Indie Games on the rise:

   So you've got your big systems out there,  your high profile games.   Series like Halo, Call of Duty, & Grand Theft Auto are household names by now.  These juggernauts have redefined the Game Industry in their own respects and are enjoyed by many millions of gamers out there.  There is, however, another level of gaming that is innovating more than your high profile titles.  These games are willing to deviate from the norm to create increasingly engaging experiences.  I am referring to the Indie Game scene.

   Basically,  Indie Games are made by small companies with lower budgets.  This forces them to work within the confines of what they have,  making for some truly unique experiences.  Of course the Indie scene is becoming larger and more well known as the months pass,  showcasing some great titles that have seen massive success.  Games like Minecraft and Angry Birds were developed on small budgets,  rising to a very high level of success.   Now these games are household names (Minecraft has become the most played Xbox Live game,  passing up Call of Duty) and they deserve such a recognition.  

   Another thing about these games is that they provide a different experience, and most of the time cost way less than your AAA game experience.  In some cases they even provide more content.  If you are looking for something to take up some spare time and that's also fun to play.  Here's some personal recommendations:

- Cthulhu Saves the World

PC, Android, & Xbox Live Indie Games

  A great comedy RPG,  so old school it hurts.  This cast you as the Lord of Insanity, whom after losing his powers,  has to now become a hero in order to regain his powers.  So then he can get back to destroying the world.  It's available on many platforms (comes in a double pack on Steam with Breath of Death VII) and worth the 10 hour journey.

- Amnesia The Dark Descent

PC

   If you have read my blog before,  or listened to my podcast recently (Player Start on iTunes).  Then you will know I don't shut up about this game.  Best. Horror. Game.  EVER!  It will scare the pants off anyone and everyone.  I will tell you right now,  if you think Resident Evil, Silent Hill, Alone in the Dark, Dead Space or any other horror game is scary,  you don't know shit unless you have played this game.  Just make sure you play it how they recommend to get the best results.

- Minecraft

PC, Android, iTunes, Xbox Live Arcade

  Imagine your thrown into a strange world that's made of blocks.  You can change this world however you want,  no one is telling you what to do.  You want to break down that mountain?  You want to build a house in the sky?  Maybe an underwater glass dome?  Maybe build your favorite level from your favorite game.  Go ahead,  you can do anything in Minecraft.  That's why it's mega popular.  If you just want a game to relax and build, this is your game.  Just watch out for those Endermen or Zombies...

- Super Meat Boy

PC, Xbox Live Arcade

   So you like those old platform games that gave you a challenge.  Maybe something like Ninja Gaiden or Super Mario Bros.  Yeah they were tough,  but they weren't Meat Boy tough.  This game will kick your ass over and over,  and you will come back for more.  It's one of the best recent platformers to really hit home that old game challenge.  Check it out and get ready to be pissed at it (as evidenced by the video above).

- Torchlight II

PC

   So yeah there's this Diablo thing,  great game and all.  However,  if your anything like me,  you may have felt a bit let down by Diablo III.  After playing Torchlight II,  that little void left in me from Diablo III is gone now.  This one ups the ante, bigger set pieces,  bigger bosses, more classes, online play, and it's mod friendly.  For $20 it's a steal, considering Diablo III is $60.  Check it out,  you will be surprised.

- Limbo

PC, PSN, Xbox Live Arcade

   Sometimes the simplest layout is the best.  Nothing shows this best than Limbo.  The art style is simple yet masterful.  The game itself really challenges you to think.  Plus the giant spider is freaky as hell.  It received much praise when it released, Which it very much deserves.  Check it out if you get the chance,  it takes you on a strange trip to find your sister.  Very much worth the ride.

- Home

PC

   Home is a survival horror game,  where you wake up alone in a house during a storm.  The game itself takes place in 2d but doesn't detract from the overall feel.  Your character is going around trying to piece together what happened, and also who killed the various people around the house.  The best part of how this game plays is that the outcome is entirely up to you.  It changes based on how you play.  A very unique concept and a game worth experiencing.

- Lone Survivor

PC

   Another 2d horror game,  Lone Survivor places you alone in a world overrun by demons.  You have to find clues and look for other people.  All the while avoiding the monsters running rampant,  you can hide in various areas to avoid them or distract them with rotting meat.  The music is really out there and it has some scenes that really sell the madness in the game.  Very much worth playing and not like anything else out there. 

- To The Moon

PC

   An old school RPG that plays out differently than anything I have experienced.  To the Moon casts you as two doctors,  whom with the use of a special machine,  can have someone experience their entire life over.  They use this with people who are on the verge of death to ease the pain of their passing.  What plays out is an incredibly compelling and, at times, depressing story of a man's life.  A great experience for anyone looking for something new.  

- Penny Arcade: On the Rain Slick Precipice of Darkness 3

PC, Android, iOS, Xbox Live Indie games

   Another game by Zeboyd on this list (makers of Cthulhu saves the World).  This one takes place in the early 1900's using the titular characters from the Penny Arcade web comic.  This is the 3rd one in a series of 4 games and the first made by Zeboyd.  It continues the story and changes the art style of the games.  Now you can still enjoy this one without playing the first two,  but I recommend playing them for the full package.  So play this or I will inflict Hoboism on you!

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   Most of these games are on PC and have pretty low requirements (except for Torchlight II and Amnesia, find demos of those if you have an older computer).  On a side note,  I am working on an Indie Game myself,  I will soon have my project up on Steam Greenlight under concepts,  it's a Zombie RPG called the Long Night.  Check it out if you get a chance.   Thanks everyone for reading and supporting the Indie Game scene.