A Summer Playlist

Hey Offbeatles. Hope you're all having a great summer. Today we're going to be talking about video games. This post is primarily aimed at people who have merely dabbled in the rather daunting world of computer games, or those want to play something a little more thoughtful than the latest Call of Duty clone this summer. 

So without further ado.

Audiosurf

Audiosurf is a game about riding a neon spaceship along a racetrack generated by a song of your choice. It is about as amazing as it sounds. It is probably best described as guitar hero on acid, without the stupid plastic guitar. It can build a track using any mp3 file, so if you've ever hoped in vain that guitar hero included Soviet Funk as a genre, this is the game for you. 

The game can be picked up on Steam or on the official website, and there is even a free demo available. 

Who should play it: People who wish they had synaesthesia.
How to get it: Steam, Audiosurf website.

VVVVVV

VVVVVV is a game all about exploration, the sad feeling of isolation, and avoiding flying stop signs by walking on ceilings. It's a love letter to old platformers, and somehow manages to create a world that feels bigger than most big budget RPGs. The games real strength is in its fantastic soundtrack, an 8-bit homage to the golden age of 2D platforming (which can be found in its entirety here: Souleye – Pppppp)

This game is not for everyone, the art style is very archaic and the story is pretty bare bones, but for those who invest enough time in it, and can get over the sometimes frustrating puzzles and obstacles, I promise you, you won't regret it.

Who should play it: People who are constantly plagued by nostalgia.
How to get it: Steam.

Fez

Fez is a platformer about a boy who is given a magic hat by a cube shaped super being. Oh yes, and the hat allows you to perceive the mysterious 3rd dimension. It's hardly super original in its premise and mechanics, but you're unlikely to find a modern game that is more visually engrossing, and downright trippy. With the box-art designed by Bryan Lee O'Malley, and music by the ever amazing Disasterpeace, this is definitely worth picking up if you have an xbox to play it on.

Who should play it: Nerds who like geometry.
How to get it: XBLA.

The Binding of Isaac

What can I say about this game? Brought to you by the minds behind Super Meat Boy, The Binding of Isaac is a rogue-like, the same genre as Zelda, before it went 3D. In the opening scene of the game, Isaac's mother hears the voice of God, telling her to lock her son in the basement as punishment for his sins. Yep. The main gameplay mechanic is killing monsters in randomly generated dungeons using your tears. Death is permanent is this nightmarishly difficult, biblically inspired, dungeon crawler. A game of BOI can therefore take from 30 seconds to half an hour, and anywhere in between. If you are going to try one game on this list, it should be this one, I promise, you won't have experienced anything similar.

Who should play it: People who "enjoy dark humour".
How to get it: Steam.

Have a great summer you guys, see you on the other side. xx