This article introduces some games made by independent game designers you've never heard of. Although mostly unknown, they are certainly worth your time for they provide a fun (not to mention a free!) alternative to the main market. Read up to find out!
Different games for different people
In a recent article, I reviewed a game I a homebrew game I'm particularly fond of, Aedemphia. This article will introduce three different games made by talented game developers: Asylopole, Off and Jim Blind.
All three games by single individuals through years of hard work.
Off (by Mortis Ghost): a game of its own
RPG
Ever wanted to grab a baseball bat and go on a quest to purify the world?
This is the very premise of a game simply titled “Off” by Mortis Ghost. Although it’s been completed on a fairly short time, "Off" already has numerous dedicated fans who can’t help but praise its fresh and innovative style.
What’s so unique about it you might ask? Everything about "Off" is quite simply off the wall. Think Earthbound mixed with a dash of abstract art. You take the role of “the Batter” who will meet a wide range of characters on his adventure. My personal favorite was a talkative cat who reminded me of the Cheshire cat from Alice in Wonderland.
The plot really stands out and although it starts off as something fairly simple (good guy must cleanse the world) you can expect plenty of twists and turns.
"Off" is more than a game, it’s an experience. The simple graphics and the ambient sounds really help to immerse the player in this sometimes absurd but fascinating universe. Download it here.
Some more screenshots from the game (including some fan art).
Jim Blind (by Iotiezis): The Name is Bond, James Bond
ACTION/ADVENTURE
Jim Blind to the rescue!
“Jim Blind” is meant to be a sort of parody (a quality one) of classic James Bond movies. You take the role of Jim Blind, a resourceful secret agent, who will accomplish all sorts of missions to save the world.
Although the graphics could use some work, let’s keep in mind that every single graphic element in this game was done by hand by the creator of the game, “Iotiezis”. This is rather rare in the amateur world of game creation where a fair amount of game designers prefer to use graphics that they “borrow” from commercial games.
The game takes place in 10 different worlds to explore all of which can be completed in three different difficulty settings (agent, Special Agent, Silver Agent). During your adventure, you will explore various locales such as research labs, a dam (does this remind you of something?), a flying zeppelin and much, much more. Your hero will handle all kinds of weapons from the most common rifle to the destructive flame thrower.
The game is entirely free and available for download here. Have a good time and remember, it’s Blind… Jim Blind!
Some more in game screenshots:
Asylopole (by Rockmik): A simple case of insanity
POINT AND CLICK ADVENTURE (coming soon)
The world has been ravaged by yet another world war, but this time, there’s no turning back. Man is forced into a gigantic city sheltered by a dome as the Outside has become much too dangerous for mankind.
In this vast futuristic city, strange events are taking place. Human cloning has become generally accepted and clones are purchased to accomplish all kinds of tasks.
As Adam Murdock, you will investigate weird and unexplainable events occurring at the mental Asylum of this city, which also happens to be your workplace and of the most prominent buildings.
This, of course, is the premise of the game in a nutshell. Asylopole being an adventure game, the development of the plot will be one of the most important aspects of the actual game.
Unfortunately, little is known about the game at this point in time as the author is quite secretive about his project, but fortunately plenty of screenshots are available. Enjoy!
