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Indie Games [August] Now Voting - Post 937!

So now that this thread got me thinking about Warning Forever again, I did some searching and found that there are two other games with a similar premise

First, there's Infinity Danger
http://www.milkstonestudios.com/infinity-danger/
ID is "inspired by the 2003 computer game Warning Forever" (Damn, WF is 10 years old?!)

It's really just WF with better visuals, available on XBLA and PC, but I think I'll stick with the original

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Second, there's Battleship Forever.
http://www.wyrdysm.com/games.php

"Battleships Forever is a freeware tactical Real Time Strategy game that put's you in command of a small fleet of warships in space."

The only inspiration I can see is the art style

 

CheesecakeRecipe

Stormy Grey
Late last month, Teleglitch: Die More Edition was quietly released on Steam. Submitting for the approval of the Midnight Society:

Teleglitch: Die More Edition - $12.99 (PC, Mac, Linux) | Demo for original available

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http://store.steampowered.com/app/234390/

This soulcrushing-ly difficult roguelike requires nerves, the ability to think on your feet and fast twitch reflexes. Combining the best of classic shooters like Quake in a stick shooter perspective and blending it with permadeath and a daunting 15+ stages helps Teleglitch carve its own niche in the roguelike world... carved with two dozen zombies that just climbed out of a pipe and trapped you between themselves and the ever-present Teleglitch matter. Could also call it a horror game due to its dark (but humorous) plot, masterful use of sound and visuals and intense pacing regardless of how the levels are arranged. Riding the highs almost to the point of death makes the lows harrowing because you never know when something new is coming. Die More Edition comes to Steam with new weapons to craft and find, new enemies, immensely better AI and 5 whole new stages to become a stain on the wall in.
 

Toma

Let me show you through these halls, my friend, where treasures of indie gaming await...
Thanks for this Nabs. Was interested when the game released, but forgot about it.

Somehow never really managed to like it. I loved the style but the actual gameplay doesnt resonate with me, although I really tried to like it.

I also started Shuggy, and restarted it just now and my whole progress got wiped. Anyone know whats up with that?
 
Patrick Klepek wrote a really interesting article about the 2 brothers who made Ring Runner, worth a read.

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Everybody has to make their first game

Downloading Fran Bow demo now. Buying Chester, and might buy Dusty's Revenge just to give some impressions. Looks like a mature and gritty version of Dust An Elysian Tail :p
 

The End

Member
So this might be late july or early august or whatever, but d-pad studios (currently still working on owlboy) released a little quickie "dubstep brawler shmup" today called Savant:

http://savantgame.com/

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PC/iOS/Android, $2 through the humble store gets you all three versions
 

Ashodin

Member
WOOO AUGUST!

Just wanted to let you guys know that my Puzzle RPG, Apexicon, is coming along very nicely.


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As I get closer and closer to a real demo, I'll let you guys know so you can test it out!
 

D3RANG3D

Member
Slayin' - $.99 - https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/slayin/id548580856?mt=8

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BOT8CH4_iJ0

Check out the PC version for free : http://www.pixellicker.com/games/games_slayin.html

A fun little sidescroller where the character is always moving and you controller which direction he goes. Your weapon is always out so all you have to do it run into enemies. You level up automatically as you kill enemies and collect money which is used to upgrade various things. You start off as a knight but once you reach certain levels you unlock other classes.

Random screenshot:

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Credit goes to Gaffer Dog Problems from the IOS hidden gems thead.

http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showpost.php?p=73863028&postcount=55
 
Anyone here recommending Papa&Yo?

Just finished that recently, loved it. If anyone liked Alice Madness Returns, check it out. Deals with similar themes and has that similar crazy level design. Emotional game about leaving a bad past behind that is far less heavy-handed that I expected (all the hype for the game was because the creator was making a game about his alcoholic abusive father). The ending spells a little too much out, but the very ending "shot" is poignant. Surprisingly enjoyable 3D platformer for such a small team, has some good puzzles, and can be gorgeous at times. Also, my gifs!

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Wozman23

Member
Papo & Yo is great. While the production value (at least when I played it on PS3) leave a little to be desired, the allegory it presents is one of the most poignant experiences I've had with gaming. It's got a lot of gravitas for what would seem to be a delightful adventure.

If you like a story with heart, it's definitely worth your time, and even better if go in knowing why the game's creator, Vander, made it.

Also, for the next few days it's 75% off on Steam. How can you argue with $3.74?
 

Hofmann

Member
Just finished that recently, loved it. If anyone liked Alice Madness Returns, check it out. Deals with similar themes and has that similar crazy level design. Emotional game about leaving a bad past behind that is far less heavy-handed that I expected (all the hype for the game was because the creator was making a game about his alcoholic abusive father). The ending spells a little too much out, but the very ending "shot" is poignant. Surprisingly enjoyable 3D platformer for such a small team, has some good puzzles, and can be gorgeous at times. Also, my gifs!

It also shares close resemblance to ICO, although it lacks its subtlety sometimes, especially nearing the end, like you wrote. Nonetheless, it's a lovely game, full of personality, that anyone who likes adventure games should try.

My favourite scene, that grabbed me the most, was when I failed at the underground puzzle and the Monster
saved me from being crushed by the wall, pulling me out at the last moment, showing that deep down he cares somehow.
Small touches like this one make the characters feel alive.
 

Toma

Let me show you through these halls, my friend, where treasures of indie gaming await...
Finally trying some Steam Indies I didnt get to yet.
The Adventures of Shuggy - Cute platformer where every level has different rules. In some levels you are required to turn the level, on others you walk sideways and on a third you need to run as fast as you can. Cute idea overall, and I'd love to see what other ideas they came up with later. Other than the novel ideas though, it doesnt seem to have much going for it. Controls are okay, but not perfect, music is decently cheerful and the level design, even if they have some original ideas, seems a bit simple. Overall still a fun time waster, especially if you dont have much time to sink into a game since it allows for gaming in short bursts and the different level rules make it stand out from the rest of the platforming bunch.
 
Chester


This game is a solid platformer, it's hard and has content to unlock and collectables in the levels. One of the things that differ this game from the other ones are the way you can change how the levels looks, and its not change only the aesthetics but the way physics or the enemies behave.

The game also features a Water/Grass/Fire/ system, your character has an element assigned to him and he deals more damage to one of the elements while taking more damage from another, and as the levels you can also change the character you're playing during the levels.

It's so cheap right now that even if you don't like the game you aren't going to regret buying it. http://www.desura.com/games/chester
 

thetrin

Hail, peons, for I have come as ambassador from the great and bountiful Blueberry Butt Explosion
Just to let everyone know, Unholy Heights, which is in the future releases list, is a Playism release (which means BudokaiMR2 and myself worked heavily on it).

I wrote a large part of the localization, so I'm hoping you guys like the ridiculous black humor this game has to offer.

We're going to have a kickass final trailer coming in the next day or so, and the full game is coming out on August 16th ($3.99). Preorder page is going up really soon, and there'll be a demo for everyone to play before they buy.

The best part? You can transfer your save file from the demo to the full game. :D
 
Finally played Gratutious Space Battles and Tank Battles

I'm enjoying GSB a lot more than GTB. Maybe it's because I've been playing a bunch of tower defense on IOS, but GSB just seems fresh and different. And there's something so satisfying about watching the battles unfold

Haven't tried Direct Control yet, what does that allow you to change/control mid-game? And I'm still unclear on how the priority and proximity orders work
 

Momentary

Banned
So this might be late july or early august or whatever, but d-pad studios (currently still working on owlboy) released a little quickie "dubstep brawler shmup" today called Savant:

http://savantgame.com/

screen10-png-noscale.jpg


PC/iOS/Android, $2 through the humble store gets you all three versions

Plopped down $2 on this. I know I shouldn't complain about not having it on Steam or Desura.. but I am.

Glad I bought it though. I played for 15 minutes and loved it. Can't wait to finish it tomorrow.
 
Contre Jour

Nice puzzle game with the focus on you changing shape of the terrain and using physics to reach the end of the level. There isn't much to say, if someone here like puzzle games give it a try.
 

ToyBroker

Banned
Can anyone recommend Teleglitch?

It seems right up my alley since I've been on a big Isaac kick lately. Anyone recommend any games similar to it? Or any other excellent indie metroidvanias with powerups/leveling/etc--almost Symphony of the Night style.
 

KuroNeeko

Member
Maaan, I made it 20 days in Gods Will Be Watching before my whole team deserted me...
Radio at about 55%

Interesting game and I can see how they're trying to force you to kill off party members.

I just can't see how you're supposed to keep people happy. :/
 
Can anyone recommend Teleglitch?
Here are my impressions from the July thread:
After reading nothing but praise for this game, I finally tried the demo...and it's awesome. #1 on my Wishlist now. Love the art style and the distortion when you fire your weapon, the weapons sound and feel powerful, the tension is palpable

Last moments before I died (on level 1): being chased by a pack of...things, low on ammo, health flashing red, drop an explosive behind me, take out most of the pack, down to six rounds, trying to make each shot count. I make it, go through a door, get swarmed, panic to equip my one use rocket launcher...and miss the shot. I survived 13 minutes.

You have to react fast and smart. In those last moments, I was split second away from turning and firing, then I remembered I had explosives, and that I can drop them.

The art style may turn some off, but it doesn't bother me and gives the game personality

I used to hate difficulty games, now I love roguelikes (well modern ones). All fhanks to Demon's Souls. I truly feel that Teleglicth is an excellent addition to the roguelike genre.

Here's where I got the demo from:
http://www.gamefront.com/files/22719...Demo__Windows_

Get to play the tutorial, first, and third level

Oh and if anyone has a key or inventory copy of Teleglitch, I have keys for Gratuitous Space Battles and Gratuitous Tank Battles, as well as a Flatout 1 in my inventory, if you want to trade.
 

thetrin

Hail, peons, for I have come as ambassador from the great and bountiful Blueberry Butt Explosion
Oh yeah, I forgot to post this, but US Gamer put up a kick ass preview of Unholy Heights: http://www.usgamer.net/articles/there-is-life-outside-your-apartment

It perfectly addresses what are basically our biggest fears for the game (that people will think it's a bullshit social game), but I love that he addressed how the game turned his expectations on their heads.

I'll be sure to post when we have the demo available for gaffers to play.
 
Oh yeah, I forgot to post this, but US Gamer put up a kick ass preview of Unholy Heights: http://www.usgamer.net/articles/there-is-life-outside-your-apartment

It perfectly addresses what are basically our biggest fears for the game (that people will think it's a bullshit social game), but I love that he addressed how the game turned his expectations on their heads.

I'll be sure to post when we have the demo available for gaffers to play.
The game sounds pretty cool. A different take on the tower defense genre. Is this PC only? Looks like it could be nice fit for IOS
 
Call of Cthulhu®: Dark Corners of the Earth - I've heard good things about the game over the years. Amnesia-esque with weapons, right?
 

Cth

Member
Call of Cthulhu®: Dark Corners of the Earth - I've heard good things about the game over the years. Amnesia-esque with weapons, right?

Yup. Still have it for the original Xbox.

There was a part later in the game that had some clumsy controls which made it frustrating, but otherwise, a decent attempt at a FP game set in HP Lovecraft's world.

I still wish stuff like Shadow of the Comet and Prisoner of Ice were on Steam.
 

CzarTim

Member
The Greenlight Collection has been updated. Start at 'Against the Wall' for the new games.

Also, if everybody wouldn't mind giving the collection a thumbs up, that'd be awesome. It will hopefully give it more exposure.
 

Cth

Member
Apologies in advance, just random scattered thoughts..

There's some excellent games to check out this month, I think I'll be getting at least half of 'em :D

FINDING NEW GAMES?
As an aside, where does everyone find all of these games? I've seen Rock Paper Shotgun (still haven't visited), and Steam Greenlight (barely checked out) referenced in the past.

I know there's some indy developer forums out there (I've taken some classes in the past so I'll likely be digging up some links seeing as how I see a lot of Unity developed games posted) but I was hoping to find more/contribute somehow.

THREAD IDEAS?
Also, as for thread ideas.. would anyone be interested in tossing out ideas of what they look for in games/simulations? Not necessarily pitching game ideas as that's a legal nightmare, but something that might help indie developers get a feel for what people like, as opposed to waiting for the end of the month to see rankings and trying to find a pattern.

I guess what I'm saying is maybe a topic theme every month? IE: One month could be controls -- who has the best, what didn't work at all and why. Something to generate discussion all month long with the idea being something to benefit creators.


RANDOM THOUGHT
I've noticed indie games mean different things for different people. For some a game is a piece of art, for others that game is pretentious and "not a game" Yet, games like Cart Life and Euro Truck Simulator are popular. Given the difference, perceived value becomes harder to determine -- price it too high and no one wants to play an experience game, price it too low and you can't make back what you put into it and the perception of devaluing/what you think the game is worth in the eyes of some.

From what I've seen it boils down to a few categories:

- Games as art (simulations, non-goal games, experiences)
- Simple, yet hard to master gameplay (focus is on gameplay mechanics - twin shooters, rogue likes, puzzlers)
- Single developer/Long term development with unique concepts (Ridiculous Fishing, etc)

Are there any other "categories" that come to mind for others?
 
Apologies in advance, just random scattered thoughts..

There's some excellent games to check out this month, I think I'll be getting at least half of 'em :D

FINDING NEW GAMES?


THREAD IDEAS?



RANDOM THOUGHT
RockPaperShotgun is the sh*t. Articles and previews of both AAA and indie games, tons of exposure for cool Greenlight and Kickstarter projects. The majority of the games I post about, I've found thanks to RPS
 

Sycle

Neo Member
RockPaperShotgun is the sh*t. Articles and previews of both AAA and indie games, tons of exposure for cool Greenlight and Kickstarter projects. The majority of the games I post about, I've found thanks to RPS

I love Rock Paper Shotgun! It's nice seeing the tiny projects toe to toe with the triple A stuff. Although it was strangely difficult to get a mention for Assault Android Cactus, I wonder if our name had the editors convinced it was a mobile game D:

Cara Ellison eventually gave us a mention with song lyrics though so all is forgiven :)

THREAD IDEAS?

I always find it interesting to hear about the little touches people like / don't like in indie games. It's one of those subjects where people might be driven absolutely bonkers by the small things that devs never even think about. (or on the flip side, the stuff that just makes you love a game that is hard to express because it sounds so trivial)
 

Tak3n

Banned
It is probably just me, but I wish Devs would be less "prone" to dreaming with their art, when I saw the artwork on the OP for Oblitus, I was thinking, my god this looks amazing, and then you see the real screenshots :(

Not saying it wont be good, but those art shots are a millions time more impressive than the real thing...
 

Vancha

Member
Wow, the amount of new games that keeps on popping up here is just insane... I'll never be able to play or test everything like this :O
 

Cth

Member
I always find it interesting to hear about the little touches people like / don't like in indie games. It's one of those subjects where people might be driven absolutely bonkers by the small things that devs never even think about. (or on the flip side, the stuff that just makes you love a game that is hard to express because it sounds so trivial)

I agree..

I don't know if it'd be helpful in terms of any aspiring/current developers, but to get feedback on if people like tutorials (if so, how long, how indepth, etc) or menu designs, etc.

Stuff like.. do people prefer a minimalist HUD? I remember how people seemed floored at the time with Dead Space putting the health of the character on the suit preserving the immersion level of the game.

The ever present "floaty" physics issue.. examples of good and bad and if we're lucky maybe some developers could chime in and say why certain decisions might have been made. I dunno.

Basically, something to encourage some sort of ongoing discussion that can benefit everyone and help keep the thread up top to get more viewers/participants.
 
I agree..

I don't know if it'd be helpful in terms of any aspiring/current developers, but to get feedback on if people like tutorials (if so, how long, how indepth, etc) or menu designs, etc.

Stuff like.. do people prefer a minimalist HUD? I remember how people seemed floored at the time with Dead Space putting the health of the character on the suit preserving the immersion level of the game.

The ever present "floaty" physics issue.. examples of good and bad and if we're lucky maybe some developers could chime in and say why certain decisions might have been made. I dunno.

Basically, something to encourage some sort of ongoing discussion that can benefit everyone and help keep the thread up top to get more viewers/participants.
I love minimalist designs. Especially in first person games. The less stuff cluttering the screen, the better. IMO, it helps enhance the sense of immersion
 
IStuff like.. do people prefer a minimalist HUD? I remember how people seemed floored at the time with Dead Space putting the health of the character on the suit preserving the immersion level of the game.

Yes and double yes. Their is no game that hasn't benefited from cleaning up its own HUD to be as minimal as possible. Of course presentation is important and it is good to get all the information you need in a clear and quick manner but if you can present that in a minimal way then that is a fantastic start to a game.
 

KuroNeeko

Member
Just some quick impressions from what I played today.

Crypt Run:
Kind of a cross between SHMUP and dungeon crawler. The problem I had was that it didn't really seem to do either that well. Even the addition of a "death realm" that you enter after dying didn't do much to entice me. I wish them success, but if a game isn't fun from the pre-alpha stages, then it probably won't amount to much.

DungeoMans:
This game was much better. I only did two playthroughs, but looks like there is a lot of depth to this game. The humor is a bit hit-or-miss, but the love for the genre really shines through. I'd like to back this game, but will give it a few more playthroughs before breaking out the credit card. To be honest, after Kickstarting a few titles so far, I've definitely cooled off about the whole thing. Funding the game and then waiting forever to come out sucks big time. Having said that, I'm pretty tempted to throw some money at DwarfCorp. Hmm....

Valdis Story:
To be honest, this game didn't grab me either. I tried to look for reasons to play this instead of say Dust or some other 2D Metroidvania title, but there just wasn't that much that set it apart from other, more polished titles. It's not a bad game, but it didn't give me any compelling reasons to stick around and see what it had to offer.

I will probably check out that Crayon Rogue game posted in the OP next. Maybe my tastes are changing, but I kept thinking about Gnomoria and Gods Will Be Watching during my lunch break. :/
 

Cth

Member
Also..

(and feel free to tell me to stop rambling :D)

The trend of games to go for popular styles..

It's inevitable given the popularity of certain games for others to emulate a similar visual style (not to mention stuff may be in development for years and take too long to start over from scratch)..

For me, two things that will grab my attention with an indie game are:

1) Visual presentation (unique looking -- Kentucky Route 0, Binding of Isaac, Mark of the Ninja, etc)

2) Experiencing something different from other games (be it playing a role not usually presented -- Surgeon Simulator, something not possible to experience normally -- PSN's Flower, etc)

Basically, my ideal game is one that is quick to pick up and play, immersive enough to encourage long term play but capable of short sessions (Rogue Legacy, Binding of Isaac, etc), something with a unique visual style and something that hasn't been done before (various simulation games)

I'd also venture to say that people's gaming history has a lot to do with their indie preferences. I grew up with a Telstar/Atari 2600 and skipped out on the NES era opting for the c64 scene. As such, a lot of the top down shooter/platformers don't necessarily have the same impact for me. With the 2600 and c64 there were thousands of games competing and when something like Countdown to Shutdown appeared with different gameplay, unique visual styles and repeated gameplay I latched onto it.

Having missed out on that NES era, I'm finding myself gravitate towards a lot of voxel/pixel games, especially if there's some modern effects added to them (Really Big Sky, Space Invaders Extreme, etc)

Ok, babbled enough.. off to bed!
 
So this might be late july or early august or whatever, but d-pad studios (currently still working on owlboy) released a little quickie "dubstep brawler shmup" today called Savant:

http://savantgame.com/

screen10-png-noscale.jpg


PC/iOS/Android, $2 through the humble store gets you all three versions
"dubstep brawler shmup"

Brawler + shmup? Can someone explain this to me, I'm trying to imagine how that work and I can't
 
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