Poll: "Ambient" games

[Doctor VonSexMachine]

I was wondering what is the general consensus on the trend in indie games to make something that I've seen described as "ambient". Eufloria, Osmos and Blueberry Garden are examples. I don't think we can argue that they allow the developer to really show us what they are made of in terms of art direction, music, and creativity with game play mechanics, but are they good?

Personally, I have mixed feelings. I found the music in Osmos to be repetitive to the point where it was frustrating. I found some of the levels to be great fun, especially the Ambient Impasse section, but others so frustrating and reliant on quick movement and thinking (even with the time slowed down) that it really ruined the whole chill vibe the game seems to promise. It got downright frantic.

It's the only one of the above mentioned that I've played myself. I've watched friends play the others, but I was hoping for a wider insight before I give the genre another chance. So, what do you think?

 

[Et3rnalLegend64]

Does Music Catch count as an ambient game? I enjoyed it. Now if only I could get the URL function to work.....


(That example probably doesn't count and I doubt I've played many games that do)

 

[NeutralDrow]

I'm...not sure I've played a game I would describe as "ambient." Plenty with certain features I'd describe as ambient, but full games?

Considering how much I like Hard Love Life, though, and how much I love just exploring game worlds, I suspect I would like those sorts of games. What titles are there, and what sort of systems are they for?

 

[Doctor VonSexMachine]

I'm...not sure I've played a game I would describe as "ambient." Plenty with certain features I'd describe as ambient, but full games?

Considering how much I like Hard Love Life, though, and how much I love just exploring game worlds, I suspect I would like those sorts of games. What titles are there, and what sort of systems are they for?

I probably should have mentioned that this was almost exclusive to the PC. I mentioned some titles in the OP, Eufloria, Osmos and Blueberry Garden.

Does Music Catch count as an ambient game? I enjoyed it. Now if only I could get the URL function to work.....

(That example probably doesn't count and I doubt I've played many games that do)

I probably wouldn't include that, it seems a bit too frantic to be part of the genre.
OT: The url function is {url}url here{/url} with the square brackets instead. I just googled the title, myself.

 

[Doctor VonSexMachine]

Ok, so I downloaded the Eufloria demo. I'd almost go as far as to call it infuriating. I guess it's not the genre for me!

I'd still like to hear from people who enjoy these games and what they find appealing about them.

ETA: It's a very pretty game, though.
ETA again: Ok, it's not that bad. I don't think I'd shell out the $20 for the full version, though.

 

[NeutralDrow]

I'm...not sure I've played a game I would describe as "ambient." Plenty with certain features I'd describe as ambient, but full games?

Considering how much I like Hard Love Life, though, and how much I love just exploring game worlds, I suspect I would like those sorts of games. What titles are there, and what sort of systems are they for?

I probably should have mentioned that this was almost exclusive to the PC. I mentioned some titles in the OP, Eufloria, Osmos and Blueberry Garden.

Huh. Actually, I think I've heard of Osmos before, but I'll look those other ones up (glad they're PC, means I can play them). The only title I could name myself might have been Endless Ocean...

 

[Doctor VonSexMachine]

I'm...not sure I've played a game I would describe as "ambient." Plenty with certain features I'd describe as ambient, but full games?

Considering how much I like Hard Love Life, though, and how much I love just exploring game worlds, I suspect I would like those sorts of games. What titles are there, and what sort of systems are they for?

I probably should have mentioned that this was almost exclusive to the PC. I mentioned some titles in the OP, Eufloria, Osmos and Blueberry Garden.

Huh. Actually, I think I've heard of Osmos before, but I'll look those other ones up (glad they're PC, means I can play them). The only title I could name myself might have been Endless Ocean...

You might want to check out the demos on steam, if this thread had piqued your curiosity. One great thing about indie games is that their demos are usually pretty generous.