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.

External Download Link: http://gamejolt.com/games/gemdance-v1/17281

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

Extra Credits, [Insert Another Funny Wordplay]

Review #92 – Online Video Series

Extra Credits, [Insert Another Funny Wordplay]

Games are more than just games. Lately, a lot of effort has been put to making them a community. Extra Credit feels like a nice step towards that.

Staring people inside the game developing cycles, the series not only adressess design theory and game analysis, but also discussion of current events in the medium and offers tools and ideas for aspiring game designers.

You may not leave every video agreeing to every single thing they said, but they do bring attention to really interesting topics. Even if you don't care about working on your own games, it's worth to check it out.

- 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.

Watch Online: http://extra-credits.net/

https://www.youtube.com/user/ExtraCreditz

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.

External Download Link: http://www.cheapass.com/freegames/buttonmen

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/

Basic Instructions, How to Find Some Guidance

Review #89 – Free Webcomic

Basic Instructions, How to Find Some Guidance

Have you ever said to yourself: How do I do this? It doesn't really matter what it was. Maybe you wanted to know How to Be Productive, or How to React When You've Been Wrongly Accused of Murder. It's all right, Scott has you covered.

The series follows Scott, a middle age, geeky, office guy (it's not very clear what his job is), as he deals with the mundane and the absurd. All the strips have a “voice over”, imparting wisdom from the situation.

It's fun, and inventive. If you are looking for lighthearted and smart humor, look no further. Basic Instructions is already here.

- 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: basicinstructions.net

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.

External Download Link: http://forums.rpgmakerweb.com/index.php?/topic/28203-the-vendor-v102-available/

Viriax, Achoo!

Review #87 – Free Video Game

Viriax, Achoo!

Today I'm really sick. So... Viriax! Viriax is a... shooter? I guess? You don't really shoot, but you move vertically and are shot at. Mmm... Ok, perhaps it's not from a “traditional” genre.

Let's try again. In Viriax, you play a a virus. You travel through the body, infecting different organs. To access new ones, you have to earn enough points during your previous runs. So yeah, as I said, it's not easy to classify.

The game has a lot of different power-ups and enemies, and the randomly generated levels keep it fresh for a long time. What else could we expect from our good friend Locomalito?

- 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.locomalito.com/viriax.php

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/

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]

To Live, or not to Live

Babbling at the Counter #83 – Video Games

To Live, or not to Live

Playing Meowgical Tower, I found myself in a strange position. It happened on Full Moon Rising, too. Sometimes, I wanted to kill my character. Not metaphorically, no. It's just that, after dying, you just pop back in the same screen and with full health. So, tactically speaking, why would I try to kill enemies without taking damage?

It was far easier to just let them hit me, as there were never enough of them to kill me before I killed them all. And that took away all the challenge from the experience.

Quick aside: The final boss is fun and challenging, so play the game at least to fight him.

And talking about the boss, why was he so good? Well, because he could kill you in a single screen, thus stalling your progress.

So, in conclusion, what I wanted to say to everyone working on their own games: Make sure dying is something we DON'T want to do. Make us restart a few screens behind (so we have to be careful as we replay), use checkpoints, make every screen potentially deadly, or just punish us in some way.

I know the rationale is “players are going to keep replaying until they get it right anyway”. Yes, but make sure “getting it right” is a challenge. If not, your “game” is more or less a sight seeing tour of the levels. And that's pretty boring.

- The Storeman

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.

External Download Link:http://gamejolt.com/games/adventure/meowgical-tower/31988/

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/

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.

External Download Link: http://gamejolt.com/games/other/i-see-you/13843/

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

Precocious, Knowledge is a Weapon!

Review #73 – Free Webcomic

Precocious, Knowledge is a Weapon!

A new webcomic review is long overdue, as last one was almost a year ago. Today's entry is Precocious, a daily comic strip with a hint of Tiny Toons. It's funny and smart, so it easily became part of my daily rutine.

The comic follows the adventures of the kids from Saphire Lake, a suburban neighbour chosen for it's proximity to the Poppinstock Academy, a school for the gifted. Gifted as in “genius”, not “mutant”.

And “genius” is a good word to describe them, the same way you'll use it to describe Dr. Doom or any Bond villain. Because, you see, children don't share the same sense of morality and resposibility as you or me. The main problem, though, is that their intelligence can make their pranks and games a lot more... explosive than those of other children.

It's mostly gag a day, with a background plot tying the strips together, much like the comic strips on newspapers.

So, check Precocious for a daily dose of cartoony fun. You won't live to regret 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.

Read Online: http://www.precociouscomic.com/

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.

External Download Link: http://cosmind.powweb.com/blog/?page_id=35