Summary
PCshave been a major part of gaming since gaming’s first inception, all the way backin the early 80s. Since then, gaming and computers have evolved to impressive degrees, with some games coming close to indecipherable from real-life images with their graphic fidelity.
But the big, beautiful AAA games aren’t all that gaming PC’s are known for, as they also have ahuge indie marketgiven the platform is more accessible for independent studios to make games on. There are some truly fantastic indie games out there that warrant gamers' attention.
Indie games encompass a whole wide range of genres, even delving into the often praisedMetroidvania style of games, in the form of titles likeCastle in the Darkness. An evil sorcerer has attacked the kingdom of Alexandria, bringing with him an army of darkness. With the Princess missing and the castle overrun, it is up to one brave knight to take up the task and fight the forces of evil.
The platforming and combat are reminiscent of earlyCastlevaniaandMetroidgames, while also maintaining their own unique flare within the fantasy setting. While its style of gameplay may not be for everyone, Metroidvania fans will find a lot to enjoy in this challenging indie platformer.
The Cat Lady
The Cat Ladyfollows Susan Ashworth, a lonely 40-year old on the verge of suicide. She has no family, no friends and no hope for a better future. One day she discovers that five strangers will come along and change everything…By author Remigiusz Michalski (Harvester Games) this suspenseful psychological horror game features stylized artwork, a simple keyboard control method and English voice acting, plus a compelling, atmospheric 70 minute soundtrack by micAmic (now included free with every copy in Library > Music) and featured artists Warmer, 5iah and Tears Of Mars.The Cat Ladycontains strong adult themes and is recommended only for players over 18.The developers describe the content like this:Contains occasional graphic violence & gore, some strong bad language and infrequent frontal nudity.
Harvester Games are responsible for some truly frightening games, includingThe Cat Lady, which remains one of their best games yet. It follows the tragic tale of Susan Ashworth, a chronically lonely and depressed middle-aged woman who attempts to take her own life one night, only to be spared by the Queen of Maggots. In exchange for her life being spared, Susan is tasked with finding and killing five psychopaths that the Queen refers to as parasites.
A horror game through and through,The Cat Ladycan be a grueling game to play, as itdoesn’t shy away from heavy topicssuch as depression, grief, loss, and alcoholism.The Cat Ladywill unflinchingly show players the dark depths some truly evil people can reach.
Metacritic Score: N/A
Pathologic
Pathologic Classic HD is the Definitive Edition of the original Cult Classic Psychological First-Person Survival game. The game represents a unique and unforgettable experience as it transports players in a weird town which crouches, ominous, in the far reaches of an ancient steppe. It was once a small drover settlement, huddled around a monstrous abattoir—but something about the butchery it was near has changed it. It has developed an odd social structure over the course of several generations. It could have quietly continued along its weird way, but a sudden outbreak of an unknown and inevitably lethal disease has decimated the citizens. Prayers did not help. Science did not help. So, finally, they have turned to outsiders for help: three of them enter the town in hope of finding a cure or—failing that—an explanation. The first outsider was a ruthless investigator, assigned by local authorities. The second is a far-sighted Ripper who has used his extraordinary abilities to gain a reputation as an ingenious surgeon, who has come to the town in search of his father’s terrible heritage. The third—and last—outsider is an eccentric girl rumored to have mystic healing abilities; she may become the town’s salvation were it not for the constant fear that plagues her, the memory of the horrors of her recent past.
Before the widely celebrated but somewhat controversialPathologic 2was itsoften-forgotten predecessorPathologic, to which the sequel owes all its success. Similar to the sequel (which is a soft reboot of the first game), a mysterious plague has swept through the town, and players will control one of three characters as they attempt to survive.
This grueling first-person horror game will certainly challenge players as they struggle to survive the trials of their small, eccentric town, which also brings in elements of survival games, such as a hunger meter players must pay attention to.Pathologicis far beyond any horror game even veteran players will have played, and the experience is richly rewarding.
Thisclassic bullet-hellroguelike made the rounds in the gaming community, becoming a much-loved indie title that went on to be remade withTheBinding of Isaac: Rebirth, but was released multiplatform, unlike the original, which remains exclusive to PC players.
In this game, Isaac flees to the basement of his house after his mother receives a message from God asking her to take her son’s life, but Isaac jumps from the proverbial frying pan and into the fire, as the house’s basement is filled with monsters just as eager to kill him. Players will need to learn to dodge projectiles while using weapons of their own to slay the creatures, coming across challenging bosses at the end of each level. One mistake is costly, as it will send them back to the start.
Metacritic Score: 89
Pizza Tower
Pizza Tower is a fast paced 2D platformer, with an emphasis on movement, exploration and score attack. Featuring highly stylized pixel art inspired by the cartoons from the ’90s, and a highly energetic soundtrack.Peppino Spaghetti, a surprisingly agile and powerful fat balding italian, is on a mission to destroy the titular Pizza Tower in order to save his restaurant from annihilation. Follow him through his rampage across the many wacky floors of the tower, collecting toppings and beating up monsters!PLAY as Peppino Spaghetti, the supersonic italian middle-aged man! And sometimes Gustavo.EXPLORE up to 5 floors leading to many levels, discover all of their secrets!FIGHT some monsters and other weirdos!DESTROY everything in your path, including those stupid rats.BECOME the Pizza Tower!
For fans of games likeWario LandandOvercooked,Pizza Toweris the perfectly zany and comedic cross between the two, combining chaotic platforming gameplay with exploration and attack combos.
Its early 90s Saturday-morning-cartoon-like graphics are unique and charming in their own way, and the soundtrack is full of energy to get players in the mood for its high-octane and fast-paced gameplay. This simple game will give gamers hours of fun, and is a game players can easily drop in and out of.
From the developers behind theexcellent episodic gameScarlet HollowcomesSlay the Princess, another delve into the world of indie horror with a more unique, surreal take on the genre. Players are tasked to do exactly what the title says - slay the Princess, who is held prisoner in the basement of the cabin - or risk the end of everything.
With a beautiful hand-drawn art style, sublime writing, and multiple endings,Slay the Princessholds so much more beyond its simple premise, and it is up to players to trust the orders they have been given and kill the Princess, or listen to what she has to say. Maybe they are supposed to save the Princess after all?
