Glyph vs Risk of Rain
Glyph
Glyph is a marble-based platformer designed to specifically delight speedrunners. The game puts you into the little legs of a scarab as it rolls across various increasingly challenging obstacle courses, collecting keys, coins, and artifacts along the way. As you unlock new sections of the ancient temple and complete more levels, you’ll eventually reveal the story behind the desert world you find yourself in, and why the sand is like lava (will kill you when touched) here.Glyph is one of those indie games that will definitely surprise you. The controls feel smooth and responsive, a crucial factor in platformers that sometimes require precision jumping, and the level designs are flat-out fantastic. Personally, I’ve had some absolute joy, and frustration, playing this game so far, and similar to Distance, I’m sure that the sense of accomplishment at the very end, once I’ve managed to complete every level, will be truly unbeatable.
Risk of Rain
Risk of Rain is a rogue-like, action platformer that is difficult enough to be challenging and is punishing (perma-death). You can choose to face the constantly spawning enemies alone - well, not exactly since you'll have your drone - or cooperatively with up to 3 other friends in hopes of collecting all the tools you need to find the teleporter machine and to finally, head back home. The enemies you fight are randomly generated by combining traits and abilities from a fixed yet extensive list as well, making the game a lot more unpredictable and hence, enjoyable.In addition to the 12 unique characters that you can unlock and a plethora of powerups to use, the game is also set on a mysterious planet with diverse biomes, ranging from dark forests to the frozen tundra. There is even an engrossing storyline which you can slowly piece together by collecting items and monster logs in your adventures.
Risk of Rain is definitely a fun and challenging platform game to play alone, but it particularly shines when you play it with friends. Time just seems to fly by in co-op mode and of course, let's not forget about the hilarious moments when one of you messed up (intentionally or otherwise).