I think it’s only fair to mention that this site is really just an elaborate bookmarking system I’ll use once I have time on my hands again (HA!).  Games that look like they’ll fit my play style or story interests get a mention, and once I can sit down and focus I can go back and say, “Oh yeah!  I did want to check that out!”

This is one of those moments.  Thanks to long-time listener, Brad from Australia, for pointing out To the Moon.  It’s an indie RPG with a visual style similar to my favorite era of RPGs.  The game’s website describes To the Moon as “an indie RPG/adventure game, about two doctors traversing through the memories of a dying man to fulfill his last wish.”  The genres listed are sci-fi, psychological, and tragicomedy.  All of my geek/gamer/literary genes are screaming at me to play this right now, but did I mention I have no time?  There’s an hour-long demo available, so if you have more time on your hands than I do, definitely check it out.

Girl with a Heart of released yesterday, and I’ll admit that I’m intrigued.  The town of the game’s setting thrives on darkness?  Light is somehow a weapon or an enemy?  The girl’s heart has been replaced?  Despite being a bit difficult to read, that trailer’s pushing quite a few of my gamer buttons in just the right way.

Touted as an interactive narrative (presumably similar to something like Heavy Rain, if only more indie), Girl with a Heart of’s press release claims “unique, conversation-based gameplay,” “a thought-provoking storyline and multiple endings determined by decisions the player makes.”  You can pick up Girl with a Heart of on PC or Mac for $5.99 or on iOS or Android for $2.99.

I’ve gotten my hands on a review copy of the game, and while I can’t promise a text review anytime soon (stinking school), I’ll definitely be talking about it on an upcoming episode of The Way of the Game.

I can’t say I’ve ever looked at a broom and thought, “You know, a game where you sweep up levels and beat up enemies with your broom would be awesome!”  That’s probably why I’m not a game designer.

Thankfully, the guys at Hitbox Team have a better sense of imagination than I do, and Dustforce is the game they’re building out of the concepts of jumping, sliding, and sweeping.  The videos I’ve seen remind me a bit of N+ or Super Meat Boy, thanks to the fluid platforming and the one-hit-kill spikes.  I dig the art style, and if the devs can keep the controls tight and responsive, I’m in.  I’m always looking for a good 2D platformer.

Dustforce is slated to arrive on Steam in “late 2011,” so we’ll hopefully see it soon.

Indie Game Spotlight: Forget-Me-Not