VVVVVV
Platform: PC, Mac, Linux, Nintendo 3DS
Release date: 2010

This is such an awesome game. VVVVVV is a hardcore platformer with a really strange title (I'm not even sure how to say it!). This game features simple, 8-bit style graphics, an innovative reverse-gravity gameplay mechanic, a cute storyline, and an awesome chiptune soundtrack.

I picked this game up as part of the third Humble Indie Bundle a number of months ago, but the game was actually released in 2010. It's taken me a while to clear up some of my gaming backlog to get to this game, but it's popularity and great reviews are well deserved.

It is very hard, though. Keyboard-smashing, dog-kicking, teeth-gridingly hard. But, like most old-school platformers, it just makes successful platform jumps that much more sweet and rewarding.

VVVVVV is a Flash game that's been backported to C++, but you'd never know it. What's more: people on all computer platforms are able to play this game: PC, Mac, and Linux support comes out of the box. The game was also released on the Nintendo 3DS, but I haven't had a chance to try that version out.

If you like platformers the way they used to be, you can't do much better than VVVVVV.

Play the demo | Get the game ($5!) | Listen to the soundtrack

Earlier today I posted about Kickstarter and Desura helping indie game developers secure funding to produce excellent games that otherwise would not have the opportunity to be made.

Just recently, I learned that another big player the indie game crowdsourcing scene is 8-Bit Funding and I thought I should follow up with more information on the crowdsourcing subject.

8-Bit Funding focuses entirely on indie games, which puts them on my radar of 'sites to watch for awesome upcoming games.'

One of the standout features of 8-Bit Funding is the fact that they'll fund any gaming project, not just videogames.

From their blog:

We want your Board, RPG, and Card Game Projects Too!

One of the things that we really want to do with 8-Bit funding is broaden the appeal to include all things GAMES.  8-Bit has been a successful game funding sites for indie computer games, but can be more inclusive.  What about board games, card games, pen & paper RPGs?  These would all be perfect for 8-Bit funding (we do have categories for them after all)!  We’re not as familiar with the gaming enthusiasts who could create awesome board or card games, but if you have any ideas or are one yourself, please let us know.

Take a look through their catalog to see if there's anything you'd like to help to fund or, if you're an indie game developer, take a look at their FAQ to get started with crowdsourcing.

Since my exposure to 8-Bit Funding is so small, it's hard for me to have an opinion that's worth much on the service. But, I can say from what I've seen that it looks very promising and they appear to be doing great work for indie devs, gamers, and the scene in general. I'm definitely interested to see more in the coming weeks.

Looking for more companies that are doing similar work? Check out our Crowdsourcing page for comprehensive coverage of services that are helping indie developers get their games to market.