Some guy once said "may you live in interesting times".  We're not sure how we feel about this; not because it's a double edged sword kind of thing to say but because we imagine it was ironically uttered by a smug hipster type to some old guy who was just struggling to make sense of an ever changing world (who among us doesn't do that, really?).  We'd like to buy the old dude a beer and explain that technology is not going to ruin everything and the Hipster just secretly wants a hug and not to worry about him.  We would then follow this gesture up with a crotch punch sandwich for the Hipster.  Violence doesn't solve anything, but sometimes these things have to happen.  All of that said, these are interesting times for fans of indie CRPGs, for values of "interesting" that actually mean it non ironically.

Avadon: The Black Fortress from Spiderweb Software was just released on the Macintosh.  We expect the Windows beta to start soon.  This is a new series for Vogel, so we are pretty excited to see what he unveils.

Work progresses on a sequel to Knights of the Chalice, now titled Fantasy World Engine.  The title reflects the author's desire to make it a scenario driven game, and I believe plans include the release of editing tools for players to create such scenarios.  Also this time around there will be a more "full flavored" version of the D20 rules.  9 races (up from 3), 14 classes (up from 3), and more feats than you can shake a vorpal shovel at.  KotC was a fun title, and the sequel is one to watch.

Steady progress continues on Frayed Knights.  We're extra excited about this one because (1) the last hecatomb actually included 112 sactifices, giving us a little extra power and (2) this one is a first person party based game in the style of Wizardry or Might & Magic.  Something of a lost art these days.  Frayed Knights is looking to score high on the character quotient if the Preview chapter is any indication.  It's not often you get to field a party prone to bickering with each other.  Humor and Gaming seem like natural fits but the truth is you don't see genuine humor, or sarcasm, in games very much.  Here's hoping Frayed Knights is worthy blending of the two.

They're not Indy in one sense, but Runic games'  Torchlight II is something we are looking fortward too.  Travis got his start as a one man show when he released the much beloved Fate.  It's been a bumpy ride for him; a MMORPG/Diablo hybrid follow up called Mythos was swallowed up when Hellgate's failure caused Flagship Studios to fold (they were funding the project, you see).  Not to be deterred, Travis shifted fears and released Torchlight, a proper followup to Fate.  Torchlight II will be a more robust game, however, allowing Co-op play online.

Last 5 posts by Grandy

• Get to Know Your Authors: Arch-Nemesese Edition - October 4th, 2012
• Wednesday Night is Popehat's Semi-Annual Weekly Diablo 3 Night - May 23rd, 2012
• Friday Will Tug at your Imagination, One Square at a Time - April 15th, 2011
• Helherron Guide Now Online Too - March 16th, 2011
• Today in CRPGs - March 15th, 2011