Indie Game: Fly Guy

Indie games have become a haven for many gamers, a place where flashy graphics and killer soundtracks don't need to be included for a bullet point on the back of a box and as such are more focused on things like gameplay and the overall experience of the game. Fly Guy is something I've had bookmarked for years, and after going back to it again I decided it would be fun to share this unique "game". It's really more of a brief interactive experience, really, than a game.

The point is simple; wander around and check stuff out. That's all there is. But the art, music, and things you can discover make for a very relaxing distraction. The art is hand-drawn pixel art, no color, very simple and clean. You start off controlling a guy in a business suit walking around by a by stop. You'll realize that there's not much to do on the ground just walking left and right. However with a tap on the up arrow the guy flies gently into the air with a graceful twirl. The skies are filled with lots of crazy things going on, and while most are harmless and funny, others will make you wind up back on the earth. But it's just a matter of pressing up again and you're on your way, there's no dying or life meter so you're free to investigate anything you want carefree. The music matches the ambiance of the game quite well, with a soothing little tune that mimics the guy's casual flight through the air.

I've always liked Fly Guy as an escapist type game and as a game that in a way reflects how we as gamers are. It doesn't matter what you do, or how old you are or anything like that, there's still a part of you inside that loves to live in imagination, that enjoys relaxing in the back of their mind and flying through the clouds. For as simple a game as Fly Guy is, I feel I as a player can truly connect to this little pixilated avatar. Give it a try here. Leave a comment telling me what you thought of it, I'm interested to know!