One aspect that really impressed me about PAX East more than previous years was the dedication to the independent game developer. While there were plenty of the larger publishers represented showcasing recently released or upcoming games, there were literally dozens of independent game developers showcasing their games coming out for PC, consoles or mobile.
Lords of New York – Imagine your “typical” poker game. No imagine it where you’re playing one of three main characters with a unique backstory, set in 1920’s themed New York. The developers, Lunchtime Studios, are changing the poker game, literally. Learn more about Lords of New York on their Kickstarter page.
Then there is Contrast. Compulsion Games’ title puts you in the role of Dawn an imaginary friend of a 10-year old girl, Didi, where you have to solve a mystery with a cabaret as the venue. What makes this game really stand out is the abilities you have as Dawn where you literally blend in and out of shadows in order to solve puzzles and navigate the world. The visuals for this game are amazing and will leave you spellbound.
Gamebook Adventures is doing something that really hits my nostalgic gooey parts. I loved the “Choose Your Own Adventure” books as a youngling, and what they’ve done for tablets blending in RPG elements is nothing short of genius. If you have ever read one of these types of books, you’ll immediately pick up the concept. If you’ve somehow skipped this gem, it goes like this. You’re reading a first person novel where you come to a point in the book where you are at a crossroads and given two options. Depending on which option you choose, your story will continue. Or you could end up fighting a horde of zombies. Or fall through a trap door. Or find a princess. Or…or…well, you get the gist. I was immediately hooked on this concept and they have a huge library of books to choose from including House of Hell and Trial of the Clone which is actually by the famous Wil Wheaton. (If you don’t know who Wil Wheaton is, we need to have a heart-to-heart talk.)
This is just a sampling of some of the amazing, independent game titles that were on display at the show. Sure, go out and buy your copy of Tomb Raider or Gears of War Judgment, but don’t forget the “little guy” either. These are some great games that have had blood, sweat and tears poured into them.
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