Sometimes I find myself interested in a new product or service because it skillfully tweaks an already existing item/format, or because I appreciate and respect the creators involved. Other times it’s because I can tell it represents a true passion, a genuine dedication to craft. And, of course, sometimes it’s simple curiosity — I don’t quite know how the parties responsible are going to pull off the project in question.
IndieBox, a new subscription service for gamers, somehow falls into all these categories.
Focused firmly on computer gaming, but with a platform-agnostic slant, it’s not your average monthly mystery box. The endeavor’s based out of Florida, and the team behind it, which includes my good friend John, are fierce fans of both entertainment technology and independent art. Plus, in an age where PC gaming is ruled by the strong right hand of Steam, I honestly had no idea how a limited run physical release of a digital product would shake out.
The answer? Amazingly well!
The first IndieBox — Rain Games’ Teslagrad — arrived earlier this week, and I was stunned by both the quality of this quirky electromagnetic platforming puzzler and that of the included collectables. A game soundtrack CD, a poster, a custom-designed piece of papercraft art, four really handsome pinbacks and one of IndieBox’s own logo stickers came packed in a smartly designed box — itself a keen collectable styled to look like a Sega Genesis release of old — alongside the game itself. And make no mistake, Teslagrad is truly the star of the show.
This highly stylized adventure features lush 2D visuals and a gorgeous soundtrack, which are ably complimented by its new physical release. The game (in Windows, Mac and Linux flavors) comes packaged in a faux cartridge that is in actuality a beautiful plastic flip-card containing a USB stick. Given the unique nature of the release, this cart alone is likely worth the price of admission — subscriptions start at $14.99 plus shipping — but IndieBox’s mission to “bring back the box” actually sees them offer more than the physical media releases of the bygone console gaming heyday.
If you’re at all interested in independent games, unique video game collectables or monthly mystery box services that offer something truly different, I urge you to give IndieBox a try.
Still skeptical? Take a closer look:
Review materials provided by: IndieBox
