More_Badass
Member
Those are some negative impressions. Anyone else feel the same?
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Indie Games 2014 [April] Now Voting - Post 542!
- Thread starter Toma
- Start date
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CheesecakeRecipe
Stormy Grey
I can see where Toma is coming from, especially with regards to playing primarily single player. Multiplayer is the true star of it all in my opinion. The game only really becomes truly rewarding and interesting from a single player perspective in the last 2/3rds of the second campaign where the difficulty ramps up and you really have to put some effort in.
I enjoyed it well enough but I did play multiplayer ~90% of the time.
Its not even all that bad, but after 5 years of Indie hype and awards for basically almost every part of the game... it was extremely underwhelming. It works decently as a frantic coop game, but utterly fails in SP for me, which was the mode I played the most.
Dog Problems
Banned
Yeah, it's boring playing alone (and I completed the campaign by myself lol) but if you have some friends to go along with then it's much better.
Cow Mengde
Banned
Holy crap, why didn't I see this thread sooner!? I've been trying to find some PC or android Indie games similar to Simcity, Civilization, and Anno. Any recommendations? Again, I have a PC (very well equipped) and android phone, so many platform would be fine.
Banished comes to mind recently. Galactic Civilization 2 is the best Civ style game in my opinion. Fallen Enchantress if you want a fantasy touch. Endless Space if you want to conquer space (probably the best UI ever). You should also keep an eye on Endless Legend:
Oh and Eador + Sequel Masters of the Broken World.
Cow Mengde
Banned
Banished comes to mind recently. Galactic Civilization 2 is the best Civ style game in my opinion. Fallen Enchantress if you want a fantasy touch. Endless Space if you want to conquer space (probably the best UI ever). You should also keep an eye on Endless Legend:
Oh and Eador + Sequel Masters of the Broken World.
Thanks for the recommendations. I'll check it out.
Oh my, lol. You have A LOT of catching up to do
.You can browse all the past months for games. Toma has done an amazing job at setting up these threads. Also, you can take a peek at the overall best games voted for that given month.As for you're specific question, give Banished a shot as Toma mentioned. You won't be disappointed.
Icarus Proudbottom's World of Typing Weekly! - Free (Browser)
Now that all the episodes are out, it's safe to make a post for the next thread. The devs did an excellent post-mortem on this game (and the studio's past; spoilers!).
I enjoyed this one even more than the first one. Looking forward to these guys' future endeavours.
http://www.holywowstudios.com/worldoftyping/
A murder mystery featuring 'Icarus Proudbottom Teaches Typing' star Icarus Proudbottom and his winged sidekick, Jerry. A unique combination of whodunit, comedy and typing, this game was originally released episodically over the course of five weeks.
Now that all the episodes are out, it's safe to make a post for the next thread. The devs did an excellent post-mortem on this game (and the studio's past; spoilers!).
I enjoyed this one even more than the first one. Looking forward to these guys' future endeavours.
More_Badass
Member
Do you think going into Monaco with such high expectations influenced your opinion of the game? I mean, I'm just looking for a cool stealth game, not the next best thing in indie gaming. And the consensus in the Steam forums seems to be that as a solo experience, the game is slower, more methodical, more tense, compared to the hectic nature of co-op. Sounds appealing as a single player game IMO
I have to side with Toma. "Utterly fails" is a bit harsh, but the singleplayer was definitely underwhelming. "Tense" is the opposite of how I would describe it. Game has a lot of style (though the game does have its share of design flaws in the visual department) but not much substance. I had fun in local coop which counts for something, but then again, 99% of games are fun in local multiplayer with the right set of friends.
Don't let us put you off your enjoyment with the game, though. (Also, I should totally refresh my memory on that game. Sometimes I enjoy a game more upon revisiting it.)
Re: expectations - mine were fairly high, but I like to think that I don't let those get in the way of my judgement.
My expectations definitely affected how I feel about the game, because it made me dislike it VERY much despite it being not all that bad overall. However it is still not a very good stealth game. In fact, I'd go as far as to say it is actually pretty bad at being a stealth game and is more of a good party/coop game to have fun with.
I mean its not Hotline Miami levels of unplanned craziness, but "methodical" is not something I'd describe the game as and that was also the reason why I disliked it so much as a SP experience. The mechanics just didnt come together for a stealth game. Should have announced it more as a light stealth action adventure, but if you go in expecting a full on stealth game, you'll likely end up disappointed.
But I mean, you have a free weekend to try it, so just try yourself and see where you stand
Yeah okay, that was my negativity about this game coming through, but so much about the SP feels just so... disappointingly mediocre.
^Can't argue with you there.
Heavy Bullets has been in beta for week now. $6 to get it. Game now features levels 5-8, new enemies, a final boss, lots of minor tweaks. Devlog here.
I think the free version is enough for me, at least right now. I'll keep an eye on it, though. The full release might end up being worth a purchase.
Heavy Bullets has been in beta for week now. $6 to get it. Game now features levels 5-8, new enemies, a final boss, lots of minor tweaks. Devlog here.
I think the free version is enough for me, at least right now. I'll keep an eye on it, though. The full release might end up being worth a purchase.
My OP video impressions, Capsule ($8):
http://youtu.be/dr0jjCDRtd8
A video where I decided not to talk much, and I think that was a good decision in this case. The game has a very simple design, art and mechanics wise, but still manages to create an engaging whole which is kinda impressive. The most interesting part is definitely the audio which helps bringing the completely abstract game to life, be it through static noise, your own breathing or sounds of bypassing convoys and hazards. Very effective. I sort of expected the game to be a one trick pony about sound, but the gameplay mechanics actually support the overal style very well. There is a genuine sense of discovery with your sensor and that you are exploring parts of the universe that possibly hold danger is helping the solitary feeling quite nicely.
I am still a bit torn how much I like it, because its still a rather simple game, but the way these parts were strung together effectively and the way they tell about the surroundings and the emotional state is quite interesting. Going to land somewhere between Highly recommended and recommended at the end of the month depending on how much the game is still playing with that concept before it ends.
Catcher:
Surprised that I actually liked this game. Its a very simple arena "shooter", in which you arent shooting but sling ships around enemies. If you nail down the movement, this can be VERY slick and feel very rewarding, however if you dont know how to deal with an enemy it also becomes very frustrating quickly. There is also the occasional issue with how it detects the net to fight against, but overall thats a pretty minor issue. Good soundtrack, big enemy variety (and more to come), still in active development and surprisingly fun.
>----------< Highly Recommended >----------<
1. Broken Robot Love
>----------< Recommended >----------<
2. Capsule
3. Catcher
>----------< Decent-ish >----------<
3. Aerobat
>----------< Bleh >----------<
4. Beautiful Prison
More_Badass
Member
Yeah, I definitely plan to take advantage and play more.My expectations definitely affected how I feel about the game, because it made me dislike it VERY much despite it being not all that bad overall. However it is still not a very good stealth game. In fact, I'd go as far as to say it is actually pretty bad at being a stealth game and is more of a good party/coop game to have fun with.
I mean its not Hotline Miami levels of unplanned craziness, but "methodical" is not something I'd describe the game as and that was also the reason why I disliked it so much as a SP experience. The mechanics just didnt come together for a stealth game. Should have announced it more as a light stealth action adventure, but if you go in expecting a full on stealth game, you'll likely end up disappointed.
But I mean, you have a free weekend to try it, so just try yourself and see where you stand
Yeah okay, that was my negativity about this game coming through, but so much about the SP feels just so... disappointingly mediocre.
Any indie stealth game recommendations? I think I might have most of them, though (Gunpoint, Mark of the Ninja, Invisible Inc., Stealth Bastard, Not The Robots, plus the big ones like Splinter Cell, Hitman, Dishonored, Thief)
I have Death To Spies: Moment of Truth on my Wishlist, but I'm waiting for a sale. Is that about it? Would be nice if there were some hidden gems out there that I'm not aware of
Good stealth games are unfortunately very rare, so I cant give you any Indie clues at least.
If you got a PS2 lying around, the Tenchu games. Otherwise the Splinter Cell games were very good (also on PC) and Metal Gear Solid obviously.
Edit: actually there is a classic Indie I can think of, Trilby the art of theft
http://www.escapistmagazine.com/content/games/yahtzee/artoftheft
More_Badass
Member
Might as well do Catcher and David., since I wrote about them for my blog a few days ago
Catcher
Catcher is still in development, with more enemies and polish to come, but it's extremely playable and fun in its current state.
David.
David. presents a abstract world of shapes and angles. Your little square is embued with a powerful weapon and tasked with destroying nine dangerous bosses. From a hub area, you travel to these arenas and face these enemies. They are large angular masses of shapes, moving with oddly animalistic menace. One is a lunging, almost bull-like enemy, another a flying cluster that hones in on you as you deftly evade it. Skillful maneuvering, precise aim and timing is needed to succeed; even just learning how to use your weapon takes some practice, as you need to find the rhythm of charging your shot, catching the pellets as they return to you, and utilizing the slow motion effect to your advantage. Each level can be played in normal difficulty and a hardcore mode in which you only have one cube of health. Alongside these boss fights, David. features a survival mode with light RPG elements, that lets you collect gold to level up your character as you face more challenging and varied waves.
David. may not seem that impressive from screenshots, but in motion and when playing, it's revealed to be a fun varied stylish game. While I really like the abstract minimalist visuals, the gameplay is what truly shines here: discovering each new boss, lining up shots as you fly through the air, the intense close calls.
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1. Escape Goat 2
2. Catcher
3. David.
4. Goat Simulator
Catcher
Catcher is a cousin to the common bullet hell shmup, save for one unique difference: you don't shoot. Rather than blowing away enemies with projectiles, Catcher offers a far more interesting and intimate means of destruction. With your left mouse button, you divide your vessel in two, stretching a deadly energy net between the two halves, and with your right mouse button, you contract, allowing you to tighten the noose around ensnared enemies. It's fluid, fast, and adds a strategic offensive angle to this kind of evasion-heavy gameplay. While it may seem like your limited arsenal would make the game repetitive, its vast array of enemies is what adds challenge and diversity. While the game starts off with simple stationary shapes and hordes of erratic homing foes, you'll soon find yourself weaving and ensnaring everything from spike-ridden stars, rocket and laser turrets, and enemies that phase in and out of existence, to massive snakes, shielded enemies that require timing to surround, and more. Catcher is a game of skill, precision, and focus, especially if you want to build extended combos. Knowing your enemies, how they act and maneuver, is key to surviving the increasing challenging levels.
Catcher is still in development, with more enemies and polish to come, but it's extremely playable and fun in its current state.
David.
I discovered David. while browsing IndieGameStand and was instantly intriguing by its unusual combination of inspirations: "Limbo + Shadow of the Colossus + Angry Birds". While I still think the Limbo influence is slight at best, David. certainly is a fun physics-heavy game with a focus on boss fights and large dangerous foes.
David. presents a abstract world of shapes and angles. Your little square is embued with a powerful weapon and tasked with destroying nine dangerous bosses. From a hub area, you travel to these arenas and face these enemies. They are large angular masses of shapes, moving with oddly animalistic menace. One is a lunging, almost bull-like enemy, another a flying cluster that hones in on you as you deftly evade it. Skillful maneuvering, precise aim and timing is needed to succeed; even just learning how to use your weapon takes some practice, as you need to find the rhythm of charging your shot, catching the pellets as they return to you, and utilizing the slow motion effect to your advantage. Each level can be played in normal difficulty and a hardcore mode in which you only have one cube of health. Alongside these boss fights, David. features a survival mode with light RPG elements, that lets you collect gold to level up your character as you face more challenging and varied waves.
David. may not seem that impressive from screenshots, but in motion and when playing, it's revealed to be a fun varied stylish game. While I really like the abstract minimalist visuals, the gameplay is what truly shines here: discovering each new boss, lining up shots as you fly through the air, the intense close calls.
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1. Escape Goat 2
2. Catcher
3. David.
4. Goat Simulator
The GOAT widens.
Shelter and Beat Sneak Bandit have stealth elements, but yeah, I think you named the important titles. If we're listening bigger stuff then I would add Alpha Protocol.
One of the last few stealth games on my to do list.
More_Badass
Member
Well at least I have Tangiers, Path of Shadows, and Rain World to look forward to.
And prepare yourself...I don't really like the MGS games. Well, not as stealth games anyway. Snake Eater was my first PS2 game and the first game I ever actually finished, and I enjoyed MGS4, I always felt you were too overpowered and the games were way too slanted towards action and bosses to hook me in the way that Splinter Cell and Hitman did. Don't get me wrong, they're great games, but I never really enjoyed them as stealth games
I wasn't going to list the bigger titles, but yeah, I've played Deus Ex, Alpha Protocol, Shelter, Riddick, etc. But the future for stealth games looks bright; besides the games I mentioned, there's also Volume and probably a few others I forgot
Dog Problems
Banned
My OP video impressions, Capsule ($8):
http://youtu.be/dr0jjCDRtd8
A video where I decided not to talk much, and I think that was a good decision in this case. The game has a very simple design, art and mechanics wise, but still manages to create an engaging whole which is kinda impressive. The most interesting part is definitely the audio which helps bringing the completely abstract game to life, be it through static noise, your own breathing or sounds of bypassing convoys and hazards. Very effective. I sort of expected the game to be a one trick pony about sound, but the gameplay mechanics actually support the overal style very well. There is a genuine sense of discovery with your sensor and that you are exploring parts of the universe that possibly hold danger is helping the solitary feeling quite nicely.
I am still a bit torn how much I like it, because its still a rather simple game, but the way these parts were strung together effectively and the way they tell about the surroundings and the emotional state is quite interesting. Going to land somewhere between Highly recommended and recommended at the end of the month depending on how much the game is still playing with that concept before it ends.
Oh, I remember that game from a couple of years ago being offered to subscribers of Venus Patrol. Good to see it available to anyone now.
MGS4 was a horrible stealth game compared with the others. There is a mob on gaf wanting to lynch people for this statement, but MGS: GZ is probably the best stealth game I played in the past 5 years or so. Unfortunately its not "much" of a game, but all the missions still kept me busy for 25 hours, learning and using the mechanics.
Yes, there's also that Interference game. Who knows, maybe they started from scratch after that dubious demo they put out.
Anyway, first Splinter Cell is the pinnacle of stealth. *drops mic* *ends stealth discussion*
Messofanego
Banned
Betrayer, and that's about it.
More_Badass
Member
Shame that stealth is such a lacking genre, while so many others thrive and flourish. Games like Rain World and Path of Shadows give me some really great titles to anticipate, but besides the ones we listed, the genre is still so niche.
I wrote about why I enjoy stealth before. It's the antithesis to what makes action games so fun: the waiting, the patience, the planning, the tension, the satisfaction of outwitting and outmaneuvering your enemies, the dynamic of avoiding conflict and enemies, that success isn't measured by how well you can gun down foes, but by how well you can anticipate and plan ahead and contain situations and improvise when something goes awry
Stealth can be done poorly, but when done well, it's so rewarding. I guess the general opinion is that stealth is slow and boring, but the slow pace isn't a negative. Stealth doesn't have to be slow, but it should be deliberate. That cautious careful pace is the appeal, is what separates the genre from other games; that whole concept of studying patrols and ghosting a level is the epitome of stealth games, achieving silent success through timing and skill and patience.
I wrote about why I enjoy stealth before. It's the antithesis to what makes action games so fun: the waiting, the patience, the planning, the tension, the satisfaction of outwitting and outmaneuvering your enemies, the dynamic of avoiding conflict and enemies, that success isn't measured by how well you can gun down foes, but by how well you can anticipate and plan ahead and contain situations and improvise when something goes awry
Stealth can be done poorly, but when done well, it's so rewarding. I guess the general opinion is that stealth is slow and boring, but the slow pace isn't a negative. Stealth doesn't have to be slow, but it should be deliberate. That cautious careful pace is the appeal, is what separates the genre from other games; that whole concept of studying patrols and ghosting a level is the epitome of stealth games, achieving silent success through timing and skill and patience.
Hmm, I dunno. I actually feel pretty good about the way the resurgence of stealth is taking place. Sure, not many titles are coming out, but if you compare it to the PS2 era - arguably the highpoint of the genre's popularity - devs (and indies, first and foremost) are trying new and fresh approaches with each stealth outing. Yes, the genre is still niche, but the general quality is much higher, on the indie front especially, and I vastly prefer that situation to most, if not all other scenarios.
Play Messo's and Toma's recommendations (Betrayer, Trilby, some of the big budget series) and by the time you're done, the new stealth wave will have hit, I'm sure.
More_Badass
Member
Forgot about Trilby. Another fantastic freeware game
PandaPedinte
Member
More_Badass
Member
Perfect time for this GIF then
PandaPedinte
Member
Is anyone here going to PAX? There is going to be an indie mega booth with upcoming games.
More_Badass
Member
You can find the lists here for the Megabooth and Minibooth. Wish I could go, would be so awesome
Some personal favorites:
- Gods Will Be Watching
- Distance
- Source
- Mushroom 11
- Relativity
- Framed
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Talking about Relativity
Old style
New style
More_Badass
Member
Not sure what this game is going for, but I like it.
More_Badass
Member
Oh, I know about the game, thanks, but I meant in terms of architectural design.
It's a bit all over the place, but I like it.NihonTiger90
Member
Just posted my video on Cosmochoria on my Youtube channel (I don't know what the rules are for linking and I want to avoid self-promoting myself too much, so I'll just say I'm nihontiger on YT and you guys should find it pretty easy).
It's a fun little game in pre-alpha state; a little short on content at the moment but that's perhaps to be expected given that it's nowhere near close to being done. But what I played, I did enjoy. I do hope that there will be a bit more diversity in enemies and planetoids to visit, too.
It's a fun little game in pre-alpha state; a little short on content at the moment but that's perhaps to be expected given that it's nowhere near close to being done. But what I played, I did enjoy. I do hope that there will be a bit more diversity in enemies and planetoids to visit, too.
Messofanego
Banned
Not A Hero - 2014 (PC, Mac, Linux, PS3, PS4)
http://r7games.webs.com/not-a-hero
Featuring a smorgasbord of running, gunning and sliding action, Not A Hero is a 2¼D cover-based shooter that has absolutely no qualms with handing you your own ass the minute you peek out from cover this summer.
This is a feeling few people will share, but I regret missing out on this game during EGX Rezzed. I saw it next to Olli Olli but didn't play it, and now that I hear how cool it is, I wish I did. Next time it'll be shown at PAX, don't know when we people normally get to play it.
I can at least repost impressions for Unrest that I did play there.
Unrest - May 2014
I would hesitate to call it a typical RPG but its a narrative top-down RPG set in ancient India dealing with historical and socioeconomic ills, made by a couple of Indians, Estonian, and American so like 5 guys internationally who met on Reddit I think. There are loads of dialogue trees, mood stats going up and down, and consequences much like Heavy Rain. There are 4 protagonists whose paths can intertwine. My first one was a young girl who should have been grateful for marrying up a merchants son in an arranged marriage but I was defiant and wanted to escape the town on horses. I didnt make it, and was executed. On to the next, which was another young girl who was struggling to survive and was being forced into begging. I asked the dev and he said it would be 7 chapters, 4-5 hours long. I stopped there because I didnt want to spoil myself, but yeah super interesting setting and excited to see where it branches. Oh yeah, there are tall snake people called Naga who are thought of lesser beings, presumably from Indian folklore.
One Foul Note
Member
I loved Monoco, one of my favourites of last year. I hope you enjoy it.
Messofanego
Banned
My eyes just ejac'ed so hard at that Mind: Path to Thalamus trailer! :O Watched it 6 times now.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tBHO77OeB0M
Glad there's a thread for it.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tBHO77OeB0M
Glad there's a thread for it.
Warren Ellis
Banned
bro-force is super awesome. I played it with some friends offline and i never had so much fun
CheesecakeRecipe
Stormy Grey
I feel like I've been born anew into a strange and beautiful world.
I think I have my new favorite game to be waiting for now that Ether One is out and I already enjoyed the hell out of it.
Nah, feel free to link it. If something is becoming too annoying, I can always ask the person in question to stop.
More_Badass
Member
EUIV is $9.99 (75%) on ShinyLoot
http://www.shinyloot.com/europa-universalis-iv
http://www.shinyloot.com/europa-universalis-iv
Amazing price for hundreds of hours of tactical gameplay fun.
More_Badass
Member
Beautiful
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Javel-ein
Friction
Gang Beasts
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1. Escape Goat 2
2. Javel-ein
3. Catcher
4. David.
5. Goat Simulator
6. Friction
7. Gang Beasts
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Javel-ein
I played Javel-ein last month and I really enjoyed it. The pixel style is nice and the platforming is solid, but the best element is how the core javelin mechanic adds tension and puzzle-like challenge to the gameplay. When you're unarmed, you can't hurt enemies, only avoid them, so each throw becomes a weighted decision. What's the best order to take out enemies, the best angle to throw? Will I be able to retrieve my javelin afterwards? Timing is important, especially as new enemies are introduced and the levels start becoming more dangerous. A great experience
Friction
Friction is a bullet hell shmup that makes risk vs reward its core mechanic. Sapped of energy, alone in the void against aggressive enemies, you must deftly weave between their projectiles as one hit will end you. But...the only way to charge your shot is to stay close to bullets and draw energy from them. So gameplay becomes a challenging game of chicken as you follow and hover near bullets while also trying to evade them and not get hit and timing your single precious shot for the best moment. The flashy visuals and great soundtrack add to the experience. Gameplay-wise, it's shallow, but it's challenging and fun and stylish
Gang Beasts
Gangs Beasts is not even up to version 0.0.3 yet, so these impressions can't really reflect the game as a whole. But what's there is already fun and has laid a fantastic foundation for the game's future. The physics and animations and environments make what could have been another brawler into interactive action movie scenes so you shove your opponent into an industrial grinder or fight atop speeding trucks and hang desperately from a window washing platform. Even its extremely early state, Gang Beasts is fun, but it needs many more months of content and polish to really feel like a full fledged game.
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1. Escape Goat 2
2. Javel-ein
3. Catcher
4. David.
5. Goat Simulator
6. Friction
7. Gang Beasts
RPG_Fanatic
Member
It is always nice to have a convenient topic to see whats is happening on the indie scene.
Amber Throne, Away Team, Crystal Gun Girl, Dungeonforge, Elysian Shadows, and Unrest looks like games I should keep my eyes on.
Amber Throne, Away Team, Crystal Gun Girl, Dungeonforge, Elysian Shadows, and Unrest looks like games I should keep my eyes on.
More_Badass
Member
Messofanego
Banned
I can't even start a game in Gang Beasts, I've got version 0.0.2. I know controllers or keyboards don't work right now, so how has it worked for you? Am I missing something really obvious?
- Status