Indie Games [May] Now Voting - Post 385!

Looks like Kentucky Route Zero is updating.

Awesome

Just read about The Way on RPS.

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Excellent

Twin Souls Reveal Trailer!
Doesn't show much, but the refined art style looks great

Transistor available to preorder

Brills

!!
!!!
http://outerwilds.com/mission-status/

More Outer Wilds is only a good thing

Megaton
 
Last nine hours for Four Sided Fantasy on Kickstarter, less than 10k from the goal. Got a huge boost in funding and momentum overnight and during the day
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It's going to be a close one. I expect either a last hour success or something like failed at 95%. I really hope it makes it. One, because the dev said that if it does fail, the project probably won't happen and two, because Perspective and The Fourth Wall were awesome and this looks just as innovative and interesting
 
Never mind me! They hit the goal with 4 hours left still. Seems like people really want Four Sided Fantasy, but maybe never heard of it prior to very recently?
This might have helped
Woah! Game industry legends George Broussard and Chris Bell just backed the game. Incredible!
I never heard of those guys, have they made any games I might know?

There was a livestream yesterday with guest developers so I think that kicked off the huge funding boost
 
This might have helped

I never heard of those guys, have they made any games I might know?

There was a livestream yesterday with guest developers so I think that kicked off the huge funding boost

Well, Brussard is the Duke Nukem guy. Bell is from thatgamecompany, I think. "Legend" might be a bit flattering for the latter, but still cool that they backed and supported it!
 
Kero Blaster comes out in 4 days btw. I'm still working on the OT.

A new full-fledged game by the Cave Story (= one of the best games of all time, in my book) creator deserves more hype, imo.
 
Kero Blaster comes out in 4 days btw. I'm still working on the OT.

A new full-fledged game by the Cave Story (= one of the best games of all time, in my book) creator deserves more hype, imo.

I'll definitely get that. Cave Story was the first major indie game I ever played and ever since I've followed everything he does.
 
Two promising Early Access games released yesterday

Hack 'n' Slash - $19.99 (PC, Mac, Linux)
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http://store.steampowered.com/app/246070/

Hack ‘n’ Slash is a puzzle action game about hacking -- reprogram object properties, hijack global variables, hack creature behavior, and even rewrite the game’s code! The game is in Early Access so that you can help us improve it before it’s finished. And remember, the only way to win is not to play...by the rules!

Flockers - $14.99 (PC)
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http://store.steampowered.com/app/260330/

Flockers is a modern day take on the classic A to B puzzle genre with a generous helping of sinister foreboding and dark humour for good measure. Levels have been designed to challenge the player’s skill and strategic planning as they attempt to guide their flock past heinous traps, sadistic devices and diabolical puzzles; rewarding those that can save the most sheep while still allowing progression for anyone who falls foul of the factory’s deadly machinery.
 
Coming May 30th to Early Access

The Stomping Land - $24.99 (PC)
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http://www.thestompingland.com/

The Stomping Land is a multiplayer survival game where you assume the role of a tribal hunter on an island teeming with dinosaurs. The hunter must eat and drink in order to survive but he must be wary of predators that threaten his life and primary food source. To overcome this, the hunter must use the resources he gathers to upgrade his weapons, build campsites and set traps to bring down his prey. Successful hunters tame dinosaurs using them as mounts. Unsuccessful hunters meet death. Dinosaurs aren't the only threat on the island. Other hunters are there too.
New trailer
 
I noticed that you can get Steam keys for Full Bore from the Humble Store if that's where you bought the pre-release version of the game, like I did.

Pretty pleased with that, in all honesty.
 
Don't Starve is getting multiplayer this summer
http://forums.kleientertainment.com...er-multiplayer-officially-coming-summer-2014/
Don’t Starve Together is a multiplayer expansion for Don’t Starve allowing friends or complete strangers to survive together, in either public or private games. As far as we know, it will have most of (if not all) the normal features in Don’t Starve, balanced for multiplayer, and potentially even add new features.

Don’t Starve Together will be a free expansion for all current owners of Steam / Standalone. Thank you for supporting us!
With the addition of multiplayer, the price of Don’t Starve will go up to $19.99 USD around the time Alpha becomes available.
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The Fourth Wall
So you've probably seem my posts shouting about Four Sided Fantasy. Made by Logan Fieth (a GAFfer too) during his time at Digipen, The Fourth Wall was the original game that explored the mechanics of that project. I had my doubts that manipulated screen could work as a mechanic or even make for a challenging game, but The Fourth Wall proved otherwise.

As you guide your character on his journey through this grayscale world, you can freeze the screen at any time, basically making the entire perimeter of the screen act as one big portal and warping you around. It's a simple mechanic using in a cool challenging ways and makes you consider the level space differently. I definitely recommend giving The Fourth Wall a try (and Perspective too, while you're at it)

Power Grounds
As with most roguelikes, in Power Grounds, you find yourself traversing a randomized series of rooms, each housing more enemies than the last. Enemies move when you move, and you can only get hit a few times before dying. But unlike most roguelikes, you're (relatively) defenseless, only able to evade and maneuver around enemies. However various power-ups appear in the level; collecting them unlocks tiles on the map that grant special abilities while standing on one. This free-form mechanic allows for different strategies and tactics.

Is it better to remain evasive, using movement abilities to keep space between you and your enemies? Or is it more effective to activate a shield and muscle your way through a gauntlet? Perhaps you want to freeze enemies, then teleport to a better position or smash through your frozen foes with a dash attack. The tile system lets you customize your skills on the go, but this doesn't make the game any less challenging or strategic. You will still die fast without planning ahead. In fact the gameplay makes planning even more critical since you can't normally attack. Assessing the level and enemy positions, seeing what abilities are available, which you want to use and in what order, if you can reach them without getting cornered...all this makes Power Grounds a fun challenging strategic roguelike.

The original 7DRL version is available to try here, but the IOS version is the definite edition of Power Grounds, introducing a cleaner look, challenging achievements, more balanced abilities, and a wave-based arena mode.

Noir Syndrome
So Noir Syndrome...granted, it's a good idea, a good concept. A procedurally generated noir mystery game, as you explore locations, collect clues, shoot mobsters. The pixel style is nicely done too, with little touches that add character to the world.

But as a game, unfortunately the fact that this is also meant to be a mobile game hampers the experience. It just feels shallow, repetitive. I feel like there's a lack of direction and no real sense of progress. Now being a mobile game doesn't mean a game has to be a shallow lacking experience, but this feels like it was made with mobile in mind first, before coming to PC. Especially with the search and shoot icons on the screen, that would fit nicely for touch controls but stand out while playing the game on PC.

Has anyone else played Noir Syndrome? I'm curious if you feel the same way about the game
---
1. Broforce
2. Monument Valley
3. The Fourth Wall
4. Limbs
5. Life Goes On
6. Power Grounds
7. Noir Syndrome
 
Unfortunately, I have to agree with you about Noir Syndrome, M_B. Will write something of my own on that at a later date, but I think it's shallow period, taking the 'mobile' part out of the equation.
 
So Shutshimi has a release date now. It's coming out tomorrow on Windows and Linux, but the game is out on XBLIG now!

Thanks to Toma for featuring it before and the rest of you guys that played it. I hope you guys will check out the full version. It's still only a dollar.

I wouldn't be mad if anyone wanted to do a thread... :)

Here's the trailer: http://youtu.be/aFUB_RVxSTU
 
0rbitalis - I agree with Toma, it's a very relaxing puzzle game and the simple controls, art and atmosphere in general helps to pass that impression. 0rbitalis is pretty easy to understand, you need to launch a satellite and it needs to stay inside the system and not crash while you wait for a timer to complete, as the levels pass it starts to get more complicated with different orbits, binary star system, more planets to take in considerations when launching the satellite. What I disliked about the game is it looks more based on trial-error to pass the levels.

Because This Is Literally The Best We Could Come Up With: Retribution - A shmup where some power-ups help you while others mess your shoots, or your movement. The idea sounds interesting but after you play for some time it kinda gets old fast, the laughs I got when collected a power up that made me shoot cheese or sushi didn't were repeated after the third time. Didn't enjoyed the chiptune music but I loved the pause screen music.
 
Some more cool Ludum Dare games

Skolgbor - Free (PC)
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http://www.ludumdare.com/compo/ludum-dare-29/?action=preview&uid=8717

It's time for Skolgbor to come out of hiding and embrace the world. Guide him to the exit whilst avoiding low flying Gaznogs.

Where Gods Sleep - Free (PC, Mac, Linux, Browser)
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http://www.ludumdare.com/compo/ludum-dare-29/?action=preview&uid=27179

"Where Gods Sleep is the creepiest, most surreal experience I’ve had from playing a Ludum Dare game this round" (IndieStatik)

Mind Hacker - Free (PC, Browser)
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http://www.ludumdare.com/compo/ludum-dare-29/?action=preview&uid=33861

Get to the deepest Mind Corporation's chamber - the Core and free the minds of all the people.
You are the Mind Hacker and only you can do it!

30 Days Remain - Free (Browser)
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http://www.ludumdare.com/compo/ludum-dare-29/?action=preview&uid=25319

Maintain the order at all costs as society collapses around you.
 
Well, another early access failure is upon us, this time it is Paranautical Activity. What makes this one more interesting is instead of just bowing out, the devs have decided to leave the game in a decidedly less...graceful manner. The thread announcing the cancellation is an interesting read and probably Exhibit A for how not to handle this type of thing: http://steamcommunity.com/app/250580/discussions/0/540740501494884103/

The devs aren't doing any better on social media either, threats of violence (empty internet threats though obviously), constant berating of those who disagree and so on. I understand shit happens on games (hell, I had one Kickstarter that never materialized into anything and the dev gave up), but I think this situation is unique in that they are lashing out at customers. The internet can be full of shitheads for sure but when you are running a business, you need to act like a professional and expect to get called out when you don't finish features that are still listed on the store page right this minute.

The devs have said they are moving on to making a new game now. It will be interesting to see how that works out for them given how important word of mouth is on indie games.
 
Well, another early access failure is upon us, this time it is Paranautical Activity. What makes this one more interesting is instead of just bowing out, the devs have decided to leave the game in a decidedly less...graceful manner. The thread announcing the cancellation is an interesting read and probably Exhibit A for how not to handle this type of thing: http://steamcommunity.com/app/250580/discussions/0/540740501494884103/

The devs aren't doing any better on social media either, threats of violence (empty internet threats though obviously), constant berating of those who disagree and so on. I understand shit happens on games (hell, I had one Kickstarter that never materialized into anything and the dev gave up), but I think this situation is unique in that they are lashing out at customers. The internet can be full of shitheads for sure but when you are running a business, you need to act like a professional and expect to get called out when you don't finish features that are still listed on the store page right this minute.

The devs have said they are moving on to making a new game now. It will be interesting to see how that works out for them given how important word of mouth is on indie games.
LOL
It is very apparent that some of you are plainly afraid of yourself, and feel the need to be telephone tough guys, or have boisterous opinions that in my world, would get you smacked aside the head.
No, it's not the time to insult and wax philosophy at your community as you announce that you're abandoning your game
 
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OP video impressions, Airships:
http://youtu.be/1UV4liopR_Y

Cute game in which you build ships from single rooms. A lot of promise, but currently not really enough content to warrant a purchase on its own, unless you maybe have a buddy to play the multiplayer battles with. I dont regret buying it, but I really hope the dev expands on a it a lot still, since even the current version proves that the dev knows how to make this concept engaging.

Edit: Also, I am way too tired and did a LOT of word mixing up/grammar mistakes in that video. After doing it 3 times, I kinda lost my concentration.

Edit2: And I even posted it in the wrong thread, lol. Should have just gone to bed yesterday.
 
Okay, just to clarify, the problem with the Paranautical Activity devs is more than just poor PR skills. They're violent assholes with anger issues
Wow. Now I feel vaguely bad I own the game somehow.

I'm clicking around the Paranautical situation at work and this is apparently the response to them being called out on stealing assets for their game:

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This is the "troll post" that set him off. Dude's just hilariously psychotic.
I...uh...wow...

Didn't know about how these devs' actions till now. It's safe to say I will never be supporting them again
 
In a first sight one could think it's a widespread, or very common issue, in the game industry how the people who works on it don't know how to deal with criticism or a failed project, but it's common in any work that involve creative input, be it music, movie or comics industry etc. In no way I'm defending the Paranautical Activity devs but it mostly looks like that are people who want to see the meltdowns and drama and some of them goes as far as continualy provoking, and this work both sides, just to keep the drama going.

Just a random thought.
 
Good lord. How on earth do the PA devs expect to sell whatever game(s) they release from here on out? Much damage control is needed, and quickly :/. Really is sad to see.
 
In a first sight one could think it's a widespread, or very common issue, in the game industry how the people who works on it don't know how to deal with criticism or a failed project, but it's common in any work that involve creative input, be it music, movie or comics industry etc. In no way I'm defending the Paranautical Activity devs but it mostly looks like that are people who want to see the meltdowns and drama and some of them goes as far as continualy provoking, and this work both sides, just to keep the drama going.

Just a random thought.

I think we can all agree that people can be inconsiderate idiots. However, almost all public gaming figures, be it devs or writers, have to deal with personal attacks on a daily basis. If the trolling and bashing is aimed solely at your game, I think that's almost the best possible situation, as sad as that is. It usually becomes personal (like it did in this case), though, and the point I want to make is that 90% of the victims are able to deal with it without going berserk. That's all.
 
I think we can all agree that people can be inconsiderate idiots. However, almost all public gaming figures, be it devs or writers, have to deal with personal attacks on a daily basis. If the trolling and bashing is aimed solely at your game, I think that's almost the best possible situation, as sad as that is. It usually becomes personal (like it did in this case), though, and the point I want to make is that 90% of the victims are able to deal with it without going berserk. That's all.
I agree. But these devs have done more than just react unprofessional towards trolls. They're just hostile and negative toward their community in general. One thread on Steam has a record of a chat conversation, in which a person mentioned a small piece of reasonable feedback, not in a negative manner either. The developer's response was to call the guy a fucking idiot who can't play the game well and shouldn't criticize because he doesn't understand game design

The feedback was that the game should start the player off with the same weapon every time because random weapons can result in the game being overly difficult, near impossible from the start. (Like if you start with a crossbow)
 
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In preparation for Kero Blaster (I'll probably put up the OT tomorrow), I finally played through the prologue of sorts Pixel put out, Pink Hour (a lovely title btw).

I think it's a great little five minute thing for several reasons: 1) It hints at the basic narrative premise and character constellation. 2) It gives a taste for the gameplay (the jumping is very Cave Story-like in its floatiness, but the game is much more of a run & gun-affair, more horizontally oriented and "gamey" for sure - there will be hearts & lives) 3) It features two or three music tracks that already sound promising. 4) It possibly hints at the level of difficulty (which would mean that Kero Blaster will be quite tough). 5) It features two endings which indicates that the same can be expected from Kero Blaster. 6) It embraces the recent trend of indies putting out little supplementary episodes to their games (Night in the Woods and Kentucky Route Zero being just two fantastic examples).

So yeah, check it out (or wait for the OT and THEN check it out).

-----

Also, Shütshimi is now available on PC. After Olympia Rising, Gunman Clive and Cosmochoria, this totally deserves GAF's support imho. Feel free to leave some impressions in the OT after you tried it!

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Volt
I had Volt since the alpha was first available on Desura, but really didn't put much time into it until the official release. While it's obvious the game is better suited for touch than for mouse, Volt is still playable and, more importantly, fun. It's nothing new and really nothing outstanding, but Volt is certainly a fun game that does what it does well. Essentially it's a precision "platformer" with puzzle elements. The puzzle aspect comes from figuring out just how to navigate the levels with your limited boost charges and energy grapples. Precisely maneuvering around hazards, timing when you disengage your hooks, makes up the bulk of the gameplay, with new and varied obstacles and elements added with each chapter.

Radium
Another game that seems better suited for touch, Radium is a lot of fun. I especially liked the expansive level design and how single screen challenges were nestled withing each other. I only played the demo, and was impressed with the how the simple mechanics allowed for such precise control and allowed for some challenging levels. It's a game I'd definitely buy, but I'll wait for the mobile version.

Narcissus
Narcissus is Multi-tasking: The Game. Each level is "mirrored" (well not exactly), as you control two character on both the top and bottom of the screen. Narcissus is an auto-running platformer, a test of focus and timing rather than complex platforming. I really liked the pixel art style, the mirrored environments with their subtle differences. Narcissus is simple, but tough, and the visual style gives the game an interesting intriguing aesthetic
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1. Broforce
2. Monument Valley
3. The Fourth Wall
4. Limbs
5. Life Goes On
6. Volt
6. Power Grounds
7. Radium
8. Narcissus
9. Noir Syndrome
 
I finally have SpaceChem. Toma would be proud ;p
I can't even begin to wrap my head around the mechanics. The little tutorial level and instructions aren't cutting it. Any recommended beginner guides, Toma?
 
DROD 1-2-3 is 60% off for the weekend on GOG, $4

I can't overstate how good of a deal this is if you like puzzle games. There's tonnes of user-generated content for these games, but even if you're just talking about base games, it's easily about 40 gameplay hours *per* game.

Have a look at one of the later puzzles.

I played the first for a while on a train ride, and I really didnt like the huge focus on enemy swarms and hoped they would become more intricate later on. The whole mechanic of how to position yourself to fend off enemies was interesting for a few levels, but eventually just felt like a huge chore that got in the way of solving any actual puzzle element in the level. Funnily enough, it reminded me a lot of one of my favourite old games, which had a similar setup but with sort of roguelike inventory/item usage and more varied levels, but it didnt strike the right chords in me.
 
I should have listened to you months ago, Toma. SpaceChem is fantastic

At first I had no idea what hell I was doing and then it just clicked. It's like trying to learn a new language or understand some form of complex mathematics. It's the kind of game where you stare at the first puzzle in a state of utter confusion but slowly and surely, you acclimate, you learn, you adapt. What was once a confusing mix of symbols becomes a test of logic and planning, refinement and perfection. Developing a successful solution is a cerebral victory unlike any other I've experienced before in a puzzle game. Seeing it all come together is just so cool
 
I wasn't really digging this game at first but after a few runs (and the OP fish bowl) it grew on me, they will have my dollar.

Thanks man. If you have any other thoughts please let me know. We're taking all accounts into consideration for improving things for our 1.1 patch.
 
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