Written by Sam Etchell (Guest Author)
This piece was originally published in Pugwash Magazine on 21/02/2022.
Illustrations by George Wilson, Head of Design
Many have considered this to be a poor decade for video games, with Covid restrictions and ongoing delays taking the forefront of gaming news. Looking back on the last few years, the absence of these blockbuster titles has left room for a plethora of independent developers to take centre stage. With this in mind, I have rounded up my favourite indie titles of the 2020s so far.
The Forgotten City
The Forgotten City is a narrative-driven time loop adventure set in ancient Rome, in which an unknown traveller uncovers conspiracies whilst working around ‘the golden rule’: that ‘the many shall suffer for the sins of the one’. This game presents a deep, dark story told by excellently written characters, who undoubtedly are the best part of the experience.
Each resident of ‘The Forgotten City’ carries their own motives, problems, and opinions of one another, offering tightly written and engaging conversations which draw you into the world. With captivating story-telling and in a truly unique setting, this game holds some of the best moments of any RPG.
It should be noted that The Forgotten City is not without its flaws. The facial animation is rather dire, and is at times hard to watch as characters’ faces contort in a manner believed biologically impossible. The luckily brief combat mechanics
are lacklustre and feel shamefully dated. Worst of all though, is that this little gem is akin to a tightly wrapped present, with the complete playthrough lasting a brief 10 hours at best. Issues aside, this game proved one of my favourite RPGs of recent years and is more than worth its £20 price tag.
Illustrations by George Wilson, Head of Design
Inscryption
There is a classical music technique known as variation, in which a composer explores a piece in many ways, altering its nature to form something new. Inscryption seems to follow a similar concept. This game is a truly unique deck-building rogue-like with a gritty body-horror aesthetic and spirited atmosphere.
This horror theme permeates into the core mechanics of the card game, in which animals duel and are sacrificed until one party emerges victorious. Success is achieved when a scale is outweighed by golden teeth. In between battles your wooden figurine hops along a parchment map, stopping to collect items, modify cards, and interact with characters. Your journey is narrated by ‘The Game Master’, an elusive figure who dons various masks to represent different individuals, seldom showing empathy.
Some of this game can almost be considered pleasant, with most of your deck comprising of characters who might also be seen in Disneyland. Birds and beasts of the forest are presented in gory grandeur, though act as comforting juxtaposition when drawn alongside a horrific amalgam, crudely hewn and spattered with blood.
Upon first glance, the four-space playing area where card battles occur is devilishly deceiving, and could easily be mistaken as an attempt to mimic Magic: The Gathering. However in hindsight, the deliberate limitations become clear; forcing your hand, punishing poor strategy, clogging your own channels. Play the wrong card and you will suffer. ‘The Game Master’ will never hesitate to mock your miscalculations.
Inscryption perfectly encompasses the fallacious assumption that you, as the player, are in control of your own fate. As the mystery unravels, the oppressive nature of the game becomes immeasurably more than one can endure.
Illustrations by George Wilson, Head of Design
Risk of Rain 2
Risk of Rain 2 is an action heavy rogue-like, in which your character crash lands on an unknown planet and fends off a menagerie of aliens and bosses in a desperate attempt to flee off-world. On the surface this game seems gentle and calm, with simple graphics, engaging environments, and an occasional foe to squash. However under this cloak of simplicity lies a sprawling hellscape for your character to arise from, wielding the power to topple gods.
The joy of this game stems from the items collected along a run. Each object is displayed directly upon the player themselves, so in a good run, your character is plastered head-to-toe in an assortment of additional body parts and children’s toys. Each of these items serves a purpose, and all can be stacked infinitely. Soon, your hundreds of projectiles can barrage the dozens of enemies on-screen, and once impossible bosses crumble under your might less than five seconds after spawning. But Risk of Rain 2 will also remind you how small you truly are, exclaiming “I shall smite thee down” as your character is one-shotted and flung to oblivion.
This may sound excessive, but the gameplay flows like a fine wine. Your character appears tiny against the vast landscapes of each level, however everything has been designed to scale up aggressively. Each character can be bullied by the simplest of enemies, but dances across the level with unparalleled precision and control. All of this establishes a beautifully refined package, with action perfectly paired to a masterful combination of foreboding electronica and progressive metal.
Overflowing with secrets, Easter eggs and near-infinite replay value, Risk of Rain 2 perfectly encapsulates the intoxicating feeling of dabbling in godhood.
Illustrations by George Wilson, Head of Design
About The Author: Sam Etchell (they/them)
Hi! I’m Sam, a Portsmouth university graduate often described as a walking, talking book of Star Wars lore and unsolicited opinions about society. I have a deep passion for cycling, nature, food, and learning, and enjoy spontaneous writing sessions. I find joy in educating myself in and writing about topics that are not within my field of expertise.
About The Illustrator: George Wilson (he/him)
Hi, I'm George. I am a third year Film Production student, aiming to do an MA in Illustration and I am the Head of Design for Spyglass. In my free time I enjoy video games, digital art and anime :)
(This piece was edited by Amber Turner-Brightman)
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