With 2009 now firmly behind us, it’s time to take a look at some of the best independently developed and published gaming titles that entertained MyGaming during the year. There are many more fantastic indie games out there but the list has to begin and end somewhere. In the spirit of indie, these are in no particular order.
Machinarium
One of the most charming titles of 2009, Machinarium is a point-and-click puzzle adventure set in a world of robots. The hero must rescue his girlfriend and save the Machinarium from terrorists. Created in Flash, the graphics are hand drawn graphics and look gorgeous. The quirky soundtrack rounds of the package nicely, making this one of the best of 2009.
Osmos
Osmos is a physics based game that has the player controlling a mote floating in a void full of other competing motes. The basic premise is to consume the small guys to become one of the big guys. The ambient soundtrack, pretty visuals and serene gameplay offers a rather relaxing experience.
AaaaaAAaaaAAAaaAAAAaAAAAA!!!: A Reckless Disregard For Gravity
Players are challenged with jumping from tall buildings and landing safely in a drop zone using a parachute. On the way down they score points by smashing through objects, hugging close to buildings and zipping in between buildings.
Spelunky
Spelunky makes the 2009 cut because it only emerged from beta as a doe-eyed version 1.0 in September 2009. This challenging platformer by Derek Yu features elements of the roguelike genre such as randomly generated levels, no save points, and permanent death.
Gratuitous Space Battles
GSB is a space battle strategy simulation game that leaves all of the strategy for the pre-battle configuration, so that one might enjoy the glorious carnage that ensues once the fleet has begun their assault. The vast strategic options, stunning visuals and fantastic sound effects make for truly epic battles.
Time Gentlemen, Please!
Following on from the successful freeware game Ben there, Dan that!, Zombie Cow Studios produced this sequel which is for sale over Steam. A point-and-click adventure game, it has been well received for its quirky and humourous writing and joke style. Not for the faint hearted, or those easily offended by “all of the naughty swears.”
Meat Boy
Meat Boy must save his girlfriend, Band-Aid Girl from the nefarious Dr. Fetus (who lives in a jar wearing a tuxedo). This rather devilishly difficult platformer created in flash was so successful that a Wii version – Super Meat Boy – is on the horizon. Super Meat Boy is nominated for the Grand Prize and the Excellence in Audio awards at the 2010 Independent Games Festival (IGF).
Flower
In Flower, players accumulate flower petals as the onscreen world swings between the pastoral and the chaotic. Everything you pick up causes the environment to change. The game is available for PS3 and makes full and effective use of the SIXAXIS controller.
Enviro-Bear 2000: Operation: Hibernation
One of those ridiculous games that turns out to be an instant classic. The player takes control of a bear that must fatten up for the winter. However it seems that the bear has decided stealing a car was a good idea for covering more ground, until he realises that bears aren’t exactly well equipped for driving. Hours of haphazard badger dodging and food gathering fun are to be had with this one.
Rocketbirds Revolution!
A Flash powered platform game with stylish visuals. Take charge of Hardboiled Chicken as he fights against the penguin oppressors. The game is nominated for the Grand Prize, Excellence in Visual Art, and Excellence in Audio at IGF 2010.
Independent Games Festival finalists announced
Gratuitous Space Battles Review
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