There are many indie games that end up falling under the radar, and I've always felt that to be a large injustice. So today, I just wanted to give a brief plug at another indie game that I personally thoroughly enjoyed.
A few weeks ago, I did a review of "Undertale," which is a 2D role-playing style game. This game, "Ib," is a completely different beast, though it's still in the same 2D style. You play as 9-year-old Ib, a girl who gets herself lost in an art gallery. Now, as I said, this is simply a short plug. To say too much would be to give away the game’s complexity and story without cause. But I will say a few things. First, the game is extremely artistic and poetic. It contains its fair share of symbolism and leaves you wondering what exactly certain objects meant. The game takes place in an art gallery, so there are paintings all along the walls, some more complex than others. The way the game is laid out is engaging, and fast-paced enough to keep you interested and with enough of a puzzle focus to draw you in. It ensnares you with its beautiful imagery and fascinating style.
The next thing I want to mention is the soundtrack. It's quite good for a free indie game, and helps up the moods of suspense and tranquility that the game provides. In fact, the soundtrack is one of the reasons I love this game so much.
Now, I will be fair in my short review. There is some content in this game that is disturbing. The game is technically of the horror genre, but it's not really a horror game, more of a mystery/puzzler that happens to take place in a potentially frightening environment. The game has no gore, but there's brief blood in certain places. All of the other disturbing content is either implied or non-violent. There is also one brief suggestive comment made in a book that one of the characters picks up. However, none of that detracts from the fantastic experience that is "Ib."
The game takes about two hours to play, give or take, and is best played in the dark either on your own with headphones or with a friend (I played it with my roommate). It's completely free, it's a standalone game and it's very much worth it. In a world where so many games of this genre are awful, "Ib" is a diamond in the rough. I enjoyed it more than many paid games I've played, and I think it's a game you should play if you have the opportunity. Throughout my time playing video games, few have attached themselves to me the way "Ib" has. Another fair warning–your choices impact what happens in the game. Remember that as you play. I hope you take advantage of this amazing, small, free experience, because it's something I don’t believe you will regret.
