The Ancients' Tome

by Pondwater

The Ancients' Tome is very unique and polished. Rather than exploring the game's world, you sort of explore the game itself.



You can download The Ancients' Tome at GMG. While you're at it, try Typogun, another excellent game by Pondwater.

Ball Fall by Brian Elting

Ball Fall is a small action puzzle game with nice simple graphics and good music. Once you learn what the different powerups do (press F1), it gets pretty addictive.



You can download Ball Fall at GMG.

BDS Puzzleworld

by RandomDragoon

BDS Puzzleworld isn't really much to look at, but I think it's an excellent puzzle game. As you go along, it sort of turns into an action game as well.



You can download BDS Puzzleworld here. RandomDragoon also has some other puzzle-type games that are worth trying, such as Omega Void.

Dark Caves by Hellbound

Dark Caves is inspired by an old Commodore 64 game of the same title that I haven't played. It reminds me of another C64 game called H.E.R.O. This is a simple well-crafted platform game.



There's also a sequel, which is more of the same. You can download both at GMG.

Destruere Pizzicato

by Rabidbolweevil

Destruere Pizzicato's source code was corrupted before Rabidbolweevil could finish it so the game is still a little rough, but I found it creative and amusing. Be sure to play it through to the end.



There is also a sequel, which introduces some new gameplay elements. You can download both at GMG.

FlapFlapFlap by Lackey

FlapFlapFlap is clean, straightforward, short, and actually a little tiring to play with its Joust-like controls. Also, I like it.



You can download FlapFlapFlap at GMG.

Johnny by Sparlatacus  

At first glance, it seems that the Johnny games have a lot of elements that could use improvement--possibly everything about them except for their strangeness. But I like them as they are.



You can download all ten (as of this writing) and stranger things at the "Paradise of Great Games" site.

I made a couple of Johnny fan games myself, which you can find on my Projects page.

Jumper by YoMamasMama  

A lot of people love the Jumper games, and a lot of people hate them (it's kind of strange, actually), but if you like simple but very challenging platform action games with ingenious level design, you might want to try Jumper and Jumper 2.



The second is a lot like the first, but better. You can download them both here.

LockOn by Jph Wacheski  

LockOn reminds me of Asteroids, Robotron 2084, and Bangai-o, but it's not a copy of any of these titles. This game captures what makes classic arcade games fun while still feeling distinctly modern.



You can download LockOn at Iteration Games. And while you're there, be sure try some of the other projects. High-quality work.

Macky & Pentell

by Baby Bonnie Hood  

Macky & Pentell is based on the shooter Twinkle Star Sprites. It is colorful, well designed, and a lot of fun to play.



You can download Macky & Pentell at GMG.

Mage Craft by Darthlupi  

Mage Craft is an action RPG with good original graphics and good mechanics. I found the game extremely difficult in the beginning, but it leveled out as I progressed. Mage Craft has depth and detail far beyond what is normally found in Game Maker games.



You can download Mage Craft at darthlupi.com. Try his other games, too, whether or not you like this one.

Medieval Clash by Karel Pool  

Medieval Clash is the English version of Tornimäe, a simple strategy game by an Estonian developer. It isn't especially difficult, but it's polished and a lot of fun.



You can download Medieval Clash here or at GMG.

Pool also has a very nice city-building game called Külavanem. That one's available only in Estonian, though.

Missile Wave 2 by Shawn64  

This game is pretty simple and actually kind of punishing, but it was one of the first Game Maker creations that I felt compelled to play more than once.



You can download Missile Wave 2 and lots of other games from Shawn64's Creations. Some of his other games are significantly more impressive than this one, but some are also quite violent.

SO by Morriperkele

Unfortunately, SO was not completed when its source code was lost. Fortunately, it is a complete game in its present state and one well worth playing.



You can download SO here.

Space Oddity by Gareth Tilt  

Space Oddity is an amusing Space Invaders / Galaga style game with a very nice War of the Worlds soundtrack and good graphics. Even if you think you are tired of this type of game, you might like it.



You can download Space Oddity at Bouncing Fox Productions. Some of the other games there are also worth trying.

Valence by Jph Wacheski  

Valence came a few years (and games) after LockOn. It was unique enough to confuse me a little at first, but that didn't last long and it quickly became a favorite of mine. From the sound design to the subtle graphical details, this is excellent work.



You can find Valence at Iteration Games. Really, every game on that site is worth your time.

Wally by Messhof  

Wally is a simple fun platform game with very good animation and mechanics. Wally 2: Land of the Wallows improves everything that makes the first game fun and adds a lot more.



You can download the Wally games at messhof.com or at GMG.

Messhof also has some more recent games that are pretty experimental and interesting.

Water Panic by Oliver Broad

Water Panic is bright, colorful, and fun. For me, it's just one of those independent games that have a lot of heart to them.



You can download Water Panic here.