No, plucky girls don't always die. It's all up to the creative decisions of the writer. Some stories might have a darker tone where they don't make it, but in many others, they overcome challenges and live on.
One key element is a unique concept. For example, like in 'The Martian' by Andy Weir, the idea of a man stranded on Mars was very fresh. Another is good marketing. Indie authors like Mark Dawson use social media effectively. And of course, quality writing. If the writing isn't good, readers won't come back.
Sure. Among Us is a great indie success story. InnerSloth, a small indie team, developed this game. It started as a relatively unknown game but then exploded in popularity. It had a simple concept of a social deduction game that was easy to pick up but had a lot of depth in terms of gameplay. Word - of - mouth and some popular streamers playing it led to a huge surge in downloads and it became a global hit among gamers.
Well, there's E.L. James. Her 'Fifty Shades of Grey' started as indie - published erotica. Despite the controversy, it became a global phenomenon. The huge success of the books led to movie adaptations. Also, Andy Weir self - published 'The Martian'. His scientific yet engaging story caught the attention of readers. It was later picked up by a major publisher and turned into a successful movie.
Limbo's story is about a boy's quest in a very strange and dangerous world. It's a side - scrolling game where the boy has to traverse through a series of levels filled with hazards. The overall feel of the story is one of isolation and danger. You can see that the boy is in a place that is not normal, perhaps a kind of afterlife or a parallel dimension. The developers used the concept of 'limbo' very well. It gives the impression that the boy is lost and trying to find his way out or find something important, which is his sister. Every new area he enters is filled with new threats, and the player has to use their wits to keep the boy alive.
Limbo's story is a dark and mysterious one. The boy in the game is constantly facing danger. He traverses through forests full of giant spiders, factories with complex machinery that can kill him instantly. There are no clear - cut dialogues or obvious plot explanations. However, through the boy's continuous struggle and progress, we can sense his determination. Maybe he's in this limbo - like world because of some kind of accident or curse, and his search for his sister is his only goal in this strange place.
One of the best is 'Undertale'. It has a unique story that offers multiple paths depending on your choices, whether you want to befriend or fight the monsters. The characters are charming and the overall narrative is filled with heart and humor.
Cave Story isn't necessarily the very first indie game. The concept of indie games has evolved over time, and it's hard to pinpoint exactly which one was the absolute first. But Cave Story made a significant impact in the indie game scene.
Well, one key is to have a clear central theme that ties all the elements together. Make sure the characters' goals and the plot developments are all related to that theme.