9.03m and the not-game

9.03m is a strange game. By which I mean, it's not a game - and good for it. I'll be looking over a few more not-games in the near future and tagging them for easy reference. But first, what is a not-game? Well... It's lacking something inherently game-ish. For me, this definition has mostly to do with mechanics. These not-games all have in common a lack of mechanics. They will never be fun in the same way that, say, Peggle or Mini Metro might be. They'll never have that "just another round" feel of Civ or Stone Soup. In short, the mechanics are sparse and not engaging by themselves. A not-game uses its sparse mechanics to bolster the experience of the game.

Observations, People

Her voice always quavers, like she lives on the edge of tears.

Mini Metro

Strangely enough, the best game I've played all year might just be an abstract puzzle game based on metro system organization. I've always had a fascination for metro maps; they're beautiful, abstract overlays ontop of the messy complications of a real city.

My favorite metro; Stockholm's. It's practically already a minimalist board game...

So... I'm sort of surprised that an idea for game-ifying this hadn't occurred to me. Or anyone, apparently. Which is why I find myself playing just another round of Mini Metro to get screenshots for this article. Yep. Just for the screenshots.

Boston & I

"NO
AND I MEAN!
NO PARKINg"

So you put hard quarters in a meter,
its top shaped like a nut,
and I am bolted awake
in a city where we have no electricity
and I am no Edison.