Aurora (PC Indie Game) Free for a limited time

[lanux128]

came across this indie game which is free for a limited time (normally $5). not sure though when the promotion ends. Note that this game requires both .NET Framework 4 and XNA Framework 4.0.

A little bit of info about Aurora from the website:

Aurora is an abstract, essentialized, and simplified real-time strategy game.

You have only one type of unit to command and only one type of order to give those units. You and your opponents start the game with equal resources. Quick reflexes will get you nowhere. The only path to victory is through clever strategy.

Aurora features a slow, floating feel and gorgeous minimalistic graphics. The entire world pulses to the rhythm of ambient music, and the player’s actions evoke sounds that smoothly coalesce into melody.

This game is meant to provide a relaxing, cerebral experience. Every action has its reaction, and every option has its costs. Aurora is a game in which your choices matter.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r1ZpkFJ1GB4

Website: http://www.emcneill.com/aurora.html
Source: http://www.platformnation.com/2011/01/17/get-pc-indie-game-aurora-free-for-limited-time/

[p3lb0x]

While I enjoy the calming visuals and audio. I really dislike the "you have a circle spawning endless amounts of small dots" strategy games. They rarely offer much challenge beyond calculating just how soon you can send your dots to conquer another circle.

[Deozaan]

I personally don't find techno to be calming or relaxing. It's energizing.

From the description and the video it looks a lot like Galcon and/or Eufloria.

Still, for the current price, it's definitely worth checking out.

Thanks for the heads up.

[Deozaan]

I just looked at the FAQ:

What inspired the game?
      Aurora was inspired by games such as Eufloria and Galcon.

I guess I was right.

[Deozaan]

Well I just got around to playing it for the first time.

The game is too slow paced. I probably played for over an hour and only played 3 levels. The first two were really easy and the third suddenly became very difficult for me. It was a long, slow, agonizing defeat.

Every star produces the same number of dots per second, except some stars can be upgraded to produce more per second. So really it's mostly just a matter of having the most stars.

I think I prefer Eufloria and Galcon. Eufloria has nicer visuals and more strategy (not all "planets" produce the same thing). Galcon is faster paced and has more strategy (larger planets produce more ships, but might cost more ships to capture).

Aurora is a decent game, but not on par with the games that inspired it.