(So, I really wanna get into writing, especially that of games, so i had a practice with one article, with the idea to do more, so here is my first, i would hope you guys and gals would like this, feel free to give feed back, hope to do more soon)
Ahhh Indie Games. The Volvo Estate of games compared the likes of the Ferrari CoD, and Lamborghini Far Cry, games that it seems many people dismiss as not being big, flashy or noisy enough to warrant a look let alone a play.
But there is many out there who love them. And one cannot deny they are a great way for developers to get out their ideas or the stories they wish to tell, without company interference or time constraints. A lot of the time, Indie Games seem to put a bigger emphasis on story and feeling more than that of their big budget counterparts, and It is mainly for this reason I have found myself slowly falling in love with them.
So here I would like to present, a few of my favorite titles that I have had the pleasure to play, games that have left an impact on me long after playing them, and that have shown sometimes, under the hood of that Volvo, is a V8 engine.
5 - Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons
Unsurprisingly this game follows the story of a pair of brothers. These fellow siblings are more of the adolescent variety rather than mustached Italian type, and they are on a journey to find a way to help their rather sickly father, rather than rescuing a princess in exchange for cake.
The game does well to get across the story and emotion despite using a language sounding like the one you would make up to speak to friends secretly at school, as the actions of the characters and NPC's speak more than words. Interaction with the quite pretty scenery and full of life NPC's from each brother crafts their unique personalities, which goes far in making you care about them and their quest.
Is it a perfect game? Far from it, the puzzles are rather simplistic and the controller scheme, where each brother is moved via each thumb stick could be very frustrating and difficult sometimes to wrap your head around. Think patting your head and rubbing your belly at the same time and that’s pretty much the gist of it. But these small niggles are just that, small, and I feel it doesn't take much away from the story being told.
4 – Hotline Miami
Every so often, don’t you find yourself just wanting, needing to break some skulls with a bat? If so, you may want to go and speak to someone about that, ideally, someone who can give you a rather nice white jacket with very long sleeves.
For me, that urge was settled with Hotline Miami. A game I would describe as a top down murder sim, one where you will most likely find the number of times you die will probably equal the body count you rack up. Now, I am not the most skilled of gamers, and at first I found this to be very difficult, but you know what, I also found out I still kept playing. Over and over again, I just kept restarting, trying to plan my route of taking out thugs, only for it to fail and try another way. There was something so satisfying in finally passing a level that I haven’t felt in many other games let alone AAA titles.
Over the top violence? Maybe, but games sometimes are a fun escape as much as an 80’s Arnie action film. Sometimes you just need to let out the stress of the day and smash that skull… Virtually of course.
And that soundtrack though, damn, that soundtrack.
3 - Gone Home
After hearing a lot about this little PC game, I found myself craving to play it. Not knowing much about it, I got myself a copy, ran it at a rather shocking bad frame rate on my laptop, and settled down to see what all the fuss was about.
what I found was laughter, horror, intrigue, smiles, and at the end, a few tears. This would probably be best to describe my 2 hours with this title, a game which has been dubbed into the "Walking Simulator" category of games, which many say plays like an interactive novel, and argue is a bit of a stretch to call it a game. But, I would implore others to not let these tags put them off from playing this title, a game I find is best left as a mystery to those who want to give it a shot.
Its truly rare to find and play a game that hooks you into its story like this. That I feel it pushes some boundaries in terms of its subject matter, and approaches themes that even some films and TV struggle to show, are a true testament to all the praise it has received.
Beautiful, heartwarming, journey of discovery, would be the tags I would put to this title.
And plus, that bonus cat diary. Simply priceless.
2 - Journey
I have found I have used this word a few times in writing this article (Did someone say, foreshadowing?). But this title, fully describes what it is like to play this game, and while some may be sad to find out it doesn't contain many guitar solos, mullets or small town girls, it does rather well to prove the old adage of its not the destination, but the journey that counts.
A rather simple platformer in terms of gameplay, Journey, I would readily argue, is possibly one of the most beautiful Indie titles so far made. From wide open desserts, snowy mountain tops, underground catacombs and bridges made of red fabrics, the visuals and settings are simply breathtaking. And while the story is simplistic the vistas you encounter add so much. Hidden backstories of the world you find yourself in, from glyphs and cut scenes that never overstay their welcome, add so much to your time with this title, and help in crafting the story around you as work your way towards your destination.
This ended up being the title that had me finding that in Indie Games, I won’t stop believin’.
1 – Undetale
Well, what can be said about this title, that hasn’t already been said by many others. Short of making up some new words, not much. But it makes my list due to its impact it had for me.
A short tale told in the style of old SNES era JRPG’s, this game is a work of art. A lot of love and care went into crafting this game, from its story and presentation, to gameplay and atmosphere, a fact made all the more impressive as it was (for the main bulk) made by one man.
I was lucky enough to go into this as a blind play through with only the fact that you can play it without having to defeat enemies as my only knowledge. And boy, did it make it worthwhile. It felt like it gave me everything I wanted from a game. Humor? It’s got it. Characters to care about? You betcha. Puzzles? Have a load of em. Horror? Why not. And my most important want from any game… Story, and oh boy, does this game have a story.
From its awesome retro look, to music that sticks with you, a fun and awesome battle system and hilarious interactions, I find it hard to have any fault with this game. To the point that I’d rather play it again, than have a ride in any Ferrari.
