'The Real Texas' marks July 4 with 25-cent offer

Let's celebrate Independance Day with a game about Texas, the only state to fly its flag above the stars and stripes. But wait -- is this the real Texas or a strange, dreamlike variant?

Let's celebrate Independance Day with a game about Texas, the only state to fly its flag above the stars and stripes. But wait -- is this the real Texas or a strange, dreamlike variant?

'The Real Texas' follows Sam, pitched as an ordinary Texas rancher, on vacation in England.

Once there, he finds himself transported into an alternate reality, that of the town of Strange, Texas, and its odd inhabitants: German-speaking wizards, mad mechanics, chicken cutlets, aliens and the estate tax.

Developer Calvin French of Kitty Lambda Games cites 'Ultima VI' and 'The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past' as strong influences.

It's got a bit of a blocky aesthetic -- even 'Minecraft'-esque to a degree -- and there's all that domestic looting that 'Skyrim' players have become accustomed to.

Offered by IndieGameStand until July 5, the pleasingly surreal adventure can be nabbed by site visitors for a mere $0.25.

In keeping with established bargain bundle tradition, those who pay $1 or more obtain download codes for Desura and GOG, two popular online game retailers (it's already a Steam Greenlight hopeful).

Beating the average payment, which has been floating at around $1.50, unlocks a bonus package.

It contains 'Paradise Perfect,' an episodic, experimental boat rescue game which is the latest from Calgary-based Calvin, as well as papercraft designs for 'The Real Texas' cast of characters and its OST.