Yesterday we launched our first semi-final between Shattered Horizon and Torchlight, two very popular games of which amassed several hundred votes already. Pretty impressive, if I say so myself. There’s also been a bit of controversy around the two games seeing as how neither are true “indie” games.

We’ve already explained, numerous times, why Torchlight is still in this tournament (in so many words, the company announced they were bought AFTER the tournament had already begun). If you’re curious about Shattered Horizon, however, please read our own take on the difference between indie and independent games and why we cover both. Also remember, we did not choose these games for the tournament, they were nominated by you.

Anyway, now that we’ve gotten that out of the way, let’s continue on with today’s semi-finalist match up between two very indie games: Spelunky and Dwarf Fortress.

Up first we have Spelunky, the adorable Indiana Jones-esque platforming cave romp. This is an incredibly difficult game that features randomly generated levels to ensure that each game is thoroughly unique from the last time you played. Spelunky happens to also be one of those games that is both uniquely addictive and incredibly charming at the same time. Not too many games can make that claim.

Dwarf Fortress, on the other hand, is a game that is almost impossible to describe. One part roguelike, one part city simulator, all parts fun, Dwarf Fortress manages to do all this under the overly simplistic ACSII graphics system, something that, while may look crude to most, has a certain sort of charm to old school gamers from the past.

Only one will make it to the finals. Cast your vote now!

Check out the Semi-Finals bracket!

The other semi-final: