December indie roundup

9 December 2009

Small independent game development companies deliver a number of fun titles that often get overshadowed by the hype of AAA releases. If you’ve come in search of fun games that don’t cost nearly as much as a mainstream release, and will work on most computers, look no further.

Osmos

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Feel like a relaxing and serene gaming experience? Then Osmos may just be what you are looking for. This physics based game sees the player drifting as a ‘mote’ in some kind of endless void resembling a blend between a solar system and a thriving bacterial Petri dish. The object is to absorb other motes and become the largest on the level. An ambient electronica soundtrack accompanies the gameplay. Osmos sells for US$10 (±R75) through the developer’s site or Steam.

Emberwind

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In the mood for a fantasy platform game developed by a group of Swedes? Look no further than Emberwind. The game sees players taking control of the gnome Kindle Elderwood who must help free his city of Grendale from gremlin hordes controlled by the nefarious CandleFinger. The game is available for both Windows and Mac operating systems for US$12 (±R90) through the developers site.

Planet M.U.L.E.

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Planet M.U.L.E. is a tribute and remake of the 26 year old Atari classic game M.U.L.E. which was apparently one of the earliest multiplayer console games ever to exist. The game is an economic strategy game which can support up to four players over the Internet or LAN. The game has only been available for three days but has already attracted over 2000 registered online players. Best of all, it’s free to play. Available for Windows and Mac, with Linux support on the way.

Altitude

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This is a 2D action deathmatch game in a similar vein to Soldat (but with planes). The game was developed by a two-man team – Nimbly Games – working out of their apartment; a testament to the dedication of indie developers to deliver fun games of top notch quality. The multi-player focused game features a number of ‘perks’ which can be selected to make each plane a unique killing machine. The game is currently discounted on Steam for US$9.89 (±R75). Available for Windows.

Zombie Driver

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Dying for some zombie smiting action, but have no friends to play Left 4 Dead 2 with? Zombie driver should be just your ticket… to zombie infested hell on earth! Players will have free roam of an infested city in which they can fight through 17 story missions, sub-quests and bonus objectives using a variety of upgradeable vehicles and weapons. The game is played from a top down 3D isometric perspective, giving a perfect view of all the carnage. Zombie Driver is available for US$10 (±R75) on Steam or the developer’s site. Available for Windows.

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