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As I now have a computer to play games on, I have been checking out some PC titles I have missed, including a whole slew of indie games, both new and old. This game, Osmos, has already received some positive buzz—winning awards at the Independent Games Festival and being selected for the PAX 10. But it still feels criminally overlooked.
The first thing you will notice is the interesting aesthetic. Both the music and art style contribute to a wonderful ambient and relaxing atmosphere. I’ve found myself sometimes taken by the graceful movement and airy, ambient music—forgetting to try for the objective but rather just enjoying the atmosphere. It is one of those games that encapsulates you and makes you forget how long you have been playing.
Osmos’ gameplay focuses on a single concept told at the beginning of the tutorial, Newton’s third law of motion: “For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.” As a “Mote” you can only expel parts of your mass and, following the third law of motion, it propels you in the opposite direction. This expelled mass floats around the level and be will absorbed into any other motes that are larger than it. These other motes come into play with the objective of each level, which is usually to become the largest mote. It requires a balance of expelling enough mass to move and absorb other motes while also conserving mass to grow in size.[gallery link="file"]
This idea is spread across three branches of levels each dealing with either gravity, intelligent motes or absorption of other motes. Each individual level introduces new elements or tweaks to existing elements, upping the challenge and keeping things fresh. Osmos is one of those rare games that can take a simplistic idea and continuously put it into interesting situations without ever feeling dry.
You can buy or try Osmos on Hemisphere Game’s website, Steam or Direct 2 Drive.
-Ben (school)
Comments
15 years, 3 months ago
Osmos, I freaking love that game, I played the demo not long ago and loved it its so relaxing, I'm tempted to buy it off steam soon, There are so many indie games I want though x]
Oh also if you haven't tried World of Goo or Blueberry Garden give them a go they both have demo's on steam I'm pretty sure. They're awesome games =]
15 years, 3 months ago
Congratulations school for becoming a blog contributor. And to Osmos, it's one incredible game. Played the demo of Steam, and i'm one satisfied customer.
15 years, 3 months ago
Awesome post School, looking forward to seeing what else you bring to the blog in the future!
15 years, 3 months ago
And oh yeah I forgot to add as well awesome post =] really good read!
15 years, 3 months ago
Congrats on your first blog post. Awesome post, also thanks for the game recommendation, I tried the demo and thought it twas' awesome. Thanks!
15 years, 3 months ago
good job school
15 years, 3 months ago
Wow. This game is incredibly neat, I found myself just wandering around a level or two in the demo just trying to grab all the mass and complete my mote. I really like games like this that sort of test your spatial intelligence and physicality skills.
Very awesome. Thanks, school! And congrats on being a blog contributor. :D
15 years, 3 months ago
Sadly, there are a whole slew of Indie games that go woefully overlooked. But luckily, with distribution systems like Steam picking up... Uhh... Steam... It makes acquisition of such titles that much easier.
Honestly, if you want innovation, seriously consider checking out Independent gaming. Just keep in mind that even though the graphics may not be the greatest... The better the graphics, the less room for freedom and creativity. (This is evident in mainstream gaming.)
One of the most prominent Indie gaming news sites is the Independent Gaming Source, run by none other than one of the developers of one of my all-time favorite Indie titles 'Aquaria': Derek Yu.
http://tigsource.com/
Just something to check out if you're interested.
15 years, 3 months ago
osmos, i've never heard of it i'll have to check it out. cool that you can post now.
15 years, 3 months ago
I played the demo a while back.
Didn't find it that great.
15 years, 3 months ago
Pretty much have the same feelings as Darknezz. Played through the demo, had fun while it lasted, but couldn't picture myself spending money on more of that.
15 years, 3 months ago
If this game were included in that steam indle package eariler it will lure me to buy it
15 years, 3 months ago
As much as I loved the aesthetic feel of Osmos money is a bit tight and I feel I've gotten a decent feel for the game already with the demo, so I'm more inclined to buy the Ben There, Dan That and Time Gentlemen, Please! double pack to get a new experience since those games have been getting really good reviews as well.
15 years, 3 months ago
Awesome post school. I hope you will continue to bring the news to us pc gamers.
15 years, 3 months ago
Sweet School, way to become a contributeur. Keep up the good work. And thank for making me notice this game. Even if Azn keep talking about it after he decided to buy it XD
15 years, 3 months ago
Awesome game, I'd play it if my computer didn't suck nasty stuff. And Congraturations (pun intended) for getting on the Blog. Good luck and looking forward to reading more about what games your into.