Tagged: independent developer

The box for Comer by Shine Studio. The front of the box reads: “COMER is an interactive adventure into the surreal world of natural and architectural wonders. Be a COMER and experience the story, 3D graphics, stereo sound with a quality of no compromise. In an ancient oriental script of prophecy, life was referred to as ‘The Game of Zao Hua.’ In modern terms, it might be ‘The Game of Creation and Evolution of Life.’ The study of prehistoric earth reveals that there were periods of lifeforms such as that of dinosaurs and that of mammals. Usually in a drastic ‘Bang!’, one period ended, lives were wiped out, new cycle started. Here and now, another ‘Bang!’ is taking shape...”

Read about Kyle Choi’s Comer in ROMChip! Adventure category

Where do the outliers fit into gaming history? My article about Comer, a surreal self-published CD-ROM game from 1998, is now available in ROMchip: A Journal of Game Histories!

Screenshot from Control Monger

Control Monger Shooter category

The free, defunct multiplayer shooter Control Monger has a unique defensive gameplay keeps you constantly moving. To learn what it was like, I brought in some friends!

Screenshot from Crystal Pixels

Crystal Pixels Other category

Go inside a void of glistening lights, created by its programmer as a personal place to be alone. You can explore it if you can control it. Maybe we’re not supposed to play this.

Screenshot from Despair

Despair Macintosh categoryOther category

Feel like everything sucks? The sadistic slapstick stress relief toy Despair might leave you even more depressed.

Econ’s Arena Strategy category

This lovingly cluttered, colorful strategy game based on the classical elements needs more focus to deliver a endgame as compelling as it looks.

Screenshot from Enigma

Enigma Puzzle category

This nearly impossible puzzle game with over 2000 levels is so absurdly complicated that it’s a spectacle.

Screenshot from Executive Suite

Executive Suite Simulation category

To excel in Executive Suite‘s cutthroat business satire, you have to act like a cutthroat businessperson. Getting into that role is a different kind of challenge.

Title screen from The Frogs Of War

The Frogs Of War Action category

Developed sporadically for two decades and based on a bizarre dream about lizard men, The Frogs Of War is a perplexing game that follows no other.

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