I do love indie games. Not the typical people who make indie games and believe mainstream gaming to be the work of Satan himself, but the games itself. Games designed not for profit, but for innovation.
Sure enough, I would probably charge cash for my games, but that's me and my materialistic nature, ain't it?
Here's a couple of free indie games I feel you should check out.
Eversionhttp://zarat.us/tra/offline-games/eversion.htmlI really have no idea what to say on this. First glimpse would suggest this is just a nice, simple cutesy platformer with flowers and sunshine.
Man, was I wrong.
I won't ruin what exactly the eversion button does because this is truly one of those games you have to experience first-hand. To describe what happens without spoiling the effect, here is a disclaimer on the start-up screen:
"Not suitable for children or those with nervous dispositions."There's not screamers or adult themes or anything like that, but... well, just play it and find out.
Knytt Storieshttp://nifflas.ni2.se/index.php?main=02Knytt_StoriesThis has something that very, very few games have. Atmosphere.
In actuality, this game is a nice simple platformer with some equally simple mechanics - wall jump, double jump, stuff like that.
However, despite the apparent graphical limitations, this game captures the player and immerses them into the surroundings. One point, you'll be in a serene, lush forest with birds chirping and leaves slowly floating down to the earth. The next, you'll be in an underwater laboratory complex, machines whirring and eerie echoing footsteps on the metal walkways. And I must say, the waterfalls in this game are... wow. Just wow.
It's very accessible and perhaps the easiest game I have ever designed a GOOD level for. Yes, level editors! Hundreds of original stories to play...
This is another game that is supposed to be experienced beyond being played. Give it a try and just lose yourself in it.
Trilby : The Art of Thefthttp://www.escapistmagazine.com/content/games/yahtzee/artoftheftMany of you know Yahtzee as the angry British-Australian trilby-wearing critic from Zero Punctuation, but did you know he made a game?
The Art of Theft is a stealth-based game in which the goal is simple; steal as much stuff as you can without getting caught. At least, that's how it is at first. The story starts off with just Trilby and his heist missions, but things soon develop into something more sinister and vast than previously imagined.
The game is well executed, giving the player different methods of completing their mission but rewarding those who choose the harder yet more profitable method. You can also upgrade your abilities to suit your playing style, a very wonderful feature.
While not brilliant, it's still a great game to try out. It's like Splinter Cell, but... you know, good.
(I hate Sam Fisher and his very stereotypical and overdramatic personality.)
Cave Storyhttp://www.cavestory.org/This... is just so brilliant. One of the best games I've ever played, let alone indie games.
Cave Story is a classic Metroid-Vania styled game. It has tight and responsive platforming, fun and action-packed shooting with interesting weapons, item collection through exploration and side-quests... so, so much. The game is just so well designed, from the fun gameplay to the interesting story to the catchy music to the charming graphics to- You get the idea.
This game may not seem like much, but it has something that every game should have; FUN. It is a genuinely fun game that is enjoyable in every aspect and I implore you to try it.
Oh yeah, if you manage to get to the Sacred Grounds by doing the difficult path in the game, then be ready to commit suicide. Sacred Grounds is one hard level.
Gang Garrison 2http://ganggarrison.com/I had to. I just had to.
Just click the link and find out why.
Alright, that's another topic by the AI Dire- uh, Slipstream. Yeah, that's it.
Man, I need to get out more.