Darwina is one of those weird rts games. I have not spent much time with it though. it takes place in a computer and your fighting a virus. Its not that conventional though for it genre and it is sort of weird.

Geez, it'd be a toss-up for me between Legend of Grimrock or Trine.

I've never been big on point-and-click adventure games, so Machinarium, Botanicula, and The Whispered World are out. And I haven't played Darwinia, but I can't say it looks to be something I'd easily get into either.

Between Trine and Grimrock, I guess it depends on what you're more interested in trying out: a platformer with 3 hot-swappable characters with different characteristics and helpful techniques, or a first-person dungeon crawler like Eye of the Beholder (but much prettier).

Trine, like I said, has you controlling one of 3 characters at any given time: a warrior with a shield to deflect attacks and push objects, a wizard that can create boxes/planks to help you maneuver or take out enemies, or a rogue with a grappling hook type of item to help you swing from place to place and a bow to shoot enemies from afar.

Unfortunately, I can't say much about Grimrock since it isn't released as of yet, but going from a review by TotalBiscuit (YouTube "WTF is: Legend of Grimrock" for his first impressions) it looks to be a very pretty dungeon-crawler in the style of EotB and the like. It has real-time fighting, decent inventory system, good character/enemy design, puzzles, etc.

If I had to choose, I'd pick Grimrock if only because I've had Trine for awhile now and Grimrock would be a new experience.

Well I don't like point and click games, so I'm not going to say anything about Machinarium, The Whispered World, or Botanicula. With the other three though
Darwinia: Tried it for a little bit and it didn't really catch me. Seemed rather boring and there are a lot of better RTS games out there to play. Don't suggest this one.
Trine: Good game. Story wasn't really great but wasn't bad either. Should keep you interested. A platformer with the ability to switch between three different characters with different styles at will is pretty nice.
Legend of Grimrock: Never played a FPP RPG, but it looks interesting. Based on what I've heard of it it sounds very atmospheric with a good deal of puzzles, though not that difficult of puzzles (based on someone who played the review copy, forgot who) that you get hung up for too long (he said 3 minutes was the longest).

I'd say either Trine or Legend of Grimrock, depending on which genre you prefer or feel like playing. Or, if money is a factor you could grab LoG while it is on prepurchase sale and pick up Trine some time later while it is on sale.

The only one that I've really spent any time playing is Machinarium which I got from one of the bundles.

I liked the art and atmosphere as well as the silent storytelling, but not so much the puzzles (well, some of them that can be hard to tell how to interact with them) and interface.

Personally I think it was worth buying/playing through it as part of the bundle, but $9.99 is a bit steep to pay buying it on its own since it's fairly short and isn't exactly in a genre with a lot of replay value.

Here's a hg101 article with more on the game (though skimming it it does have a few minor spoilers for puzzles if you object to that sort of thing):
http://hardcoregaming101.net/machinarium/machinarium.htm

I'm also a bit interested in some of the others, mostly Trine and Darwinia and might pick them up eventually.

Sorry I can't really be much help with this.

I have to concur with those who said Legend of Grimrock. While it hasn't been released yet, it is done in the style of many classic rpgs (ex. Eye of the Beholder). I've watched many videos and reviews on the game and it seems dark and atmospheric, innovative, and takes notes from those of similar style in the past without seeming like another generic carbon copy of said style. A second I'd say take a chance on Botanicula/Machinarium, and finally Trine.

Haven't played all of these but of the ones I played Id recommend Trine because:

1. Most beautiful graphics I have seen in indie.
2. Rotates been 3 distinct character to adapt to situation (kind of like lost vikings)
3. A few soundtracks there are my all time favorite.
4. Real time physics/gameplay is pretty cool.
5. Has rpg elements in a platform/puzzler.

Basically if your into platform you should give it a try.

I've only played machinarum and trine. And as much as I like adventure games (a lot), I'll have to say Trine. Machinarum felt kind of boring. Trine has the flashy graphics, the clever puzzles and the platforming action to keep you glued to your seat. It even has a nice retro vibe to it. The story isn't much but it makes up for it in gameplay.

You should really try Trine.

Art style and visuals are great plus it's always fun when a game leaves you alone and gives you all the tools to beat it + have a bit of fun at it's expense. Coop is also a blast with grief-ing and team play being very rewarding.

I would have liked to also suggest Legend of Grimrock but that game is not out yet. I'll bet that if you just wait a bit some indie bundle is gonna have it. Trine on the other hand is at a low price + it's known to be good.

I would probably go for Legend of Grimrock (actually pre-ordered it already).
Looking forward to an old style dungeon crawler with real-time action. From what I read, a dungeon creation kit is in the making, providing many new adventures and customization from the community. Looking forward to many hours of fun.

Trine and Machinarium are great games too. I'm sure you will not be dissatisfied with either.

Good luck choosing :)

I like Trine for two main reasons:

- The absolute beauty of the environment and visuals. I often stopped the character for a while just to admire the awesowe backgrounds and details.
- Like others said before me, it's the spiritual sucessor to 'The Lost Vikings' game. Just for this, it won a place in my heart.

Hi

I would recommend either "Trine" or "Machinarium".

> "Trine" if you prefer a great platformer with "The Lost Vikings" feeling.

> "Machinarium" if you prefer a great point & click adventure / logical game.

Either you choose, both of them have great graphics, music, sound effects and of course both are very fun to play.

Depends on what you're expecting.
If you're a person (like me) who aside the cool game also likes the "art" portion of it - get Machinarium or Botanicula. Both of the games are beautiful art-wise. I played though Michinarium and while a tad short it is a great adventure game. Botanicula isn't out yet, so can;t say much. But from the same makers I can expect a really good game.
Also if you like eye-candy, you should get Trine. Great platformer. Beautifully redered.

Though If you'd like to "try something else" I'd suggest Darwinia. Introversion makes some nice games, original...

I'd say Legend of Grimrock. Why? Well, from the list of games you've put there that is the one that I myself would choose to get. I've never played a dungeon crawler before so it would be nice to have a different type of game to play. Also, from the screenshots and videos that I've seen of it, it looks amazing.

OK, going to leave the contest open for one more hour. Any entries after that won't count.

Well, I would advise on Trine, since it's got this medival/fantasy charm, lots of puzzle elements, fun to play platforming sequences and... well, the narrator does a little bit of humor.

As for the other games... I was eventually planning on getting the point & click adventure game starring sadwick the sad clown, but i don't really know if listening to a clown complain all day would be a good idea.