Indie gaming is hard to keep track of these days. When I think back to my own experience, this time last year I had never really dabbled into the indie gaming scene, and after being thrown in at the deep end, I soon delved beneath the surface to find some truly outstanding games.
So I thought it would be great if I could share some of my favourite experiences for each platform.
Today we're taking a look at PC gaming, which is quite diverse when it comes to indie gaming.
So here's 10 essential PC titles you should check out today.
Super Meat Boy
It may have started out as an Xbox Live Arcade exclusive, but Super Meat Boy truly found its legs on the PC. Featuring the same intense platforming action, with the addition of a level editor and a platform to share your rage inducing creations with others, Super Meat Boy will fulfil your sadistic craving for a hardcore platformer.
Gravity Bone
Many will argue that Brendon Chung's Atom Zombie Smasher is a better choice for this list, but I feel that his short-story espionage tale Gravity Bone is a must play for indie gamers. A free title that will take approximately 15 minutes of your time has more style and a surprisingly broad narrative for a game running on the Quake II engine. Best of all, it's 100% free!
Minecraft
There is no doubting the influence that Minecraft has thrust onto the indie gaming scene. There is no objective, simply mine by day and survive at night as you discover resources, craft items and build an amazing world for you and your friends. Constantly evolving and forever adding something new, this title truly needs to be played to be understood. Well worth the price of admission.
To The Moon
You thought Heavy Rain was emotional? Wait until you play this top-down adventure game from Freebird Games. To The Moon tells the story of two doctors who use a futuristic device to travel through one's life memories, adjusting history to fulfil their dying wish. In this case the patient want to go to the moon, but his past reveals an emotional roller coaster full of trauma and regret. A truly moving video-game that is well worth your time.
Blocks That Matter
Puzzle games are dime a dozen on the PC, but Blocks That Matter is often overlooked for some reason. This fantastic indie game puts you in control of a tiny robot who can drill through blocks of matter, and then use them to build Tetris-based shapes to get through the area. A cute art-style and never taking itself seriously, this one will definitely suffice for those looking to challenge their minds.
Legend of Grimrock
Heralded as an excellent return to classic dungeon crawlers, Legend of Grimrock is making waves across several media publications. Featuring an in-depth party creation element, a number of puzzles and a fantastic amount of exploration, this hardcore indie title should suffice those with a craving for RPGs.
Trine 2
Physics based puzzles? Check. Gorgeous graphics with stunning environments? Check. Witty and memorable dialogue? Check. Co-op awesomeness? Hell yeah! Trine 2 follows the story of three characters as they move throughout some truly magical environments, and using some interesting combinations of magic, combat and stealth, it provides a fun and memorable experience.
Audiosurf
Audiosurf is a rhythm game with a difference. There are not plastic instruments, and no shoddy track listings, you simply play your own music and turn it into a game. It's one of those titles that is impossibly hard to explain, you simply have to check it out for yourself to truly understand it. If you love your music, then you should definitely check it out.
Gemini Rue
Adventure gamers will need to check this one out soon! Gemini Rue is an old-school point-and-click adventure game set in the future, that places the player on a number of different planets as they piece together a gripping tale. If you like Blade Runner, then you'll LOVE this game.
Terraria
Some people dismiss Terraria as a 2D version of Minecraft, but the subtle differences really change how the game is played. More focused on adventure and exploration, Terraria has hundreds of item to craft, collect and awesome caves to explore. There is still an active community online, and several MMGN members still play it from time to time.
By Stephen Heller - Bio