First of all, I usually save this til the end of my blogs, but I'd like to apologize to nintendo dream. Last time I said I was back, I got pulled away instantly and disappeared all summer. I feel terrible about that, sorry. I'll have that "I got owned" video up asap about failing the bet as soon as I get this new fangled camera working, also, pictures of rooster hat then as well.
Now, onto the blogish parts of my blog! Highschool came and went like a horrible speed bump in the road, but that's school for ya, what's new? I recently got asked an odd question, what do I love about the gaming industry? Why is this odd you may probably not have asked? Good question! This is odd because up until now, I have heard nothing bug rage from questions like there. They're always questions about what I hate or want different in the industry. For a world of delivering enjoyment, some comically harsh but too seriously taken reviewers have made it quite a fad to bash it with a hammer and call everything new a failure that just wishes it were as good as the old. Ok, I'll stop being around the bush about it, YAHTZEE FANS, SHUT UP AND FORM YOUR OWN DAMN OPINION ON THINGS FOR ONCE IN YOUR LIFE!
Ahem, anyways, there are many things I love about the game design industry in comparison to say books movies and tv. Game designers care about their fanbase, they try to keep up to date, ambitious ideas are rewarded more than punished. However, what I love most is that indy devs get a chance. Anyone can get into the industry with some hard work and a good idea. TV and movies have their indy films but they're seen at mostly bad things that end up on the sci fi channel. There are thousands of books getting released every year but only 1 or 2 turn out to be good. The gaming industry, indy games are something people love and respect as long as you know what you're doing.
World of Goo was literally just a two man team in the end and they produced an award winning puzzle game. La-Mulana was made by about 5 guys in spare time hanging out in a basement and its gathered a good cult following for not having a single commercial or advertisement, and Nifilas has actually moved amazingly high up the road, going for free adventure game maker to now a big musician in the industry and a maker of a couple retail wiiware games. maybe this shouldn't shock me, maybe this happens every day, but as a person starting my own adventures into the industry, this gives me a massive ray of hope.
These games usually are only successful though by word of mouth, so I'll do my part and say you should do yours. Indy games I've played recently and recommend:
Iji
World of Goo (Not free though)
La-Mulana
Mondo Medicals (Though only play if you want to be massively confused)
Spelunky
Cave Story
Within a Deep Forest.
By the way, I have the greatest college schedule ever. I only have to go to school on tuesday and thursday, leaving the rest as a huge weekend outside of homework and more attempts to find a job.
