And Everything Started to Fall

Review #94 – Free Video Game

And Everything Started to Fall

This game is beautiful. I've been away from this blog for a long while now, and I do have a list of cool games to review. But it was this one that finally got me of my ass and writing again.

Why? Because it reminded me of something important to this blog. And Everything Started to Fall is a short game about... “life”. I won't spoil every symbolism used in he game, that's for you to figue out. But from the get go, from the moment you stop being a baby to become a little boy, you can realize this is one of the good stories.

The art style is simple, but effective, creating symbols that easily evoke the feeling the designer is going for. And the music fits perfectly with the game, soothing and ethereal, as we move trough a lifetime in just a few minutes.

The gameplay is also perfectly implemented. It's a game, you have to make a effort to proceed, and it's neither so difficult that it takes you out of the story nor so easy that your mind wanders off.

Next week, we'll have a game that exemplifies the other end of what the Warehouse stands for. A game where mechanics are not only well implemented, but also explored in depth.

For now, enjoy this beautiful game and it's story. See you all soon.

- 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://gamejolt.com/games/and-everything-started-to-fall/1262

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.

Play Online: http://www.nitrome.com/games/skyserpents

changeType(), Hack Your Way Out

Review #90 – Free Video Game

changeType(), Hack Your Way Out

It's hard to find a game with an idea you haven't seen before. Maybe it's been done, but I have yet to see something like changeType() again.

The game is a puzzle platformer built around a single mechanic: you can mix the properties of the objects on the screen. This works as follows: you take object A (the blocks that make up the floor) and an object B (like a row of spikes). Then every instance of those objects exchange their properties. So now, the floor kills you but the spikes don't.

Besides that, the game is a straight forward platformer, and that's good. The changing mechanic is so broad, and you have so many elements to combine, that it would be daunting if your character did more.

And the graphic design is the thing that ties everything together, mixing regular video game graphics with flashes and glitches when you use your powers. So, it looks nice, and it play awesome.

- 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.

Play Online: http://www.nitrome.com/games/changetype/

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/

C*ndy Crash, It Made me Rage Quit More than Once

Review #85 – Free Video Game

C*ndy Crash, It Made me Rage Quit More than Once

C*ndy Crash is a simple game with simple ambitions: Making our lives hell. Don't trust me? Give it a try and tell me then.

It's a single screen platformer, and it will make you earn every single one of it's levels. What I mean to say is that it's a really difficult game, but difficult in that “This time I'll do it!” kind of way.

With a wide variety of enemies, really pleasant graphics and ingenious level design, you should check it out. Oh, and the way the little guy dives towards the candy is just hilarious.

- 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://gamejolt.com/games/platformer/c-ndy-crash/22134/

Psychedelic Assassin Squad, Bring it On!

Review #82 – Free Video Game

Psychedelic Assassin Squad, Bring it On!

In honor of the first non-periodic month-long event at the Warehouse, Dazzling March, I'll show you a game that would be at home between those brightly colored adventures.

This is the point where I usually write a small paragraph about who your character is, but it doesn't apply here. As far as I can tell, you are an assassin. Sorry, I'd like to be more helpful.

So let's talk about gameplay, then. It's a first person shooter, and a very simple one at that. And don't let the regenerating health and ammo fool you. It's not an easy game.

From the visuals to the fast paced action (you can fly!!), this game feels like having a stroke inside Tim Burton's brain. And it's 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.

IF YOU HAVE MOTION SICKNESS WHILE PLAYING GAMES, BE VERY CAREFUL. THIS GAME ACTUALLY MADE ME NAUSEOUS.

External Download Link: http://gamejolt.com/games/shooter/psychedelic-assassin-squad/5348/

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.

External Download Link: https://gamejolt.com/games/platformer/how-mosquito-became-human/9383/

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.

External Download Link: http://gamejolt.com/games/platformer/monodi/44890/

Space is silent! How awesome is that?!

Shifting perspective

Babbling at the Counter #79 – Video Games

Shifting perspective

I've recently played the Test Subject saga. To recap, it's about a little blue slime created by a scientist, and the subject of a series of tests to analyze it. We play as the slime.

Now, this game does something I found awesome. Something more game designers should keep in mind when working on their games. So I wanted to bring that feature into the spotlight.

Warning: SPOILERS

For the first two and one fifths of the games, your character is confined within a small metal box. That's where the experiments take place, all under the gaze of the scientist(s). But, after the mooks mess things up, our blue friend is free to wander around the lab. And here is the thing.

The gameplay doesn't change. It's still a puzzle platformer, using teleportation and what-not. So what's so different outside the box? Well, the levels are bigger. Yeah, it may seem inconsequential, until you think about it.

Inside the box, you had a full view of the level. You could figure it out, plan ahead how you were going to move. Now, outside the box, you lose that. Now, you have to move as far as you can, and then reevaluate the level to continue. This is exacerbated when they add the laser security system. Against it, you have to locate cover, move, locate again, move, etc.

There, you feel the environment in a different light than before. Yeah, it subtle. And yeah, it's effective.

I can't begin to tell you how many other, different games and situation might apply this idea. All I can say is: look out for opportunities like these. Opportunities to show the world changing without being obvious about it. Players might not consciously notice it, but your game will stick in their minds a lot more.

- The Storeman

Test Subject saga, Blue's Voyage

Review #79 – Free Video Game

Test Subject saga, Blue's Voyage

 This is the thing. Some games have stories. Maybe good stories. And some games are fun to play. Challenging. Now, doing both, that's pretty hard. Why? Well, because most games separate gameplay and story. So you play a level, and then a wall of text or cutscene tells you what happened.

The Test Subject saga beautifully accomplishes both. You take control of Blue, a blue slime create by a scientist. We are not really clear on why, but that's the point. Blue is part of an experiment bigger than it. And a giant scientist head looking down on us as we jump to impress him reminds us of that.

Blue's story doesn't really kick in until the second game, but from the first one onward we can feel the story's atmosphere. We have a tiny window to peer trough, but it's hard to tell what happens to us. I can't stress enough how well this game makes you feel like that small blue blob, so just play it and experience it for yourself.

You might have noticed how I haven't told you what kind of game this is yet. It's not really that important, but if you must know, I'd call it a puzzle platformer. You'll be using teleportation devices to move around the stage, trying to unlock the exit and then reach it.

So, half mental challenge, and half dexterity challenge. I want to talk more about the game's story, but I also don't want to spoil it. So check out my next Babble after you've played the game. Go! Go meet Blue! I'll be waiting here. See ya!

- 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.

Play Online:

Part 1 http://www.nitrome.com/games/testsubjectblue/

Part 2 http://www.nitrome.com/games/testsubjectgreen/

Part 3 http://www.nitrome.com/games/testsubjectcomplete/

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.

External Download Link: http://www.drunkdevs.com/games/2013/4/2/full-moon-rising.html

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

Cowboy Killa, Bang Bang!

Review #75 – Free Video Game

Cowboy Killa, Bang Bang!

Cowboy Killa is a fun and fast game. You kill ninjas, and monsters, and aliens, and more, for no apparent reason. Not unlike Super Crate Box, you have a huge collection of weapons at your disposal.

So yeah, Cowboy Killa is a frenetic 2D platformer where you work towards a score high enough to unlock the next area. A great game to pick up, kick ass, and relax. GO get 'em, tiger!

- 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://gamejolt.com/games/action/cowboykilla/1406/

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

Enigmabot, Quick Thinking Puzzle Action

Review #71 – Free Video Game

Enigmabot, Quick Thinking Puzzle Action

This one took me a while to figure out.

Let's get something out of the way first: This game is all mechanic. No jokes, plot, characters, or anything else. So, how well designed and executed is it's core mechanic then? Masterfully!

In Enigmabot, your enigmabot is a white cube that can move left, right, or teleport. This you'll be using a lot here, and thankfully the game is well paced, so the learning curve makes sense.

After the first few levels of training, the game will start demanding not only strategy to figure out the puzzle in the room, but also nimble fingers to perform precise teleportation. 

Enigmabot does pack quite a challenging punch, and figuring out the limits of your teleport ability is a big part of it. At first, some rules may seem arbitrary, at least, until you figure them out. So, highly recommended. Don't stand there, teleport to the link!

- 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://gamejolt.com/games/platformer/enigmabot/21359/

Baghead Bandit, Buy Your Furniture Back

Review #70 – Free Video Game

Baghead Bandit, Buy Your Furniture Back

Last week, it was cardboard boxes. Now, it's paper bags. In today's platformer adventure you take control of Baghead, a good man that only made a few mistakes. Like selling all his furniture to impress his girlfriend. Hey, I said “good”, not “brilliant”.

Baghead Bandit has a really simple premise: pick up all the gems in a level and then get to the door. Simple, but no easy. Moving platforms, precision and quick jumping, some enemies, cool secrets and more are all part of this game.

So, while not mechanically unique, it has nice graphics, awesome music, and packs a good challenge, finding it's own identity. Try to find the secret levels and unlock an extra challenge mode.

- 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://sandbox.yoyogames.com/games/97287-baghead-bandit

Bonesaw, Kinda Like Hockey, but Not Really

Review #68 – Free Video Game

Bonesaw, Kinda Like Hockey, but Not Really

From the creator of Depict1 and Verge, we bring you Bonesaw. A visceral and violent platformer filtered through Game Boy like graphics. It has jumps, puzzles, and hordes of enemies heckbent on killing you. Have fun!

It's the first game published on kpulv.com, but it doesn't feel like that. It's got enough levels, secrets, game mechanics and actual, interesting bosses to feel like a complete handheld game. As it's signature mechanic, you have your “Bonesaw”, a savage and vaguely hockey related empowered state. You charge it up with the blood of your enemies. Obviously.

The graphics are simple and nicely done, and the level of thought that went into stage design is what a project like this deserves. The only reason to not like it is not enjoying platformer beat-em ups.

- 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://kpulv.com/stuff/game/

                                        (It's at the bottom of the page)

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.

External Download Link: http://gamejolt.com/games/platformer/super-skeleman/36775/

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

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