This week, we debut the first episode of “Edge Guard Seminars,” where we take a look at a broader theme, mechanic, or idea trending in the indie game space. For this episode, we talk about the current popularity of photography games, inspired by a number of recent games featured on previous episodes. We talk about the history of picture-taking as a mechanic, as well as the different ways that games make use of the photo mode. We conclude that Umurangi Generation is the first photo game to be about taking pictures while still remaining very much a game.

In this week’s episode, we talk about No Longer Home, a long-awaited narrative game about early-20s ennui, by Humble Grove. We talk about the game’s surreal narrative style and share why we found the climax so poignant. Also, we talk about the new “special episode” format we’ll be experimenting with - tune in next time to check it out!

Find the game here: https://store.steampowered.com/app/651490/No_Longer_Home/ 

And follow the creator on Twitter: @nolongerhome 

*Sorry for Jordan’s poor audio quality! It shouldn’t be a persistent problem, it is NOT part of the new format.

It’s that time of year again: the 4th annual Edgie Awards are here! Join us as we reminisce about the many wonderful games that we played in the past year, and grant totally sensible and not contrived awards to six of them. Awards are based on entirely objective criteria, such as whether or not they cause Jordan to scream like a tiny baby, and whether they shamelessly rip off assets from other media.

In this week’s episode, we play Alien Death Mob, an intense twin stick shooter with bullet hell elements. We talk about some of the clever interface and gameplay elements that this game uses to assist the player in navigating the many on-screen elements, and trade opinions on the best strategies for success. 

Find the game here: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1567490/Alien_Death_Mob/ 

And follow the creator on Twitter: @pugfuglygames

In this week’s episode, we talk about Ynglet, a platformer without platforms by Nifflas. It’s a fascinating game with a unique movement style that immediately captured our attention. We talk about why the game feels so good to play and we’re both impressed with how polished it is. Blake tries to determine whether or not the game takes place in Denmark.

Find the game here: https://triple-topping.itch.io/ynglet 

And follow the creator on Twitter: @Nifflas

In this week’s episode, we talk about Kristallijin, a short, surreal game about following a mysterious dancer through an abandoned warehouse lit by strobe lights. The game’s aggressive, disorienting style prompts a discussion about sensation, surrealism, vision, and epilepsy. We compliment the game’s discipline and try to make sense of how it achieves such a jarring, memorable experience. 

Find the game here: https://glbs.itch.io/kristallijn 

And follow the creator on Twitter: @gaelBourhis

We play around in the “digital playground” of “butterflowers,” a surreal game about tending a digital garden that changes as you upload images from your computer. We try (perhaps futilely?) to make sense of its bizarre dreamscape and speculate about how it works. Blake explains why the game’s sound has strong Requiem for a Dream vibes. 

Download the game here: https://funsworkings.itch.io/butterflowers

And follow the creators on Twitter: @funsworkings, @eastonself, @certain_lives

In this episode, we play “The Legend of Bear-Truck Trucker,” a game about a bear/trucker buying and selling goods in post apocalyptic Idaho. We talk about what gives this game its charm, as well as go on an extended tangent about southern Idaho. Blake tells us about running over a goat.

Find the game here: https://captaingames.itch.io/bear-truck-trucker

And follow the creator on Twitter: @manbearcar

In this week’s episode, we play the demo for Unbeatable: Arcade Mix, a rhythm game with fighting game elements. We talk about how this game does rhythm right, as well as what makes a good rhythm game in general. We inevitably wax nostalgic about the game industry fluke that was Guitar Hero.

Find the game here: https://dcellgames.itch.io/unbeatable-arcade-mix

And follow the creators on Twitter: @dcellgames

In this week’s episode, we explored No Sidewalks in the Mushroom Kingdom, a game about walking around Mario Kart’s Moonview Highway (using the actual assets from the original game!). We talk about how the game creates an eerie mood and share which of the game’s hidden messages were our favorites. Blake reveals that he discovered many more messages than Jordan. 

Find the game here: https://ergman.itch.io/no-sidewalks-in-the-mushroom-kingdom 

And follow the creator on Twitter: @johnlee_erg