were going for here.

Cypher - $14,99 (PC)

http://www.cabrerabrothers.com/

A cyberpunk text adventure recommended by Pylon_Trooper. It feels like a very polished game and with a lot of attention to details including a very thorough manual, the soundtrack and digital freebies to contextualize the story. It has a bit of a finicky and stiff language parser and be quite pedantic about symbols and word arrangement...but it's pretty damn awesome. Pretty damn awesome indeed.

Dawning - $2,99 (PC)

http://www.desura.com/games/dawning

It's a simple exploration adventure that starts with you waking up in a bed in the middle of a forest. There's no explanation or instruction, but exploring yields keys and items, while strange enemies appear periodically to slow your progress. While a few of the items are hidden, the game seems rather linear as you mostly go back and forth between areas, new items unlocking buildings and such that you've visited before. I played through it once so far and the ending was rather abrupt and ambiguous, but I hadn't found a use for all of the items, so I think there may be more to it.

Depression Quest - Free (Flash)

http://www.depressionquest.com/
http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showthread.php?t=513442

Text based adventure with 5 endings and dynamic story progress, Destructoid: "Thankfully, Depression Quest doesn't try to dress up the experience of depression into an 'Hollywood thrill-ride', and instead goes for something much more genuine. I'd wager that's why it's already making a difference in people's lives."

Factorio - Free Demo (PC, Mac, Linux)

http://www.factorio.com/

This game shows endless promise. I am kinda hyped after playing the demo. Unfortunately, there is no purchaseable full version yet, but oh boy. I'll buy this day one. Its basically an RTS mixed with SpaceChem. In the beginning you'll run around gathering resources. Then you'll use those resources to buy simple mechanisms, and THEN with those mechanism you'll create mechanism that help you automatising everything. The system is so damn cool. Give the demo a try.

Go Beryllium! - Free (PC)

http://www.desura.com/games/go-beryllium

This game has a really cool theme for a shmup. You fight elements and collect neutrons and smaller particles as points or powerup. Be warned though, that its a bullet hell shmup and as such pretty hard. Definitely worth a look though, especially since its free.

Gorogoa - Free (PC, Mac)

http://www.gorogoa.com/

Its a smaller game that even got an award in the 2012 Indiecade , but apparently no Gaf thread. Basically an Adventure game that blows my mind in the best way possible by playing around with perception and the idea of game "windows" or the metaphor of windows being a doorway to another place/world and a hymn to imagination and creativity. The game is not finished yet, but highly recommendable.

Hammerwatch - Free Beta (PC)

http://hammerwatch.com/

A light hearted and very enjoyable Dungeon Crawler. Its currently in Open Beta, which means that you can not save and can only access the first of the eventually 4 chapters. I still enjoyed my first run through however. Its a bit light on weapon variation, but the engaging music and satisfying slashing still make the game quite enjoyable. I hope they eventually include more random events in the dungeons, since they seem to be rather bare atm, other than monsters.

Jelly no Puzzle - Free (PC)

http://qrostar.skr.jp/index.cgi?page=jelly&lang=en

Fiendishly difficult puzzle game that is harder than it looks. Even the first level will be a stumbling block for some.

Kentucky Route Zero - $24,99 (PC, Steam)

http://store.steampowered.com/app/231200
http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showthread.php?t=507198

Kentucky Route Zero is a story-driven and artful Point and Click adventure, filled with intrigue and atmosphere and each encounter is memorable. Kentucky Route Zero is beautifully bizarre and perfectly poignant, and most of all, deserves your attention.

King of the Wood - Free (PC)

http://alllen.tumblr.com/post/43634869332/thekingofthewood

People seem to describe it as thematically Deus Ex inspired, which I sort of agree with. Its a short FPS story that heavily relies on sublime story telling and the idea of what choice means to a player. Even though its not the best looking game out there, still definitely worth a look.

Kyoto - Free (PC)

http://illogictree.com/games/kyoto/

Spiral into audioreactive obscurity as you are transported to a mysterious and melancholy land. Kyoto is an interactive ambient musical experiment that serves is an homage to the wonderful city that the dev currently resides in. This short and sweet game serves as half audioreactive experiment and half tech sandbox.

Love+ - $1,99 (PC)

http://www.desura.com/games/love-by-fred-wood

The game is very simple. It's a traditional 2D platformer with very minimalistic graphics, but its charm comes from the gorgeous soundtrack (by James Benett) and a neat respawn mechanic. You're given the option to place a checkpoint at any time as long as you're on solid ground. It also has a custom level creation set I call Love+Custom, which allows you to make a level by drawing it in any of your favorite image editors. You can assemble up to 10 levels, and redistribute them to your friends in a nice little package.

Maldita Castilla - Free (PC)

http://www.locomalito.com/maldita_castilla.php

An action arcade game full of myths from Spain and the rest of Europe. The graphic style is raw, made pixel by pixel with a limited color palette, like in the old days, and displayed through a dirty old monitor effect and the game has real arcade sound.It pays homage to classic arcade games from 1985-1987 like Ghost'n'Goblins, Tiger Road, Black Tiger, Shinobi, Rygar, Karnov, Trojan and many others. If you liked the GnG style of gameplay, be sure to check this one.

Melodisle - Free (PC)

http://andrio.me/post/44209712708/february-melodisle

A music puzzle-based love letter to FEZ, with its own quirks and mystique surrounding the puzzle solution, although its of course not on the same level as FEZ. The music and melodic interactions are very charming, although finishing the game might need some trial and error.

Micron - $0,99 - $2,49 (PC, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS)

http://microngame.com/

A fantastic puzzle game that revolves around the mechanic of placing mirrors to steer shots into a goal placed somewhere on the map. What makes this game standout is the truly great integration of musical harmonies that you create while advancing and changing a level. Fan-tastic.

MirrorMoon - Free (PC)

http://www.santaragione.com/mirrormoon/

Its an exploratory Indie game with a very interesting idea on how to "guide" the player through the world. Definitely worth a try, especially for free.

Molto Vivace - Free (PC)

https://www.digipen.edu/?id=1170&proj=26185

Dynamically generated musical game with visuals heavy inspired by Wassily Kandinsky. It's quite simple, but the beauty of it wouldn't let me stop playing it

 

[Toma]

OFF - Free (PC)

Download Link

An offbeat french RPG recently translated to english. Off features surreal worlds and quirky characters set to a fantastic soundtrack. You play as The Batter in a quest to purify the world of spectres. One of the best indie games I've ever played
If the fonts look weird, take the font files in the game folder and install them in the Windows Fonts folder. If the game flickers while in full screen to the point of annoyance, play in windowed mode with ALT+Enter

Papers, please! - Free (PC)

http://dukope.com/#ppl

Your job as an immigration inspector is to control the flow of people entering the Arstotzkan side of Grestin from Kolechia. Among the throngs of immigrants and visitors looking for work are hidden smugglers, spies, and terrorists. Using only the documents provided by travelers and MoA's primitive computer dispatch system you must decide who can enter Arstotzka and who will be turned away or arrested.

Planet Explorers - Currently Free Alpha (PC)

http://pathea.net/planet-explorers

Planet Explorers is an open world voxel based sandbox adventure rpg game set on a distant planet. The game allows players to change the terrain in anyway, create new objects in any form, and do it anywhere. You can create your own weapons, craft things and build fortresses to keep the enemies on that planet at bay. It currently has a SP story mode, an adventure mode and a build mode to tinker around without restrictions.

Platformines - Free Demo/Full Version not released yet (PC)

http://www.platformines.com/

Platformines by Magiko Gaming is a procedurally generated side-scrolling platformer/shooter/RPG/action game with some minor metroidvania elements. You'll explore a massive underground environment while discovering tons of new and unique weapons and uncovering the map. There seems to be a ton of things to it, like a never ending amount of different weapon configurations.

Proteus - $9,99 (PC)

http://www.visitproteus.com/

There is no jumble of videogame assets here, no back story, no audio diary, nothing, just an island, somewhere, with beautiful noise and curious life. Its a bit short with only 40 minutes for one trip, but has exceptionally high quality sound design and manages to engage the level on a very fundamental level without writing or saying a single word.

Quest for Infamy - Free Proof of Concept Demo (PC)

http://infamous-quests.com/home/index.php?page=qfi

From the makers of the critically-acclaimed remakes of King’s Quest III and Space Quest 2 comes an all new point and click adventure game, in the classic stylings of games of yore.

Skullface- Free (PC, Flash)

http://greg-anims.com/?page_id=811

A quite good Super Meat Boy-derivative with good jumping physics (although wall jumping seems to be a bit iffy) and challenging difficulty. Feels overall very polished.

Slave of God - Free (PC)

http://www.increpare.com/2012/12/slave-of-god/

Sheer crazy, seizure inducing raving. One of most thought provoking games lately. The feeling of being caught in this sensory overload state is as close as it gets to a real thing.

Spice Road - Currently free Beta (PC)

http://www.aartformgames.com/

You are a colonial governor in the 18th Century, building a town on the Spice Road in a time of war and discovery. More than spice travels your roads – musket armies, philosophies, and power plays that span the globe are at your control. From palace to monastry, trade post to smugglers den – your town is worthless without the nobles, monks, merchants and rogues that chose to live in it – and keeping them all happy at the same time is never simple.

StarDrive - 25$ as preorder/$30 on release day (PC)

http://www.stardrivegame.com/

4X game with the following description:StarDrive takes a module-based approach to ship design, allowing the player to create custom ship designs where the composition and placement of ship modules really matters to the performance of a ship in combat. In combat, if your portside armor is taking a beating, then rotate around and show them the starboard side! Hide behind a friendly capital ship's shields, warp into and out of the fray, launch fighters, lay mines, and so much more.

Starseed Pilgrim - $6 (PC, Mac)

http://www.starseedpilgrim.com/get.html

A puzzler platformer game with emphasis on those eureka moments of discovery without any sort of hints. Solving by playing. Has a magical feel to it, I recommend watching the trailer video on the link.

Steam Marines - Free (PC & Mac)

http://www.steammarines.com/

Steam Marines is a procedurally generated, turn-based, Squad-Roguelike currently in Alpha. Video in the link looks promising, havent checked it out yet though.

Stream - Free (PC, Flash)

http://simonchauvin.com/stream-the-game/#

3D Puzzle platformer. Think Portal, but without Portals and instead time manipulation. 6 levels, 3 of which are very easily solved in the beginning. Its a short game, but definitely worth a playthrough for the artstyle and interesting mechanics. Also available for download.

The Bridge - $14,99 (PC)

http://thebridgeisblackandwhite.com/

The Bridge is a 2D logic puzzle game that forces the player to reevaluate their preconceptions of physics and perspective. It is Isaac Newton meets M. C. Escher. Manipulate gravity to redefine the ceiling as the floor while venturing through impossible architectures. Explore increasingly difficult worlds, each uniquely detailed and designed to leave the player with a pronounced sense of intellectual accomplishment. The Bridge exemplifies games as an art form, with beautifully hand-drawn art in the style of a black-and-white lithograph.

The Button Affair - Free (PC,Mac)

http://www.thebuttonaffair.com/

A story focussed "autorunning game", where you only need to decide when to jump, accelerate and duck. The game has no "neverending" highscore mode, which makes this game actually more interesting compared to the endless stream of autorunning games before it. It rather focusses on the story of a thief making his biggest heist and then escaping. The style is really well done and it can be finished within 15 minutes. Definitely worth checking out. Its actually PWYW and proceeds for the game go to Special Effect, a fundraiser to change the lives of disabled gamers.

The Sea Will Claim Everything - $10 (PC)

http://landsofdream.net/games/the-sea-will-claim-everything/

A really great point-and-click adventure with more emphasis on exploration and story/narrative than on puzzles. Great humor and charm even to the smallest detail, really. I click everything not because I am pixel hunting for a solution for a byzantine puzzle but because of the flavor text. If you are not sure about plunging $10 towards a "weirdly childish" looking game, check out one of his earlier free shorts: http://landsofdream.net/games/the-fabulous-screech/ Keep in mind that the $10 game is way more ambitious, bigger and non-linear.

Thirty Flights of Loving - $4,99 (PC, Steam)

http://blendogames.com/thirtyflightsofloving/

This one took me by surprise. The most interesting element of the game is jump cuting technique used in movies, but entirely in gameplay. I haven't seen anything like this in a 3d game before, maybe because of some technical difficulties involved, but I think it's well worth exploring, because all those cuts - just a small feature - make the experience really fresh and dynamic. It's pretty short, took me about 15 minutes, but when it goes on sale you should definitely check it out.

Tiny Plumbers - $5 (PC)

http://robotloveskitty.com/tinyplumbers/

Procedurally generated 2D Sidescrolling Jump&Run, reminiscent of Mario games, with cute Pixel graphics. Looks pretty well done and has quite a few modes, like a mode where you unlock secrets with the princesses you saved, a multiplayer mode or even a level editor.

Tower of the Gorillion - Free (Flash)

http://circuiton.com/gorillion/

An action / puzzle platformer. The catch – two characters interact with separate planes of the level. Either alternate between them or play with a friend! Or an enemy if you have one nearby. This game can get quite challenging.

Under the Ocean - $7 in Alpha (PC)

http://www.underthegarden.com/

This one looks cool, another 2D sidescrolling build/survive game, but with a pretty neat art style and some more advanced features like generating electricity. This game allows for house building and crafting (as in you take wood and stone to create an axe and not a super blasting annihilator 3000) as well. I really like how this game tries to stay down to earth with its mechanics. You can check out the free prequel here: http://forums.tigsource.com/index.php?topic=13394.0

Underrail - €7,99/Free Demo (PC)

http://underrail.com/

This game is basically Fallout with a more sincere and less over the top wacky setting and a deep crafting system. Same stats, similar idea for the skill set etcetc. What I really like about this game is that its very challenging. I played for 3 hours now and I am still trying to scrape the bottom of the barrel for EXP and progress ingame. It also has pretty sizeable big and open regions that you can sort of walk to whenever you want. You should really check out the Demo: http://www.indiedb.com/games/underrail/downloads/underrail-alpha-demo-v041

Woodle Tree - $1,99 (PC, Desura)

http://www.indiedb.com/games/woodle-tree

An adorable 3D platformer! Havent tried it myself yet, but the link above has a few videos which are rather charming. I'd appreciate impressions. Edit: Lijik tried it for us, he wasnt too impressed, but still considered it a decent way to spend $2.

Zineth - Free (PC, Mac)

http://arcanekids.com/
http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showthread.php?t=486384

Zineth is a student game made over a few months meant to celebrate speed, movement, and twitter. It feels a little bit like an open world Jet Set Radio and the sense of speed is very well done. Watch the video linked in the video above, this game is cool as hell.

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| Current/Recent Game Jams - feel free to check out these games and let us know whether you like one! |
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• Tojam 7

• 7 Days Roguelike

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| Notable ongoing Indie Game Kickstarters/Indiegogos |
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• Death Inc. - Take Dungeon Keeper, Theme Park and Pikmin, set it in the 17th century and add a Grim Reaper. A game for Windows, Mac and Linux.

• There came an Echo - There Came an Echo is a voice-controlled real-time strategy game, starring Wil Wheaton and done by our very own Feep!

• Riot - Riot simulator for PC, Mac, iOS, Android and OUYA. Mainly hotseat multiplayer, with single player campaigns as well.

• Ithaka of the Clouds - Crowdfunding project for the next project of the guy who made The Sea will claim everything (Listed in the recent game section above).

• Another Castle - Another Castle combines classic platforming gameplay with the randomness of a roguelike. (Wii U, PC, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android, & OUYA)

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| Indie Game Updates |
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• Gnomoria: http://forums.gnomoria.com/index.php?topic=3538.0

• Outerra: http://www.outerra.com/forum/index.php?board=14.0

• Starsector: http://fractalsoftworks.com/2013/01/04/starsector-0-54-1a-release/

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| Indie Game Development News |
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• Legend of Grimrock 2 announced: http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showthread.php?t=514729

• ADOM Remake got successfully Indiegogo'd: http://www.indiegogo.com/resurrect-adom-development

• Zeboyd (Rain Slick 4 nearing release, Next project CSH, Possible Vita version of CSH): http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showpost.php?p=48716472&postcount=59

• To the Moon 2 announced: http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showthread.php?t=520359

• Gero Blaster announced: http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showthread.php?t=521421

• New Neverhood game, devs want fan input: http://www.facebook.com/TheNeverhoodGame

• Delver's Drop successfully kickstarted: http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/pixelscopic/delvers-drop?ref=category

• Dreamfall Chapters got successfully funded: http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/redthread/dreamfall-chapters-the-longest-journey

• Frozen Endzone (by the Frozen Synapse devs) announced: http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showthread.php?t=524424

• Dead State Combat Demo: http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showthread.php?t=524340

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Some questions to start people off while we collect games for this thread:

1. Favourite Indie games? What do you prefer about Indie games, compared to bigger non-Indie titles?
2. Following the progress of any Indie game in development? Which one? What keeps you coming back to it?
3. Heard about a smaller indie game being released? Let us know what you thought!
4. Any Kickstarters you were mad about not being able to hit their goal? Other Kickstarters you are still watching?
5. Opinion on any of the games other people mentioned or recommended?

 

[Toma]

Projects to look forward to (As in "Not yet released"):

Auditorium - PC, iOS

http://www.cipherprime.com/games/duet

Auditorium is a unique puzzle/music game. It gently flows through you until you find a solution. With the visual improvements, it's being developed in Unity instead of Flesh, and addition of co-op multiplayer it could become even better than original.

Aztez - PC

http://aztezgame.com/

A hybrid of two distinct game types: sidescrolling real-time beat 'em up gameplay (the deep and expressive kind) and turn-based strategy gameplay (like a board game).

Darkwood - PC

http://www.darkwoodgame.com/

Darkwood is a top-down, oldschool survival horror set in a procedurally generated, open world. It features RPG and roguelike elements, with intense combat and a eerie atmosphere.

Dungeon Hearts - PC, iPad

http://www.facebook.com/DungeonHearts

JRPG/Puzzle hybrid

Deep Space Settlement - PC

http://dss.stephanierct.com/

A real-time strategy game for PC, focused on empire building and grand-scale space battles(4X RTS). Pylon_T approved.

FEIST - ?

http://playfeist.net/#about

FEIST takes you onto a journey over high mountains and through deep forests. The trail isn't told to be an easy one. Mad foes and vicious vegetation linger besides the dirt tracks. Only with cleverness and by taking risks you might find the power to reach the end of your journey.

Fract OSC - PC

http://fractgame.com/

3D Puzzle/Music game called Fract that is currently not available and back to an alpha state for an upcoming rerelease

Lacuna Passage - PC

http://randomseedgames.com/blog/?category=Lacuna+Passage

Exploration. Lacuna Passage is an open-world adventure. 25 square miles of treacherous Martian terrain littered with clues about the disappearance of the Hermes Mars Expedition. Also includes Investigation and Survival aspects.

Memory Of A Broken Dimension - PC

http://dev.datatragedy.com/

A tool that allows you to tune into broadcasts, radio signals that need exact synchronisation to capture images.

One Way Heroics - PC

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ux57lalo7-o

One Way Heroics is a mixture of a rogue-like and the overworld of a JRPG, with a relentless dark force gobbling up everything in its path as you travel.

Pavilion - Android, iPad, iPhone/iPod Touch, Mac, PC, Linux

http://blog.inthepavilion.com/

Dubbed by its two-man Swedish team as a "fourth person exploratory experience about guidance, influence and subliminal control", Pavilion casts players in a somewhat godlike role overseeing the main character, who finds himself alone and disoriented in a "surreal, dream-like place where reality clashes with fantasy".

Radio the Universe - PC

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/...the-universe-0

An open-world 2D action adventure with challenging gameplay and a focus on exploration. The Kickstarter lists Dark Souls, Symphony of the Night, and Hotline Miami as some of the sources of inspiration. I can't wait to play this!

Sir, You Are Being Hunted - PC

http://www.big-robot.com/2012/03/12/sir-you-are-being-hunted/

Hunted is set in a recognisably British landscape. Its inhabitants are a mockery of the aristocratic country gent and his ecosystem. Robots that ape tea-drinking, poachers that lurk in reed-beds, and red-eyed hounds that patrol the moor: these are the things you will be dealing with as you fight for survival. The game gathers up elements of my favourite things: exploration, AI interaction, survival, robots, hot drinks, and blends them into a rich pixelly pulp.

Spate - PC

http://spategame.com/spate/game-info/

Spate is a platformer. But it as much Mario as it is Dear Esther. Three things that I believe make Spate a unique platforming experience are its atmosphere, its drinking mechanic, and its art.

Stardrew Valley - PC

http://stardewvalley.net/

Looks like the 2D Harvest Moon for PC we've always wished existed. Elements of Minecraft and 4 player co-op too.

Tengami - PC, iOS, Mac

http://nyamyam.com/games

Tengami is an adventure game, full of wonder and mystery, set in Japan of ancient dark fairy tales.

Train Fever - PC

http://www.train-fever.com/

A modern-day Transport Tycoon (business simulation) based on an engine with a great innovative scope. Specialized in procedural content and urban simulation.

Screenshot Saturday posts (random glimpses into the development of upcoming games):

09/03/13:

Post 1

Post 2

Post 3

16/03/13:

Post 1

Post 2

Post 3

Post 4

23/03/13:

Post 1

Post 2

Post 3

Post 4

 

[Toma]

Added to the news section:

Adom Remake got Indiegogo'd: http://www.indiegogo.com/resurrect-adom-development

They basically worked on a new engine to allow for better moddability and some inherent graphical tilesets. The engine will also be used for ADOM2 (which I am VERY excited about). ADOM is one of my most favourite roguelike, and finally gets a non-ascii graphical overhaul:

 

[Wyndstryker]

I'd also say we might need some spotlight on the various indie game jams out there. There is a lot of stuff that is simple and fun to play, and can even give a glimpse of developers that might be big in the future.

 

[Toma]

Not quite an Indie game, but it might fit the thread as well since they are nice to look at:

Nice gif by a pixel artist - http://jamo-games.tumblr.com/:

Liking this guys work. Here is a mock up he did for a hypothetical 2D horror game:

Another gif:

Cool art piece:

Work he did for a client, Blade Runner cyberpunk with a heavily limited palette.

 

[rabhw]

I just played "The King of The Wood".

Given your description of Its a short FPS story that heavily relies on sublime story telling and choice., I have to say I was expecting...choice?

Unless I missed something, there didn't seem to be any choices to make whatsoever.

I was a bit underwhelmed by this game honestly. It reminded me a bit of The Stabley Parable and Gravity Bone, but without much of what made those games so intriguing.

 

[Feep]

I don't know if my Kickstarter is worthy of indie'ing up the OP, but take a look: http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/iridiumstudios/there-came-an-echo-0

 

[Toma]

I just played "The King of The Wood".

Given your description of Its a short FPS story that heavily relies on sublime story telling and choice., I have to say I was expecting...choice?

Unless I missed something, there didn't seem to be any choices to make whatsoever.

I was a bit underwhelmed by this game honestly. It reminded me a bit of The Stabley Parable and Gravity Bone, but without much of what made those games so intriguing.

Fair enough. I had the EXACT same impression after I went into the game with what you know and questioned my own taste as I saw a few Indie blogs I like rambling about it. Choice in that game revolves around how you proceed (game spoiler)

Spoiler

I read impressions where people were actively questioning their reason for killing this cyborg after seeing that he apparently shows emotion (he shattered the mirror because he couldnt stand seeing his "face" anymore, and more hints throughout the game).

I really liked the thoughts that went into it when I read up on it, but I had the exact same impression that you had when playing it. I didnt like it personally that much, but I read a few impressions by people who did like it, which is why I put it in the OP. I enjoyed reading about this game more than I enjoyed playing it, but oh well. Not every game can be a masterpiece.

 

[Toma]

I don't know if my Kickstarter is worthy of indie'ing up the OP, but take a look: http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/iridiumstudios/there-came-an-echo-0

Most definitely, my dear Feep Although I only saw you posting twice today, and on BOTH occasions you were pimping your game ;P Fine by me however.

I'd also say we might need some spotlight on the various indie game jams out there. There is a lot of stuff that is simple and fun to play, and can even give a glimpse of developers that might be big in the future.

Sure! Thats also probably stuff that eventually might end up in this section anyway if we tend to like the games. However, I would only include jams that have demos open to the public, does that sound okay? A game jam that doesnt publish the games is a bit "useless" for "us" as end consumers in such a thread (and this is not meant to be a dev thread). You link the jams and I find a place in the OP.

 

[rabhw]

Fair enough. I had the EXACT same impression after I went into the game with what you know and questioned my own taste as I saw a few Indie blogs I like rambling about it. Choice in that game revolves around how you proceed (game spoiler)

Spoiler

I read impressions where people were actively questioning their reason for killing this cyborg after seeing that he apparently shows emotion (he shattered the mirror because he couldnt stand seeing his "face" anymore, and more hints throughout the game).

I guess for me that doesn't really count as a decision.

Spoiler

The game funnels you down the path of taking that action, so your option is either do it, or...turn the game off?

I did quite like the visuals, the lighting and motion blur were nice. Performance was spotty though.

 

[Toma]

I guess for me that doesn't really count as a decision.

Spoiler

The game funnels you down the path of taking that action, so your option is either do it, or...turn the game off?

I did quite like the visuals, the lighting and motion blur were nice. Performance was spotty though.

Yeah, as I said. I agree with you on the idea of "choice" being a bit spotty there. Another part was that you apparently wouldnt have needed to use the gun at all during the game, so I guess

Spoiler

turning it off was indeed a "game" concept, that the dev intended to be a resolution to the game

. I mean its definitely a weird way to convey "choice", but I still wonder how many "chose" to do exactly that or whether everyone playing it was too bound by the notion of how to

Spoiler

play and end a videogame.

.

Thank you for talking with me about it though! Much appreciated! Its okay to not like every game, especially smaller Indie games that usually have more than only one flaw. Too bad you didnt like it , but thanks for starting a conversation At least you liked the graphical style.

 

[Wyndstryker]

Sure! Thats also probably stuff that eventually might end up in this section anyway if we tend to like the games. However, I would only include jams that have demos open to the public, does that sound okay? A game jam that doesnt publish the games is a bit "useless" for "us" as end consumers in such a thread (and this is not meant to be a dev thread). You link the jams and I find a place in the OP.

Since this is one Jam I was in in it's first year I'll put this one up.

http://www.tojam.ca/home/default.asp

Toronto's very own indie game jam! Most of the stuff is for download and it's where I met people from Capybara and Everyday Shooter creator, Jonathan Mak.

Hell even the splash page is a game lol. Some of the older games might have dead links but more recent stuff should be available.

edit: Actually I think some whole years of games have been removed...but there's still a bunch of stuff on the site though if anyone is willing to dig through.

 

[Dali]

Nice idea for a thread.

 

[Toma]

Added to OP:

Steam Marines - Free (PC)

http://www.steammarines.com/

Steam Marines is a procedurally generated, turn-based, Squad-Roguelike currently in Alpha. Video in the link looks promising, havent checked it out yet though.

Nice idea for a thread.

Thanks! Hope it survives longer than my other tries to get GAF interested in Indie games.

 

[FormallyMegadrive]

I like this idea. there are many notable indie games that fly under the radar and they need somewhere to be seen

 

[Toma]

I like this idea. there are many notable indie games that fly under the radar and they need somewhere to be seen

If you guys like this idea, others need to keep this thread alive and post stuff to update the OP with and start discussions as well. A community sees way more than my eyes alone and the more information this thread has, the more people are interesting in using this thread (instead of just letting it horribly die).

I really hope I finally found an idea engaging enough to stick with GAF.

Oh and if any news about something Indie game related pops up on GAF, write a message here too. I'd love to have that all in one place.

 

[Toma]

Added the Riot Indiegogo: http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showthread.php?t=515690

Nice to see its already funded. I really want to see what they make out of that idea, although I do agree that using kickstarter money to "experience riots" and pay for food seems a bit... weird.

 

[Noogy]

Nice idea for a thread.

Yeah, I dig threads like this, well done OP. Can we recommend games that have existed before, are is it just new stuff that came out this month? For example, this remains one of my favorite threads on Gaf: http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showthread.php?t=411010

 

[Toma]

An interesting Kickstarter project that I do not deem interesting enough for the OP (as in, I know no one being legitimately being interested in it):
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1544851629/throw-trucks-with-your-mind

The idea is basically that you can play this game with your thoughts and the headset measures your brain activity to judge how much an object has been thrown or lifted.

While the video looks rather neat,the problem is that this kind of mechanism/feature is waaaay too unresponsive for any kind of meaningful interaction ingame. At least I cannot imagine this game to use this feature for something meaningful other than putting 3d boxes on top of one another.

I see a tech demo, but not a game. Still interesting, a bigger dev might be able to use this for something interesting at one point.

 

[Toma]

Yeah, I dig threads like this, well done OP. Can we recommend games that have existed before, are is it just new stuff that came out this month? For example, this remains one of my favorite threads on Gaf: http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showthread.php?t=411010

You can mention any game you want in here, but I'll only update the OP with recent releases since its meant to give a spotlight to new games coming out. If people see VVVVV for the 5317237th time, they might not even look at the other games, thinking they know most of them already. I want to make it clear that those games are RECENT, and most people might not know them yet. Feel free to recommend and talk about other Indies as well though. I felt as like an active thread for talking about Indies in general was sorely missing.

That Salsa thread was great btw, and I asked Salsa whether I can do a follow up one. I already had like.. 20-30 games to go for a new thread but was thinking about a way to get people to focus their attention to these games without the thread dying after 8 pages.

If you are interested, I can make a shorter post of these games I had in mind as well , even if I dont add them to the OP.

Technically, thats something someone else could do as well. I do the recent stuff in the OP and someone else updates one of his posts with all recommendations for older Indie games that appeared throughout the thread. That way we'd have a new, single post (like the Salsa thread) for those as well.

 

[Toma]

Off to bed, this thread shouldnt have kept me awake until 5, lol. Will respond fo anything else tomorrow. Game impressions and more Indie Games please!

 

[Toma]

New thread morning bump.

 

[Dascu]

Nice thread. Steam Marines looks really cool, will keep an eye on it.

Liking this guys work. Here is a mock up he did for a hypothetical 2D horror game:

Yeah, I would love something like that. Lone Survivor x Kentucky Route Zero.

 

[Toma]

Nice thread. Steam Marines looks really cool, will keep an eye on it.


Yeah, I would love something like that. Lone Survivor x Kentucky Route Zero.

Havent tried it yet, let us know how it is! You can actually download the alpha version already.

 

[CaptainTiptop]

Nice thread. Luckily Steam Marines has a Mac alpha version, so I'm gonna check that out right now.

 

[Toma]

Nice thread. Luckily Steam Marines has a Mac alpha version, so I'm gonna check that out right now.

I hope people check back sometimes, I still have a few more recent Indie titles I need to add to the thread (and I hope others might mention some too). It already was pretty late yesterday so I needed to stop at one point.

 

[flabberghastly]

Great idea, Toma. Subscribed.

I've been tempted at times in the past to make OTs for some indie games, but, like you note, those threads just seem to disappear too quickly. Hopefully this can get exposure for these little projects that deserve it as much as (and need it much more than) multiple threads regarding the minutiae of some heavily advertised blockbuster with a several-million-dollar budget.

 

[Toma]

Great idea, Toma. Subscribed.

I've been tempted at times in the past to make OTs for some indie games, but, like you note, those threads just seem to disappear too quickly. Hopefully this can get exposure for these little projects that deserve it as much as (and need it much more than) multiple threads regarding the minutiae of some heavily advertised blockbuster with a several-million-dollar budget.

I fully agree. I tried to make some similar threads like these before, but all failed. I am basically just throwing stuff at the GAF wall to find something that sticks. Hopefully this does the trick.

 

[Toma]

An incredibly cool proof of concept game demo, probably one of the most interesting ones I've seen lately:

Zineth - Free (PC, Mac)

http://arcanekids.com/

Zineth is a student game made over a few months meant to celebrate speed, movement, and twitter. It feels a little bit like an open world Jet Set Radio and the sense of speed is very well done. Watch the video linked in the video above, this game is cool as hell.

Edit:
Its actually already a bit older and already had a GAF thread, but oh well. I recently found an article about it and thought its a new release. Guess I am giving it a pass for being about only 6 months old and only having a 20 post OT. Guess that still counts as "recent" if it hasnt been mentioned in these monthly threads already I'll just make up rules about that as we go, hope no one minds.

 

[Visualante2]

Love the thread, I played King of the Wood and really liked it. spoiler: I didn't

Spoiler

kill the dude I just left

. Those god damned

Spoiler

robots

.

Gonna check out Inner vision now. Gradients + pixel art = love.

 

[Toma]

Love the thread, I played King of the Wood and really liked it. spoiler: I didn't

Spoiler

kill the dude I just left

. Those god damned

Spoiler

robots

Spoiler

.

Gonna check out Inner vision now. Gradients + pixel art = love.

Spoiler

Spoiler

I didnt try that

Spoiler

, can you just leave? What does the game do? Give you an ending screen once you leave the house?

 

[fushi]

Just posting to say that I appreciate the effort in collecting these and that I am subscribing. I hope this thread thrives!

Grabbing Zenith.

Edit: no, it's Zineth!

 

[Visualante2]

I didnt try that

Spoiler

, can you just leave? What does the game do? Give you an ending screen once you leave the house?

You can indeed, as for the ending scene

Spoiler

when I left the house the police were all around the building, I guess it was a setup, maybe the android I was sent to kill wasn't even an android?

 

[Toma]

You can indeed, as for the ending scene

Spoiler

when I left the house the police were all around the building, I guess it was a setup, maybe the android I was sent to kill wasn't even an android?

I might replay it to see whats different for that ending. The environmental clues in the game definitely gave me the hint that its an

Spoiler

android developing emotions though (see the shattered mirror to not needing to see his non face, amongst some others).

And on the topic of inner vision:
Its really just a small concept, but I enjoyed the idea behind it, especially that (read after you finished it)

Spoiler

its basically a reverse "It gets better" message, where the media isnt trying to convince YOU that things will improve, but that YOU are the person to convey that message.

Really subtle touch. I also liked the writing style.

Just posting to say that I appreciate the effort in collecting these and that I am subscribing. I hope this thread thrives!

Grabbing Zenith.

Edit: no, it's Zineth!

Ha, thanks.

 

[eot]

I played a quite good Super Meat Boy-derivative recently called Skullface:



For a free flash game it plays better than you'd expect but I didn't care for the last world.

 

[bigmit3737]

Great thread. I'm enjoying Jelly no puzzle; the puzzle game that had its own thread recently. I'm pretty sure that's the name of the game.

 

[Toma]

Hoooly crap, check out this game that I just tried.

Playing it right now:

Gorogoa - Free (PC, Mac)

http://www.gorogoa.com/

Its a smaller game that even got an award in the 2012 Indiecade , but apparently no Gaf thread. Basically an Adventure game that blows my mind in the best way possible by playing around with perception and the idea of game "windows" or the metaphor of windows being a doorway to another place/world and a hymn to imagination and creativity. The game is not finished yet, but highly recommendable.

 

[gofreak]

Thanks for the thread, some nice stuff to go through here. Liking the art in Toma's post too.

 

[Toma]

Just finished the Gorogoa demo. Soooo nice. Artstyle, animation, ambient sound design, mechanics all super interesting. Awesome and magical. Cant wait for the full release.

 

[Tizoc]

Will grab Woodle Tree, thanks for this thraed, I wouldn't have known about this game otherwise =D

 

[Toma]

Will grab Woodle Tree, thanks for this thraed, I wouldn't have known about this game otherwise =D

Check out Gorogoa as well! Like seriously, everyone should try it. Such a charming game.

 

[Tizoc]

Check out Gorogoa as well! Like seriously, everyone should try it. Such a charming game.

I did grab the free stuff as well

 

[Kouriozan]

Tried Melodisle, it was nice, almost finished it but then the game crashed.

 

[Toma]

Tried Melodisle, it was nice, almost finished it but then the game crashed.

Aw.. sorry to hear

 

[Kouriozan]

Aw.. sorry to hear

No need to be sorry, it's still a good little game.

 

[Toma]

Added Jelly no Puzzle and Skullface to the OP. Tried them and both are definitely well done games.

 

[Toma]

I did grab the free stuff as well

Post some impressions later!

 

[Toma]

Another game added to the OP, apparently released a few days ago:

The Button Affair - Free (PC,Mac)

http://www.thebuttonaffair.com/

A story focussed "autorunning game", where you only need to decide when to jump, accelerate and duck. The game has no "neverending" highscore mode, which makes this game actually more interesting compared to the endless stream of autorunning games before it. It rather focusses on the story of a thief making his biggest heist and then escaping. The style is really well done and it can be finished within 15 minutes. Definitely worth checking out. Its actually PWYW and proceeds for the game go to Special Effect, a fundraiser to change the lives of disabled gamers.

 

[EMT0]

While I'm not going to lie, in that I don't really play indie games, your thread does a good job of marketing them to me and made me curious about one or two of the games listed. Good job, OP.