Indie Game Spotlight: Wildermyth & Omori
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https://indiehellzone.com/2021/02/09/omori/
https://www.polygon.com/reviews/22638600/wildermyth-review-pc-proc-gen-worldwalker-games-strategy-mac-linux
Triple A titles may have plenty of spectacle and larger-than-life attitude, but some great games with lots of heart can come from smaller teams. I have always admired indie developers for their creativity and passion. In a market when the big companies often seem to only make games to turn in a profit and fulfil an obligation to consumers, I can turn to indie developers, who genuinely love making games, for games with real heart poured into them.
From tough-as-nails roguelikes such as The Binding of Isaac to calming farming sims like Stardew Valley, there are plenty of fun indie games for any type of gamer. I want to shine a spotlight on two games that came out in within the past year that I enjoyed. Perhaps you’ll find a new favourite to add to your collection.
Wildermyth
Developer: Worldwalker Games LLC.
Release Date: June 15, 2021
Link to the Official Website
In the mood for a tactical RPG with procedurally generated maps and quests, a unique storybook-like art style, and an expansive character creation system that feels like the start of a game of Dungeons and Dragons? Then Wildermyth might be just what you’re looking for!
https://www.ign.com/articles/wildermyth-review-indie-rpg
Choose from one of five main story campaigns crafted by the developers or set up your own campaign; the world map is then yours to journey through. Between battles, characters will come across many tough choices that can change their stats, relationships with others, or even their physical form. In one of my campaigns, a character became part raven!
In battle, party members under three categories: warriors, rangers and mages; however, every time a character levels up, a new skill out of a randomly chosen group of three can be learned. The total amount of skills available is quite large, and these paired with a variety of weapons to craft, allows for more unique builds than initially meets the eye.
Fight in many battles to become great heroes and save the land. Does your party have what it takes to become legends?
https://omori.fandom.com/wiki/OMORI_(GAME)#STEAM_SCREENSHOTS
Omori
Developer: OMOCAT, LLC.
Release Date: December 25, 2020
Link to the Official Website
*Major content warning: This game goes into heavy subject material that can be triggering, including trauma and suicide. As a psychological horror game, be prepared for frightening images and mostly visual jumpscares (some have audio, but I never found any of them to be very loud). *
Welcome to White Space. In this story-based RPG with inspiration from Yume Nikki and Earthbound, follow along with a boy named Omori and his group of friends on a strange yet heartfelt adventure across a vibrant world.
When one of Omori’s friends mysteriously goes missing, it’s up to you to figure out where he went. Travel through vast forests, glamorous castles, outer space and more while bumping into charming characters; could they be friend or foe? Synergize with your friends in battles with the help of individual skills and follow-up team abilities, and wield the power of your emotions to turn the tide.
Not everything is as it seems, however. Something is always watching, and an uncomfortable truth might be bubbling just below the surface. Saying too much more will spoil the game, but if you are intrigued by this, I highly recommend giving Omori a shot. By the end, this game will make you cower in fear, laugh along with its silly side, and cry through its emotional moments.
Danica Best
Danica “Dani” Best is a 20-something Professional Writing student that loves creating stories and worlds almost as much as she loves gaming. If she isn’t writing, working or playing video games, she is probably asleep. Can be lured out with tasty desserts.
