hero-core posts

2010 was a stellar year for indie gaming. We didn't think that 2009 could be beat, but this year really brought out all the stops. From classical platformers like Super Meat Boy to disturbing adventure games like Amnesia: The Dark Descent, there was an aboslute flood of excellent indie games this year. From paid to free, players who wanted to try something a little different had a huge selection of titles to choose from in 2010. Here's our favorite picks from 2010 to roll in the new year! Click on the image to check out our gallery feature.

Welcome to Freeware Friday, a weekly column showcasing excellent games that you can play free of charge!

Games with a modular style to them always seem to draw players in like nothing else. Games like Super Metroid, Castlevania, or Shadow Complex. There's even a name for the genre: Metroidvania. Daniel Remar has made one of the best ones with Iji, but he's not leaving the genre quite yet. His first game was Hero, and he's made a new game that improves on it in every way. That game is Hero Core, and if you can stomach the retro-styled graphics, it's one incredibly good game. Hard, for sure, but great. It's also playable on just about any computer, and takes up almost no space at all, which makes it great for playing on the go. But we are getting ahead of ourselves.

Daniel Remar (of Iji fame) has released a sequel to one of his older games recently, and like his other games, it's freeware. Hero Core follows Flip hero as he faces off against his nemesis Cruiser Tetron for the last time. Along the way he blasts his way through a huge assortment of enemies and bosses, all in the name of ending the conflict for the absolute last time.

Those familiar with Metroid will be right at home with Hero Core. The game plays in a very non-linear fashion, and you can, in fact, fight the final boss from the very beginning. It's not very advisable, though, and there are plenty of ways to upgrade yourself. Once you finish the game, a bunch of extras unlock as well, adding greatly to the replayability. It's pretty difficult, though, so try not to get too flustered or frustrated!