I’m not sure I’ve ever heard indie music, really. By the time those vibrations get to me, they’ve resonated through so many heads that someone in a suit must be making money from them.

Aether is an indie game. It’s free, it’s easily accessible and you have a real feeling of insight into the creators’ minds.

The story evolves around a boy with feelings of alienation. As he journeys across the universe (with the help of his pet monster), he discovers he isn’t alone in feeling alone.

Its amazingly presented, and a great experience to play.

But for me, it’s the gameplay mechanics that set it apart from the crowd. After a brief outline of the controls, it’s up to the player to determine how to overcome the game’s puzzles.

The controls are simple and intuitive – shoot out the monsters elasticised tongue to grab onto clouds and planets and slingshot yourself to the next platform.

It’s a prime example of ‘games as art’ and a great model of the game where the goal is to discover the goal.

Unfortunately it’s this nonlinear approach to puzzle solving that may hold it back. It’s solidly an ‘art game’, but you really need to think like a gamer to solve many of the puzzles.