Small Games
One of my favorite things to do is browse itch.io for games I like to refer to as "small games." They're indies, usually made by only one person, that I can play in under an hour. They're also usually free to play, but of course you can always donate to the developers if you want to support their work. Despite these games' short length, they tend to stick with me for a long time and are some of my favorite experiences.
For a while, I was keeping up with them on my Indie Game Quick Reviews page, but I've been lazy about updating it. I think instead of posting my thoughts on a single page, from now on I'll do periodic blog posts where I talk about some of the ones I've played recently. That's what this post is! So here are a few of my favorite small games that I've played so far this year.
Welcome to the Universe by Colton Olds
This is a text-based piece of interactive fiction that takes about a half-hour to click through to the end. There are choices to make, and they'll affect your ending, but not in any firmly consequential way. I do suggest you try to answer the questions honestly because it will make for a more meaningful and organic experience. This game was hilarious and kind of irreverent throughout, and then I got to the end and it gut-punched me. Goosebumps up and down my arms. It's a game about life. It's a game about who you are. It's extremely well-written. If you like interactive fiction, please give this a try!
Night Owls by Vine Moss Games
An unsettling horror story with a captivating art style. I love the fact that you can only see the protagonist's eyes and how expressive they are. The choice you make in the end is super stressful! But that's how it's supposed to be! As a huge horror fan, I loved this bite-sized creepy experience that plays with your perception.
Welcome Googoo by Dodododo
An adorable chill game with a lovely art style, where you write letters to invite friends to your party. You choose the words and stickers that you think will appeal to each villager, and then see who shows up at the end! Can you get them all to attend? Just a great little relaxing and creative game. A common feeling with these small games is, "I could go on doing this for much longer!" and that's true here, but I'm grateful for these little games that I can play in one short sitting.
Electric Fairyland by Olivia Haines and Andy Brophy
A bright and colorful game in the style of '90s 3D platformers like Banjo-Kazooie. You play as a girl named Stix who's transformed into a tiny fairy and has to navigate her newfound garden world. I absolutely love the art style of this game, and the platforming was a lot of fun! I did have to reload a save at one point because I got stuck in the environment, but aside from that it was a great way to spend a couple of hours on a rainy afternoon.
This game is also available on Steam!
Dangers in the Motor Vortex by Various
A charming 'Papers, Please' style game where you work in the DMV of a spaceport. You have an important choice to make by the end, but until then you'll interact with a colorful cast of sci-fi characters as you take care of things like ship inspections and license photos. I love these type of games where you do mundane tasks in an interesting setting, and the writing here is great. Had a lot of fun with this one!