Indie game listing

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Just thought I might make a list and mini-reviews for the good indie games out there - inspired by Tal's comments in the originality thread about having to wade through muck to find the good ones. Well, to save you that problem - here's what I've found to be good. I'll edit to update if anything else brilliant occurs to me - feel free to post any you know of.

Defcon: Everybody Dies: http://www.everybody-dies.com/

This game is a real time strategy game which is totally different than any other I can think of. The idea is that you control a continent armed with nuclear weapons and play against others likewise armed. The clock counts down from Defcon 5 to Defcon 1, at which point nuclear weapons can be launched. The player with the most points at the end of the nuclear war 'wins'.

I've played the demo only, but am considering buying it. It seems like it would be awesome multiplayer.

Virtual Villagers: http://www.virtualvillagers.com/

A sim game which runs itself for the most part. The player has to check in every now and then (time passes in the game even when the computer is off) and makes changes, modifications, etc.

I've played the demo, and would consider buying it after I've checked out games that are more to my taste. It seems like an excellent game if you're into life-sims.

Mount&Blade: http://www.taleworlds.com/

An action RPG/medieval combat sim. Still in beta and being sold for a lower price than the final game. You control a group of soldiers (to which you can add to, or who can die) and go around the world engaging in battles with enemy soldiers. It's a sandbox game, with very little in the way of quests at the moment. However, there is a very strong modding community which are releasing mods to fill this gap while the developers work on the rest of the game.

I own this one - it rocks, buy it. For ~$20 it's well worth it. This game doesn't need a plot or anything to suck you in for at least a few weeks. The gameplay makes up for its deficiencies in other areas.

Geneforge Series: http://www.spiderwebsoftware.com/

The Geneforge series are hardcore CRPGs with turn based combat, non-linear plot, and highly original fantasy setting. They could probably be best compared to Fallout.

I own 1, 2, and 3. I strongly recommend 1 and 2, because they rock. 3 kinda sucks though.

Darwinia: http://www.darwinia.co.uk/

A quirky squad based and plot-filled game as far as I can remember. Has a very interesting setting and graphics style.

I have the demo, but it's been a long time since I played it. I recommend having a look, anyway.

Positech Games: http://www.positech.co.uk/

I haven't played any of these, but they get rave reviews, so should be worth checking out.

Soldat: http://www.soldat.pl/

Freeware sidescrolling multiplayer game somewhat similar to Liero.

Excellent game.

Dark Disciples: http://www.darkdisciples-rpg.com/

Old school RPG with an emphasis on puzzle solving.

I found this game to be addictive and generally awesome. Who needs graphics anyway?

 

It is.

 

I haven't played any of the following, but they get positive feedback at RPG Codex.

Teudogar and the Alliance with Rome: http://www.teudogar.com/home.htm

Don't know much about this one. Think I have the install file for the demo floating around on my computer somewhere, so might dig it out and see later.

Prelude to Darkness: http://www.zero-sum.com/

This one gets very positive reviews, and as a bonus it's now freeware. It's apparently chock full of bugs though.

Pretty sure that the download link on the site doesn't work, so here's one that does: http://www.megaupload.com/?d=B4OWJFO0

Age of Decadence: http://www.irontowerstudio.com/

This one hasn't been released yet, but I've been following its development since it began. The lead designer is Vault Dweller from RPG Codex, which might give you some idea of what to expect (non-linear, consequences for actions, tactical turn based combat, meaningful dialogue choices, lots of Fallout inspiration)

 

I've played a few more demos since last post:

Gish:

Well - it's a 2D platformer. If you're a fan of those, then check this game out, as it seems to have nice mechanics for one. It isn't my kind of game though.

The idea is that you're a ball of tar going through the sewers. This allows for some interesting gameplay because of the original character design, but it's probably nothing that you haven't really seen before if you own a Gameboy...

The Odessey: Winds of Athena: http://www.liquiddragon.com/

You take the role of Athena and guide Ulysses and his fleet through various problems. You control the elements rather than the ships themselves, and have to make it so that they aid the fleet.

Seems like an okay game - very original concept. Kind-of a puzzle game. Didn't really entertain me enough to want to buy it. I'd recommend taking a look if you like casual games though.

Outpost Kaloki: http://www.ninjabee.com/

This is a tycoon/sim game where you manage a kooky spaceship, adding various structures to it in order to suit your client's needs.

If you're a fan of tycoon games, definately look. I found it quite interesting, but not enough that I'd want to buy it.