If you think that 2D, top-down, pixel art role-playing games are dead, think again. Today’s indie designers are still creating stories reminiscent of our DOS and PlayStation childhoods. Don’t get us wrong, we love the new 3D RPGs as much as the next guy. But we still have a special place in our heart for old-school stuff, the kind you make with RPG Maker in your bedroom. Give these indie games some love.

Laxius Force
Developer: Aldorlea Games

Epic at its onset, Laxius Force has 17 playable characters and 100 quests - and it’s only one of three episodes! Unlike other RPGs that stick you in a village and make you do chores, the game starts immediately with two powerful characters and lots of combat. The controls are easy enough, but there’s no tutorial (they provide a help manual and an online forum instead). This game has the monsters, items, and party system you’ll expect from an RPG, but it also has an interesting story, hand-drawn character art, and a whole lot of love. The music even reminds you of Chrono Trigger. Join the fight against evil and play this RPG today.

Bipo: Mystery of the Red Panda
Developer: Red Panda Games

This game looks like an RPG but plays more like a puzzle adventure. Instead of combat and XP, you have mini-games and talking heads (literally - most of their cutscenes are animated and voiced, unusual for this format). While Bipo: Mystery of the Red Panda is not as polished as other games, what really got us was its innovative use of mini-games. For your first hour, you’ll get ice-skating puzzles, spy photo taking, and even a shoot-em-up - all just using your arrow keys! It’s quite brilliant, and it makes up for the sometimes weird story and level design. Like a typical adventure, it has a linear story, recurring characters, and a story full of mystery, magic, and romance. So be patient with it and appreciate innovation - we sure do.

Because RPGs and adventure games can get  real tricky, we’re adding tips and tricks to both games. Play and enjoy!

Laxius Force

• Search everywhere!
  This is one is timeless! Laxius Force is full of secrets. Literaly full of them. Be patient, get a close look at your surroundings and check things. This works.
• Save often
  You’ve heard this hint so many times. Then why don’t you do it? Bad things happen. Save often, and use all the slots. That can prevent many, many things - trust the experienced RPG player that is me.
• Look! You have an army!
  Make sure to use all your characters, ESPECIALLY when one dies and you can’t revive them.

Bipo: Mystery of the Red Panda

• Save often! Sometimes you’ll get a reminder to save, but sometimes you won’t.
• If you’re not sure what to do next, talk to people around town and don’t forget Kit!
• If you get stuck, visit the FAQ at redpandagames.com.