5 Indie Games for Design Inspiration

By Joshua on April 13 2009

As web designers, sometimes we get stuck in our own little world, rarely looking outside. And if we do look outside of web design, it's probably print or package design. But the interactive nature of websites, especially feature-rich "web 2.0″ sites, means that computer games can also be a great source of inspiration.

With that in mind, here are five indie games with designs that I find inspiring.

Aquaria

Systems: Windows/Mac
Price: $19.99/$30.00

Website: http://www.bit-blot.com/aquaria/

Aquaria is the story of Naija, a mermaid who has lost her memory and must explore the depths of the oceans to uncover what she has forgotten.

While the story is interesting and moves the game forward, the real strength of Aquaria lies in its environments and puzzles. The various seas are beautifully illustrated. Some parts teem with green and life, while others lie in darkness. The puzzles are well-crafted and make good use of Naija's song-related abilities.

As is appropriate for a game where much of the play is based on the notion of song, the music is very well-produced, and adds to the texture of the environments.

Aquaria Trailer HD from BitBlot on Vimeo.

Mightier

Systems: Windows
Price: Freeware

Website: http://www.ratloop.com/?games/mightier

Mightier has the most original gameplay mechanic I've seen. Puzzle solving doesn't just take place on-screen. It also takes place in the real world, as you craft a solution with pen and paper, then import it to the game with your webcam or scanner.

Mightier from Ratloop on Vimeo.

Crayon Physics

Systems: Windows (Mac & Linux ports are planned)
Price: $19.99

Website: http://www.crayonphysics.com/

Physics based puzzle games are quite common, but Crayon Physics adds in a bit of childlike wonder. Did you ever wish your crayon drawings could come to life? They can. Draw a wheel, and it will roll. Draw a giant hammer, and it will hit things. The goal of each level is to reach the star in the most creative way possible.

Crayon Physics Deluxe from Petri Purho on Vimeo.

World of Goo

Systems: Windows/Mac/Linux/Nintendo Wii
Price: $20

Website: http://worldofgoo.com/

World of Goo is another fun physics game. But the twist this time is that all of your creations have to be built out of living (and semi-intelligent) balls of goo. Span an abyss by building a goo bridge, reach a pipe by creating a goo tower. There's plenty of sticky fun to go around.

World of Goo Trailer 2 Director's Cut
by 2dboy

Braid

Systems: Windows/X-box 360
Price: $14.99

Website: http://braid-game.com/

Of all these games, I've found Braid to have the most depth in nuance. On the surface, it is just another Mario clone. But it adds a twist. You have the ability to rewind time, so you can never die. This shifts the emphasis of the game from reflexes to reflection. Things that would be completely impossible in an ordinary platform game become trivial, while intriguing time-based puzzles take their place.

The game is illustrated in a rich, painterly style, and the classical music provides a great cue for your rewinding abilities. (The music rewinds along with your past actions.)

But to really understand the game, you should watch the demo, and quite possibly the Jonathon Blow's presentation as well.

Braid trailer from David Hellman on Vimeo.

Your suggestions

Are there any games (Indie or otherwise) that inspire you with there design?