[IndieGames.com editor Tim W. presents ten of the best freeware experimental games released in 2010, including IGF Nuovo nominated video-editing game Loop Raccord and video-edited game, Roulette.]
Experimental and art games are becoming more and more commonplace these days.
Though the IGF Nuovo award is already honoring several of these games, we felt compelled to highlight more exemplary short-form works that deserve a second look from the community.
Here are the top freeware experimental games of the year:
10. Loop Raccord (Nicolai Troshinsky) [Windows, freeware]
A 'video editing game' involving synchronizing video clips, Loop Raccord was specifically noted for being a work that "would NEVER have been made by a commercial studio."
The project also took on IGF's Nuovo Award challenge of "advancing the medium and the way we think about games" by dealing with aspects "more related to fine art than the gaming world."
9. Hazard: The Journey of Life (Alexander Bruce) [Windows, freeware]
Built on top of the Unreal engine but employing "abstract pseudo vector graphics", Hazard was said to be a textbook example of an IGF 'Nuovo' game for using all the "storming through corridors" conventions of the first person shooter to create a deeper examination of personal philosophy.
3. p0nd (The Peanut Gallery) [Flash, freeware]
p0nd is a one-button game that utilizes the space bar to make the protagonist breathe in and out. Holding space will cause all the fresh air to enter his lungs - then you let go to make him breathe out. It's meant to be a very 'zen' experience, relaxing your nerves etc. In fact, it suggests you try breathing in and out with the character.
Then you get to a pond, and well, it all gets a bit silly. We're not going to spoil it for you, but rest assured, you won't be expecting what happens next.
IndieGames.com's Top Experimental Games Of 2010
IndieGames.com editor Tim W. presents ten of the best freeware experimental games released in 2010, including IGF Nuovo nominated video-editing game Loop Raccord and video-edited game, Roulette.