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/

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/

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/

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

Roguelight, Pun Intended

Review #66 – Free Video Game

Roguelight, Pun Intended

With dark caves and flaming arrows, Roguelight is a game about light. You play as an unnamed archer with no clear goal. So pretty rogue-like for now. Only, it's a platformer. And the cave is covered in shadows. You only light source are, as you may have guessed, your flaming arrows.

The game does have a little “die and repeat” upgrade system, in which you'll die because you just can survive anymore. But, having a random map, it's not a chore. It's a fresh map to explore every time!

The upgrades are pretty standard (more arrows, more HP, more coins, double jump, etc.), so no need to go into further detail. The darkness is the real star here, hiding dangers and sometimes forcing you to save arrows by taking a hit to the face. The fun of the game comes from rationalizing your resources (HP and arrows) and trying to figure out what the hell you are supposed to do down there.

- The Storeman

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

External Download Link: http://managore.itch.io/roguelight

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

Super Crate Box, fast and demented fun!

Review #60 – Free Video Game

Super Crate Box, fast and demented fun!

Here we have a one of the most simple, yet addictive, games on the whole Warehouse. Super Crate Box is just an old-school endless arcade, with the added fun of modern day unlockables. Jump and shot, collecting boxes until you die. Don't act so surprised, I said it was simple.

The action is fast, and the graphics are awesome. As you beat your high score, you'll also get new character skins and new weapons. Each weapon is unique, and as you progress through the game, your armory will expand. This is both good and bad: you have new toys, but now there are more options inside the crates and you can't really guess which weapon will come out each time.

With different levels and game modes to unlock, it's a gem that will keep challenging you for a while. And even after getting everything, you will (I'd say “can”, but you “will”) keep playing for the highscore. So I wont distract you anymore, grab some quarters and go play this arcade!

- 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.supercratebox.com/

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!)

Alex's Adventure, World Hopping Treasure Hunting

Review #43 – Free Video Game

Alex's Adventure, World Hopping Treasure Hunting

This is an exploration-platformer in the vein of Lyle in Cube Sector. As a matter of fact, it was recommended to me after that review. So if you enjoyed Lyle's quest, make sure to check Alex's.

Alex's Adventure takes place in two separate worlds that you can finish in any order. The obstacles come in two varieties: the usual platformer hazards of enemies and pits (some are tough) and multi-screen puzzles. As you go through the game, you'll constantly see glimpses of screens you can quite get to, or objects just outside of you reach. One of the most developed aspects of Alex's Adventure are this “whole picture” puzzles, in which you have to keep an image of the level as a whole to solve.

The goal of the game is to find all the statues, and each world has half of them. Even if sometimes it's rough on the edges, this one is an awesome game. 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 Link: http://tomvert.free.fr/

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!

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/

Forget-Me-Not, as if I could

Review #33 – Free Video Game

Forget-Me-Not, as if I could

Let's keep the arcade vibe going, shall we? After all, it's still Dazzling March!

Today's item comes from an unknown dimension. I may have set a precedent of playing things without fully grasping their rules, but this time it's not my fault. In Forget-me-not, you (and up to another player) run around a Pac-Man-like maze, trying to collect all the little flowers and securing the key to the exit. The problem is, there are so many different (and randomly chosen) enemies that I'm still finding new ones!

The difficulty here comes in two flavors:

The enemies interact with everything in a lot of weird ways. Some can destroy the level around you (making it possible to shot yourself in the back, thanks to warping screen borders), stealing your key, eating the flowers (making the level end faster, while making you earn less point), killing each other (fun, until they multiply and/or explode), and a lot more stuff.

 

Keeping track of everything is pretty hard without even taking into account that...

A direct confrontation with most enemies is impossible. Really. Even the most basic enemy will eat (quite literally, you'll see) at least half your life bar before dying.  And that's just the little ones.

You will find yourself having to employ interdimensional marksman tactics to kill them before they kill you.

Given that the enemies are randomly generated and that the difficulty is pretty high, it will keep fresh for a long, long time. 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 Link: http://nyarlu.net/games.html

Action Fist! He stole from you. No one steals from you.

Review #30 – Free Video Game

Action Fist! He stole from you. No one steals from you.

From the creator of Uberleben comes another great gem. Clearly inspired by old classics, Action Fist! is both familiar and new. You’ll find yourself comfortable with the controls in a snap, like in old arcades. It’s all gunfire and mayhem from this point on!

Action Fist! is a co-op, and I highly recommend playing it like that.

The power up system is also a fun feature. You have both straight power ups like multi shot or rapid fire, sure. Now, in a world color coded for your convenience, picking up a color for your gun helps you deal extra damage to enemies of the same color. As you can only have two different weapons and there are three colors, you can see why a partner to provide that extra color can save you.

On difficulty, there are a lot of options. I’m sure one will suit your needs.

Last note, but an important one. There’s a level with rain in the background. It caused a fair share of lag in my computer. Don’t worry though, it’s only one level. You should be able to play through it.

Give adventure a try! And if you are looking for a setting to play BADASS, look no further!

- 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/2010/05/action-fist/

Color Space Beaver, need I say more?

Review #28 – Free Video Game

Color Space Beaver, need I say more?

Last week I offered a Two for One opportunity; so today the review will be of a short, one level game. I don’t know why I’ve chosen it, it just made me happy.

Color Space Beaver puts you in the role of an ambitious mammalian the just wants to go to the “Cosmic Tree”. Sadly, that’s against beaver law, so you’ll have to fight your way out of the stratosphere.

This is a simple shooter that takes you back to old spaceship classics. Even though it only has one level, I’d say it was really fun. With simple controls and a great power up system, this game could have been an awesome hit.

This is an incomplete but fully playable game. I wanted to use it as an example, to show that simple can have its own identity; and that just because you didn’t finish your project it doesn’t mean nothing useful can be taken from it.

Funny story, I don’t have the slightest idea how I came across this game. I can’t remember! I’m pretty sure I saw a review of it somewhere, but I can’t seem to find it again. Well, thanks whoever brought it to my attention!

 

- 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://forums.tigsource.com/index.php?topic=13640.0

Momodora 1 & 2

Review #27 – Free Video Game

Momodora 1 & 2

Today, I offer you a 2 x 1 deal: Momodora. Here, you take control of a distressed heroine, braving the dangers of an ancient and evil temple to bring her mother back after she was taken for a human sacrifice.

Both games are shooter plataformers, with twisted passageways and a plethora of colorful enemies. While the first one takes a more “linear” approach to level design (with a few detours for secrets), the second one has a Metroidvania-like structure (non-linear level progression and lots of backtracking to newly accessible areas).

Both games are really enjoyable and I recommend both of them. Now, you may want to go directly to the download links, because the next paragraph is my personal opinion. If you feel like reading it, go ahead:

 Momodora 1 on the left, Momodora 2 on the right.

Even though the second game improves on a lot of things from the first, I can’t help but feel it doesn’t go in the same direction as its predecessor. I’ll talk more about this in my next Babble, all I want to say here is this: I found the first game to be a lot better than the second one. If you are like me, Momodora 2 will disappoint a bit when compared to Momodora 1. It’s still worth playing, though.

EDIT: Here's the Babble.

- 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.bombservice.com/rdein/

Cave Story (Doukutsu Monogatari)

Review #23 – Free Video Game

Cave Story (Doukutsu Monogatari)

This little Shooter/Plataformer/RPG is a real gem. Cave Story is a complete and interesting game, with both challenging levels and a good story full of characters. And to top it all, the controls are simple, the graphics are nice and it’s chock full of secrets to unlock.

One great detail is how, even though you get a lot of different weapons through the game (and can unlock more), you never really “outgrow” them. Not because the game forces you to use each and every one of them, but because each one has its advantages and disadvantages, so, taking into account both the level layout and the enemy’s movement pattern, all the guns you get see some use.

As I may have said before, Cave Story caters both to casual and hardcore players. You may play the story once and that’s all, or you can go at it a few times to unlock all the secrets, make all the possible decisions and get all the endings. Go 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.

External Links:

Original Developer Page (Japanese): http://studiopixel.sakura.ne.jp/

English Translation Patch: http://agtp.romhack.net/project.php?id=cavestory

Pre-Patched Game and other Languages: http://www.cavestory.org/downloads_game.php

HeroCore, Lone Hero vs Robot Overlord

Review #14 – Free Video Game

HeroCore, Lone Hero vs Robot Overlord

From the creator of Hyper Princess Pitch we also have Herocore, a deep space shooter where you take control of Flip Hero, and take upon yourself the task of stopping the Cruiser Tetron once and for all.

Its black and white graphics are very simple, as is the gameplay. Nevertheless, it’s full of unique enemies and all the bosses have great themes and are a nice challenge. Talking about challenge, this HeroCore offers different difficulty settings, I’m sure you’ll like one of them.

The only real “complain” one can have about this game is the decision to have two different attack buttons, one for left and one for right*. Though it’s weird at first, you get used to it pretty fast.

This retro game is a shinning example of how great free games can be.

- The Storeman

* This could be a throwback to some kind of old video games, I’m not sure. As far as I can tell I’ve never played with that particular mechanic before.

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.remar.se/daniel/herocore.php