This is a blog entry on a particular game author that I find interesting. It contains my raw, biased opinion and should not be taken too seriously or personally.

After being out of the game development community and being constantly caught up in the whole app scene, I briefly forgot what it was I liked about game making and why I love it so much. In a time where the word "indie" is thrown around like a fashion statement it is easy to forget that it started out as a hobby for most of us. All of the best and most prolific game authors in this space put out a consistent volume of work, and in doing so a pattern can be seen as to how the mind of an author works.

If it is one author who is not afraid to show his mind it is Nik Sudan, who makes simplified 8-bit games that are full of random personality, which makes them lovable.

After playing a few of his games, it is easy to see what makes them so charming. They tend to have a simple 8-bit feel complete with chiptunes. Most of the games also seem to be made for game jams, explaining the simple approach. Special focus also seems to go to the use of effects which makes his otherwise simple games look more modern then they would have. It kinda reminds me of Messhof's games.

I played a few games and would like to voice my opinions on them:

1. Insane Joyriding on a Jet Powered Bathtub through Hyperspace

One word, confusing and awesome. Ok, 2 words. This game begins with no instructions and yet you are thrown to space. It reminds me of games I played back before the PS2 where you are expected to mess about with the controls to figure out what to do. It makes me feel like we are spoiled these days with all the tutorials.

2. Evil Robot of Doom Crushes Innocent Town due to Parliamentary Disagreement

Ok, What is up with this title? It sounds awesome (I play as a giant robot) and silly (And kill due to Parliamentary Disagreement). Then after a sweet cutscene, WHAT? This game is silly and sweet in a very weird way. It appeals to my inner child. Like the last one, no tutorial. So you will spend a few seconds saying WTF?

Finally:

3. Zebra hunt

The most sensible game so far, here you are dumped in the African Outback (if there is such a thing. It looks like the Australian Outback) and are tasked with surviving on zebra meat for as long as possible. Once again, no instruction, no warning. My run lasted 3 days and I died literally inches away from the last zebra I shot. 2 thumbs up!

Nick has reminded me of how to approach game maker development, in a simple, whimsical, and RANDOM fashion that is not afraid to pull punches. I will be watching him closely. He has potential. Messhof may have competition.