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9. Moon
Developer: Renegade Kid
Released: DS (2009)
The vast majority of indie titles on this list are digital ones, which is no coincidence; it isn’t cheap to make a cartridge, so digital is usually the only distribution option for smaller studios. Renegade Kid, however, managed to defy the odds and get its excellent freshman effort Dementium: The Ward (a first-person shooter/survival horror game) released as physical copies on DS, with the help of publisher Gamecock. While Dementium is a compelling experience in its own right, Renegade’s second title, Moon (also a first-person shooter), is the more polished game.
Avoiding a sophomore slump with ease, Renegade created with Moon a handheld title that was atmospheric, tense, and often chilling. While shooting was a big part of the game design, it wasn’t the primary focus, as Moon made a real show of getting into the player’s head. Discovering the secrets of the moon with Major Kane was equal parts thrilling, equal parts frightening. A technical showpiece for the hardware, it was also a markedly impressive feat on DS, and unlike almost anything else on the system. Moon is now being re-released as an enhanced, episodic title on the 3DS eShop under the name Moon Chronicles, so be sure to give it a download if you’ve yet to experience it!
Couldn’t agree more with number 2. It’s great! Just started playing Guacamelee! Great stuff :)