Shadow Physics
Steve Swink & Scott Anderson (US)
“In Shadow Physics, you are a two-dimensional character (a shadow character) interacting with a three-dimensional space. The shadows of the 3D objects create varied terrain and obstacles for your character, and manipulating light and objects makes enormous changes to the shadow space, creating many intriguing and entertaining puzzles. With Shadow Physics, Steve Swink and Scott Anderson exploit a highly developed non-gaming technology (shadow maps) to create gameplay scenarios and puzzles. A truly innovative and inventive gameplay experience, Shadow Physics is very simply about a 2D character interacting with a 3D world, and the play and situations that emerge.”
Dear Esther
thechineseroom (UK)
“Dear Esther is a mod of Half-Life 2 that uses the technology and appearance of traditional games in a very innovative and non-traditional way. A ghost story written by Dan Pinchbeck, Dear Esther is a narrative dispersed through a digital space, encouraging exploration by the player, but also allowing her to navigate the story in the order she chooses, discovering different elements and moments at her own pace and through her own experiences and perceptions. Pinchbeck has created a layered narrative, strengthened and reinforced by symbols and codes also hidden throughout the game space, creating a complex space commenting on the fragmentary nature of narrative and interactivity.”
Impressions: Dear Esther was among the most atmospheric games shown at the IndieCade Expo. We spent some time wandering a secluded beach, with low tide and looming cliffs behind us. Despite not getting the chance to hear audio, the game felt eerie. Exploration will surely be a core part of the game’s narrative and the few settings we glimpsed fit the tone appropriately.
HurricaneX2
Nanjing YouYon Technology (China)
“HurricaneX2 is a unique Chinese Kung Fu game of developer Nanjing YouYon Technology, brought to life through excellent fighting control, stylish Chinese painting graphics and an enchanting Chinese legend. In the background of ancient China, you seek to discover the true secret of Kung Fu and fulfil your destiny, where you must battle those who block your way, including monks, assassins, etc, some of who are Kung Fu Masters from different genres of China. Deeply rooted in the Chinese culture, HurricaneX2 is an action game inspired by traditional Chinese philosophy, for instance, Zen mind of Shaolin Kung Fu, the internal power of Tai Chi Chuan (Taoism), and the efficiency and relaxation of Wing Chun, as well as Bruce Lee’s combat system and philosophy, Jeet Kune Do (Way of the Intercepting Fist). Consequently, the fighting in this game may appear to be delicate, sentimental; however, it is extremely powerful when it is truly applied.”
Impressions: You know you’re onto a winner when two children barely seven years-old actually pick up and become completely absorbed in your game. This is what we witnessed during one of our visits to the exhibit. Forget Street Fighter, straightforward controls and some surprisingly sharp animations make this fighting game standout even amongst its commercial cousins.
Papermint
Avaloop (Austria)
“Developed by Avaloop, a Viennese development studio, Papermint is a radical departure from the current spate of high-end, 3D multiplayer games. A cross between a game and a social virtual world, Papermint’s unique paperdoll aesthetic of flat characters and objects in a 3D environment creates a totally fresh and original look and feel. It’s gameplay focuses on social interactions, exploration and collection, and among other things, your “wobble” paperdoll avatar can transform into a rolling ball to become part of a soccer game, or fold into a paper boat to sail the seas. Papermint is a charming, artful and magical virtual place that reminds us what it means to be playful.”
Impressions: Roaming about this colourful 3D world with your avatar looks enjoyable. The concept is certainly full of gameplay potential, and the paper sailing boat proves this. Text chat and virtual flirting have been shown, but a range of humorous animations are also promised. However, a reliable grief reporting system will also have to be present in the final game. Papermint is still in beta at the moment, but it should be ready to launch next year.
Sowlar
Odd Men In / DigiPen (US)
“An epic adventure in farming spanning a galaxy, Sowlar is highly entertaining. Designed by Odd Man In, a team at the DigiPen Institue of Technology, Sowlar wears its heart on its sleeve as it explores farming and environmental issues right out front, wrapped in compelling gameplay and entertaining art. Sowlar is designed with an extremely old school aesthetic, ASCII art and levels, and a general look that conjures up Apple II games. The bright, lightly amusing art provides a lovely support for the gameplay, which is deep and engaging. The game never preaches or discusses issues, but simply immerses the player in a struggle which cannot help but make a point. The simplicity of the artistic design plays well with this immersion, and allows graphics to become strong visual symbols within this thesis.”
The Path
Tale of Tales (Belgium)
“The Path is the latest offering by award-winning Belgium-based game developers Tale of Tales. A surreal twist on the classic fairytale Little Red Riding Hood, The Path is a Gothic horror tale that subverts traditional game mechanics in the same way that a dream subverts narrative. You are inevitably compelled to violate its only instruction—to go to grandmother’s house and stay on the path—and discover the rich and unexpected landscape of experience that awaits you. Each step you make in the unexplored territory of the woods contributes to constructing a different variation on grandmother’s house once you arrive at your destination. As with Tale of Tales’ previous games, The Path’s immersive world, deft visual and spatial storytelling, and phenomenal artistry make it one of the highlights of this years’ Festival.”
Explore the world of IndieCade for yourself at indiecade.com.
Aaron Lee
Showcase descriptions credit: IndieCade
