The focus in the gaming OT is so focused on AAA that an entire subculture is being ignored.
I thought I'd discuss some of the indie games I was able to play this year to kick things off...the good and the bad.
Aurion: Legacy of the Kori-Odan
My personal 2016 indie GOTY. Aurion: Legacy of the Kori-Odan is a game that should be played because it extends itself into an epistemological paradigm that no other game has dared to venture: African Fantasy. Its other commendable merits of resplendent environments, captivating story, and adept gameplay are complimentary, but secondary to the fact that this game's very existence is (gaming) history.
Inside
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My 2016 Indie GOTY runner-up, with the simplicity of its inviting controls, satisfying game flow, and enthralling yet ambiguous story that will have fans theorycrafting like Playdead once did with Limbo.
Seraph
Third place. Seraph conducts a makeover on the old model of side-scrolling platform run-and-guns, blessing gamers everywhere with a fantastic contribution to the SHUMP genre. I have over 70 hours invested into this game and I still have one more angelic level to acquire.
ABZÛ
Abzû is a nice looking game that will also be remembered as a missed opportunity to surpass or at least achieve a comparative level of greatness that is its inspiration, Journey.
Seasons After Fall
Seasons after Fall is a pleasurable exercise in aesthetic finesse, demonstrating how creative indie developers continue to do more with less.
Clockwork Empires
Capriciously, I can recommend Clockwork Empires because I know that the developer is dedicated to making this game compete with the likes of simulations such as Prison Architect. Alluring, but flawless game, this is not, so buyer beware.
I will update this thread as more indie games are discussed. I'm confident that I could recommend a few more, but I'm not going to lay claim to games I own, but have yet to play.
I thought I'd discuss some of the indie games I was able to play this year to kick things off...the good and the bad.
Aurion: Legacy of the Kori-Odan
My personal 2016 indie GOTY. Aurion: Legacy of the Kori-Odan is a game that should be played because it extends itself into an epistemological paradigm that no other game has dared to venture: African Fantasy. Its other commendable merits of resplendent environments, captivating story, and adept gameplay are complimentary, but secondary to the fact that this game's very existence is (gaming) history.
Inside
Invalid Video URL
My 2016 Indie GOTY runner-up, with the simplicity of its inviting controls, satisfying game flow, and enthralling yet ambiguous story that will have fans theorycrafting like Playdead once did with Limbo.
Seraph
Third place. Seraph conducts a makeover on the old model of side-scrolling platform run-and-guns, blessing gamers everywhere with a fantastic contribution to the SHUMP genre. I have over 70 hours invested into this game and I still have one more angelic level to acquire.
ABZÛ
Abzû is a nice looking game that will also be remembered as a missed opportunity to surpass or at least achieve a comparative level of greatness that is its inspiration, Journey.
Seasons After Fall
Seasons after Fall is a pleasurable exercise in aesthetic finesse, demonstrating how creative indie developers continue to do more with less.
Clockwork Empires
Capriciously, I can recommend Clockwork Empires because I know that the developer is dedicated to making this game compete with the likes of simulations such as Prison Architect. Alluring, but flawless game, this is not, so buyer beware.
I will update this thread as more indie games are discussed. I'm confident that I could recommend a few more, but I'm not going to lay claim to games I own, but have yet to play.
LoL, too bad about Clockwork Empires. Game is dead. Developer is kaput, and the game is now deadware.
Mages of Mystralia
I do think that the price point of $25 is on the high side, despite the promises of a harder difficulty, a survival mode, and a speedrun mode to enhance the total package. Notwithstanding, those looking for some good old-fashioned innocent spell-flinging that respects the player’s time by rewarding the usage of brainpower to progress instead of grinding need not look farther than Mages of Mystralia, which will provide plenty of amusement with enemies that provide plenty of target practice by regenerating when players return to an area and a massive but easy to learn spellcraft system.
Mages of Mystralia
I do think that the price point of $25 is on the high side, despite the promises of a harder difficulty, a survival mode, and a speedrun mode to enhance the total package. Notwithstanding, those looking for some good old-fashioned innocent spell-flinging that respects the player’s time by rewarding the usage of brainpower to progress instead of grinding need not look farther than Mages of Mystralia, which will provide plenty of amusement with enemies that provide plenty of target practice by regenerating when players return to an area and a massive but easy to learn spellcraft system.
Oxygen Not Included
I have a rule against recommending games that are unfinished, but Klei has a strong reputation with Shank, Mark of the Ninja, Invisible, Inc., and the Don't Starve games, so I have confidence that they will see this one to completion. (BTW, if you have not played Mark of the Ninja, you need to STOP READING NOW AND DO IT NOW! Invisible, Inc. is great, too but it's a turn-based grid strategy, so that might not be everyone's cup of tea).
ONI is a terraforming simulator where players begin at the center of a randomly-generated area rather than its surface. Gather, manage, create, purify resources to create a thriving colony. Right now, the game seems to go kind of stale in the 30-50 cycle range due to lack of objectives. In the meantime, it's a neat game that provides a challenge of finding the most efficient setups before carbon dioxide (or in my case, hydrogen) chokes out your colony. It was recently patched to add traces of contagion, so maybe sanitation becomes a problem that needs to be addressed.
I have a rule against recommending games that are unfinished, but Klei has a strong reputation with Shank, Mark of the Ninja, Invisible, Inc., and the Don't Starve games, so I have confidence that they will see this one to completion. (BTW, if you have not played Mark of the Ninja, you need to STOP READING NOW AND DO IT NOW! Invisible, Inc. is great, too but it's a turn-based grid strategy, so that might not be everyone's cup of tea).
ONI is a terraforming simulator where players begin at the center of a randomly-generated area rather than its surface. Gather, manage, create, purify resources to create a thriving colony. Right now, the game seems to go kind of stale in the 30-50 cycle range due to lack of objectives. In the meantime, it's a neat game that provides a challenge of finding the most efficient setups before carbon dioxide (or in my case, hydrogen) chokes out your colony. It was recently patched to add traces of contagion, so maybe sanitation becomes a problem that needs to be addressed.
By Phoenix RISING Go To PostLoL, too bad about Clockwork Empires. Game is dead. Developer is kaput, and the game is now deadware.been thinking about getting this
Mages of Mystralia
I do think that the price point of $25 is on the high side, despite the promises of a harder difficulty, a survival mode, and a speedrun mode to enhance the total package. Notwithstanding, those looking for some good old-fashioned innocent spell-flinging that respects the player’s time by rewarding the usage of brainpower to progress instead of grinding need not look farther than Mages of Mystralia, which will provide plenty of amusement with enemies that provide plenty of target practice by regenerating when players return to an area and a massive but easy to learn spellcraft system.
By FootbalIFan Go To PostI have Inside but have yet to give it a go
Thanks for the reminder, just saw date of the thread
Same.
I'm always looking for co-op indie games for my wife and I to play together.
The Swords of Ditto looks promising
The Swords of Ditto looks promising
I'm definitely going to give Aurion a buy. Definitely want to get into some AfroFantasy.
Edit: Made by Africans? Cotdamn. Gotta support the brothers. Baught.
Edit: Made by Africans? Cotdamn. Gotta support the brothers. Baught.
I dunno if this counts as an Indie game but I think it does.
$20 on Steam if you liked a n64 wrestling game and hate button mashing, you'll love this. Customization is unlimited.
From Indie dudes you've probably never heard of, to dream matches
EDIT: Should include that there are multiple game modes, normal match, MMA, cage, deathmatch etc. MMA fighters are also being made as well as pop culture characters like Saitama, Batman, Spider-Man, Homer Simpson, Hank Hill, Donald Trump, Corbyn the list goes on. Unlimited character slots as well.
$20 on Steam if you liked a n64 wrestling game and hate button mashing, you'll love this. Customization is unlimited.
From Indie dudes you've probably never heard of, to dream matches
EDIT: Should include that there are multiple game modes, normal match, MMA, cage, deathmatch etc. MMA fighters are also being made as well as pop culture characters like Saitama, Batman, Spider-Man, Homer Simpson, Hank Hill, Donald Trump, Corbyn the list goes on. Unlimited character slots as well.
By Phoenix RISING Go To PostI would dig that wrestling game….It's fun as hell and the Steam workshop already has 3k characters made.
Nex Machina is a twin-stick shooter that replaces the blood and gore from the days of Smash TV with voxels of 80's cyberspace lore. It is designed to be a bullet-hell, but adjustable difficulty as well as the ability to "train" on stages by selecting them individually provides training wheels for those not looking to lose all of their lives at the first three enemies. Weapon variety is decent, but everyone will find their favorites. Most fulfilling, however, are the secrets: secret humans to save, secret targets to destroy, secret enemies to kill, secret levels to find; all of them adding to your score.
It's a game that has to be seen to understand.
It's a game that has to be seen to understand.
You lads should try hyper light drifter, was a goty candidate for me. Great gameplay, great aesthetic, great atmosphere. Just so happens I have a spare copy going for a fat discount off steam rrp
Not out yet but Cuphead and Tunic are very visually striking
Tunic
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k6oXwcH7X4w
Cuphead
Tunic
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k6oXwcH7X4w
Cuphead
By RobNBanks Go To PostI still don't believe Cuphead exists.Announced in 2013, releasing in 2017. "the half life 3 of indie games"
The Half-Life 3 of indie games
PR, you play Dream Daddy yet?
Dream Daddy: A Dad Dating Simulator is a game where you play as a Dad and your goal is to meet and romance other hot Dads. You and your daughter have just moved into the sleepy seaside town of Maple Bay only to discover that everyone in your neighborhood is a single, dateable Dad! Will you go out with Teacher Dad? Goth Dad? Bad Dad? Or any of the other cool Dads in this game? With minigames, sidequests, and a variety of paths and endings, Dream Daddy: A Dad Dating Simulator is this year's most anticipated Dad-based game.http://store.steampowered.com/app/654880/Dream_Daddy_A_Dad_Dating_Simulator/
By reilo Go To PostPR, you play Dream Daddy yet?
http://store.steampowered.com/app/654880/Dream_Daddy_A_Dad_Dating_Simulator/
By reilo Go To PostPR, you play Dream Daddy yet?
http://store.steampowered.com/app/654880/Dream_Daddy_A_Dad_Dating_Simulator/
I'm actually working on a post about this game in the Life thread.
I've been afk because someone brought this up and it became a triggering event.
By Phoenix RISING Go To PostI'm actually working on a post about this game in the Life thread.
I've been afk because someone brought this up and it became a triggering event.
Bruh where did the other dad touch you?
By Phoenix RISING Go To PostI'm actually working on a post about this game in the Life thread.rofl really?
I've been afk because someone brought this up and it became a triggering event.
By Phoenix RISING Go To PostI've been afk because someone brought this up and it became a triggering event.
Just keep working at it and you too will find your dream daddy.
By Cyborgimus Prime Go To PostBruh where did the other dad touch you?
Wasn't me. Other folks.
Feeling an October tingle I saw that the free roaming top down survival horror game Darkwood has gotten its official release after time in early access:
This game is...truly something else. Incredibly atmospheric and immersive, and the crafting is fun. You're lost in the thick woods trying to find a way out, and if you get caught in the dark at night its game over. The map is very basic and doesn't show your exact position, so you have to pay more attention to your movements. It can be easy to get lost. There is time and resource management. You're "safe" in your house with the generator and lights turned on at night, but the generator requires fuel. Even when inside similar safe zones, things find their way in, and you're given the option to increase the defenses of a safe zone by barricading, building traps, etc.
Highly recommended.
This game is...truly something else. Incredibly atmospheric and immersive, and the crafting is fun. You're lost in the thick woods trying to find a way out, and if you get caught in the dark at night its game over. The map is very basic and doesn't show your exact position, so you have to pay more attention to your movements. It can be easy to get lost. There is time and resource management. You're "safe" in your house with the generator and lights turned on at night, but the generator requires fuel. Even when inside similar safe zones, things find their way in, and you're given the option to increase the defenses of a safe zone by barricading, building traps, etc.
Highly recommended.
By Dark PhaZe Go To PostFeeling an October tingle I saw that the free roaming top down survival horror game Darkwood has gotten its official release after time in early access:
This game is…truly something else. Incredibly atmospheric and immersive, and the crafting is fun. You're lost in the thick woods trying to find a way out, and if you get caught in the dark at night its game over. The map is very basic and doesn't show your exact position, so you have to pay more attention to your movements. It can be easy to get lost. There is time and resource management. You're "safe" in your house with the generator and lights turned on at night, but the generator requires fuel. Even when inside similar safe zones, things find their way in, and you're given the option to increase the defenses of a safe zone by barricading, building traps, etc.
Highly recommended.
wtf, lol
I watched some of the footage and that game looks like it would put a strain on my eyes just so I could see.
Sundered
When gamers hear or read “metrodvania,” nostalgia through the brain overfloweth with memories of fantastic encounters, wonderful exploration, satisfying discoveries, and thrilling combat. Sundered may not necessarily achieve the GOAT status of Castlevania: Symphony of the Night or Super Metroid, but it offers enough wonders, satisfaction, and thrills in its own right.
Sundered ambitiously tackles procedural generation, random encounters, roguelike character progression, and emergent storytelling. The end result is a success.
When gamers hear or read “metrodvania,” nostalgia through the brain overfloweth with memories of fantastic encounters, wonderful exploration, satisfying discoveries, and thrilling combat. Sundered may not necessarily achieve the GOAT status of Castlevania: Symphony of the Night or Super Metroid, but it offers enough wonders, satisfaction, and thrills in its own right.
Sundered ambitiously tackles procedural generation, random encounters, roguelike character progression, and emergent storytelling. The end result is a success.
Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice
Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice has shown that video games are mature enough as a medium to capably deliver an entertaining experience while respectfully tackling difficult topics. It's beautiful and emotionally engaging, worth every moment spent in the warrior's mind.
Developed by a team of 20, it's a game whose visual and audio design put a lot of AAA developers to shame.
Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice has shown that video games are mature enough as a medium to capably deliver an entertaining experience while respectfully tackling difficult topics. It's beautiful and emotionally engaging, worth every moment spent in the warrior's mind.
Developed by a team of 20, it's a game whose visual and audio design put a lot of AAA developers to shame.
I see Sundered and raise you Dead Cells
Dead Cells
Steam write up
Still EA but the game is pretty robust..
Dead Cells
Steam write up
Dead Cells is a rogue-lite, metroidvania action-platformer. You'll explore a sprawling, ever-changing castle… assuming you’re able to fight your way past its keepers in 2D souls-lite combat. No checkpoints. Kill, die, learn, repeat.
Still EA but the game is pretty robust..
By Phoenix RISING Go To PostHellblade: Senua's SacrificeI can't play this... it is a topic that is too close to home... read amazing things about it
Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice has shown that video games are mature enough as a medium to capably deliver an entertaining experience while respectfully tackling difficult topics. It's beautiful and emotionally engaging, worth every moment spent in the warrior's mind.
Developed by a team of 20, it's a game whose visual and audio design put a lot of AAA developers to shame.
By blackace Go To PostI can't play this… it is a topic that is too close to home… read amazing things about it
😔😔😔
RE: Dead Cells, I requested a preview copy. Our main contact got sick, and his sub lost my request. When Motion Twin got back to us he took the code. I was like *ahem* and he apologized profusely. I told him he didn't have to BUY me a copy but I wasn't going to decline that Steam gift.
Like you said, it's EA, so I'll probably play Hollow Knight first. I still need to play Ori.
Tacoma
Despite never seeing any faces on bodies, Tacoma manages to tell an engaging story with fantastically realized characters. It's 2088 and the seminal space station, owned by mega-corporation Venturis, has lost all signs of life following a reported meteor strike. Artificial intelligence expert Ami (the player) is sent in to recover the station's primary A.I., ODIN, and uncover what happened to the crew. By sifting and scrubbing through ODIN's augmented reality archives, Ami not only learns the fate of the crew, but comes to know each of the members on a personal level, learning their motivations, desires, and struggles.
The core gameplay mechanics aren't anything new, but Tacoma's execution makes everything feel fresh. In order to experience everyone's conversations and retrieve their data, though, you'll have to maneuver throughout the ship, following crew members room to room as they live out each scene. Experiencing only a few key points are required to progress, but I would highly recommend you take the time to follow through on each character's recording and explore all of the ship. It's worth your time.
Despite never seeing any faces on bodies, Tacoma manages to tell an engaging story with fantastically realized characters. It's 2088 and the seminal space station, owned by mega-corporation Venturis, has lost all signs of life following a reported meteor strike. Artificial intelligence expert Ami (the player) is sent in to recover the station's primary A.I., ODIN, and uncover what happened to the crew. By sifting and scrubbing through ODIN's augmented reality archives, Ami not only learns the fate of the crew, but comes to know each of the members on a personal level, learning their motivations, desires, and struggles.
The core gameplay mechanics aren't anything new, but Tacoma's execution makes everything feel fresh. In order to experience everyone's conversations and retrieve their data, though, you'll have to maneuver throughout the ship, following crew members room to room as they live out each scene. Experiencing only a few key points are required to progress, but I would highly recommend you take the time to follow through on each character's recording and explore all of the ship. It's worth your time.
A Hat in Time
A Hat in Time is a super fun 3D platformer that builds on the ideas of previous games of the genre to make an attractive and original experience. It is essentially what Yooka-Laylee was supposed to be, but here, the developers hit the mar.
Tooth and Tail
Tooth and Tail excels at being a solid RTS title, and its art direction facilitates players’ ability to differentiate units during battle. The hand-drawn art of the character portraits are likewise gorgeous and make the units feel more real. There is a lot of strategy and fun to be had.
Cuphead
StudioMDHR Entertainment could not further increase the quality of Cuphead if they resurrected Walt Disney and had him pencil the animations himself, or have Louis Armstrong compose the OST. The game is that gosh-darn good.
Fantasy Strike *EARLY ACCESS*
Fantasy Strike does everything right, creating a fighting game for all levels of expertise. The techniques, personalities, and styles will bring players back for more.
Citadale: The Legends Trilogy
Citadale: The Legends Trilogy is a fun and challenging nostalgia trip in a similar vein to the Castlevania series. It is a great purchase for nostalgia fans and new players looking for a game with more challenge than modern platformers.
Morphite
Morphite is most likely not the grand envisioning of No Man’s Sky we all hoped for, but for being an indie budget title there is a whole lot to keep you invested in. The story alone is intriguing enough to see through to the end. If you can look past Morphite’s faults, you will have a stunning adventure unlike many other titles. The minimalistic art style and mediocrity in gameplay may become too exhausting, however in its meandering loop of planet-hopping.
Overgrowth
Overgrowth is a bold idea that could have been great, but its terrible combat mechanics and lack of content bog it down.
A Hat in Time is a super fun 3D platformer that builds on the ideas of previous games of the genre to make an attractive and original experience. It is essentially what Yooka-Laylee was supposed to be, but here, the developers hit the mar.
Tooth and Tail
Tooth and Tail excels at being a solid RTS title, and its art direction facilitates players’ ability to differentiate units during battle. The hand-drawn art of the character portraits are likewise gorgeous and make the units feel more real. There is a lot of strategy and fun to be had.
Cuphead
StudioMDHR Entertainment could not further increase the quality of Cuphead if they resurrected Walt Disney and had him pencil the animations himself, or have Louis Armstrong compose the OST. The game is that gosh-darn good.
Fantasy Strike *EARLY ACCESS*
Fantasy Strike does everything right, creating a fighting game for all levels of expertise. The techniques, personalities, and styles will bring players back for more.
Citadale: The Legends Trilogy
Citadale: The Legends Trilogy is a fun and challenging nostalgia trip in a similar vein to the Castlevania series. It is a great purchase for nostalgia fans and new players looking for a game with more challenge than modern platformers.
Morphite
Morphite is most likely not the grand envisioning of No Man’s Sky we all hoped for, but for being an indie budget title there is a whole lot to keep you invested in. The story alone is intriguing enough to see through to the end. If you can look past Morphite’s faults, you will have a stunning adventure unlike many other titles. The minimalistic art style and mediocrity in gameplay may become too exhausting, however in its meandering loop of planet-hopping.
Overgrowth
Overgrowth is a bold idea that could have been great, but its terrible combat mechanics and lack of content bog it down.
It came out over a month ago but Divinity: Original Sin 2 has been really great. I'm around the end of the second act so I still got a ways to go.
By hemtae Go To PostIt came out over a month ago but Divinity: Original Sin 2 has been really great. I'm around the end of the second act so I still got a ways to go.
I have heard it's Baldur's Gate 2-tier, which is what Dragon Age: Origins was supposed to be, but we know how that turned out.
I'm just mad that Divinity: Original Sin (EE) isn't even being sold at discount right now. Like, WUT???
Thread just reminds me of Cuphead sitting there on my Xbox dashboard and I still haven't given it the time I know it deserves. Maybe now I've finished the Destiny 2 raid I can move aside. Damned mini SNES showed up and the family and I have been diving in so Cuphead has had a double push aside...
The 10th Line reminds . E of an action JRPG...i forget the name. Will have to ask my brother.
Cuphead is 10/10. Seriously.
By Ozzy Onya A2Z Go To PostThread just reminds me of Cuphead sitting there on my Xbox dashboard and I still haven't given it the time I know it deserves. Maybe now I've finished the Destiny 2 raid I can move aside. Damned mini SNES showed up and the family and I have been diving in so Cuphead has had a double push aside…
Cuphead is 10/10. Seriously.
By Phoenix RISING Go To PostThe 10th Line reminds . E of an action JRPG…i forget the name. Will have to ask my brother.Valkyrie Profile?
By Jr_Painkiller Go To PostValkyrie Profile?
Old school Star Ocean!!!
Oriental Empires
Set in ancient China, Oriental Empires allows you to take an individual Chinese faction and build it into a powerful dynasty. Spanning three periods of Chinese history, the game allows players to develop their economy, military, trade, and inter-faction relations. Anyone familiar with the Civilization series should feel right at home here.
Oriental Empires doesn't exactly break any ground in the strategy genre, and its sometimes insufficient tutorials can be frustrating at times. That said, it gets the basics right and is fairly cheaper than some of its contemporaries, making it an ideal game for the gamer on a budget or for the strategy gamer looking for something new to check out.
Set in ancient China, Oriental Empires allows you to take an individual Chinese faction and build it into a powerful dynasty. Spanning three periods of Chinese history, the game allows players to develop their economy, military, trade, and inter-faction relations. Anyone familiar with the Civilization series should feel right at home here.
Oriental Empires doesn't exactly break any ground in the strategy genre, and its sometimes insufficient tutorials can be frustrating at times. That said, it gets the basics right and is fairly cheaper than some of its contemporaries, making it an ideal game for the gamer on a budget or for the strategy gamer looking for something new to check out.
Everyone should play Yonder: the Cloud Catcher Chronicles, it's an amazing Zelda infused title that deserves every bit of praise. Even better is it's an Australian indie which are rare these days.
By Eorl Go To PostEveryone should play Yonder: the Cloud Catcher Chronicles, it's an amazing Zelda infused title that deserves every bit of praise. Even better is it's an Australian indie which are rare these days.Does it run well on the pro? Kinda wary about indie open world games on console.
By Eorl Go To PostEveryone should play Yonder: the Cloud Catcher Chronicles, it's an amazing Zelda infused title that deserves every bit of praise. Even better is it's an Australian indie which are rare these days.
Yonder: The Cloud Catcher Chronicles struck me as heavy on aesthetic, light on content.
Sorry, I'm not into game makers V_V
A Robot Named Fight!
Do you have a hankering for the high level of difficulty of old school games from the late 80s and early 90s? Then A Robot Named Fight! is for you! A Robot Named Fight! is a roguelike platformer that was inspired by games like Super Metroid, and it feels like it in the best way. The game itself isn’t long, but the mechanics will keep you coming back.
A Robot Named Fight!
Do you have a hankering for the high level of difficulty of old school games from the late 80s and early 90s? Then A Robot Named Fight! is for you! A Robot Named Fight! is a roguelike platformer that was inspired by games like Super Metroid, and it feels like it in the best way. The game itself isn’t long, but the mechanics will keep you coming back.