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/

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?!

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/

Jed, Save All Robots

Review #65 - Free Video Game

Jed, Save All Robots

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

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

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

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

- The Storeman

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

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

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

Pazzon, Sci Fi Fairy Tale

Review #58 – Free Video Game

Pazzon, Sci Fi Fairy Tale

Pazzon is a quirky little story of an unnamed creature in a alien world. It is called by the Temple to help the Priest on a sacred mission: coverting the infidels.

From the creator of the Karoshi series, this game is completely the opposite of those. A good choice to relax for a bit, it has pleaseant music and interesting designs.

It's really simple and short, and not particulary challenging, but fun nonetheless. Perfect to keep oneself busy for a while.

- 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.venbrux.com/freeware.php

(Look for the link near the bottom of the page, end check out all the awesome games, too!)

RWBY, and how to have mixed feelings in less than six minutes

Review #47 – Free Web Series

RWBY, and how to have mixed feelings in less than six minutes

Okay, first of all, let’s introduce this.

RWBY (pronounced “Ruby”) is a new ongoing series, made by Rooster Teeth with the direction of MontyOum (the guy that made Red vs.Blue, maybe that rings a bell for all the Halo lovers out there).

This series revolves around four girls: Ruby, Weiss, Blake and Yang, also known as Red, White, Black and Yellow.

The story takes place in a world called Remnant that is filled with ugly creatures called Grimm’s. The people of Remnant discovered a mysterious element called Dust which they use to fight against these monsters. Dust is used to power magical abilities and weapons, and those who use these abilities to battle the Grimm are known as Huntsmen or Huntresses.

Each girl has her own unique weapon and powers, and together they form the RWBY team at Beacon Academy, where they are being trained to become Huntresses.  

 

I have to say that Rooster Teeth did a damn fine job with the characters’ presentations, releasing one video clip for each of the girls with AWESOME music.

Because of that, the first thing that caught my attention about RWBY was the music, only then the fight scenes hit me. I must have a few things I don’t like about RWBY, but the fight scenes are definitely NOT one of those things. I’m gonna dare and say that’s the best feature on the series, because they are so well choreographed, that you almost feel like in a video game. It’s really fluid and exciting.

Perhaps the best aspect of the fight choreography is how visually distinct each character's style is. This comes largely from the fact that each character has a unique, imaginative weapon. Ruby has a gun-scythe, Weiss a magical sword, Blake a gun-whip, and Yang a pair of explosive gauntlets.

Finally, my verdict;

First, the disappointment. RWBY characters are very childish and not well developed. They are still pretty raw. And the animation leaves a lot to desire when the girls are not fighting.

Then, the little ray of hope. RWBY is being developed, and the show improves with every episode, it really does. Also, it hits you with “awesome” a lot.

Come on, join the RWBY team! View online, no download required!

- Emma

External Link: http://roosterteeth.com/home.php (Homepage)

 http://roosterteeth.com/archive/?sid=rwby&v=more&s=1

(This link opens directly on the first trailer; you can access the rest of the videos below that)

The Power, do you have what it takes?

Review #44 – Free Video Game

The Power, do you have what it takes?

The Power (game that I stumbled upon a little to late to include in Dazzling March) takes us to a distant planet, where our unnamed hero has a chance to prove himself worthy and claim the power, or just escape with his life. Think you can do it?

The game is heavily inspired by the Metroid series. You will be trying to get new weapons to access new areas, and the map is not linear. While the normal enemies are pretty weak, the bosses are a real challenge. And there are a few “endurance runs” where you will have to play smart and decide between losing a bit of HP or slowing down.

 

Deceptively simple, The Power is a blast. Oh, and before I forget. Don’t give up at the white knights. They are crazy hard to kill but it’s not impossible!

- 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 Link: http://alexitron.weebly.com/windows.html

(“The Power” is near the bottom of the page, check out the rest of the games, too!)

Alien Cortex, Deep Space Platformer

Review #42 – Free Video Game

Alien Cortex, Deep Space Platformer

Today’s game is a simple platformer. Why do I bring it up? Because it works. It’s short, yes, but it’s fun and it shows how much you can get out of an idea.

Alien Cortex puts us in the role of an alien stumbling upon ancient ruins. Much to his surprise, it turns out the engravings on the walls are from his own people.

In order to escape, we will have to guide him through a series of tests.

Each corridor is themed and after solving the puzzles and defeating the traps, our little hero’s journey will end.

Even though everyone should play this game, I think aspiring game designers are the ones that stand to get the most out of it. Both the little details, from the ancient language on the background to the names of the test, and the inventiveness of the obstacles are what made Alien Cortex stand out from the rest of the games I’ve been playing lately. So give it a try!

- 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 Link: http://nicepenguins.tumblr.com/post/63643349778/alien-cortex

It’s both available for download and to play online as a browser game!

DuoTasking, a Robot and its Plasma Cannon

Review #41 – Free Video Game

DuoTasking, a Robot and its Plasma Cannon

Today entry is a really fun puzzle platformer. In it, you play as both a robot (doing the normal platformer stuff) and a cannon at the side of the screen. The twist is that BOTH characters move at the same time and with the same buttons.

The difficulty comes from avoiding hazards with both characters, while trying to collect all the coins on the screen with the robot. Now, to destroy most of the obstacles in your way, you’ll be constantly using the cannon.

It’s a pretty original idea, and the game actually takes good advantage of it. There are very few “weird” levels, most are rather straightforward. Now, even though there’s still a lot of potential in this idea, DuoTasking makes a compelling game that I recommend wholeheartedly.

- 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 Link: https://sites.google.com/site/tadeongames/home/duotasking

It’s both available for download and to play online as a browser game!

Shift, a Black and White series of deadly traps

Review #40 – Free Online Game

Shift, a Black and White series of deadly traps

Last week we were visiting Invert Inc., a company (that at least seems to be) genuinely beneficial to society. No so much this week’s entry. TC Sciences is pretty controversial, especially with regards to how they treat their test subjects.

Welcome to Shift! You are test subject 32763!

Shift is a puzzle platformer with a signature mechanic. Along the way, you’ll have to “shift” past obstacles, inverting both the color scheme and the world.

The game atmosphere draws heavily from Portal, but that’s not all it has. Even when you get your head around the shifting mechanic, the game keeps you on your toes by throwing a few lateral thinking puzzles into the mix. All in all, it can be tough, but never impossible.

On a final note, even though the last games improve a lot over the previous ones, it’s still highly recommended to play through all of them. Each new instance adds new mechanics that become part of the Shift world in all subsequent games. So, to get the full experience, go from 1 to 4.

Good luck and remember to shift!

- 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 Links:           Shift 1

                                   Shift2

                                   Shift3

                                   Shift4

          

Noitu Love and the Army of Grinning Darns, Super Sentai Action!

Review #38 – Free Video Game

Noitu Love and the Army of Grinning Darns, Super Sentai Action!

Today we have fast action, great music and wacky graphics. Noitu Love is one of the best action platformers I’ve seen in a long time. But why is that? What makes it so good?

I can tell you what I loved about it: The Bosses. The bosses Noitu has to kill to eventually fight professor Darnacus Damnation are, simply put, awesome.

They are fun, they are colorful, and fighting them is half puzzle, half action sequence.

You have to figure them out before you can damage them, and even then actually killing a boss takes its fair share of reflexes and coordination.

Also, the game takes full advantage of all of its features. As I always say, it’s nice to see a game that can both implement simple and fun features while using them to their fullest.

On a final note, this would be an impressive setting for running Danger Patrol. Just saying.

Fair Warning: The game saves your progress after every level. When you replay a previous level, you start with the lives you had last time you got to it. This will be useful if you find yourself in the final levels with only one or two lives left. Just replay the last level you’ve cleared (where you had a decent amount of lives) and work your way through. Hopefully, now you can save a few of them.

-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 Link: http://konjak.org/index.php?folder=4&file=7

Lyle in Cube Sector, Mayhem Cubed!

Review #36 – Free Video Game

Lyle in Cube Sector, Mayhem³!

Even though this was one of the original games that inspired DazzlingMarch, it had to be cut from the schedule.  Why? Because it gets pretty darn hard to win, that’s why! So I couldn't finish it on time to post a review.

This game puts you in the pixelated pants of Lyle, a man with a mission: Rescuing his kitty. To get his pet back, you’ll have to travel through a retro-style world using only cubes and your cube-related abilities. The game graphics are simply beautiful (if you are into the 80’s style) and the non-linear, metroidvania map design provides discovery as you traverse the intricate passages.

Now, when I said Lyle’s a though game, I don’t mean to say “don’t play it”. Quite the opposite. You see, I love a well designed masterpiece that, with very few elements, can create a demanding and exiting gameplay.

Lyle in Cube Sector delivers. I think that’s all I need to add 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.

External Link: http://www.bogozone.net/lyle.html

Jetpack Joyride, how to be badass and succeed.

Review #35 - Free Video Game (Guest Review #1)

Jetpack Joyride, how to be a badass and succeed.

When I downloaded Jetpack, a free-to-play game in the Playstation Network, I can assure you I didn’t knew where I was going to end.

What could a guy with a machine gun jetpack and a large lab corridor filled with scientist offer? I’ll tell you, endless fun!

Halfbirck Studios (the creators of the well known Fruit Ninja) created a new awesome game, not only because it’s free and very easy to play (you only use one key!), but because it’s practical, volatile and very customizable. It suits almost every taste.

You start with Barry breaking into a never ending Lab with a super badass Jetpack, flying around, collecting coins and buying new gear in The Stash, which allows him to get better and better each time. You can even get him to drive awesome vehicles, from a badass chopper to an enormous dragon.

The main objective of the game is to travel as far as possible, collect coins, and avoid hazards such as zappers, missiles and high-intensity laser beams.

There are two types of win conditions in Jetpack Joyride: one of them is completing the race, getting all the achievements; and the other one is completing the game, getting all the extra achievements.  But really, the game even gives you the possibility to never stop playing, and keep winning forever!

Talking about the achievements, they come in all shape and sizes. Some condition how you have to play, some ask you to do something a number of times, and some check how you die.

For example, “Bull’s eye” is an extra achievement that you can earn landing (after death) at 200 mts, accurately, no more no less!

One of the things I loved the most was the incredible vast collection of Power-ups, the endless customization, and the never ending objectives, which make the game suitable for almost everyone.

So, get the coolest jetpack you can find, and start the adventure around the lab! 

- Emma 

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.

You can find download methods here: http://halfbrick.com/our-games/jetpack-joyride/, on your console, or play the game directly on Facebook!

0Space, Zero-Gravity Deathmatch!

Review #34 – Free Video Game

0Space, Zero-Gravity Deathmatch!

Join us next week for a special review. All thanks to Dazzling March!

Blasters, proton grenades and laser swords. 2 to 4 players trapped in a confined arena. Who will walk out?

The setup is pretty simple. 0Space is a free-for-all combat. Killing someone earns you a point, dying takes one from you (as you can die without being killed by another player, this is an important rule). If you are hit, you die. No lifebar, no shields, no nothing. There really isn’t much else to add, at least rules wise.

The signature feature of 0Space is the low gravity environment. You may use it to your advantage, or find yourself drifting off into space (and dying) if you are not careful. And of course, how to bounce grenades on the walls is another nifty skill to acquire while playing.

The game is really easy to learn, and each match is really quick (at least with the four/five rounds I usually use). The only thing that might prove problematic is that only two-players can share a keyboard, to play with more you need controllers.

And don’t get to mad if things don’t go your way. Each round, a player gets to choose all the stages that will be used, so you will get you vengeance sooner or later.

- 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 Link: http://teknopants.com/2012/04/0space/

Mysterious - Cont.

Babbling at the Counter #30 - Pen and Paper

Mysterious - Cont.

Last week's Babble wasn't what I wanted. I mean, I said what was wrong with Investigation Plots, but didn't offer a solution. So today, I'll talk about how to actually run a mystery.

The Layout of this post will be this: I'll use the same sub-titles as last week, but instead of whining about a problem, I'll offer an alternative. Then, a little example. As supernatural investigation is one of my favorite genres both on TV and to run as GM, I'll use it.

Too Many Moving Parts:

To make clues more fun, make getting them the challenge, not understanding them. Getting a peek from the crime scene, stealing the files from the police station, finding the witnesses, these are all nice challenges for a game. Players can come up with creative ways to overcome them and the character's stats will be used.

Now, once they have the clues, make them obvious. After all, the characters know what they are doing, they should figure them out easily. This way you make sure the players won't get stuck. The characters should know their city pretty well, and even if they don't, sitting around to read is something you shouldn't roll for. They will have actually accomplished something (getting the clues) and the game can keep moving.

Ex: There's been a mysterious death at the piers. To get a shot at the crime scene before normal police officers have a chance to mess the supernatural evidence up, two of the characters decide to dress as the CSI team to collect evidence.
They botch their rolls pretty badly, so a veteran sergeant recognizes them and tries to get them arrested. Even though they all get away, now the characters have to come up with another approach.
Meanwhile, another player decide to have her character talk to all the street vendors and hobos nearby, in case someone saw something. Luckily, they did! They describe the creature as a fish-like man, with razor sharp teeth. After mangling the poor soul that stumbled in his way, it jumped into the water and disappeared.
Now the characters have a clear path to the creature (it may live or at least travel through water), but a lot of ways to get to it. They could wait around for the next attack, or actually go after it with cameras, scuba gear or even a water breathing spell or submarine (if it's that kind of game). They even have witnesses, so they could take one back to HQ and show him pictures of sea monsters till he identifies it.

Less Talk More Rock:

Research is a vital part of investigations, and different series devote different amounts of time to these scenes. Here we are going for an action/investigation kind of story. So action comes first, priority-wise, and we'll set aside just enough time for research.

We are looking for something like Buffy, The Vampire Slayer. Even though there was investigation on the show, it was mostly one of two kinds (and there was at least a fight scene per episode, if not more):

What is it: Maybe the characters got a good look at the creature before it got away, or maybe it has a particular way of killing, but after this scene, the characters already know it's name, what it wants, and more often than not, how to kill it. This is usually a quick scene at the library, with a few jokes before someones finds the right book.

How to stop it:  Sometimes, it's easy to know what it is. Is you find an empty sarcophagus and people from Egyptian descent are the target, it doesn't take a genius to think "mummy!".
The question then are what does it want and what does it fear. Any of those things could work to stop it. The characters can set a trap for it, or use it's weakness to design a weapon. In some cases, like the mummy, it's motive and weakness could be the same thing. The mummy might need the blood of the pharaoh's descendants to return to life before the minions of Anubis drag it back to the Underworld.

Ex: Not to be denied, the characters decide to steal the lab results on the crime scene  from the police station. They stage a big distraction outside, while the most agile character sneaks in to take a peek from the file.
They learn that the creature left behind some kind of oil, and that it deteriorated quickly when exposed to sunlight. Now they know the creature is nocturnal (to help predict it's movements) and that sun is a handy way to kill it (maybe a tanning bed could have the same effect).

The Clue Conundrum:

Don't be too strict when it comes to giving away the clues. The players can't read your mind, so they'll do what makes sense to them, not to your plot. Taking a sample from the crime scene to analyze, stealing the lab results, or even getting the lead investigator hammered at a bar to loosen his tongue, are all possibilities and should be equally useful. In the previous example, the characters stole the lab files because they couldn't get into the crime scene. It doesn't matter, they get exactly the same information either way.

I have said this before, but it bears repeating: don't expect the players to connect the dots. You may leave a few things for your players to figure out, as long as they are not vital parts of the plot. I'm not saying everyone is too dumb to figure out the clues, what I'm saying is...


It's not a job:

People at the gaming table want to have fun. Some of them have just gotten back from work, or have spent the whole day studying. Others may just be looking for awesome stuff to happen to their characters. Other just want to hang out with friends. More often than not, though, they are not looking the acquire the real abilities of a detective.


Bottom Line:

Playing an investigation can be a blast, but for most groups, it means laying the investigation down a bit and making the action central to the story. It's not only about fights. Chases, climbing dangerous places, sneaking past enemy lines, having a stressful negotiation, that's what players are looking for. Things that get the blood pumping and that make great stories.

- The Storeman