Written by Tanner Banks, June 18, 2016, at 11:43 a.m.
On Day One of Indy PopCon we hung around indie game developers for demos, interviews, and general nerdy talk. Familiar faces and familiar faces abound, along with some new ones as well. There were a lot of great games to check out and we’ve only just now scratched the surface. With that said, here are some highlights.
Indie Games at Indy PopCon Day One
Big Seat Studios – Chicken Hero
You’ve seen this young duo of
developers before in a previous Kickass Kickstarter we did. Let me tell you that this game has gone from promising to promise delivered. Not only does the game have improved graphics, more characters, bosses, and controller support, but it’s also coming to the iOS. These Indiana natives are pretty plucking good at this game dev thing.
Heart Shaped Games – Hero Generations
Heart Shaped Games has been working on something special in Hero Generations. This 4X strategy game where you take the journey of the hero one generation at a time is a novel concept. Working through the dangerous world you have to take your hero through the world fighting monsters, capturing treasure, and making sure to find a lover so your story can continue with the next generation.
Ian and Elie Games – StacksOnStacks(OnStacks)
Stacks. On stacks. On stacks. Not only was this game even more addictive than the first time that I played, but I found out I was on the money with the Katamari comparison as well! With this game set to release on PC, Mac, and Linux (And maybe PS4) the next big party game may be in front of our eyes.
Robotic Potato – SpaceCats in Space!
Twin stick shooters are a throwback to the classic time of games. When your enemies were always aliens with about three colors and maybe ten pixels. Billed as a space opera with Nazi Dog enemies, SCiS is absolute pandemonium. Deftly balancing action with accessibility I had to rip our photographer out of the seat from demoing the game so we could head off to a panel. These cats are ready for the big dance.
Important Little Games – Codemancer
Video games are quickly coming into the world of education. Codemancer is continuing this trend by creating an easy to grasp approach to the daunting world of computer coding. Set in a fantasy world that’s familiar to many, while avoiding negative stereotypes for coders, Creative Director Rob Lockhart hopes that young boys and girls can become coders earlier and earlier.
Trouble Impact – Color Thief
In a world of black and white, it’s nice to see some color. This puzzle platformer uses a color matching and stealing mechanic to make seemingly impossible puzzles possible. Built by a talented team of former Activision employees this game seems to be tricky enough to pick the mind of adults, while also being accessible enough for kids to play.
We’ve only just started to see what great games are available to see here at Indy PopCon and we’re excited to see what’s next!