Indie Game of the Year: WAR FOR EDADH

WAR FOR EDADH really impressed me- as did the spirit of its publisher, Warrior Elite. A tiny, family-run business operating out of the UK, Warrior Elite managed to show the majors what-for by turning out a nicely produced and very reasonably priced card-based combat game that also managed to avoid pretty much all of the fantasy gaming clichés. The game’s distinctive artwork supports an original game world that promises more battles (and adventures) in the future with low-cost expansions and new ways to play the game.

WAR FOR EDADH was also one of the few games I played in 2009 where I felt like I was playing something that felt fresh- it would be hard to look at any set or subset of mechanics in the game and claim that Warrior Elite cribbed their moves from another title. The system allows from some quite intricate and detailed battles, and I really liked that they put several different levels of play in the hands of the players so that effectively, the game is as complex or easy-to-play as the consumer sees fit. I’m very happy with their business model, and I’m very happy with their game- it’s definitely worth importing into the US, and you won’t find a better game in its class for under $30 put out by a major publisher.

Biggest Surprise of the Year: MYTHGARDIA

Who would have ever expected that Robert Harris had a semi-sequel to TALISMAN up his sleeve, let alone that he would release it in a limited edition in 2009? And who could have imagined that it would actually be really good? MYTHGARDIA was very good indeed, despite the terrible artwork and homemade production values. It’s easy to look at the game and scoff- I know I sure did- but the game turned out to be one of the more fun and heartfelt adventure games of the year. It sold out quickly and was reprinted, so interested parties should get while the gettin’s good. I do still think it’s outrageously priced, but fans of adventure games will find much to enjoy.