Infamous for its ASCII art style and steep learning curve, Dwarf Fortress is the inspiration for countless games and game systems. It is one of the few games deemed worthy to be collected in the Museum of Modern Art. In addition, the donation-driven development and long-term vision of the game is bold and exciting. Let us bloody our hammers for the glory of Armok, together.
Crusader Kings II
Crusader Kings II is the latest, and most accessible, release in Paradox Interactive's brand of grand historical strategy games. If you're intrigued by the political intrigue and style of war portrayed in a Game of Thrones, you should find interesting the stories you make up yourself as you play this game.
Cart Life
The only one of my suggestions that I haven't already played. This grey-scale, pixel art game was made by a first-time developer, and won several awards, including "Excellence in Narrative," at the 2013 Indie Games Festival.
Sim City
The SimCity franchise is a cornerstone of video game history, but the newest installment was highly controversial for its always-on DRM and complete re-imagining of the game engine. Despite reddit drama, the game is not completely void of value, discussion would prove interesting, however, it is on the pricey side and if you guys haven't already purchased it I would withdraw this suggestion.
Retro City Rampage
I'm a sucker for nostalgia, and I heard this game mashes up a bunch of my old favorites from the Nintendo days into an open world action game.
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In agreement with other proposals by Omaha Game Club members, I second the following already proposed games:
Resonance - It was made by a guy from Omaha, which is as good a reason as any for us to play it!
Don't Starve - The creepy, gothic art style perfectly complements the challenge of trying to stay alive in an unforgiving world.
Frozen Synapse - Wasn't even on my radar until I read Danny's description. The video I watched kind of reminded me of XCOM, which I loved. I'm totally psyched to try this.
Mark of the Ninja - I've heard great things about how this game brings stealth gameplay to the next level. Plus, I already own it but haven't played it yet.
Amnesia - I played about an hour of it a year ago or more and it was spooky. I've been meaning to play more, in a properly dark room at night with headphones, but haven't gotten around to it yet.
Cthulu Saves the World - I bought this a long time ago and never played it. This would be a good enough reason for me.
Sid Meier's Civilization V - I haven't played it since the latest DLC launched, which supposedly brings more action to the end-game, where the Civ series needs it the most.
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In addition to the above, I conditionally suggest these games that are currently in development in case they release a full version or working beta during the scope of this blog's life.
Starbound - Looks similar to Terraria, which I'll have more of, please.
Banished - A city-building strategy game with some elements reminiscent of Dwarf Fortress.
Planetary Annihilation - This is a genre I've always dabbled in, but never been particularly good at. The scale and graphics of this game intrigue me, though.
Legend of Dungeon - Yet another rogue-like dungeon crawler. This one's dynamic shading combined with pixel art make it stand out to me, though.
Under the Ocean - A side-scrolling, craft-to-survive game à la Terreria and Don't Starve. A type of game I seem to be entranced with.
Castle Story - A dwarflike with cutesy graphics I've had my eye on for a while.
Kerbel Space Program - Unleash your inner rocket scientist. It's more of a sandbox than a game, as the mission/reward elements have yet to be added to its current alpha state. Upon release I think this game should be part of high-school curriculums every where.
Prison Architect - Once I bought a game at WalMart for five bucks called Prison Tycoon 2. It was the worst game I've ever played, but it goes to show that I've wanted to run a prison for some time.
Cart Life looks like an experience. I've heard it described as a sympathy game. It sounds sad, but moving, and definitely interesting. In the same vein as Cart Life, and also what I would call a sympathy game, is Papers Please. I've played neither, but feel an obligation to play both.
ReplyDeleteI don't care if Kerbal Space Program is in beta, I think the club needs to play it! The player stories that come out of that game are both hilarious and inspirational. And I completely agree that all kids should be exposed to this game or games like it. Kerbal Space Program absolutely has the power to make kids love science.
Great picks! It's good to have you on board Jim.
Just want to echo Danny's comments about Kerbal Space Program; game looks fantastic!!! I am more than open to playing that.
ReplyDeleteOn the flip side, I LOVE the fact that you picked Crusader Kings II. I've logged HOURS in that game, and love it, along with Paradox's other lines like Europa Universalis and Victoria. Great, great games, and worth a play!