It’s been a long while since my last blog entry here, but
perhaps now is as good time as any to recommend some more games.
In this series of lists I want to bring a spotlight on some
fun games that I enjoyed recently. The games mentioned here will be by indie
developers and smaller, lesser known companies, the games that I think deserve
some more attention.
Axiom Verge
Developer: Thomas Happ
This is an incredible game that takes a lot of inspiration
from the Metroid franchise. Not only does it offer a fun gameplay with
non-linear exploration, but it manages to greatly improve on the Metroidvania formula
and adds some of its own personality to it. The game offers a decent level of
challenge that will leave you buzzed at the end whilst still keeping it fair.
And in addition to its addictive fast-paced gameplay, it’s full of superb music
tracks in each level and some great backstory concepts. The fact this game was
developed by merely one person makes it all the more impressive. For fans of
Metroidvanias, this is a must play.
Of Orcs and Men
Developers: Cyanide, Spiders
Publisher: Focus Home Interactive
Through a collaborative effort of Cyanide and Spiders
studios, we got ourselves this pretty cool game set in a dark-ish epic fantasy
world, except with a twist – our main protagonists are a goblin and an orc. The
two leading characters, Styx and Arkail, are very well-developed and lovable.
With hilarious dialogue exchanges between the two, as well as a challenging
combat system that makes you think before you act, this game is well worth
checking out for all fans of RPGs.
Mars: War Logs
Developer: Spiders
Publisher: Focus Home Interactive
Another game by Spiders studio, except this one takes place
in a dystopian sci-fi setting with a post-apocalyptic feel to it. Mars: War
Logs takes us to a colony on Mars with an oppressive government and very low
standards of living. The game has a really well executed crafting mechanic that
allows you to customize your equipment with a variety of bonuses, and a fun,
fast-paced combat. Despite the ending feeling slightly rushed, this game was a
load of fun to play, and I am very much looking forward to the sequel that’s
been in works for some time.
Apotheon
Developer: Alientrap
Apotheon stands out first and foremost with its unique
visual style that resembles Ancient Greek pottery decorations, but there’s a
lot more to this game than just unique visuals. The game features an open world
with big, non-linear levels, a tonne of weapons to collect, and plenty of
secrets to find. Ascend Mt Olympus and challenge the gods!
T.E.C. 3001
Developer: Phoenix Game Studio
Publisher: BulkyPix
If you’ve ever wanted something challenging with a great
sense of speed, this might just be a game for you. T.E.C. 3001 has you control
a robot inside a virtual reality simulation and chucks you into a variety of
stages – some being high speed lane running, others taking a form of a drag
race, and thirds being completely open and having numerous paths through the level.
Watch your step out there!
Dex
Developer: Dreadlocks
With its lovely art style and incredible musical score, Dex
can easily immerse us in its cool cyberpunk setting. The story might be pretty
standard for this genre, but it offers some interesting story choices, as well
as a load of sidequests. It does have a few small bugs and odd balance issues
here and there, but it’s no doubt a very immersive and addictive game that’s
worth a look.
Betrayer
Developer: Blackpowder Games
Eerie, atmospheric, and mysterious. Betrayer takes us to the
coast of America at the start of 17th century. Upon arriving, the
player discovers that the colony (aside from one person) is gone and every
location is empty. Your job is to find out what happened. The game has a semi-open
world with a lot of exploration and a somewhat tough combat, since every enemy
poses a real threat and needs to be approached with great care.
Nihilumbra
Developer: BeautiFun Games
A beautiful 2D platformer with a heavy emphasis on puzzles.
Nihilumbra has you traverse several different areas, each one introducing a new
colour which has to be used creatively in order to overcome the obstacles
ahead. As the player collects more colours, the puzzles and enemies require
more thought and several colours to be used at once.
