Showing posts with label Fantasy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Fantasy. Show all posts

Dec 13, 2015

Gemdance, Dance, Dance, Dance!!!


Review #95 – Free Video Game

Gemdance, Dance, Dance, Dance!!!

Gemdance is intelligent, simple and elegant. It really is what free games should aspire to be, at least mechanically speaking. Last week I talked about a game with a beautiful message and execution. Today, it's simple mechanics well implemented. So, let's begin.

In Gemdance you play as Galactea, a prisoner of Serpentarius, the king of the Zodiac. Tired of being just a clockwork dancer in his treasure trove, you escape, and learn that the Zodiac's power resides inside magical gems.

Gemdance is basically Arkanoid. You play as a paddle, and make Galatea bounce around the stage, breaking gems to get their power (points). But the beauty of the game comes from how much it does with such a simple premise.

Each of the twelve Zodiacs has it's own “tower”, a series of challenges tied together by specific rules, obstacles and themes. The towers share the “personalities” of the Zodiacs, and end in a creative (and difficult) boss battle with each of them.

I just can't praise enough how Gemdance uses it's simple rules and creative level names to create a wonderful and unique world, so you'll just have to play it.


- The Storeman


Disclaimer: I didn’t upload any of the content in the following link. I have downloaded and checked it as I always do. I have even executed it in my own computer and did not experience any kind of problems. But I can’t ensure that it is free of virus and/or malware that my anti-virus programs couldn’t find. That’s the author’s responsibility.

Aug 2, 2015

Sky Serpents, Wata!!!

Review #93 – Free Video Game

Sky Serpents, Wata!!!

In a similar space to Shadows of the Colossus, Sky Serpents is a game where the boss and the stage are one and the same.

In it, you play as a bratty viking-sky serpent hunter, trying to surpass his fathers achievements and kill more sky serpents than him. It's all sky serpent killing from there on.

The game does a good job of combining the size of your enemies with the tension of falling off from them to your death. You've got to jump, stab, and hold for dear life, all while avoiding the creatures “natural” defenses.

It's not a “complex” game, but it does use each and every aspect at it's disposal. So, a successful simple game that I'm proud to recommend.


- The Storeman


Disclaimer: I didn’t upload any of the content in the following link. I have downloaded and checked it as I always do. I have even executed it in my own computer and did not experience any kind of problems. But I can’t ensure that it is free of virus and/or malware that my anti-virus programs couldn’t find. That’s the author’s responsibility.

May 17, 2015

The Vendor, Seeing Everything from Another Perspective

Review #88 – Free Video Game

The Vendor, Seeing Everything from Another Perspective

Depending on your taste, you might leap filled with joy or groan at the next sentence, but please, keep reading after it: In The Vendor, you play as the Merchant NPC in an RPG adventure. Still here? Good.

And I really, really like the way the game characterizes working as a merchant. Your goal is to keep the adventuring party alive. How? Well, there are a few steps: you'll scout the location before they get there, find some resources, and combine them with things you find in the overworld or talking to NPCs. Then, you try to get the party to buy the best thing for the dungeon they are in (while turning a profit). If they survive, you can buy their loot when they exit, to exchange or transform into other items.

It's oddly absorbing and faithful to how merchants work on RPGs, while making you work for it and feel like an important part of the world. It's pretty clear that without you, the party would not get anything done. And only by being smart in your purchases and at finding information about rare items you can get the best results.

The game has more than one ending, and is short enough to have your choices have consequences but not be a chore to replay to get the extra endings. So... good luck! I wish you success in your commercial endeavor.


- The Storeman

Disclaimer: I didn’t upload any of the content in the following link. I have downloaded and checked it as I always do. I have even executed it in my own computer and did not experience any kind of problems. But I can’t ensure that it is free of virus and/or malware that my anti-virus programs couldn’t find. That’s the author’s responsibility.

May 3, 2015

Red Rogue, There Also some Black, White and Grey though

Review #86 - Free Video Game

Red Rogue, There Also some Black, White and Grey though

You know, these are pretty good games. Pixel Dungeon and Red Rogue both do something I think is pretty important. For, you see, approaching roguelikes can be intimidating. So it's nice to have good roguelike games that are less frightening no new players.

Red Rogue is a roguelike platformer. I know, it sound weird. You take control of a red haired rogue with no name. She and her skeleton minion venture into the Dungeon of Chaos to find the Amulet of Yendor for unspecified reasons. But there may be some clues...


The game does have a surreal quality. The dungeons is kinda out of “sync” with the world, and the walls are scribbled with the thoughts of it's inhabitants and the invaders. And, as the titles says, the only “color” you will be seeing is red.



As for gameplay, it's a standard roguelike. The only additions (though good ones) is the second dimension (you can drop unto enemies!), and the traps and secret doors. You can search for them with Z, but you get more exp if you find them without it. It's really clever.

So, yeah, another new and fun twist to the roguelike genre. Go try it out! Oh, and don't forget, you can equip items to the minion!


- The Storeman

Disclaimer: I didn’t upload any of the content in the following link. I have downloaded and checked it as I always do. I have even executed it in my own computer and did not experience any kind of problems. But I can’t ensure that it is free of virus and/or malware that my anti-virus programs couldn’t find. That’s the author’s responsibility.

External Download Link: http://www.redrogue.net/

Apr 19, 2015

Pixel Dungeon, In All It's Pixelated Glory!

Review #84 – Free Video Game

Pixel Dungeon, In All It's Pixelated Glory!

Roguelikes sort of have a barrier of entry: their graphical interface. Don't get me wrong, to me, they are part of the charm. But I've seen people turned off by them.

Luckily, now we have Pixel Dungeon, in all it's pixalated glory! With a more advanced and user friendly interface, Pixel Dungeon would make an excellent choice to approach the genre for the first time.

It's a really traditional game, with three character classes (Mage, Warrior, Rogue, and you can later unlock the Huntress) and a buttload of items to discover. It has randomized wands, potions, rings and seeds with magical effects. The later are weird at first, but you'll get used to them. And, as the best Roguelikes do, you can die of hunger. You are welcome.

Before signing off, I just wanted to say that I called Pixel
Dungeon “an excellent choice to approach the genre for the first time.” just because it's easier to understand than most Roguelikes. It is by no means the easier to actually play. It's tough, and the bosses are insane. Just... in a fun way, you know?


- The Storeman


Disclaimer: I didn’t upload any of the content in the following link. I have downloaded and checked it as I always do. I have even executed it in my own computer and did not experience any kind of problems. But I can’t ensure that it is free of virus and/or malware that my anti-virus programs couldn’t find. That’s the author’s responsibility.

External Download Link: http://pixeldungeon.watabou.ru/
[There are a Desktop and an App version of the game]

Apr 5, 2015

Meowgical Tower, A Game About Ducks!

Review #83 – Free Video Game

Meowgical Tower, A Game About Ducks!

That's a joke. I repeat, there are no ducks in this game. So, what is actually part of the game? A cat, of course!

You play as Catte, whom I assume is an adventurer. It's never made clear. But that doesn't matter. Hiding from the rain, Catte stumbles upon a tower, and that's where the adventure begins.

I have to say, this might be the most retro game I've yet reviewed. With a Zelda-like interface, you explore the tower and fight baddies. And here we find what I think is the best idea in the whole game.

You see, Catte doesn't have any weapons, so at first you don't “fight” so much as “run away”. Then, when you find the item that will open the next door, you can carry it and use it to attack. It's pretty clever, really.



Now, I do have a complaint about Meowgical Tower. It's not specifically against it, it's just something more and more games are doing. And it's kind of annoying. But play the game first and then read this week's Babble to find out. It's a pretty cool game that I'd hate to spoil with my criticism.

So check it out! See you this Tuesday!

- The Storeman


Disclaimer: I didn’t upload any of the content in the following link. I have downloaded and checked it as I always do. I have even executed it in my own computer and did not experience any kind of problems. But I can’t ensure that it is free of virus and/or malware that my anti-virus programs couldn’t find. That’s the author’s responsibility.

Mar 22, 2015

How Mosquito Became Human, …, Sorry, I've got Nothing for this One

Review #81 – Free Video Game

How Mosquito Became Human, …, sorry, I've got Nothing for this One

Ok, so, right off the bat, we have a game that grossly misunderstands how evolution, the food chain, and the anatomy of most animals works. It's good to get that out of the way now, so there are no surprises when the game asks your mosquito character to start eating some frogs.

Now, your motivation. You'll be taking control of a mosquito that wants to become a human. And you achieve that by murdering things. Yeah, I'm sorry, but there is nothing more to say about the plot, so let's go to gameplay.



At each stage of your “evolution”, you acquire different abilities and weaknesses, so each stage has it's own unique rules. It's pretty good, though kind of frustrating at times. So play it, but don't take it to heart. Your biology teacher would have a heart attack if she saw this thing.

- The Storeman

Disclaimer: I didn’t upload any of the content in the following link. I have downloaded and checked it as I always do. I have even executed it in my own computer and did not experience any kind of problems. But I can’t ensure that it is free of virus and/or malware that my anti-virus programs couldn’t find. That’s the author’s responsibility.

Mar 15, 2015

MonoDi, Three Games in One!

Review #80 – Free Video Game

MonoDi, Three Games in One!

Well, not really. I mean, the thing about MonoDi is that, by changing just a few simple rules, it works towards giving each of it's three sections a distinctive identity. So basically, it's three games in one. Oh, and also, there is a “bonus level” or mini game in between sections. So, yay! More content!

Now, what is MonoDi? It's a shooter platformer with puzzle elements, brought to us by the creator of DuoTasking. Much like there, you have to figure out HOW to beat the level, and THEN perform the necessary shooting and platforming. Part of the charm (and difficulty) of the game is that, in each level, your gun will only fire in one direction.

So, good challenges, a nice difficulty curve, and innovative combat makes MonoDi a must play. Good luck!

- The Storeman


Disclaimer: I didn’t upload any of the content in the following link. I have downloaded and checked it as I always do. I have even executed it in my own computer and did not experience any kind of problems. But I can’t ensure that it is free of virus and/or malware that my anti-virus programs couldn’t find. That’s the author’s responsibility.


Space is silent! How awesome is that?!

Mar 1, 2015

I See You

Review #78 – Free Video Game

I See You

Warning: This is an actual horror game. So tread carefully, I guess.

I'm not an expert in Horror Games, so maybe I haven't developed the natural immunity to horror tropes, but I See You was a terrifying experience. Unlike other horror games, it felt like you actually have a chance at avoiding the creatures, which made it more scary when you stumbled into one.

The game is really good, has a great atmosphere and easily draws you in. The design is simple, and the “game” starts to become a character by itself as you progress.

It's not particularly challenging or long, though. Still, that's good, as you'll never get stuck, unless you decide you can't take anymore and run away.

For better effect, dim the lights and play alone. Enjoy.

- The Storeman

Disclaimer: I didn’t upload any of the content in the following link. I have downloaded and checked it as I always do. I have even executed it in my own computer and did not experience any kind of problems. But I can’t ensure that it is free of virus and/or malware that my anti-virus programs couldn’t find. That’s the author’s responsibility.

Feb 15, 2015

Full Moon Rising, A Werewolf's Quest

Review #77 – Free Video Game

Full Moon Rising, A Werewolf's Quest

Warning: This game contains Mature Language and Sexual Themes. Nothing graphic, only dialog. User discretion advised.

As a Special Valentine treat, you get to play as Ernie in a very important quest: find the moonstone requested by his girlfriend. Why? Well, first, let's say, she want's him to trigger his transformation into a werewolf, and then read the warning above. I'm sure you'll get it.

It's a simple platformer, where graphics and mechanics help make an awesome comedic narrative instead of trying to make a difficult game.

The graphics are wonderful, and sell the lighthearted plot. While playing first as Ernie, who is weak, and only capable of jumping and running away from enemies, and then playing as Werewolf-Ernie, which is capable of defending itself, really sells the difference between them.

Think of it as a “The Hangover” video game. It's fun, you'll laugh, but it's not exactly a mental challenge.

- The Storeman

Disclaimer: I didn’t upload any of the content in the following link. I have downloaded and checked it as I always do. I have even executed it in my own computer and did not experience any kind of problems. But I can’t ensure that it is free of virus and/or malware that my anti-virus programs couldn’t find. That’s the author’s responsibility.

Feb 8, 2015

Will Save Gold for Gold, wouldn't we all?

Review #76 – Free Webcomic

Will Save Gold for Gold, wouldn't we all?

Please, read beyond this first paragraph. It will seem dull, but do it. Will Save World for Gold is a pixel art webcomic about a party of dysfunctional adventurers in a D&D 4 world. When you start reading, it's kind of formulaic.

Nevertheless, you should not stop. That's the thing. This webcomic uses that setup just to frame the story. As you start reading, you'll meet the real characters, breaking away from the archetypes that spawned them.

Unlike other stories, it doesn't have a clearly defined end goal. Instead, things happen and start to pile up. There is tension building in the background. There's meaningful character interaction. And it's beautifully drawn, I should add.

I'll say it again. Will Save World for Gold uses tropes right. It first gives you the mindset you need to find your way into it's world, and then starts developing itself. A worthy read for anyone.

- The Storeman

Disclaimer: I didn’t upload any of the content in the following link. I have downloaded and checked it as I always do. I have even executed it in my own computer and did not experience any kind of problems. But I can’t ensure that it is free of virus and/or malware that my anti-virus programs couldn’t find. That’s the author’s responsibility.

Read Online: http://willsaveworldforgold.com/ (Current Comic)

Or start from the beginning: http://willsaveworldforgold.com/?p=18

Jan 25, 2015

FiNCK, Fire Nuclear Crocodile Killer

Review #74 – Free Video Game

FiNCK, Fire Nuclear Crocodile Killer

Yeah, the title doesn't make any sense, so don't worry too much about it.

FiNCK is a platformer in the same style as Lyle in Cube Sector and Alex'sAdventure, and one of the best I've seen, I might add. Why? Because it's so darn simple.

After a short tutorial, you familiarize yourself with all the commands: moving, jumping, and using boxes. Listo. After that, the game consists in figuring out a complex and labyrinthine world, and interacting with a few special “boxes” that can have unique properties or affect your character.


I say “boxes”, but some of them are bombs, or birds, or weird jumping things. So why do I call them boxes? Well, because the rules are the same for everything. You can pick it up, and you can throw it.

That's what I mean by “simple”. Very simple rules, very simple controls. But the game itself is pretty long and full of different entities and objects. Your task is to figure out how to use them.

Oh, and before I go, I must add: try to get all the coins!


- The Storeman


Disclaimer: I didn’t upload any of the content in the following link. I have downloaded and checked it as I always do. I have even executed it in my own computer and did not experience any kind of problems. But I can’t ensure that it is free of virus and/or malware that my anti-virus programs couldn’t find. That’s the author’s responsibility.

External Download Link: http://nifflas.ni2.se/?page=FiNCK

Jan 11, 2015

Glum Buster, Let's Bust Some Glum!

Review # 72 – Free Video Game

Glum Buster, Let's Bust Some Glum!

Let's say this and then take on each part by itself: Glum Buster is an artistic shooter puzzle game. And it sometimes has platformer segments. Ok, now, part by part:

In Glum Buster, you take control of a silent protagonist in a dream-like world, fighting against creatures of darkness. I call it a “shooter” because you use the keyboard to move your character around, while using your mouse to shoot at enemies. Some require a bit of speed and coordination, but the main obstacle when trying to kill them is figuring them out.

That's the “puzzle” part. On each screen, you must eliminate all enemies to advance. And while very few are pretty straightforward, most of them take a little study. You have to interact and discover how to defeat them. Those are pretty cool, I might add.

Now, about the “platformer” aspect. After some screens of fighting darkness, your character will lose it's ability to fly around, so the last part of each level is a platformer section, with puzzle elements, obviously. Still, don't worry. You keep your control scheme, so it's not like you have to learn to play them. It's still keyboard to move, and mouse to shoot.

And lastly, I have to call it “artistic” because the graphics play a big role in the experience. The ethereal quality of the design while you fly around shooting spheres of light to darkness entities makes it seem like a dream, or like the internal struggle of a person (which I find most likely to be the desired image).


Ok, so in conclusion: play this. It's novel, it's unique, and it does everything it does perfectly. It's really worth your time.

- The Storeman


Disclaimer: I didn’t upload any of the content in the following link. I have downloaded and checked it as I always do. I have even executed it in my own computer and did not experience any kind of problems. But I can’t ensure that it is free of virus and/or malware that my anti-virus programs couldn’t find. That’s the author’s responsibility.

Dec 14, 2014

Think Outside the Box, or For It, Really

Review #69 – Free Video Game

Think Outside the Box, or For It, Really

Last week we brought you Bonesaw, a fast paced action platformer. So today you have Think Outside the Box, a methodical puzzle game. Karmic balance and whatever, am I right?

Think Outside the Box is a pretty cool and original idea. In it's core, it's a “find the key object” “adventure game style” kind of deal. But, it's not that simple. Every level is a closed room with more than one way to escape (except the tutorial). Part of the fun is actually figuring out all of the possible escape routes.

This way, you can mess a plan up, burn some resources, and still win the level. Coupled with the lighthearted humor and pleasant graphics, the game is a rather nice experience.


And two more, clever details: the game is easy to finish, but is really difficult to “complete”. You have to be pretty creative to unlock all the endings and find all the charms. And second, the “charms”, are secret stars to find in the levels. Now, instead of being simple collectibles, charms can be traded for hints on how to get all the solutions. So, finally, an scavenger hunt with an actual reward!

Really cool, so don't miss it. See you next week!


- The Storeman


Disclaimer: I didn’t upload any of the content in the following link. I have downloaded and checked it as I always do. I have even executed it in my own computer and did not experience any kind of problems. But I can’t ensure that it is free of virus and/or malware that my anti-virus programs couldn’t find. That’s the author’s responsibility.

External Download Link: http://rpgmaker.net/games/4739/

Nov 30, 2014

Super Skeleman, Jump, Jump, JUMP!

Review #67 – Free Video Game

Super Skeleman, Jump, Jump, JUMP!

Sometimes, less is more. In Super Skeleman, this is a simple truth. This Metroidvania style platformer gives you only jump-based abilities, but that's the point: there is a lot to do with just that.

As Metroidvanias are wont to do, you need your powers to access new areas. Now, unlike the usual “new weapon opens new gate” format, in Super Skeleman you have not only to get the new abilities, but master them to access new areas.

It's a really challenging game, fast paced and fun. And the level design gives a feeling of an actual world, not a series of arbitrarily designed puzzles. So, get you jumping boots on and check out Super Skeleman!

-The Storeman


Disclaimer: I didn’t upload any of the content in the following link. I have downloaded and checked it as I always do. I have even executed it in my own computer and did not experience any kind of problems. But I can’t ensure that it is free of virus and/or malware that my anti-virus programs couldn’t find. That’s the author’s responsibility.

Nov 23, 2014

Roguelight, Pun Intended

Review #66 – Free Video Game

Roguelight, Pun Intended

With dark caves and flaming arrows, Roguelight is a game about light. You play as an unnamed archer with no clear goal. So pretty rogue-like for now. Only, it's a platformer. And the cave is covered in shadows. You only light source are, as you may have guessed, your flaming arrows.

The game does have a little “die and repeat” upgrade system, in which you'll die because you just can survive anymore. But, having a random map, it's not a chore. It's a fresh map to explore every time!

The upgrades are pretty standard (more arrows, more HP, more coins, double jump, etc.), so no need to go into further detail. The darkness is the real star here, hiding dangers and sometimes forcing you to save arrows by taking a hit to the face. The fun of the game comes from rationalizing your resources (HP and arrows) and trying to figure out what the hell you are supposed to do down there.


- The Storeman


Disclaimer: I didn’t upload any of the content in the following link. I have downloaded and checked it as I always do. I have even executed it in my own computer and did not experience any kind of problems. But I can’t ensure that it is free of virus and/or malware that my anti-virus programs couldn’t find. That’s the author’s responsibility.

External Download Link: http://managore.itch.io/roguelight

Nov 9, 2014

Jed, Save All Robots

Review #65 - Free Video Game

Jed, Save All Robots

I'm actually thinking there should be an event with “Dual World” games on this site. I mean, I have reviewed quite a few of them already. So now, Jed joins the family.

In Jed, you play as Jed, a robot that must save a lot of kidnapped baby robots. You'll have your wits, your jump, and the ability to travel between two different level layouts to complete your task.

You can always see the other side on the back of the screen, and should use that information to time a few jumps.


The music is really good, it's a decent challenge (neither easy nor impossible) and if you'd like to play on “Hard Difficulty”, try getting all the unlockables. There is a top hat to use...

- The Storeman


Disclaimer: I didn’t upload any of the content in the following link. I have downloaded and checked it as I always do. I have even executed it in my own computer and did not experience any kind of problems. But I can’t ensure that it is free of virus and/or malware that my anti-virus programs couldn’t find. That’s the author’s responsibility.

External Download Link: http://jonathanwhiting.com/blog/?p=13

Nov 2, 2014

Pause Ahead, a.k.a. Time Out

Review #64 – Free Video Game

Pause Ahead, a.k.a. Time Out

From the Askiisoft team, the same group behind Tower of Heaven, we have Pause Ahead. With a plot similar to the previous game, you take control of a child-like character trapped in a temple with no memory and a cruel voice over as the only guide.

But don't think for a second that it's the same. In Pause Ahead, you have a pretty unique power: pausing the game. While paused, everything stops as normal, except for you. You can't control it, mind you, but your character keeps it's momentum. So, for example, if you pause while jumping, you keep going up until you resume the game. It's trickier that it sounds, but you'll get plenty of time to figure it out.


So, awesome music and gorgeous graphics compose a game built around a simple yet intricate and unique mechanic. What's not to love?

- The Storeman


Disclaimer: I didn’t upload any of the content in the following link. I have downloaded and checked it as I always do. I have even executed it in my own computer and did not experience any kind of problems. But I can’t ensure that it is free of virus and/or malware that my anti-virus programs couldn’t find. That’s the author’s responsibility.

Oct 26, 2014

Pumpkin Patch, Defend Halloween

Review #63 – Free Game

Pumpkin Patch, Defend Halloween

Back to Funny Halloween (in contrast with Horror Halloween), we have a fast paced shooter: Pumpkin Patch. In it, you play the role of an unnamed pumpkin, spitting seeds against a horde of ghosts and monsters trying to steal your fellow orange brothers and sisters.

You move with WASD or the arrow keys, and shot with the mouse. That's all, go crazy on them now. Well, let's be fair, there are also some power ups that improve your attack, and not only you get more pumpkins (and therefore, more “lives”) every 20000 points, but the more pumpkins you have at the end of the level, the more points you get.

Even though there are only a handful of different enemies, each an every one is actually a completely different challenge. Learning to identify the more important targets is an essential skill. Survive till Halloween and you win. Have fun!

- The Storeman


Disclaimer: I didn’t upload any of the content in the following link. I have downloaded and checked it as I always do. I have even executed it in my own computer and did not experience any kind of problems. But I can’t ensure that it is free of virus and/or malware that my anti-virus programs couldn’t find. That’s the author’s responsibility.

External Download Link: http://www.pixellicker.com/games.html

Oct 19, 2014

The Crooked Man, that lived in a Crooked House...

Review #62 – Free Game

The Crooked Man, that lived in a Crooked House...

At the end of the review, there is the link to a translation of a game by Uri. I Assume that, if you are reading this blog, you come looking for games in English. In that previous link is the original, if you'd rather play that.


Now, today in Horror October, we have The Crooked Man. It's a Horror RPG game that puts you in the role of David, a new homeowner with a troubled past. As you play, his story is revealed while you fight to survive. I'd say more, but I don't want to spoil anything.


So, you might look at the screenshot above and say: “That's not going to be scary, it looks like a polished Final Fantsy Tactics”. Well, that's not exactly true. The Crooked Man uses al the classic horror movie moves: flickering lights, flashing screens and a great soundtrack to set the atmosphere. Add to all of this that you are actually “behind the wheel” controlling the character, and you'll find yourself in the zone pretty quickly. So, yes, this game is scary, don't take it lightly.

The story is fun and well written, and it's full of puzzles that are hard, but not impossible. My only complain is that some “challenges” take really long to complete. But don't despair, because it's worth it.

- The Storeman


Disclaimer: I didn’t upload any of the content in the following link. I have downloaded and checked it as I always do. I have even executed it in my own computer and did not experience any kind of problems. But I can’t ensure that it is free of virus and/or malware that my anti-virus programs couldn’t find. That’s the author’s responsibility.