So Indie You: Developer Profiles

Andrew Roberts, Cosmic Logic.

The indie gaming scene is here and growing like a CA brush fire, but it wouldn’t be what it is today without the dedication of programmers, designers and companies willing to release quality titles without the backing of major publishers. Here at IndieGameReviewer, we want to know what makes ‘em tick.

We had a chance to interview Andrew Roberts, CEO of Cosmic Logic, a new and talented team who are already making a name for themselves in the indie gaming community.

IndieGameReviewer: Andrew, can you tell us how Cosmic Logic came into being?

Andrew Roberts: Cosmic Logic officially became incorporated in April of 2008, however, was in conception for over 4 years before that point. In 2004, while still in college studying business, I had the idea that someone should start a video game company that was rooted in the 80’s. I thought it would be unique for a company to start making games as if it were 1983, and simply make a game as if it were to be launched on NES or Atari 2600. From that, the company would take that same game, and do a 16 bit sequel, followed by a 3D sequel, etc. The main point however, was to start small with a game that could be realistically put on the market with minimal development time, while at the same time building brand recognition by designing strong characters and planning sequels.

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In a world of multi-million dollar budgets in video games, independent video games are gaining ground.  And within that field holds some of the creative and inspiring games; one of which is Braid.  Braid is a puzzle/platformer, but so much more.

Gameplay is based on time manipulation, which is becoming fairly common within this generation of gaming; but Braid does it right.  It becomes part of the game rather than a simple gimmick.  Each stage has its own rules on how time can be controlled and what is affected by time; perhaps the most interesting of which is one that features a shadow of what you have done before you “rewinded” time.  It’s an odd feeling, trapping yourself and seeing your shadow image stare back at you, unable to get out.

The art and music is simply astounding.  Water-colored impressionistic art creates vibrant characters and backgrounds; while the music enrich the experience with a variety of music – going from tones of a music box to something you’d expect from Pirates of the Caribbean.  Perhaps the most impressive things of Braid is not what is seen, but what is felt.  Braid does one thing that multi-million dollar productions fail to even get a drop of: emotion.  If you can undo your mistakes and try to make everything right, would it really matter?  Even if you try to make everything right, does that erase the fact that you did it at all? Braid asks these questions without texts or direct implications towards it.  Without any question, that is the triumph of this game.

Braid
Official Site: http://braid-game.com/
Genre: Platformer
Platforms: PC, Xbox 360 Indie Games, Playstation 3 (Soon)…

Fortunately Steam has a short sale on Braid which normally goes for $14.99 but until this Sunday is only $5! Hurry and get it now before the deal ends.

Get Braid for $5 at Steam!

Crazy Machines for iPhone or iPod Touch is the latest in the franchise from German based developer Fakt Software.  The object is to use the provided items to make a contraption in the spirit of the old board game Mousetrap.  The player may be given items like a lighter, a candle, and a magnifying glass, and be expected to use all three items to light the fuse of a cannon, or to heat up a teapot, or activate a solar-powered electrical socket.   There is more than one way to solve each level, but time is limited. Bonus points are awarded if the level objective can be completed without using all of the parts.

Tools in the game include lasers, mirrors, brick blocks, steam engines, conveyor belts, various forms of electrical sockets, ropes, weights, pulleys, toasters, and fans.   The game also features a construction mode, which allows you to build your own puzzles to stump your friends with.  Mission objectives for each level are clearly defined, so the only part of the game that might slow you down is figuring out how to accomplish the objective with the tools you are given, but that’s the very point of the game. Get ready for several hours of iPhone gaming goodness.

The graphics are average when measured against other iPhone games (and especially as compared to Crazy Machines 2 for the PC), but the gameplay is highly engaging and will occupy your mind long after you put the game down.

Be creative, and have fun!

This game is also available for Nintendo DS and PC (visit the official German site for download links).

Crazy Machines (Official German Language Site)
Direct Link at iTunes Store (English description)

Genre: Platformer
Platform: iPhone or iPod Touch
Purchasable: $2.99 at iTunes Store

Have you played Crazy Machines?  Leave a comment and let us know what you think: