killamch89

There’s something special about hand-drawn art in indie games. It adds a unique charm and personality that digital or 3D art often can’t replicate. Whether it's the fluid animations, expressive characters, or stunning environments, these games often feel like interactive art. What’s your all-time favorite hand-drawn indie game? What makes it stand out to you? Story, gameplay, or just the visuals?

Whether it's a plush, a t-shirt, or something unique, what was your experience? Did the item feel worth it, and did it enhance your love for the game? I’ve always been a fan of supporting smaller devs in any way I can, and I’m wondering if any of you have found indie game merch to be a cool collector's item or just a fun reminder of a game you loved.

Permanent death mechanics in games can be polarizing. On one hand, they raise the stakes and add a level of realism and tension. On the other, they can be frustrating, especially if you've invested hours into a character or game only for a mistake to erase all progress. How do you feel about permadeath in games? Do you enjoy the challenge, or do you prefer a more forgiving experience? What games have used permadeath well (or poorly) in your opinion?

Episodic gaming releases have been a hot topic for a while now. Some players love the anticipation and the ability to digest a game in smaller chunks, while others feel it disrupts immersion and leads to unfinished stories. What’s your take on episodic releases? Do you think they enhance or hurt the overall gaming experience? Are there any games where you think this approach worked well, or do you prefer a full release from the start?

With the rise of microtransactions, loot boxes, and in-game gambling mechanics, should game developers face stricter regulations? Many argue that these systems prey on vulnerable players, especially minors, and can lead to addictive behaviors. On the other hand, some believe it’s up to the player to make informed decisions. What’s your stance? Should governments step in, or should game publishers be more responsible in creating safeguards?

Indie games are often packed with unique worlds and deep storytelling, despite smaller budgets. Whether it’s uncovering mysteries in Hollow Knight, diving into the haunting backstory of Inside, or exploring the philosophical depths of Disco Elysium, indie games often deliver unforgettable lore. Which indie game do you think has the most compelling, intricate, or emotional lore?

Whether it’s a game with simple shapes, limited colors, or a bare-bones aesthetic, what’s the most visually minimalist indie game you’ve played? Did the minimalism enhance the gameplay or story in any way? Would you recommend it?

When it comes to video games set in historical periods, do you think developers should strive for total historical accuracy, or is it okay to take creative liberties for the sake of gameplay, storytelling, or accessibility? For example, some games tweak historical events or include anachronisms to make the experience more engaging. Does this enhance the game, or does it take away from the immersion and educational value? Where do you draw the line between accuracy and artistic freedom?

With so many studios leaning heavily on sequels and established franchises, it raises the question: should more resources be put into creating new, unique IPs instead? While sequels often guarantee a loyal fan base and financial success, new IPs bring fresh ideas and can revitalize the industry. But is the risk worth it for studios? What do you think? Should developers focus more on innovating or stick to what works?

There are so many highly-praised titles out there, but what indie game would you recommend to someone just dipping their toes into the indie scene, and why? Bonus points if it’s beginner-friendly but still showcases what makes indie games unique.

I think storytelling and emotional connection are the key factors that make a game timeless. Games like The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time and Final Fantasy VII still resonate because their stories transcend the medium. They’re powerful and relatable no matter when you play them. While nostalgia does enhance their charm, I believe newer games like The Last of Us prove that timeless quality can be achieved through compelling narratives and universal themes that stick with players.

Funny, two months later there's a sequel announced for Okami which was announced at the recent game awards. They must've read my thread. lol.

I agree. Plus, it's the least confusing one as well.

Personally, my favorite has to be Geralt and Yennefer from The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt. Their romance is steeped in history, passion, and conflict, making it feel incredibly real. The way the game allows you to explore their past and decide their future is such a unique experience. The scene where they reunite during The Last Wish quest is unforgettable. It’s both magical and heartbreaking, depending on your choices. It’s rare for a game to create such a mature and nuanced romance.

Personally, I'd say Sonic The Hedgehog 2 for the Genesis because it's what became the standard formula for most Sonic games after that. The graphics and gameplay was and still is entertaining to this day.

It was such a unique game at the time and it's cell-shaded graphics and unique gameplay was so much fun back in the day.

Personally, I'd say Shadow just because of how complex a character he is. I feel like I can relate to him more than any other Sega character.

I kept my games in their original cases. I only used binders for games that I didn't have any cases for.

To me, the Dreamcast was a decent competitor to the PS2 and XBox at the time. And it had titles like Crazy Taxi and Sonic Adventure 2.

I should also add King Of The Hill and Search and Destroy.

Honestly, I haven't directly supported any gaming charities or non-profit events.

Is it announced for 2025? I remember they had delayed it from an early 2023 release and hadn't announced a new release date as yet.

Well put. I also love Hollow knights soundtrack as well. Sealed Vessel and City Of Tears are my favorite. What about you?

I'd love if most games supported it because it tends to extend the lifespan of most games. Take for instance the Elder Scrolls and Fallout games - without the modding community, most of those games especially the more recent ones would be known as mediocre games with fantastic stories but many bugs. Because of modders, those games are known as legendary.

I totally agree. This day one patch crap should've never been given a pass by the gaming community in the first place.