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

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/

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/

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/

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/

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/

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

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/

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/

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Pumpkin Patch, Defend Halloween

Review #63 – Free Game

Pumpkin Patch, Defend Halloween

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

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

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

- The Storeman

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

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

They Took Our Candy, We took their lives.

They Took Our Candy.

We took their lives.

Hello everyone, here I am bringing you a new (not that new) side-scrolling shooter, made by Rachid1984. The Story is set in Halloween (what a coincidence!), but your scheduled trick-or-treating has been interrupted by an alien invasion! Only your group of hyperactive, sugar-addicted trick-or-treaters can stop them and get the candy back.

So, you have to prepare your team, which is formed by four members. Each character available has a special feature, plus their own stats, Health, Speed, Attack and Special. Anyway, the most fun stat, obviously, is the Special Stat. You have Specials that heal the group, specials that gives them extra damage, and a few more different effects. The Special your group has is composed of the Specials of every character you have selected.

They Took Our Candy is an arrow-wasd game, with the casual appearance of the space bar to throw your characters specials, your team moves as one and fires together. During the game you collect the stolen candy, and try to eliminate the bastards that took it, the Aliens. They come in waves, and in between them you can upgrade your stats, like candy drop, speed, attack, etc.

At first your team will probably be clumsy (mine was pathetic) but the more candy you eat the higher the sugar rush, the more badass you get. The game has no continue feature, so when you die, you have to start again. The good news are that the game has some fun features: the candy you collected goes towards unlocking new characters and bonus attributes, giving you more choices in the next round! Also, the game has a nice Survival mode! Unlocked when you win it, of course.

My conclusion is that They Took Our Candy is a nice, well made game, with cute pixel art (I mean, look at those tiny ninjas!). And super fun too, so go and give it a try ;D

- Emma

Play Online:  http://armorgames.com/play/14056/they-took-our-candy

Wind and Water, five elements, one heck of a puzzle

Review #61 – Free Video Game

Wind and Water, five elements, one heck of a puzzle

Wind and Water is a puzzle game, and a pretty original one at that. I'll explain the system a bit, but it's a lot better to see it on the screen and actually interact with it.

You'll move some pieces on the board, trying to connect at least four of them to make them dissapear and get your points. The movements are made in a clockwise or anti-clockwise fashion, and there are five different elements (with both a color AND a simbol) to combine. Think like Puzzle Bubble, but without the cannon.

Now, on the whole story department – what? I Haven't told you? Sorry. The game does feature a lot of RPG elements! It has a Story Mode, with a whole meta plot: You play as Amy, working on some errands (a.k.a: capturing the Elements, needed to make the whole game work), while the game designer duo of brothers build the game world around you.

It's a quirky and fun game, full of comedy, while being pretty darn difficult. So, don't let the cutesy sprites fool you, it's an actual puzzle challenge. 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://www.wind-water.net/