Showing posts with label Simple. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Simple. 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.

Dec 6, 2015

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.

Jun 14, 2015

ButtonMen, Roll the Dice and Fight!

Review #91 – Free Tabletop Game

ButtonMen, Roll the Dice and Fight!

ButtonMen is a two-player, free, dice fighting game. It's a really simple setup, but it's full of strategy and risk.



Each player chooses a character, and then takes the five dice that make up his or her fighting style. A character with mostly small dice (d4 and d6) is “fast”, while a character with mostly large dice (d12 and d20) is “strong”.

After the initial roll, player try to capture their opponent's dice with Power Attacks and Skill Attacks. When players cannot capture anymore, the round ends and they score points with each die they could capture from their opponents and keep from their initial pool.

This is not a complete explanation of the rules, but they are really easy, so you shouldn't have any problem with them.

And as a final recommendation, you should start with the “Fightball” Character Set. They don't have any special dice with special rules, and they offer seven or even eight starting dice for you to choose your pool of five, so it's easier to experiment and get the feel of each combination. Have fun fighting!

- 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.

Apr 26, 2015

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.

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 29, 2015

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.

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 8, 2015

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:




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 1, 2015

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.

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 28, 2014

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.

Dec 21, 2014

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.

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/

Dec 7, 2014

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)

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.