Top 5 Indie Games That Inspired Us

Author

David Soto
November 19, 2024

When we at Old World Games Studio came together to start this journey, we talked for hours about what kind of game we wanted to create. We went from wanting to make a 3D with all the bells and whistles to ultimately deciding on going the 2D route. Why? Because of its nostalgia and design. In the realm of indie game development, there’s been a resurgence of interest in classic 2D games. More and more gamers of all ages are playing 2D games. It is fun to see all the excitement around it like we once did as kids.

We picked the top 5 indie games we drew inspiration from, games such as Alterium Shift are crafted with a love for nostalgic mechanics and storytelling, paying homage to iconic predecessors like Chrono Trigger, Threads of Time, I Am Setsuna, and Sea of Stars. We want to pay tribute to these games and create our own mark in the gaming world.

1. Nostalgic Aesthetic and 2D Pixel Art Style

One of the most striking elements of classic games like Chrono Trigger is their 2D-pixel art style, a visual approach that, despite technical limitations of the time, captivated players with vibrant, expressive characters and worlds. Indie developers often emulate this style because it carries a timeless charm, evoking memories of a simpler era in gaming. Not only does this aesthetic appeal to older gamers who grew up with these titles, but it also introduces younger audiences to the visual allure of pixel art. This is why we love the 2D style.

Credit - Chrono Trigger

Alterium Shift, like Sea of Stars and Threads of Time, demonstrates how much can be achieved within the 2D-pixel framework. By combining contemporary animation techniques with pixel art, Alterium Shift uses dynamic lighting, particle effects, and smooth character movements to breathe life into its world, bridging the gap between retro and modern visuals. For indie devs, the appeal of pixel art goes beyond aesthetics—it’s an accessible, cost-effective approach that allows small teams to focus on storytelling and gameplay without needing the high-budget resources of AAA titles.

2. Deeply Engaging Storytelling and Emotional Resonance

A major reason these classic JRPGs resonate so strongly is their commitment to rich storytelling. Titles like Chrono Trigger and I Am Setsuna are remembered not just for their mechanics but for the emotional weight they carry. Chrono Trigger introduced players to time-traveling adventures that explored themes of fate, sacrifice, and friendship, creating a narrative that is as compelling today as it was in 1995. I Am Setsuna continued this legacy by presenting a melancholic story, focused on sacrifice and duty, which resonated deeply with players.

Credit - I Am Setsuna

Alterium Shift carries forward this narrative depth by creating complex characters with unique backstories and a world with its own intricate lore. The game’s story-driven approach mirrors what made Chrono Trigger, and I Am Setsuna successful, focusing on characters’ inner struggles, relationships, and a narrative that immerses players. By incorporating these elements, we as indie devs hope to evoke strong emotional responses, transforming gameplay into a meaningful experience rather than just a series of quests or battles.

3. Turn-Based Combat: Strategic and Thoughtful

Combat mechanics are often central to JRPGs and turn-based systems have proven enduringly popular due to their strategic depth. Games like Chrono Trigger pioneered innovative battle systems with a unique Active Time Battle (ATB) feature, which combined real-time and turn-based combat elements, allowing players to feel a sense of urgency while still planning their moves. Sea of Stars and Alterium Shift build on this legacy, enhancing turn-based combat with modern twists.

Credit - Alterium Shift

For indie developers, turn-based systems allow for intricate gameplay without requiring the intense graphics or real-time demands of action-based combat. Alterium Shift takes inspiration from these systems by introducing unique character abilities, combo attacks, and environmental factors, creating a dynamic combat experience that feels fresh yet familiar. Indie developers gravitate toward turn-based combat not only because of its nostalgic appeal but also because it emphasizes strategy and decision-making, letting players savor each move rather than simply relying on reflexes. However, for our game we are not sure yet if we want to do a turn based battle system or have an active battle system like Zelda for the NES.

4. Timeless Themes of Exploration and Adventure

Classic JRPGs are often about more than just defeating monsters and leveling up; they capture a spirit of exploration and adventure that immerses players in a journey of discovery. Threads of Time, Chrono Trigger, and Sea of Stars all encourage players to traverse fantastical worlds, each with its unique lore, secrets, and challenges. The feeling of venturing into the unknown, solving mysteries, and uncovering hidden areas adds a layer of excitement that transcends graphics and gameplay mechanics. Old World Games Studio wants to create a fun and exciting game that has layers of mysterious and exploration coupled with tough areas and challenges.

Credit - Threads of Time,

Alterium Shift embraces this spirit of exploration, allowing players to traverse diverse environments, from lush forests to ancient ruins. Like Chrono Trigger, which was renowned for its interconnected time-travel worlds, Alterium Shift also presents a world that feels alive and interconnected, where choices and exploration shape the player’s journey. We recognize that the sense of wonder and discovery that these classic games evoke is one of their most endearing qualities, and they strive to recreate it within the bounds of their own creative worlds.

5. Memorable Soundtracks That Enhance the Atmosphere

Music is an often overlooked but integral part of what makes classic JRPGs so memorable. Chrono Trigger’s soundtrack, composed by Yasunori Mitsuda, is a masterclass in creating mood and atmosphere, from the epic theme of “Frog’s Theme” to the hauntingly beautiful “Corridors of Time.” I Am Setsuna adopted a minimalist piano score that perfectly complemented its somber tone, while Sea of Stars features music that pays homage to its retro inspirations. We hope to create such music for our game that players notice and love.

Credit - Sea of Stars

For us, creating a captivating soundtrack is just as crucial as crafting engaging visuals or gameplay mechanics. Alterium Shift continues this tradition by incorporating a soundtrack that complements its emotional beats and enhances the world’s atmosphere. Indie games often lack the budget for full orchestras, but they make up for it with creativity, using synthesized sounds and melodies that draw players into their worlds. Music has the power to evoke nostalgia, amplify emotions, and create a lasting impression, making it a vital component for indie developers aiming to channel the spirit of classic JRPGs.

Character-driven gameplay and Player Choices

One of the defining features of JRPGs like Chrono Trigger is their emphasis on characters and the relationships between them. Chrono Trigger presented a cast of distinct characters with their own motivations, personalities, and story arcs, and it allowed players to influence the story’s outcome through their choices. Alterium Shift, I Am Setsuna and Threads of Time similarly center their stories on character dynamics, making players feel personally invested in the fates of the characters they control.

Alterium Shift builds on this legacy by offering branching story paths and allowing players to make choices that shape the narrative. For indie developers, this focus on character-driven gameplay is a powerful tool to draw players in. By giving players control over the story, indie devs create a sense of agency that keeps players engaged and invested in the world. Unlike mainstream RPGs that may focus on grandiose plots, indie titles often shine through their personal, intimate character interactions.

Pushing Boundaries Within Retro-Inspired Constraints

Classic JRPGs were known for pushing technological boundaries within the constraints of their hardware, creating unforgettable experiences with limited resources. Today’s indie developers face similar challenges, working with smaller budgets and teams than AAA studios. However, they use these constraints as opportunities to innovate, drawing inspiration from the ways Chrono Trigger, Threads of Time, and other classics maximize the tools available to them.

For Alterium Shift and similar games, constraints often lead to creative design choices, such as focusing on strong pixel art, minimalistic UI, and streamlined mechanics. These decisions don’t detract from the game; rather, they enhance it, creating a pure, immersive experience. We draw inspiration from classic titles not only in terms of aesthetics and narrative but also in the philosophy of working within limitations to create something memorable and unique.

Conclusion

The enduring influence of games like Chrono Trigger, Threads of Time, I Am Setsuna, and Sea of Stars speaks to the lasting appeal of classic 2D JRPGs and their ability to captivate players through story, aesthetics, and engaging mechanics. Alterium Shift and other indie titles proudly carry the torch of this legacy, paying homage to these games while also innovating within the genre. For us at Old World Games Studio, the goal is not merely to imitate but to reinterpret these timeless elements to create fresh experiences that honor the past while embracing the future.

As the indie gaming scene continues to flourish, it’s clear that the impact of these classic JRPGs will remain a guiding light for new generations of developers. The beauty of this legacy is that it invites players old and new to embark on adventures that resonate on a personal level, connecting them to a shared history of gaming and storytelling. We love this and want to create something gamers will love.

By channeling the heart of these iconic games, we want to ensure that the essence of classic JRPGs will never fade, allowing their spirit to live on in new stories, characters, and worlds for years to come. This is the mark Old World Games Studio wants to leave in the gaming community.

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