I’m a wannabe game writer. Not to say I can’t, but I don’t even focus enough to actually finish a game besides CuteGod (which still needs work). I never really created anything slick or polished, that final step for making a “real” game instead of throwing something up. However, there are a lot of fantastic little games out there. Most of them are pretty cheap (under $20), give a lot of hours of fun, and don’t need the greatest of all hardware to even show the introduction. And, this weekend, there are a few specials going on that I enjoyed.

http://www.indiestrategygames.com/

This is three games plus expansions. The first, Gratuitous Space Battles (GSB) is this cute little game where you make your ships, set it up, and watch them blow each other up. Now, that might not excite a lot of people, but I love the creator bits of 4X games and this doesn’t require hundreds of hours of time to get working. Just set up the battles and go. And, it kind of makes me feel like Ender. There is also Solium Infernum and AI War in there. I haven’t gotten to them, but they look like a lot of fun. Basically, I bought the back to find something new and to buy GSB.

The entire pack is $50 but I think I’m going to get my money’s worth on it (under $1/hour). I believe the special ends Monday.

http://www.direct2drive.com/2/9236/product/Buy-Best-of-Indie-Bundle-Vol.-3-Download

This is a bigger game pack for only $30. It has all the winners and finalists of the Independent Game Festival.

• World of Goo: I already own this game and absolutely love it. The goos make such adorable sounds. Hrm, reminds me, I need to ask about the profanity pack I ordered.
• Puzzlegeddon
• Gish
• The Maw
• Braid: Played this for an answer. It has some really neat puzzles, a bit on the hard part for me, but the “rewind time” is great for undoing mistakes.
• Cogs
• Aaaaa!
• Osmos
• Machinarium: This is a click puzzle adventure but it looks absolutely gorgeous.
• Crayon Physics Deluxe: I already reviewed this game, it is still great.

I like supporting indie game writers. Much like I support people who show up at GenCon to sell their books. Yes, most of them are POD or not through the classical distribution channels, but it doesn’t mean they poured less of their heart into it. Yeah, they might not be as fancy or smooth as the $60 game, but I think they can be just as much fun. Plus, for me, it is the fact I’m supporting someone who writes in their spare time, after doing their full-time jobs in hope that they’ll make it big. Because… I hope to be that person in my own time.