Redivider is a Java-based arcade game with a very simple ruleset, created by Nathan as part of his weekly game release initiative. In each level you are given ten seconds to complete an objective, which could either be eliminating circles, dividing them, or a combination of the two.

By using a simple drag motion with the mouse you can draw a line from one end of the window to another, hence cutting anything that is in its path. Watch out for grey circles though, as touching those would cause you to instantly fail at the attempt to clear that level. There are thirty stages to play through in this game.

Posted by timw at 8:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The Oxeye Games team needs your help with naming their upcoming platformer which is currently in production and scheduled for a release sometime next year. For this purpose they've printed out six different Project B postcard prints, and will send those out at random to anyone who suggests a name for their multi-platform game. If your suggested game name gets picked, a special gift will be mailed to you as well (at no extra charge).

What is Project B then? Little is known about it outside of the leaked footage and information page released a couple of weeks ago. Maybe more will be revealed on the postcards?

Oxeye Games: Birthdays and Postcards

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Not entirely sure if this addictive roguelike had actually got the attention that it truly deserved, but Derek's new tileset creation is sure to please fans who are already loving (and still playing) Rodain Joubert's Desktop Dungeons game. To start using the tileset, all you have to do is unzip it into your 'tilesets' folder, run the game executable, click on the tileset button, and type in the name 'derek' to change your default tileset to the new and improved version.

For anyone still struggling to figure out what to do for each deity and what they bestow as rewards, head on over to the awesome Desktop Dungeons wiki page to have all your questions answered.

Posted by timw at 3:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)

Shown off at the latest SXSW in Austin, here's a nice portion of gameplay footage for Twisted Pixel's Comic Jumper. Apparently the game is going to be demoed at PAX East at the end of the month, so if you've got tickets to that, make sure to check it out.

Posted by Michael Rose at 9:56 PM | Permalink | Comments (14)

The Soul of Dracula is a 2D platformer inspired by the Castlevania series, featuring appearances from mainstays such as Death and the Count himself in the role of level bosses. You play as a vampire hunter who must venture into the Dark Prince's castle and defeat him using only your whip and the familiar array of ranged weapons at your disposal.

Though many of the enemies had appeared in monsieur Belmont's adventures before, the developer of this tribute project had included a couple of twists and surprises that will please even the most hardcore of Castlevania fans out there. Download the game here. (Windows, 1.84MB)

Continue reading "Freeware Game Pick: The Soul of Dracula (bunaguchi)" »

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Here's the video recording of Chris Hecker's rant during GDC 2010, though it starts off with Heather Chaplin's Duct Tape award acceptance speech (for having the best rant last year). Titled "Please Finish Your Game", Chris voices his opinions and concerns about game jams, competitions, game development time, and rushing to meet release schedules. If you missed our link to Tommy Refenes' iPhone rant from a day or two ago, we've embedded it after the cut for your viewing pleasure as well.

Continue reading "GDC Rant: Please Finish Your Game (Chris Hecker)" »

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Nominated for the Audio award at the IGF this year and originally a PSN-only title, Shatter has now found its way onto PC via Steam. You should pick it up.

Here's why. First off, it may be a take on the Breakout genre, but it's a fantastic one at that. While stopping the ball leaving the playing area is the priority, the paddle can also blow out and suck in to change the direction the ball is headed. This will also cause certain elements of the level (including some blocks) to move towards or away from the paddle. Any block which strikes the paddle will disable it for a few seconds, which is clearly not a good thing.

Also a change from the original Breakout scheme - you can fire out multiple balls at the same time. It's absolute chaos when you do, but who doesn't love chaos, right?

Every block destroyed releases crystals, which can be collected via the paddle. Collect enough crystals and you can unleash a beautifully overpowered barrage of light across the level, with time slowdown allowing you to concentrate on the carnage. Mainly for looking pretty at first, this power becomes extremely useful later on when the levels get much more difficult, with blocks falling down towards you from the get-go.

Continue reading "Shatter Now Available on Steam" »

Posted by Michael Rose at 3:19 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)

Marsh is another vertical-scrolling shooter created by the developer of EX -extra-, featuring three ships with different weapon configurations to choose from and five levels to play in total. In addition to your primary and secondary weapons, there is also a special attack that can be deployed at any time, provided that you have at least one bomb counter in the blue bar at the bottom of the window.

The type of bomb launched is dependent on your current energy gauge, which can be increased by destroying enemy ships over time. A destructive laser beam is fired if the energy indicator is maxed out, else your ship will drop a carpet bomb that destroys all other harmful projectiles on screen for a couple of seconds. The game can be downloaded here. (Windows, 22.6MB)

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You may or may not have heard of the original Rainblood RPG. A Chinese release with no English translation available, it was released back in 2007 through a Chinese RPG Maker community and went on to receive over half a million downloads.

Creator Soulframe plans to release the sequel Rainblood 2 - City of Flame with an English translation available. The above trailer features scenes and combat demonstrations from the game. Make sure you give the video a little time to load.

(English translation of the YouKu page)

Posted by Michael Rose at 2:32 AM | Permalink | Comments (15)

Hippolyta is a game of quick reactions and Greek Mythology. Having escaped from her confinement, Hippolyta must jump, duck and dodge her way around various obstacles to her freedom.

It's pretty challenging stuff, with a single error putting you back to the start of the level. In later levels you'll have to figure out which way to dodge, plus there's a number of different elements which can put you off completely. There are several different game modes, including local multiplayer for 2 people.

Hippolyta won't be for everybody due to its masochistic nature, but some are bound to get a kick out of it. Newgrounds ahoy. (FYI: There is minor pixel nudity)

Posted by Michael Rose at 12:21 AM | Permalink | Comments (4)

Here's a trailer for the upcoming AGS adventure game Winter's Shadow, a collaborative project between Ben Chandler and Steven Poulton (The McCarthy Chronicles). There's definitely more than one room to explore this time. The game is set to be released sometime this summer 2010.

Posted by timw at 12:15 AM | Permalink | Comments (5)