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Indie Games [March] Now Voting - Post 774!

CzarTim

Member
for new page:

Alright, Steam group is a go!

http://steamcommunity.com/groups/NeoGAFIndie

Currently set to a Public group, so hop in. Let me know if I can add/change anything to make it better.

Ah yeah, good idea with the voting announcement. For the collection of Greenlight links, we'd need to open a discussion? Can you add/edit a list in a group somehow?

I'm making a collection right now. Looks like we'll have to link it from the group.
 

CzarTim

Member
I accepted the invite, how can I add stuff? Oh and I'd say we keep that page only for games that are still on Greenlight and not yet released on Steam. To check out games to play, people can always just visit the thread.

Fair enough.

To add stuff go to the game's Greenlight page and hit "Add to Collection"
 

Raxum

Member
Ah yeah, good idea with the voting announcement. For the collection of Greenlight links, we'd need to open a discussion? Can you add/edit a list in a group somehow?

I'd like to know about the Greenlight list myself, there are a few games I'd like to see in our list. Legends of Aethereus for example, and Chasm. Is there a way we can add to the list or open a voting discussion for our Greenlight list?

Edit: beaten to explanation, somehow my browser didn't refresh properly.
 

Toma

Let me show you through these halls, my friend, where treasures of indie gaming await...
I'd like to know about the Greenlight list myself, there are a few games I'd like to see in our list. Legends of Aethereus for example, and Chasm. Is there a way we can add to the list or open a voting discussion for our Greenlight list?

Edit: beaten to explanation, somehow my browser didn't refresh properly.

You cant add something because you arent an admin for that list. Rule of thumb however: Every game you guys are interested in, should be posted in this thread. Then I'll add those games to either the current thread or the next one. And then we can just go adding all the games that are in the OP. You should probably mention the Chasm Greenlight in the next thread again. I think CzarTim only added games from the released section so far.

Chasm is already added to the future section of the next thread and I wanted to add Aethereus too. Got some more impressions? I tried looking into it but $25 is a TAD much for a random game.
 

CzarTim

Member
Any games in the OP that are on Greenlight will be added.

I know Gabe talked about letting users create their own Storefronts eventually, so when they add that we can have as list for games already on Steam.
 

Toma

Let me show you through these halls, my friend, where treasures of indie gaming await...
Any games in the OP that are on Greenlight will be added.

I know Gabe talked about letting users create their own Storefronts eventually, so when they add that we can have as list for games already on Steam.

Did you also check the future section of the OP if any of those have Greenlight pages? Didnt have time to crosscheck anything yet because I am still working.
 

Toma

Let me show you through these halls, my friend, where treasures of indie gaming await...
Oops, I had missed them. Added.

You can also throw an announcement into the main group once you included the games from next months thread, so people know when to check back to give more thumbs up ;)
 

Raxum

Member
You cant add something because you arent an admin for that list. Rule of thumb however: Every game you guys are interested in, should be posted in this thread. Then I'll add those games to either the current thread or the next one. And then we can just go adding all the games that are in the OP. You should probably mention the Chasm Greenlight in the next thread again. I think CzarTim only added games from the released section so far.

Chasm is already added to the future section of the next thread and I wanted to add Aethereus too. Got some more impressions? I tried looking into it but $25 is a TAD much for a random game.

Fair enough, can't just let everyone add to the list.

I actually Kickstarted Aethereus ages ago, so it's been in the works for a while. It's a really promising game, but they really need a more interested community playing it. The forums are quite dead for feedback on the betas. Anyway, impressions:

Controls: Pretty standard, with a few differences, dodge is spacebar+direction and I'm used to using shift, and shift is for parrying. It's fine once you get used to it but takes a bit. You sheath your weapons to move faster, which also changes your forward lunge into a jump. Gets very confusing, but honestly I've seen very little need for jumping so far anyway.

Gameplay: Lots of interesting ideas, combat can be very unforgiving and some of the enemies are relentless. Combat can also be a little stiff, pauses between swings of weapons, but if you get to understand the timings it works reasonably well. I personally enjoy having a hub town(Nexus) that everything stems from. You travel out on quests from there using an airship. There is a Pve/PvP arena in the hub and a blacksmith. The crafting system is what interested me the most initially, you get the materials, then craft your weapon by picking what materials make up certain parts of the weapon, and what those certain parts look like. At the moment it seems be lacking a large amount of variety, but there is still some there.

Graphics: Pretty amazing for an Indie game, some of the animations are a bit odd, but overall the game is pretty polished in this department. Good particle effects, lighting is amazing, reflections, looks pretty amazing.

Story: Have yet to complete what they have up so far in the newest beta, but it seems very short. It is in beta however so I can forgive it somewhat. It also appears they have plans for randomly generated areas/quests. Not sure how those will go but so far the game is quite good.

Overall I do enjoy playing the game, and I honestly hope the devs aren't being too ambitious. It has a fair bit of potential, but they need to fix a few things before it becomes a high-quality game.
 

CzarTim

Member
You can also throw an announcement into the main group once you included the games from next months thread, so people know when to check back to give more thumbs up ;)

Yeah, that's the plan. Should I include the games from your Screenshot Saturdays or wait?

Also, before I forget, let me vote:

  • Papers, please
  • StarDrive
 

Toma

Let me show you through these halls, my friend, where treasures of indie gaming await...
Yeah, that's the plan. Should I include the games from your Screenshot Saturdays or wait?

Also, before I forget, let me vote:

  • Papers, please
  • StarDrive

Only two games? :-o No interest in the others?

I'll add SS games to the upcoming list of the next thread, so that issues solves itself. Just stick to whats in the OP (except SS) from your side.
 

Toma

Let me show you through these halls, my friend, where treasures of indie gaming await...
Fair enough, can't just let everyone add to the list.

I actually Kickstarted Aethereus ages ago, so it's been in the works for a while. It's a really promising game, but they really need a more interested community playing it. The forums are quite dead for feedback on the betas. Anyway, impressions:

Controls: Pretty standard, with a few differences, dodge is spacebar+direction and I'm used to using shift, and shift is for parrying. It's fine once you get used to it but takes a bit. You sheath your weapons to move faster, which also changes your forward lunge into a jump. Gets very confusing, but honestly I've seen very little need for jumping so far anyway.

Gameplay: Lots of interesting ideas, combat can be very unforgiving and some of the enemies are relentless. Combat can also be a little stiff, pauses between swings of weapons, but if you get to understand the timings it works reasonably well. I personally enjoy having a hub town(Nexus) that everything stems from. You travel out on quests from there using an airship. There is a Pve/PvP arena in the hub and a blacksmith. The crafting system is what interested me the most initially, you get the materials, then craft your weapon by picking what materials make up certain parts of the weapon, and what those certain parts look like. At the moment it seems be lacking a large amount of variety, but there is still some there.

Graphics: Pretty amazing for an Indie game, some of the animations are a bit odd, but overall the game is pretty polished in this department. Good particle effects, lighting is amazing, reflections, looks pretty amazing.

Story: Have yet to complete what they have up so far in the newest beta, but it seems very short. It is in beta however so I can forgive it somewhat. It also appears they have plans for randomly generated areas/quests. Not sure how those will go but so far the game is quite good.

Overall I do enjoy playing the game, and I honestly hope the devs aren't being too ambitious. It has a fair bit of potential, but they need to fix a few things before it becomes a high-quality game.

So its an MMO with real time combat basically? Or is the SP content diverse? Interesting quests?
 

Toma

Let me show you through these halls, my friend, where treasures of indie gaming await...
I saw this thread late and have been spending most of my time playing Bioshock. I'll check out a few more of the free ones.

Ah yeah. You should definitely take a look at the ones being suggested in peoples top 5. Quite a few have free demos as well.
 

Raxum

Member
So its an MMO with real time combat basically? Or is the SP content diverse? Interesting quests?

I've only managed to play it in single-player at the moment, but it is a little reminiscent of games like DragonNest and Vindictus. Quests can be quite interesting, but the ones I've played are very straightforward, and kinda point you in the direction you have to go in dungeon. There are some nice secrets in some of the quests as well, like some pre-crafted weapons to use hidden away in little caves.

Now that you mention it though, it does kinda feel like I'm playing an MMO with no other players...
 

Zoibie

Member
Is anyone else having trouble downloading Césure from the link in the OP? I get to the site but the Windows link redirects to a vacant domain.
 

Toma

Let me show you through these halls, my friend, where treasures of indie gaming await...
Is anyone else having trouble downloading Césure from the link in the OP? I get to the site but the Windows link redirects to a vacant domain.

Yeah, doesnt work anymore. Give me a second. I am uploading my ""installed" folder.
 

Raxum

Member
Also, another game I'd like to add to the thread, not sure if it has been mentioned is Cube World, currently the only real media for it is screenshots and videos from the guy's blog, but it shows real promise. It's a pretty decent-looking voxel RPG, that seems to be mostly randomly generated. The guy seems to be putting a lot of effort into making a really fun game to play, with decent combat mechanics and what looks to be a reasonably well generated world. Honestly can't wait to see how it plays.

Link can be found here: http://wollay.blogspot.com.au/
Quick screenshot, quoted for size:
10.jpg
 
Also, another game I'd like to add to the thread, not sure if it has been mentioned is Cube World, currently the only real media for it is screenshots and videos from the guy's blog, but it shows real promise. It's a pretty decent-looking voxel RPG, that seems to be mostly randomly generated. The guy seems to be putting a lot of effort into making a really fun game to play, with decent combat mechanics and what looks to be a reasonably well generated world. Honestly can't wait to see how it plays.

Link can be found here: http://wollay.blogspot.com.au/
Quick screenshot, quoted for size:



That looks awesome. Will check it out.
 
D

Deleted member 59090

Unconfirmed Member
Tropico 4 pretty much ate my month so I haven't played as many games from the op as I'd like to but anyway here are my votes:

  • Maldita Castilla - I missed out on 99% of the nes/snes era so this serves as my window to the past.
  • Papers, please! - I liked this so much I even submitted my own name to be used in the game, I'd love to reject myself on the border someday ^^
  • Proteus - By far my most favorite game of the bunch. The way I see it's a child simulator because it gives me this feeling of curiosity and discovery every single step of the way, those "ooh what's this? oooh what's that?" moments are just priceless.
  • Slave of God - It looked soooooo good.
  • Starseed Pilgrim - I'm not really far into it but the fact that you have to figure eveything out on your own feels so refreshing.
 
Finally got around to trying the Oniken demo... and surprisingly, I didn't like it that much. It just feels... off. I don't know how to describe it. It does look like a NES game, but it does not FEEL like one. It's as if everything was made of paper, nothing has gravity or feels solid. Also, the gameplay is pretty basic, and not in a good way; level design is just not good.

Well, not everyone can like everything, I guess. :)
 

Toma

Let me show you through these halls, my friend, where treasures of indie gaming await...
Finally got around to trying the Oniken demo... and surprisingly, I didn't like it that much. It just feels... off. I don't know how to describe it. It does look like a NES game, but it does not FEEL like one. It's as if everything was made of paper, nothing has gravity or feels solid. Also, the gameplay is pretty basic, and not in a good way; level design is just not good.

Well, not everyone can like everything, I guess. :)

The level design was actually pretty good but it took us a few hours to learn the intricacies of the levels in the thread where we played it for competition. Its one of those games that truly shines when you try to squeeze every second out of a speedrun.
 

PaineReign

Neo Member
Also, another game I'd like to add to the thread, not sure if it has been mentioned is Cube World, currently the only real media for it is screenshots and videos from the guy's blog, but it shows real promise. It's a pretty decent-looking voxel RPG, that seems to be mostly randomly generated. The guy seems to be putting a lot of effort into making a really fun game to play, with decent combat mechanics and what looks to be a reasonably well generated world. Honestly can't wait to see how it plays.

Link can be found here: http://wollay.blogspot.com.au/
Quick screenshot, quoted for size:



I will second this, been following his blog for months now, really excited to get my hands on it.


I just downloaded Factorio and I really really enjoy it. I kinda wish there was a free play mode with no enemies. Also I hope there are some more extensive RTS elements, like creating your own army to attack monsters and what not. The combat in the game right now leaves a lot to be desired.

Also it would be nice to have the "crane" machines (the ones that move ore from conveyors to crates or whatever) move ore from a conveyor to boilers so I don't have to worry about it. Really cool game though.
 

Toma

Let me show you through these halls, my friend, where treasures of indie gaming await...
I will second this, been following his blog for months now, really excited to get my hands on it.


I just downloaded Factorio and I really really enjoy it. I kinda wish there was a free play mode with no enemies. Also I hope there are some more extensive RTS elements, like creating your own army to attack monsters and what not. The combat in the game right now leaves a lot to be desired.

Also it would be nice to have the "crane" machines (the ones that move ore from conveyors to crates or whatever) move ore from a conveyor to boilers so I don't have to worry about it. Really cool game though.

1. There is a freeplay mode in the full version
2. You can turn off enemies via the console, giving you a freeplay mode without enemies
3. No army yet, the current version of the game is more about building up the production cycle, but I am sure more elaborate combat is planned.
4. You can order the inserters to move coal from a conveyor belt to a boiler.
 

Toma

Let me show you through these halls, my friend, where treasures of indie gaming await...
Looks like a metroidvania game, does it play like one?

Not really, it doesnt even have any sort of combat:

In the next two paragraphs I'm going to explain to you Waking Mars' plot and general mechanics. It might sound dull to start with, but bear with me because afterwards I'll explain why it's still a great game that you should definitely play. Here goes.

Waking Mars tells the story of botanist Dr. Liang, who is sent to Mars to research alien plant life that's been discovered by robotic probes. Once he arrives Dr. Liang ventures into the caves where these plants are found, but then accidentally causes a cave-in that traps him there.

Lacking any obvious exit, Liang explores the caverns, studies the plants and realises he'll have to use the plants to survive. Sure enough, he sets off to garden his way to freedom - researching the plants with the help of his suit AI, then planting them to open new caverns.

So, why should you play a game that could basically be described as a gardening simulator?

Simply, because while there are a lot of games out there offer more bombastic experiences, Waking Mars is one of the few games we've seen which has something to say and which says it cohesively through every element it uses. It's a game about considering your purpose as just a part of a larger process, rather than the master of it and that's surfaced in everything from the emergent plant interactions to the role you're cast in.

Waking Mars isn't just peddling some ecological agenda either. You can complete the game fairly easily if you set your mind to it; just plant a single species of plant everywhere to raise the biomass level and you'll open the exit quickly. Doing that won't unveil Mars' secrets though and, as Liang himself says, just getting back to base isn't really what he's here to do. He's here to experiment; to understand through play.

Playing in Waking Mars' environment is fun, but it's not fun in the same way that most games are. There's no combat or RPG system to master; there's just the plants and the world around you. The real fun lies in developing a through understanding of your habitat, not in dodging lava pits or killing Mars' one mobile plant.

It's a difficult thing to articulate, really. Like reading a textbook instead of a Stephen King novel, Waking Mars is rewarding in all the best ways - but sounds strange when you tell your friends about it. Luckily, this textbook has jetpacks and aliens in it.

There are valid complaints to level against Waking Mars. Liang's is characterised to placidly for his situation, for example - and his AI companion rapidly moves from simply grating to wholly hated...but it doesn't matter.

Even despite these small flaws Waking Mars still stands out as a mysterious, meditative and quietly powerfulgame that brings up important questions without ever becoming preachy. For that it should be applauded, appreciated and - most of all - played.
 

n8

Unconfirmed Member
I've been neglecting it and due to unstable internet, not posting it, but here it is. A few short write-ups from PAX East that are probably worth mentioning. From the releasing soon, to the "2013".

Journal (Dev - Locked Door Puzzle)(other games - Kario)
YwImoP0m.jpg

A side scrolling story in the life of a to-be young woman. Of the time I've played, I felt the story kept repeating what I knew both in text and the narration. I don't think I should be critical to the game so soon, but I don't see anything interesting to hold me.

Luftrausers (Dev - Vlambeer)(other games - Super Crate Box, Ridiculous Fishing)
RzbeXT6m.jpg

A complete revamp from their web game Luftrauser, Luftrausers expands on just being a great game. High action, twitch arcade bliss.

Monster Loves You! (Dev - Dejobaan)(other games - AAAaaaAAa, The Wonderful End of the World)
2E5IySLm.jpg

This seemed to come out of left field from Dejobaan, until I learned that it was collaborative with another group. I think it's a great stepping stone for kids and adventure games, and there is still plenty of humor in it for adults, I didn't think some character traits didn't add up to what I've experienced in life.

Super TIME Force (Dev - Capybara Games)(other games - Critter Crunch, Sword and Sworcery)
aLOBwPdm.jpg

A run and gun with some puzzle elements and a lot of character. You go back in time and send another member of your squad to save yourself, other characters, and the world. I've played an older build, but the amount of love they have put into this... it's hard to even explain how fun it is. A fun challenge with a good climb in difficulty.

Octodad: Dadliest Catch (Dev - Young Horses)(other games - Octodad)
40ndxabm.jpg

Still has the jank, but working on killing the bugs and glitches so everyone just has a good time. Also comes with controller support this time, but they are still working on a good control layout... but really you should stick with the mouse.

Quadrilateral Cowboy (Dev - Blendo Games)(other games - Thirty Flights of Loving, Atom Zombie Smasher)
qXe5m2Rm.jpg

Aiming to be in length like Gravity Bone and Thirty Flights of Loving, I'm expecting just a great experience with elements that feel like your actually a hacker and not a phone game enthusiast.

I also got to talk to the IndieGameStand and IndieRoyal folks. It was cool to see them reaching out to not just the indie developers but also new customers.
 

Toma

Let me show you through these halls, my friend, where treasures of indie gaming await...
Okay, Waking Mars is a well made, cool little game. You should grab it for the $1 asking price. Comes with a Steam Code too. Just finished the first chapter and even though it was rather simple, the story setup and core mechanics are surprisingly enjoyable. Its usually $10 and will land in the next thread, so consider it a cheap game for next months thread :p
 
when does that kingdom building sim game come out?? the one featuring the yellow lads that build your castle, fight, and collect resources?
 

Toma

Let me show you through these halls, my friend, where treasures of indie gaming await...
That the one that is set on a series of floating islands? I think I remember a preview of that a while back, although no idea on the release date.

Yellow lads on floating islands?
 

Toma

Let me show you through these halls, my friend, where treasures of indie gaming await...
jby8GvfP4IwLCK.png


Aaaah, of course you are talking about FF6. Who doesnt know the famous city building aspect with yellow lads on floating islands in FF6 :p
 

PaineReign

Neo Member
1. There is a freeplay mode in the full version
2. You can turn off enemies via the console, giving you a freeplay mode without enemies
3. No army yet, the current version of the game is more about building up the production cycle, but I am sure more elaborate combat is planned.
4. You can order the inserters to move coal from a conveyor belt to a boiler.

Fantastic to hear! Really looking forward to seeing how the final game turns out.
 

Toma

Let me show you through these halls, my friend, where treasures of indie gaming await...
Fantastic to hear! Really looking forward to seeing how the final game turns out.

You can already get those things if you buy the alpha btw (except the army). I had about 20 hours of fun with the freeplay mode alone so far. 10€ for the lowest price, but you could also just wait for the full version of course.

They also JUST released the new version 0.3 which adds better modding/scripting support and new graphics.
 

Toma

Let me show you through these halls, my friend, where treasures of indie gaming await...
Just for the record. When I had 20 + 18 entries for the april thread, I thought I was done with it until posting. Now I am at 32 + 27... I HATE INDIE GAMES! Way too many interesting and diverse games, BAH. Give me my AAA games back.
 

Toma

Let me show you through these halls, my friend, where treasures of indie gaming await...
Edit: Toma, I just discovered this other thread of yours:
http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showthread.php?t=487216
I'm downloading the Terraform demo and Treasure Adventure Game as we speak, even if I'm a bit late. As for Wazhack, a sidescrolling roguelike is something that sounds amazing, but the game's visual are the kind of early tech hideous renders that put me off immensely. :D I tell you, if I was appointed dictator, my first abusive law would be that all indie games would have to have either pixel art or hand drawn sprites.

Also, would you think that one thread merits a bump or would you rather have people concentrate in here?

Missed that comment earlier, but definitely post it in here. That thread is just a corpse now.
 
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