Dr. David’s Indie Roundup: Fez, Silent Enemy, Stealth Bastard Deluxe, and more

It’s a fun week to be a fan of indie games. Why? Well, for starters, we’ve got plenty of potentially awesome projects to be excited about. A few of them are out now while one is just waiting to be funded on Kickstarter. Oh, and if you’re a Mac or Linux user, there’s a little something for you, too. So now that I’ve been entirely vague about everything I’m going to discuss here, let’s talk indie games!

PSA: Fez is out now on PC

Fez

Polytron’s incredible puzzle-platformer Fez has finally arrived on the PC. After being available on Xbox Live Arcade, the brainchild of famed indie dev Phil Fish has made its way to multiple PC download platforms. Suffice it to say that if you have yet to play this game, you should do so now. The ways in which Fez challenges you to think differently and explore its world in a fashion you wouldn’t initially even consider is sheer brilliance. Simply put, this is a PC launch that deserves to be celebrated.

You can purchase Fez on Steam, GOG.com, and directly from Polytron for $9.99.

Papo & Yo on the PC is still great as heck and still depressing as hell

Papo & Yo

Papo & Yo is a pretty deep game, you guys. Developer Minority Media really tackles some tough issues and deals with alcoholism, child abuse, and the emotional harm that comes along with both in this breathtaking adventure through a magical fantasy world. The game originally launched on the PlayStation Network, but it is now available on Steam. If you’ve yet to check it out and don’t mind playing something that will likely get you ridiculously sad, give the PC version a go.

You can download Papo & Yo on Steam for $14.99. For an in-depth look at the game, check out our review.

Q.U.B.E.: Against the Clock drops next week

Q.U.B.E.: Against the Clock

If you’re a Q.U.B.E. fan looking for a reason to jump back into the first-person puzzler, you may want to keep a lookout for Q.U.B.E.: Against the Clock on Steam next week. The upcoming DLC adds 10 time trials stages to the game and challenges you to collect medals in order to unlock every level. It’s an old school design that’s undeniably punishing, but it ensures that you earn everything you get. So don’t be a pansy and try your hardest!

Receiver is an FPS with realistic gun mechanics

Receiver

A new FPS has hit Steam this week, and it’s quite the intriguing title. Receiver is a shooter unlike any other because it presents you with gun parts that act independently from each other. The result is a gun game where you need to put your weapon together and load it up in a realistic fashion as you investigate different levels in order to crack a conspiracy. It’s tense, no doubt, and if you’re up for the challenge, you should definitely check out this roguelike shooter that was created in seven days as part of an FPS development competition.

You can purchase Receiver for under $5 on Steam.

Rex Rocket takes its 8-bit inspiration to Kickstarter

Rex Rocket

A new 2D title has landed on Kickstarter, and it looks like a lot of fun. Rex Rocket follows the 8-bit exploits of a space-savvy war hero who returns to duty in order to stop a group of pesky bio-engineered baddies known as Terra-Oozlings. The game is influenced by classics such as Super Mario Bros., Mega Man, and Metroid, and it certainly shows. Rex Rocket blends cool-looking platforming and shooting action and wraps it all up in a colorful pixelated package.

You can help Rex Rocket developer Robert Maher by making a pledge on Kickstarter.

Silent Enemy from Minority Media is a game about bullying and empathy

Aside from releasing the moving Papo & Yo on Steam, Minority is also working on its next project, titled Silent Enemy. This game takes on the topic of bullying, and the studio is hoping to create an experience that helps players empathize with victims of bullying. The teaser above doesn't showcase the gameplay of Silent Enemy as much as it puts the spotlight on the game's message. Check it out!

Stealth Bastard Deluxe sneaks onto Mac and Linux

Stealth Bastard Deluxe

Curve Studios has announced the Mac and Linux releases of Stealth Bastard Deluxe. The game was previously only available on the PC, and it’s currently on its way to the PlayStation Network, but now even more folks can check it out. If you’re a Mac or Linux user and have yet to experience the frantic stealth-platforming action of Stealth Bastard Deluxe, don’t delay any further.

Stealth Bastard Deluxe is 50 percent off on Steam for a limited time. Play it!

Want to talk about indie games, Kirby, or cheap pizza? Follow me on Twitter @dr_davidsanchez.