Independent Video Games!!

One of the fun things about PAX is being introduced to new games. Not only the big-name blockbuster hits, but the small independent games. Indie games are often made on low budgets with small teams, and so to make it big, they really have to rely on the design of the underlying game play.

Most of these games can be played right on your browser, many of them for free. I came away from the convention with a list of games I was dying to play; I think I was the only one there making my list with an old-fashioned pen-and-paper (instead of a smart phone...). Here are my picks:

-Windosill: A lovely atmosperic point-and-click adventure. I really enjoyed playing this one. You can play through about half the game for free (which isn't very long), and for only 3$ you can get a code to play through the second half, which is just as interesting. The worlds you are in are totally crazy and completely interactive.

-Today I Die: This is a truly unique game. It's an interactive poem that you can play through entirely for free in your browser. Changing the words of the poem change the words of the poem changes the world you play in - trying to make a sad, depressing statement into a happy and uplifting one. A fun, quick little play.

-Machinarium: Machinarium is an amazing little point-and-click interactive about a adorable little robot on an adventure to find his girlfriend. The artwork is beautiful, and the puzzles are super cute. I only had the chance to play through the first 3 or 4 demo worlds, but I loved it. If it weren't for lack of time I would have played the whole thing.

-Elude: Elude is a very quick play game designed to emulate the difference between a happy mood, and a state of depression. The idea is there, and the game is cute, but I don't think it fully succeeds in dragging you into the emotions it sets out to capture. Nonetheless, it is interesting and innovative.

The rest of the games on this list, I have yet to play. I will post reviews when I do!

-Solace
-Devil's Tuning Fork
-Puzzle Bots
-AaaaaAAaaaAAAaaAAAAaAAAAA!!! - A Reckless Disregard for Gravity
-Boryokudan Rue
-Bastion
-Fowl Space
-Plane Weaver
-Small Worlds
-Avernum 6
-The Journey Down
-Desktop Dungeons

PAX!!!

For those who don’t know about PAX, PAX is 3 days of awesomeness put on by the creators of Penny Arcade twice annually (once in Seattle, once in Boston). It’s focus is on gaming and the community and culture surrounding it. There is an exhibition hall where new video games can be tested before they are released. There are panels on gaming topics (a discussion of the 25th anniversary of the release of the NES, how to raise children in a gaming family, etc.). There are panels just for the hell of it (The Wil Wheaton hour and live Dungeons and Dragons, to name a few). I have a whole list of games I was introduced to that I have to play...

There are screenings of films, there are concerts, there are gaming tournaments, including the Omegathon – the final round of which marks the end of the convention. The game for this round is a total surprise, even to the participants, until the last moment. This year it was the Claw – you know, that frustrating game where you put your quarters in and try to pick up stuffed animals? They played it versus, live, on stage, in front of 2500 people. It was EPIC!

One of my favourite things about going to PAX is the cosplay. I don’t usually go all out – mostly I just wear some form of interesting head gear. This year, I finally got another opportunity to wear my squid hat I made for Cthulhupalooza a couple of years back. This hat is a recreation of one I found at Estee's House of Fine Squid Hats. They weren't being sold at the time, so I made my own. Since then, he has made a shop of it, and I totally recommend it, though there doesn't appear to be anything on Etsy at the time. These hats are awesome, and I have had requests to make them from many a friend.


While at the convention, I ran into another girl with a squid hat that her friend had made, and I couldn’t resist a photo. So cute!

I didn't bring my good camera, and only got a handful of photos from PAX. Check them out on my Picasa Web Album here.



Another piece of headgear I wore (and sadly, forgot to get a picture of) was a knit wig I made using this pattern from Knitty.com. I had been dying to make a wig like this for ages, and finally got one finished while in Iqaluit in a deep red colour. The funny thing is that it’s almost the same cut as my actual hair, but way creepier in knit form. My boyfriend said that it reminded him of Lego hair…



Tons of people dress up for the convention (like the StarCraft characters below. Too cool!), and I really admire them. REALLY. Those outfits have to be so uncomfortable, and they are constantly getting stopped for photos. Some of them I’m sure are paid by the makers of the game, but most of them are just adoring fans who really REALLY like cosplay. I love the dedication!