10 Baltimore-built video games worth keeping an eye on

There’s plenty of history in Baltimore’s gaming scene, with legends like Civilization creator Sid Meier often topping the conversation.
The Hunt Valley scene is still alive and well, with his Firaxis still kicking and ZeniMax going big with Elder Scrolls Online. A revived Big Huge Games scored a hit (and an exit) with DomiNations. Elsewhere, Mohawk Games released Offworld Trading Company and BitKid Games earned kudos for Chasm.
We stopped by Gamescape 2016 last weekend to talk to indie game devs and find out what’s coming next:

1. The Sentient

• Developer: Uncaged Studios

We know space is a mystery, but we don’t get to explore every day. This PC game puts the future of mankind in the player’s hands, bringing new research back to Earth and seeking out others to help. Plus, there are aliens. Right now, the Owings Mills-based developers are offering the game on Steam or via direct download.

2. Flutter Bombs

• Developer: Earthborn Interactive

Defend the grove. A past Baltimore Innovation Week demo favorite, this game lets you engage in butterfly combat. Versions were developed for iOS and Android, and it is set for Xbox One release in the fall.

3. Sunset Project

• Developer: KiteLion, btong.me

This pixel brawl game takes you back to the days of 8-Bit, with suspended rules of gravity for some extra aerial action. Formerly known as Eggnog, it’s currently available for mobile.

SUNSET PROJECT at gamescape 2016 pic.twitter.com/JsdMLKS3uE

— Eliot Carney-Seim (@EliotLeo) July 16, 2016

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4. Heroes Guard: The Journal

• Developer: Under Byte Studios

Solo developer Rick Kelly just released this adventure game last month for mobile. Through the lens of a warrior who has seen a few things, it allows you to create the journey within the journal. It’s complex, as each battle and decision made has an effect on the world within the game.

5. Survivor Town

• Developer: Pure Bang Games

The Highlandtown-based studio’s latest game is set in the zombie apocalypse. Players have to use ingenuity to gather supplies and defend the town. Of course, this also requires killing some zombies.

6. VRolleyball

• Developer: Seven Hills Games

The name makes you think of a beach and a net, but there are elements of baseball, pinball and pong in this VR game. Pairing Leap Motion with a VR headset, users volley to match the color of ball to the color of the wall. Greg Aring, who is one of the more active members of Baltimore’s growing VR community, described it as “room-scale.”

7. Mister Mart

• Developer: Studio 217

MICA grads Karen Chang and Cole Pritchard wanted to make use of the VR headset, but their game’s setting is starting in a familiar place. Using the Oculus Rift, Mister Mart puts players in the shoes of dealing with customers who don’t appreciate the service at a grocery store. Fortunately, in this version of reality you’re allowed to punch customers.

8. Circle Soiree

• Developer: Studio 217

This game shows the potential of tablets as a new sort of tabletop. The party game is available for 3-10 players, and requires players to keep hold of the circle for as long as possible. It reminds us of a certain game involving tangled limbs, just for fingers. It’s on iOS.

9. That Rock Paper Scissors Game

• Developer: Philosoplay

Like many effective games, Tony Powell created an experience that takes an old favorite and updates it for the next generation. Along with putting ro-sham-bo on a screen, this game adds death matches and zombies. When the affable Powell asks you to demo, it’s hard to resist.

"@BorisWillis: All these people waiting to play #thatrockpaperscissorsgame @Philosoplay https://t.co/KuvShA8o0D"

— Tony Powell (@Philosoplay) July 17, 2016

10. Dropzone

• Developer: Sparkypants

The first title from Station North-based Sparkypants Studios is a real-time strategy game that required its own engine to build. Set on a distant moon, players choose weapons and software for one-on-one battles. In development for more than a year and set to be distributed by Gameforge in the western hemisphere, the Station North-based studio has everyone primed for a release date.