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October 2006 Archives

October 30, 2006

Reviewed by Maenny (www.runtime-hq.com)

Six students have realized a quite ingenious RTS game. While the gameplay does not differ from "genre-brothers", the gfx are very special - and very beautiful. Dark Oberon is a rough diamond among the freeware strategy-games, which could with some additional effort become a true gem in its genre...

The gameplay is pretty much like you know it from other RTS-games: Build, collect, build, train, collect, fight, fight, fight! You normally start with a small homebase or even without that, only with some peasants. The resources that are being collected during the game are wood and gold, food is being automatically added when you construct a farm. The homebase can be upgraded to bigger and stronger buildings, as can the tower and the workshop. Your only units are: peasants, knights, catapults and zeppelins.

They modeled everything what you can see in the game out of plasticine, took a picture of the item and integrated it as sprite in the game. The resulting look is awesome. There even are animations to be seen, the soldier walking cycle for example.

Also perfect is the music, which is dreamy and adds a warm and fairy-like atmosphere to the game. It perfectly stays in the background, and it really is not getting on anyones nerves, even after playing the game for a longer time.

Read the entire review at www.runtime-hq.com

Name: Dark Oberon
Developer: Marian Cerny and Peter Knut
Category: Strategy
Type: Freeware
Size: 30MB

Crazy Power Disc PerfectA demo for Crazy Power Disc Perfect is available for download. [Crazy Power Disc review]

Uploaded Aquatic Sun to FileFront, an underwater exploration number by Liberation Games. Scott is currently working on Kingdom Elemental, a strategy title to be published by Chronic Logic sometime this month.

Takase is working on several new characters for Dot Fighters.

TypeStriker XE turns freeware! Download the 16MB full version from this page, then type in the following details after installation to register. [TypeStriker review]

First Name: FreeXE
Last Name: FreeXE
E-Mail: FreeXE@FreeBee.com
License Key: i?rx9x3f$xwbiy!usr_wajrpxt.iu8r@

buloght will be working on a platformer next, right after releasing The Family Treasure 2.

buloght, helm and big brother's pixel galleries can be accessed by clicking on their names.

Ether Vapor updated to version 1.06b. [Ether Vapor review]

XWars version 0.36 released. [Geometry Wars clones article, XWars review]

There's a new DHTML game by Brent Silby entitled Snapple. [Flatland, Swarm, Dark Age, Replicator review]

For Game Developers:

Here are some nice fonts to use in your games. (Thanks to Devlin.)

If you're into Visual Basic programming, then the Students of Game Design web site will be extremely helpful. (Thanks to Kryten!)

Buster's site updated with new info. The new game will be released before January 2007. [Vacant Ark review]

Operation Wolf is being remade with... LEGO blocks? Operation Block is still in early development stages, but looks very promising.

Babarageo is working on a new vertical shooter. Currently playable using either the keyboard or mouse.

October 29, 2006

Warning: May contain potentially provocative or offensive material.

Tomoyo Fighter is a doujin Final Fight clone by Chinchilla Softhouse, developer of PreCure-ACT. There are some questionable themes in it, for example an entire level featuring otaku bashing action and a special appearance by none other than Mr. Razor Ramon HG himself (who is actually straight).

The story begins with your brother abducted right out of his wheelchair, so like any other caring sister the protagonist embarks on a rescue mission and perhaps beat some sense into the kidnappers along the way. Features standard fight moves, multiple endings and eight stages in total.

Official site carries screenshots but no demo yet, and it's release date was pencilled as a few days away for several weeks now. The 20MB trailer is available to watch though. All links on the page leads to the same file.

A prequel of sorts to Titan Attacks, Puppy Invaders is an excellent shooter playable using any browser installed with Java. Instead of a score, credits are awarded for each sprite destroyed. At the end of each level, you can purchase power-ups such as shields, smart bombs, increase the ship's firepower or even firing rate.

Simple yet addictive.

Name: Puppy Invaders
Developer: PuppyGames
Category: Shooter
Type: Flash
Size: 1MB

Imagine turning the Breakout gameplay sideways. Probably the exact thought that the developers of Poing had in mind. It's pretty good for an Arkanoid clone, in which the objective is to smash the opposing wall and access the next stage by sending your ball past the edge on the right.

It will probably take a while to beat the eighty levels included, though all can be accessed right from the start. An award-winning production with several recommendations under it's belt.

Name: Poing
Developer: Firestorm Productions
Category: Breakout
Type: Freeware
Size: 5MB

Neon 2 is a rather bland Geometry Wars clone playable using only your internet browser, which is where most of it's problem lies. The frame rate is poor and common dual analog controls have been replaced with a mouse and keyboard combination.

The worst part of the game is spawn points. Enemies tend to appear right underneath your ship, a pattern that happens a little too frequently for any enjoyment to be had.

Name: Neon 2
Developer: varStudios
Category: Shooter
Type: Flash
Size: 1MB

From the Daily Click (altered heavily):

Crossworld Island is a freeware online platform game. You can build your own world and have up to four players at the same time. You can also develop campaigns with the campaign editor or build your own chat room. The online rating system sorts out user levels which can't be solved. Coins can be collected to buy special items such as the elastic spring, which can then be used in any level. Click here to download the 70MB preview video.

Features:
- login system
- level editor for own levels and campaigns
- objects and tilesets which you get step by step
- an online shop where you can buy items with your collected coins
- a living room which is like your own chat room
- you can choose between different characters with different characteristics (e.g. the diver can dive, the peasant can plant plants and the mechanic can repair things)
- day/night system which is controlled by the server. During the day, the levels are different than at night. For example: Ghosts can only be seen at night.
- wind affects the game. In the level-editor you can adjust the wind
- slippery surfaces. ice blocks can be placed in the level-editor
- teamplay. without teamplay you can't solve some levels. everyone can choose what he wants to play before the level is loaded.
- collecting. if you finish a level successfully, all collected coins and items will be placed in your online account.

Think Under Defeat, but with 2D sprites. Demolition Gunner: In Search and Destroy was originally developed for a three minute gameplay competition, then turned into a complete production featuring seven stages and obligatory boss encounters.

These battles last only twenty seconds each, so there won't be much of a struggle beating them assuming that you're good at dodging an insane number of bullets. Press the Z key to shoot, or hold the X key for a few seconds before releasing the button to launch a napalm bomb. Click on the first link after the title to download.

Name: Demolition Gunner: In Search and Destroy
Developer: DHC
Category: Shooter
Type: Freeware
Size: 10MB

N-E-M is the latest effort released by Akatuki Twilight, developer of two other shooters entitled Patchouli and IrK. Your ship has a unique dash attack which can be used to damage enemy ships. By pressing the Z key, any objects caught in your flight path will be destroyed.

If no directional arrow key is pressed when the action button is used, your ship will automatically zip towards the closest enemy. Features boss fights and an innovative save system that is never seen in any other shmups. While watching a replay, you can press the escape key and resume from the point where you've paused the action.

Name: N-E-M
Developer: Akatuki Twilight
Category: Shooter
Type: Freeware
Size: 10MB

October 28, 2006

MELISSA is another shooter by Weva which configures your joypad automatically but features bland sprites and a snail pace.

Hold the X key to shoot, or press the Z key to change your weapon assuming that at least one power-up has been collected. Definitely a labor of love but one that will be overlooked by shmup veterans with an acquired taste for frantic action. A download is located right after the section which explains power-ups and their effects, while the default unzip folder is in C drive.

Name: MELISSA
Developer: Weva
Category: Shooter
Type: Freeware
Size: 5MB

Pronounced Z-corb, Zcorb is an action game that arrived on the scene twenty years too late. A mix of Pac-Man and Qix, your objective is to collect all the chips on screen while dodging other moving objects.

Use the arrow keys to move Xippie around, and hold the shift key to accelerate. Press the O key to bring up the configuration menu when the title is shown. The download page has an online high score table that you can submit your best achievement to as well. A cncs232.dll file has to be placed in the same folder for it to run properly, fortunately it's available from the same location.

Name: Zcorb
Developer: Acoders
Category: Action
Type: Freeware
Size: 5MB

Decontrologic is another short but sweet adventure game by cactus. Any clues or description would probably dilute the experience, hence no spoilers will be mentioned.

Name: Decontrologic
Developer: cactus
Category: Adventure
Type: Freeware
Size: 1MB

Vector is another game by that is based on an interesting concept but flawed in execution. Your ship can be moved around using the W, A, S and D keys. The player is required to draw a line in order to fire a shot, which can lead to an undesirably high number of random mouse clicks.

There's a unique boss encounter in every fifth stage, though implementing dual analog input should have been the developer's main priority. Innovation is great, but going against standard control method preferences for the sake of accomodating a streak of ingenuity will always be a risk. In this case, alienating most of the target audience and discouraging many from playing further than the first few levels.

Name: Vector
Developer: DS
Category: Shooter
Type: Freeware
Size: 2MB

StarTag is a decent Thrust variation with emphasis on mini-games. Sprites and level designs are pretty enough, plus several multiplayer modes are made available for some party fun. Only four keys are required to play, with one button reserved for special moves.

Tasks include navigating mazes, collecting coins, flying through hoops, popping bubbles, avoiding bombs or being tagged by your opponents. Only three of these can be accessed in the demo.

Name: StarTag
Developer: Straylight Studios
Category: Action
Type: Demo
Size: 20MB

October 27, 2006

Bad, Bad Bots is a decent 2D platform puzzler which requires no precision jumps. Instead the player has to figure out a way to reach the exit in each stage by unlocking doors, disabling fans, activating teleporters and pushing crates amongst other actions.

The first few levels act as tutorials, providing hints and explanations on every gadget to be encountered in your journey. Another quality entry in this year's IGF competition.

Name: Bad, Bad Bots
Developer: Medium Edge Games
Category: Action
Type: Demo
Size: 10MB

Cramgene is a pretty interesting puzzler from Yamisoft Entertainment. The objective of the game is to feed your pet before your opponent does, by splicing genes and creating a creature which matches exactly the one they're thinking of.

Choose creatures from your stock to examine their DNA strands, then pick the traits you need to create the right meal for your pet by determining matching genes. The gameplay system is a little complicated but fortunately the tutorial offers proper guidance to get any player started in just a matter of minutes.

The difficulty can be adjusted from the options menu, plus the trial version is not time limited. Don't be fooled by the graphics, even for grown-ups the game can be quite challenging.

Name: Cramgene
Developer: Yamisoft Entertainment
Category: Puzzle
Type: Demo
Size: 5MB

Dizzy has had it's fair share of halfhearted remakes. With Spud's Quest, fans no longer need to endure such indignity though our lovable egg has now been replaced with a protagonist named Spud.

You can only carry three items at any time, so expect a lot of backtracking in this game. Items are regularly placed inside houses, while grabbing the pliers require an incredibly precise jump. It's left to the player to figure out that Spud can stand on clouds.

A walkthrough and world map for Spud's Quest was released recently.

Name: Spud's Quest
Developer: Chris Davis
Category: Adventure
Type: Freeware
Size: 5MB

Trick or Treat is an alright action game made by Dustin Gunn and Steven Burgess for a small Halloween competition. Featuring mostly ghouls and skeletons, the sprites looked pretty decent but gameplay itself is rather mediocre after the initial excitement fades off.

Still, it fits well with the holiday theme and there's nothing wrong with a free platformer spanning five levels. Note that swinging the chainsaw is slightly more effective against skeletons in some cases.

Name: Trick or Treat
Developer: Dustin Gunn
Category: Action
Type: Freeware
Size: 1MB

Anyone looking for their common casual matching variety will be fairly suprised with D.N.A as the gameplay in this one requires a lot of thought, especially if you're not very good at recalling color combinations.

The player has to match at least ten proteins to burst a cell, a task made harder by the fact that they don't stay still in one place. There's a quota to fulfill in each level, and time ticks away for every second the player spends on mulling over their next move.

The puzzle mode is much more relaxing as the time restriction is removed, but one mistake means repeating the whole challenge all over again.

A fairly notable entry with an extremely slick presentation, something that would have been expected from a Japanese game development studio. Definitely a publisher to keep an eye on.

Name: D.N.A
Developer: 5th Cell
Category: Puzzle
Type: Demo
Size: 12MB

October 25, 2006

From the creators of Professor Fizzwizzle comes FizzBall, an effort which probably comes the closest to replicating BreakQuest's success but with it's own gameplay mechanics. The puzzle element has been ditched by Grubby Games, in favor of an action game to draw in more players. Essentially a Breakout clone, the comical style from it's predecessor has been retained and improved in this iteration with more animation and additional characters.

Professor Fizzwizzle has to capture animals by bouncing the FizzBall his invention and trapping them inside the bubble after it gains a certain size. The ball can be used to smash obstacles, shake trees and grab bonus items among other things. One talking point is the contraption's ability to blow the Fizzball upwards, it's use only limited to the amount of energy left as displayed on the right.

Features over a hundred and eighty levels, complete with over fifteen types of power-ups to collect.

Name: FizzBall
Developer: Grubby Games
Category: Breakout
Type: Demo
Size: 10MB

Developed by Reflected Games and BlitWise Productions, Neon Wars is another arena shooter that will only run properly if you have OpenGL 1.2 or above installed.

Your ship can only be moved around using the mouse, plus the primary weapon is fired automatically at the nearest enemy. Nevertheless, the one level included has no time restrictions and replayable at any time even though several power-ups have been disabled. A recommended download if not a purchase.

Name: Neon Wars
Developer: Blitwise Productions
Category: Shooter
Type: Demo
Size: 3MB

Reviewed by Maenny (www.runtime-hq.com)

This great 3D RTS game is one of the kings in the freeware community. Glest could easily overrun the popularity of one or another commercial game, having a superb design and astonishing possibilities concerning modding. Play it, and you know what I am speaking of.

At the moment, there are two "races", both humans, but one time based on magic, the other time based on technology. The tech-trees differ, of course, and there are different units in each of the clans. While on the one hand you have sorceresses and wizards being able to summon powerful creatures like dragons, on the other hand the humans defend themselves with "robotics", a kind of mech-like, human-steered war-robot (three double words!). By building the library/blacksmith you can either build new units or upgrade existing ones to more powerful warriors or wizards.
Resources are being gained as usual: Peasants don't hesitate to follow your command when you are in need for wood, stone or gold. Energy resources are gained by contructing a kind of manafountain for the magic people and a farm for the technology people.

Glest is an ambitious project. From their homepage: "Glest is a project for making a free 3d real-time customizable strategy game." That means, the units can be changed, that is you can easily replace the models and script (with XML) new behaviours for them. Like that you can create a 3D RTS game with your own models and your own artwork. No surprise, the community is growing fast.

Read the entire review at www.runtime-hq.com

Name: Glest
Developer: Glest Team
Category: Strategy
Type: Freeware
Size: 50MB

October 23, 2006

In Packin' Plax, the player has to stack colored plaques on a table so that three of the same color are connected either horizontally, vertically or diagonally. This is done by catching the plaques using the loader object controlled by pressing the left or right arrow keys. Tap the space key to drop an object onto the table.

You can only fail to catch up to five plaques, though it's possible to replenish your chances by increasing the current level or collecting power-ups. An excellent Klax clone, with only bland textures and absence of gamepad support as minor disappointments.

Name: Packin' Plax
Developer: xCept
Category: Puzzle
Type: Freeware
Size: 10MB

Dimension Diver is a decent abstract shooter that does everything well enough but never quite extraordinary. Gamepad is supported, plus four difficulty levels have been included to provide a challenge for both experts and beginners.

The Z, X and C keys are mapped to different types of shots. Press the C key to bring up a pause window. One for the collection but the fun doesn't last longer than an afternoon or so.

Name: Dimension Diver
Developer: TILTO
Category: Shooter
Type: Freeware
Size: 1MB

October 22, 2006

Super Nova is a decent shooter by Virtanen Games, in which you can use the left and right arrow keys to move around while shooting at enemies appearing from a distance. There are quite a number of power-ups to collect but difficulty is rather high and it can be tough to stay alive for longer than a few minutes.

Hold the control key to shoot and use the left shift key for a boost which slows down the speed of all objects temporarily.

Name: Super Nova
Developer: Virtanen Games
Category: Shooter
Type: Freeware
Size: 5MB

Noitu Love 2Joakim posted a teaser image from the next platformer project on his site. [Noitu Love, Tripline review]

A new AGS adventure game entitled The House That Ate My Soul was released today. Still buggy unfortunately.

bob recently did an interview with PC Zone about Grid Wars, Bizarre Creations and remakes in general. (Warning: strong language)

Here's a list of casual game portals compiled by Logler.

???Blue Tea Games (Cactus Bruce and the Corporate Monkeys) will release a Breakout clone entitled Crazy Critters next month.

danjo of Acoders fame is currently working on a secret project entitled Alien Shooter. Currently undergoing beta testing. [LadyBug 2k6, Pacman EX 2 review]



News of a Spindizzy remake had recently surfaced over at the RetroRemakes forums.

The original is a C64 game which was compared frequently to Marble Madness. In it, you control a craft named GERARD (Geographical Reconaissance And Land-mapping Device) on a mission to explore new dimensions and collect energy levels.

Planned features:
- Full 3D OpenGL graphics
- Original game map plus new ones
- Isometric and first-person viewpoint
- original and new soundtrack

The game will be released sometime in February 2007 as open source for Linux, Windows and MacOS X with a map editor included.

October 21, 2006

GameTunnel's October Monthly Round-Up was recently posted.

Here's a summary, presented Famitsu-style:

JetJumper Warlock Studio 6, 6, 7, 7 [26/40]
Impulse Taparo 8, 7, 6, 6 [27/40]
Deep Ball Defender BD Studio 6, 6, 6, 5 [23/40]
Shattera 2 Strong Games 7, 6, 6, 7 [26/40]
Astro Fury Alawar 6, 6, 5, 8 [25/40]
Toblo DigiPen N, 5, 6, 6 [17/30] *
Pizza Panic Arcade Lab 8, 8, 6, 7 [29/40] SA
Total Pro Golf Wolverine St. 6, 7, 6, 6 [25/40]
Defcon Introversion 7, 8, N, 7 [22/30] SA
Robotopia gamesare 7, 7, 6, 6 [26/40]
Mr. Smoozles Goes... Juniper Games 7, 7, 8, 8 [30/40] SA, GM

* - Freeware
N - Not Rated
GM - Game of the Month
EC - above 36 (Editor's Choice)
GA - above 32 (Gold Award)
SA - above 28 (Silver Award)

Beast Invaders 2 is a remake of an old Space Invaders hack by Jeff Minter for the Atari 2600. Only one of your shots can remain on the screen at any time, though enemy projectiles are not restricted in such manner.

The aim of the game is basically to earn a decent high score by shooting at enemies and picking up coins or plates of curry. Fans of classic shooters will want this in their collection.

Name: Beast Invaders 2
Developer: Retrovision
Category: Shooter
Type: Freeware
Size: 10MB

October 20, 2006

Alligator Garden is about two blokes who have to move crocs back to the ponds in each level safely. Bulldozers block your way but fortunately these can be driven and used to push boulders into holes.

Puzzle elements include tight spaces and limited vehicular movements. You can't climb into a bulldozer from the front or back either, though it's possible to drop the docile reptiles by pressing the enter key. Includes an editor as well.

Name: Alligator Garden
Developer: Anahara Masataka
Category: Puzzle
Type: Freeware
Size: 1MB

Ebyss is a decent Game Maker production that has a strange shot system adapted from Taito's RayStorm and RayCrisis. Your lobster can only fire at enemies after getting a lock on them. The game design is innovative but controls are poorly implemented.

Pretty innovative but it's inaccessibility will discourage most players from getting very far. A great example for budding GM developers to learn from.

Name: Ebyss
Developer: Anahara Masataka
Category: Shooter
Type: Freeware
Size: 2MB

A testament to the popularity of Microprose's classic series, the turn-based strategy gameplay can now be experienced using Pocket PC devices. Pocket UFO is an excellent freeware to have if you're always on the move.

Gendo Ikari recommends downloading version 1.24, since it's the most stable. (Thanks!)

Name: Pocket UFO
Developer: SMK Software
Category: Strategy
Type: Freeware
Size: 5MB

October 19, 2006

Two of the best turn-based strategy games involving squad and resource management, X-COM: UFO Defense and Terror from the Deep downloads have been patched to run without problems on any modern rig.

Shoot down enemy UFOs, trap your enemies and salvage their technology to improve your own. Night missions tend to be extremely suspenseful, especially when your team is whittled down to it's last few members in an area packed with aliens.

Many sleepless nights were blamed on this series. The first episode requires a little configuration since it's map scroll speed is set to maximum.

Name: X-COM: Terror from the Deep
Developer: Microprose
Category: Strategy
Type: Demo
Size: 5MB

Two of the best turn-based strategy games involving squad and resource management, X-COM: UFO Defense and Terror from the Deep downloads have been patched to run without problems on any modern rig.

Shoot down enemy UFOs, trap your enemies and salvage their technology to improve your own. Night missions tend to be extremely suspenseful, especially when your team is whittled down to it's last few members in an area packed with aliens.

Many sleepless nights were blamed on this series. The first episode requires a little configuration since it's map scroll speed is set to maximum.

Name: X-COM: UFO Defense
Developer: Microprose
Category: Strategy
Type: Demo
Size: 5MB

Spherical is a rather bland Sokoban clone but for a freeware there really isn't much to complain. What is interesting though is the author's attempt at getting the game published, and an online journal which I believe will be taken down shortly since it contains the replies from all major publishing portals.

Name: Spherical
Developer: membrain
Category: Puzzle
Type: Freeware
Size: 2MB

Slimy Pete's Singles Bar is the second experimental project by Kloonigames, in which Petri Purho attempts to create a new game with only seven days worth of development time.

The objective is to make a match of three thought bubbles in a row. Move your mouse pointer over a character to stop them from thinking up of more conversation topics. Each match will make Jesse and Celine move closer towards each other. Pretty innovative.

Name: Slimy Pete's Singles Bar
Developer: Kloonigames
Category: Puzzle
Type: Freeware
Size: 5MB

N'vaders is a rather unique Space Invaders tribute by TehSilentOne. Enemies are made out of blocks which you can destroy part by part, while collecting blue orbs will increase your energy count.

Hold the Z key to shoot, and press the X key to execute your special attack. A worthwhile mention if nothing else.

Name: Nvaders
Developer: TehSilentOne
Category: Shooter
Type: Freeware
Size: 5MB

October 18, 2006

Mark Incitti's (of Grid Wars fame) Polarity+ is out. The trial version is available for download now.

Reviewed by the2bears and Shmuptacular.

Name: Polarity
Developer: aZaCreations
Category: Shooter
Type: Demo
Size: 10MB

October 17, 2006

Ad Nauseam by cactus is one of the earliest SHMUP-DEV competition entries released in a playable state.

Current version includes five power-ups to collect and seven types of enemies to deal with. Expect more content soon, including new enemy types and boss encounters.

Gameplay is far better than what the screenshots may suggest. Definitely worth a try.

Name: Ad Nauseam
Developer: cactus
Category: Shooter
Type: Freeware
Size: 1MB

Separate Dimension is an arcade shooter that offers more than what the screenshots seem to potray. The new mouse controls work flawlessly, signalling that the more conventional method of flying a ship using the keyboard is outdated and could possibly be improved. An option to translate all text to English is included in the options menu, something that Japanese programmers should perhaps aspire for.

You can resume playing from any of the missions previously attempted. Hold the left mouse button to shoot, right click to activate your thrusters and scroll up or down to swap weapons. Tap the middle mouse button to bring up a pause window.

Targets are marked clearly with a handy radar shown at the top right of the screen. Recommended for all Thrust fans. The 20MB download is on the same page, though it could be a little difficult to distinguish from all the other columns in the table. Instructions on navigating the Vector site can be found in the FAQ.

Name: Separate Dimension
Developer: PrePrayer Power Soft
Category: Action
Type: Freeware
Size: 20MB

Kimagure 2 and Kimagure 2 Mouse Version are two shmups with the same gameplay engine but different level designs. Tap the space key to shoot, or hold it to charge your special weapon. Press the Z key to activate a power-up.

There are no boss encounters, though in terms of difficulty the keyboard and joypad version is slightly harder to play. This is because you're forced to start from the beginning of each stage when your character loses all her health.

Name: Kimagure 2 Mouse Version
Developer: Unknown
Category: Shooter
Type: Freeware
Size: 10MB

Kimagure 2 and Kimagure 2 Mouse Version are two shmups with the same gameplay engine but different level designs. Tap the space key to shoot, or hold it to charge your special weapon. Press the Z key to activate a power-up.

There are no boss encounters, though in terms of difficulty the keyboard and joypad version is slightly harder to play. This is because you're forced to start from the beginning of each stage when your character loses all her health.

Name: Kimagure 2
Developer: Unknown
Category: Shooter
Type: Freeware
Size: 10MB

Kimagure is an older Gradius clone that pales slightly in comparison to it's superior sequels. Tap the space key to shoot, or hold it to charge your special weapon. Press the Z key to activate a power-up.

There are no boss encounters, but the player still has to start from the beginning of each stage when the protagonist loses all her health. Kimagure.zip is the name of the download file.

Name: Kimagure
Developer: Unknown
Category: Shooter
Type: Freeware
Size: 5MB

Diner Dash 3: Flo on the Go is the latest in a series of restaurant simulations developed by GameLab and Playfirst. It's now possible to dress Flo in all sorts of outfit and apparel before sending her out to take on each assignment.

As usual, the game involves serving customers in the shortest time possible before any of them runs out of patience and leaves your establishment in anger. New challenges have been included to break the monotony, though turning off the lights in an attempt to hinder progress is more of an inconvenience rather than anything else.

This production isn't not going to attract new fans but it'll delight those who favored the first two.

Name: Diner Dash: Flo on the Go
Developer: Playfirst
Category: Puzzle
Type: Demo
Size: 10MB

October 16, 2006

Captain Binary is a decent action game that attempts to emulate the Metal Slug series and Alien Hominid. Consisting of three short levels, one hit is all that your muscled hero can take although there's plenty of lives and credits to use.

Weapon upgrades can be collected to increase your firepower. Does not include gamepad support or difficulty setting.

Name: Captain Binary
Developer: Twin Bottles
Category: Action
Type: Freeware
Size: 50MB

Reviewed by Maenny (www.runtime-hq.com)

Gate 88 is an excellent mixture between RTS, Asteroids and a horizontal/vertical shooter. Sounds crazy? Well it is: Gate 88 combines traditional gameplay-elements and creates something new and unique out of it. Hard to learn, but really worth the time. Better begin with the tutorial, before you plunge into an exciting deathmatch multiplayer game.

Gate 88 is not easy to learn, but very rewarding, once you get the hang of it. As soon as you destroyed your first enemy base notice the big smile of satisfaction on your face. The apparent complexity may be intimidating at the beginning. This may be one of the main reasons why Gate 88 until now did not get the attention it deserves.

And it deserves all your attention because it really is a clean programmed game with ingenious gameplay, a property which is hardly found even amongst commercial releases. If you like to experience something new concerning the game play, you definitely should try this asteroids/ strategical/ action-title.

The graphics are marvelous simple, but fit excellent in the game and really add to the unique atmosphere you will experience. Like the soundtrack does, which really is good, you should grab the copy with music.

Read the entire review at www.runtime-hq.com

Name: Gate 88
Developer: Queasygames
Category: Strategy
Type: Freeware
Size: 12MB

October 15, 2006

Blast Miner is a physics based game where you use TNT, gasoline and stones to cause huge explosions that blast through the earth. There's a comprehensive preview and developer chat with one of it's creators on Game Tunnel.

They have also released several other freeware projects in the past including Carious Weltling, Carious Weltling 2, Viviparous Dumpling and Clubby the Seal.

Name: Blast Miner
Developer: Cryptic Sea
Category: Action
Type: Demo
Size: 15MB

October 12, 2006

You can now play the Alien Shooter 2 demo (scroll down for the file) without the time limit using tips provided in this forum thread. (no, it's not a crack)

The FAQ is an interesting read as well. Winners don't use drugs.

Name: Alien Shooter 2
Developer: Sigma Team
Category: Action
Type: Demo
Size: 150MB

October 11, 2006

Word Krispies is the second offering from Liquid Dragon Studios, this time ditching the action element found in Odyssey: Winds of Athena and favoring word games and brain teasers instead. Cereals with alphabets are added into a bowl of milk periodically, and it's up to the player to form the best words and earn extra points for their efforts.

Letters will disappear if left unused, leading to the loss of a turn. Nothing as fancy as their previous release but works well enough to entertain wordsmiths for an afternoon or two.

Name: Word Krispies
Developer: Liquid Dragon Studios
Category: Puzzle
Type: Demo
Size: 10MB

Gun Arms is a decent effort by Neun with at least two rare traits which are uncommon in most platformers. You get to control a mechanized robot, and the gameplay itself is in full 3D glory. Shoot with the Z key, execute a melee attack with the C key and hold the S key to protect yourself with a shield. This will prevent any sort of damage whatsoever, but unfortunately mobility is restricted when this is in effect.

Flying is only possible outdoors. Double tap the up arrow key to jump, then press the S key to float. To dash, tap a directional arrow key twice. This won't work in some areas though. Choose the third link on the same page to download the trial version.

Name: Gun Arms
Developer: Neun
Category: Platform
Type: Demo
Size: 10MB

Gambare Natsuki-San was an excellent Umihara Kawase Shun clone by DK alpha. The developer has now returned with another unique effort entitled ProjectN. Your ship only has a beam sword for it's tail, which can be swung around for a larger damage perimeter. Users with an analog joypad are at an advantage here, though keyboard owners should probably give this a miss.

The warp drive comes in pretty handy, since some routes are blocked off and the only way to avoid crashing into the walls is by teleporting to the other side. Three stages only.

Name: ProjectN
Developer: DK alpha
Category: Shooter
Type: Freeware
Size: 5MB

Wicked Ogre Hunt is an alright action game which features artwork much like those found in games by Clover Studio. Your character has to jump over obstacles and shoot at targets to score points. Press the left mouse button to leap, then the same button again while in midair to shoot. Hold the right mouse button to dive.

Keyboard controls are available as well. Only three stages are playable in the demo, and each can be completed in less than a minute. Users on slow connections may want to skip this one, since it's only worth downloading for the sake of novelty.

Name: Wicked Ogre Hunt
Developer: StudioGIW
Category: Action
Type: Demo
Size: 30MB

October 10, 2006

Puyo remakeA new screenshot from Ishisoft's Puyo remake has been posted. [Clockwiser, Pushover review]

Kevin Glass is working on a LocoRoco clone named Loopy Gloop, which runs on Java. Less than 4K in size. (Source: Puppy Games)

RTSoft will release a new 2D game creation engine entitled Novashell soon.

Daniel Remar's Iji is seventy percent done. [Castle of Elite, Retrobattle, Hero, No Friction review]

A list of Bogosoft's cancelled games can be found here. None of them are downloadable.

darthlupi is redoing Sword Fighter Zero. A demo download link is available from the same page. [Airdoo review]

Buster's new game will be released before the end of 2006. [Vacant Ark review]

Pipiru the Archer is a one level demo which showcases pencilled art for backgrounds that wouldn't look out of place in a children's story book.

Hold the Z or X key to shoot an arrow, or press the left arrow key to spin and dodge enemy projectiles. Flaming arrows can be created by firing one through a torch. A dodgy but passable English translation can be selected from the main menu. The Vector download link is placed right at the end of the same page.

Name: Pipiru the Archer
Developer: NOAH
Category: Shooter
Type: Demo
Size: 3MB

Luxor 2 is the new release from MumboJumbo, the Goliath that towers over the rest of it's competition. Gameplay is still practically the same, although each level now has a different background to complement the boredom of matching gems.

There's nary a hint of innovation, which isn't surprising since the last one did so well. No reason to change anything that wasn't broken. Fans of the original will be delighted with it's length, with a total of eighty-eight stages to plunder through. Must be lots of them, judging by the fact that it sold over half a million copies last year.

Name: Luxor 2
Developer: MumboJumbo
Category: Puzzle
Type: Demo
Size: 20MB

Sensational Soccer is the latest football simulation by Si Read which expands on the concept introduced in New Star Soccer 3. Instead of having a single player limited to league and cup games, it's now possible to manage an entire team in single matches, full seasons or quests for silverware.

Certain improvements to the engine are quite subtle. Through passes can now be executed with pinpoint accuracy, allowing for more flamboyant displays of one-touch football. Crossing has been made much easier though offsides happen rather frequently due to improved defence AI.

All player names have been altered slightly since it's not legally possible to replicate them without a license to do so. Still, football fans would have no problems telling apart one teammate from the other since the names and stats just about match their real counterparts.

The game is not without a problem or two though. Training points do not carry over to the subsequent weeks, and it can be rather tiring when repeating sessions with each player in order to improve their skills. But these are just minor issues that the developer will most likely address when updates are released.

Another feather in Si Read's decorated hat and a worthy addition to any footie fan's collection.

Name: Sensational Soccer
Developer: New Star Games
Category: Sports
Type: Demo
Size: 10MB

Reincarnation is a decent vertical shooter that has simple enemy designs and an uncomplicated gameplay system. The player can choose from several weapon configurations before starting a game. Press the Z key to shot, and hold the same button to activate your special beam attack.

The screen is wider than your average shmup, though that does mean more space to navigate in and dodge enemy projectiles. Weapons and shields charge up automatically, so players do not need to worry about collectibles or bonuses. Definitely a good entry point for beginners.

Name: Reincarnation
Developer: Y-NRG
Category: Shooter
Type: Freeware
Size: 2MB

October 9, 2006

Reviewed by Maenny (www.runtime-hq.com)

Battle for Wesnoth is a very good programmed turn-based strategy-game and it could be commercial. Thank God it isn't. So you will be able to enjoy countless adventures, battles, sieges, or getaways. It doesn't matter if you like multiplayer games or if you prefer single player games: Battle for Wesnoth satisfies every kind of strategy-player. Having homogenously designed graphics and a nice soundtrack, you wont be able to resist the charm of this title...

With about 200 different units, 16 Races and 6 different factions the diversity of Battle of Wesnoth is huge and should serve everyones needs. The maps also are designed beautifully - terrain affects the moving range and battleskills of a unit. You will find items improving your properties. Battle is being evaluated automatically.

Battle of Wesnoth has no sprite-animations, the figures can face in different directions, though. Generally the gfx remind me of boardgames, which I like and which fits the game nicely.

The real challenge lies in the tactical depth of Battle of Wesnoth, which not only consists of killing an enemy unit (well, after all, you HAVE to eliminate all enemy units...), but also to have villages in your command, with the money of which you can buy new units. An important fact is also that you can heal your units in a village being in your possession, and as your units gain experience and improve hereby their skills, it is advisable not to loose your warriors in combat.

Battle of Wesnoth surely is one of the biggest freeware titles out there. If you like turn-based strategy or even RTS-games, you won't forget the day you first heard of Battle for Wesnoth. Because you really are sucked into this rich medieval-fantasy world and will take some time to exit it again...

Read the entire review at www.runtime-hq.com

Name: Battle of Wesnoth
Developer: David White
Category: Strategy
Type: Freeware
Size: 40MB

October 8, 2006

Takase's Dot Fighters is quite a departure from his previous work. Detailed 2D sprites prominently featured in Arm Joe have now been replaced with characters made out of huge pixels. Their faces are usually made out of several colored squares, with eyes and mouths left out of their portraits to accomodate the new style.

There are plenty of moves to choose from, with devastating ones limited to the amount of Dot Power that you have accumulated during each fight. Only four fighters are available in the latest version, though Quest Mode does include additional boss encounters and bonus rounds.

Only two attack buttons are ever used, but there's plenty of moves to learn and executing them doesn't require excellent memory skills. Press the A key to punch and tap the S key to kick. The escape key can be used to pause the game. Press alt-Enter to play in full screen mode.

Combos are usually initiated by tapping one of the action buttons repeatedly. Additional moves such as air combos, reversals, throws, safe landings and rolls are all here. Recommended for fans of the genre, and well worth the 284MB download.

Download instructions can be found in this post. Mirrors for Dot Fighters can be found in the IG forums.

Name: Dot Fighters
Developer: Takase
Category: Action
Type: Freeware
Size: 300MB

[Discuss]

Special Agent is the new platformer by David Newton, who was also the creator of Treasure Tower. This effort only showcases three levels, and there is still much work to be done though entirely playable in it's own with two game modes on offer.

You're cast as a secret agent, entrusted to carry out several mundane missions around the world to eradicate some evil mastermind and put a stop to his nefarious plans. The controls require a bit of practice, since there are two shot buttons mapped to the A and D keys. This allows the player to aim left or right regardless of the direction he is facing. Hold the S key to jump. It's possible to skip the high score submission process by pressing the tab key at the right time.

The 2D sprites are decent enough, and there are no bugs to be found anywhere but it's not really at the top of the list of best platformers released this year. Still, a worthy addition nonetheless.

Name: Special Agent
Developer: David Newton
Category: Platform
Type: Freeware
Size: 5MB

October 7, 2006

Between Heaven and Hell is a platformer by Matt Dabrowski that took more than two years to develop. It's not surprising that the developer cited Jordan Mechner and Eric Chahi as main inspirations, since many of the gameplay elements from their previous works can be found here.

It's a difficult game to recommend, partly due to the unforgiving action sequences although solutions to most puzzles can be found in a walkthrough posted on the same site. Level codes can be used to resume progress. The post-mortem is an interesting read as it provides a summary of the entire development process. One thing's for sure, opinions will be divided about this production.

Name: Between Heaven and Hell
Developer: Matt Dabrowski
Category: Platform
Type: Freeware
Size: 150MB

October 5, 2006

Starlit Zone Fighter is the latest effort by Lazrael, developer of Poyo among other notable projects. The attack system employed by this shmup is a little like the one used by Buster's Vacant Ark.

Food has to be eaten constantly in order to accumulate shot power. Press the C key to gather objects and tap the D key to spit them out. Mouse controls are supported, but it works best with a joypad connected.

Name: Starlit Zone Fighter
Developer: Lazrael
Category: Shooter
Type: Freeware
Size: 3MB

XWars is a decent attempt to fill the hole left vacant by the forced withdrawal of Grid Wars. There are no configurable options yet, though gameplay is practically the same bar some minor sprite changes. Dual analog controllers are also supported in the latest version.

Your ship can be moved around using the W, A, S and D keys. The mouse can be used to aim at other vector shapes. Indicators shown at the top of the screen provides information on the next upgrade or multiplier increase at a glance. A worthy substitute, especially with a little more work. Made using the HGE engine.

Name: XWars
Developer: Ehud
Category: Shooter
Type: Freeware
Size: 1MB

From the creator of Grid Assault comes Thrust Xtreme, a remake featuring updated graphics but with Wiebo's distinct style from his earlier effort intact. The menu and sprite designs are instantly recognizable, though gameplay is slightly sedated with precise key presses a vital ingredient for success.

Your ship has limited fuel which can be replenished by activating your tractor beam near any of the fuel tanks. Balance is required to hover in one spot while staying close to ground objects.

The objective of the game is to attach a rope to the round object found in each level, then carry them out safely into space in order to progress. Some players might be discouraged by the difficulty or awkward controls, though fans of the original will definitely be delighted with this production.

Name: Thrust Xtreme
Developer: Wiebo de Wit
Category: Action
Type: Freeware
SizE: 1MB

gameplay videos


Note: Your Windows XP/2000 operating system has to be set up to run Japanese software in order to play Dot Fighters. Please refer to the FAQ for more information.

Takase's Dot Fighters is quite a departure from his previous work. Detailed 2D sprites prominently featured in Arm Joe have now been replaced with characters made out of huge pixels. Their faces are usually made out of several colored squares, with eyes and mouths left out of their portraits to accomodate the new style.

There are plenty of moves to choose from, with devastating ones limited to the amount of Dot Power that you have accumulated during each fight. Only four fighters are available in the latest version, though Quest Mode does include additional boss encounters and bonus rounds.

Only two attack buttons are ever used, but there's plenty of moves to learn and executing them doesn't require excellent memory skills. Press the A key to punch and tap the S key to kick. The escape key can be used to pause the game. Press alt-Enter to play in full screen mode.

Combos are usually initiated by tapping one of the action buttons repeatedly. Additional moves such as air combos, reversals, throws, safe landings and rolls are all here. Recommended for fans of the genre, and well worth the 285MB download.

Name: Dot Fighters
Developer: Takase
Category: Beat 'em up
Type: Freeware
Size: 285MB
Direct download link: Click here

Lyrical Nanoha is an alright vertical shooter which feels more like a technical demo rather than anything else, featuring only two enemy sprites and less than five minutes worth of gameplay. Just click on the first link underneath the yellow text to download the trial. The 7-Zip program might be required to unpack the files.

Hold the Z key to shoot and press the X key to execute your special attack. The C key can be used to launch homing projectiles, provided that the linker core has been charged in advance.

Name: Lyrical Nanoha
Developer: Unknown
Category: Shooter
Type: Demo
Size: 5MB

Lethal Judgment 3 - End Game is a shmup with an incredible mix of detailed 2D sprites and rendered 3D graphics, though it's difficulty may put a few players off from sampling this freeware beyond the first few stages. The quality is practically comparable to Jets'n'Guns, and just as hard as the acclaimed horizontal shooter.

Weapon upgrades can be collected along with gold coins to trade for unlockables in the bonus shop. Hold the space key to shoot and press the left control key to launch a bomb. It's possible to beat the entire game with a few strategies in hand without resorting to cheats.

Name: Lethal Judgment 3 - End Game
Developer: BGames
Category: Shooter
Type: Freeware
Size: 70MB

Lethal Judgment 2 - Orbital Apocalypse is a shooter with great graphics but unforgiving gameplay, especially in stage four where floating crystals that could potentially destroy your ship has the same color as the background objects.

One hit is all your ship can take, plus launching bombs require a short period of charging which is absolutely ridiculous and a crime in game design. Even hardcore gamers would look elsewhere for their shmup fix. A miss.

Name: Lethal Judgment 2 - Orbital Apocalypse
Developer: BGames
Category: Shooter
Type: Freeware
Size: 30MB

October 3, 2006

The new release from Double Jump Studios, Harmotion sheds all the unnecessary baggage for a versus gameplay in which real-life opponents face off against each other for a spot in the top rankings.

The first power-up collected is used to search for opponents online, though players are advised to modify the Windows firewall setting before running the executable. Collect red power particles to increase your firepower by holding the right mouse button. Tap the left mouse button repeatedly to shoot at your opponent or disintegrate the plasmoids. The tab key can be used to display your current stats, while pressing the enter key brings up the chat interface.

Your opponent always appear at the top of the screen. Each ship has it's own advantages in a battle, and it's up to the player to choose one that suits their preferences.

Name: Harmotion
Developer: Double Jump Studios
Category: Shooter
Type: Freeware
Size: 20MB

Nanozoa is a GM production that features decent backgrounds rendered in black and white. Both keyboard and mouse are used to control the ship inside the doctor's body.

Use the arrow keys to move your craft around and left click to shoot. Weapon upgrades are awarded automatically, though you need to select it from the User Interface Menu in order to have the gun equipped for your next mission. Looks complicated but it's deceptively simple, plus only five short levels have been included with a final boss encounter waiting near the end.

Name: Nanozoa
Developer: LowFuel
Category: Shooter
Type: Freeware
Size: 10MB

ColumnsX is a remake of the classic Sega puzzler from the past, in which the player has to stack three or more gems in the same horizontal, vertical or diagonal row to remove them from the playing field.

Highly recommended by many, though most of the praises are actually from 64Digits member who are represented as playable characters in the game itself. A polished GM production nonetheless.

Name: ColumnsX
Developer: JakeX
Category: Puzzle
Type: Freeware
Size: 10MB

Cannibal Machine is a short one room adventure game in which your task is to free the helpless man from his shackles. A simple point-and-click interface is implemented, though figuring out the solution only requires two or three tries.

There is no blood or violence though vegetarians are advised to stay away from this one.

Name: Cannibal Machine
Developer: JaJProductions
Category: Adventure
Type: Freeware
Size: 5MB

Islands Mini Golf is a 3D miniature golf game featuring a total of ninety holes themed around five distinct locations.

Your swing can be adjusted by moving the mouse forward or back. Unlike other golf simulators, no timing is required to determine the speed or strength of your swings.

Worth a try especially if you're interested in mini golf, plus the trial version is not limited to one hour like other casual games. Only the first three holes of each theme are available to play in the demo, though. To take a tour of the rest of the islands just head on over to tutorial.

Name: Islands Mini Golf
Developer: DanlabG
Category: Sports
Type: Demo
Size: 10MB

Tsujikaze is a 3D shooter that looks great but has simplistic controls and limited gameplay, taking much away from the experience. Still, there's some fun to be had with this production.

You have three minutes on the clock to take down all enemy ships and acquire a decent high score. Use the up arrow key to accelerate, press the Z key to shoot and hold the X key to charge your special attack. It's also possible to modify screen resolution settings by editing the ogre.cfg file.

The game is currently available only from this competition web site, the twelfth folder located within the all.zip package.

Name: Tsujikaze
Developer: Y.ABE
Category: Shooter
Type: Freeware
Size: 10MB

Essentially a platformer at heart, your quest in Sky-Whirling Geo to guide the protagonist across three short levels armed with only his trusty blade for protection.

Use the Z key to jump and press the X key to slash. Tap the jump button repeatedly to flap your wings and fly upwards. A special attack can be executed by holding the attack button, assuming that it has been charged as indicated by a yellow gauge at the top of the screen. You can also stab downwards by pressing both the X and down arrow key while in midair.

Entry number eighteen in the competition download file.

Name: Sky-Whirling Geo
Developer: Crostar
Category: Platform
Type: Freeware
Size: 5MB

Aggresive Sokoban is another Flash effort by nemu90kWw, creator of the Parodius parody available from the same site. The concept is a mix of it's namesake and some platformer elements, in which your character has to place all the crates on marked areas before time runs out.

Press the Z key to jump, and use the shift key to lift a box. Objects can be thrown or stacked as a temporary staircase. The absence of a difficulty setting is it's major flaw, enough to discourage many from playing further than the first few stages.

Entry number sixteen in the competition download file.

Name: Aggresive Sokoban
Developer: nemu90kWw
Category: Platform
Type: Freeware
Size: 5MB

Electrical Bird is another 3D effort by Y.ABE that is slightly disappointing, due to the lack of gameplay it exhibits. You have five minutes in each stage to acquire a respectable high score by destroying the shapes and objects that litter the landscape.

The ogre.cfg file can be edited for a higher resolution or full screen mode.

Name: Electrical Bird
Developer: Y.ABE
Category: Shooter
Type: Freeware
Size: 10MB

Something to compliment DHC's new web site look, Demolition Gunner can only be acquired by downloading the entire all.zip package containing a selection of assorted doujin games.

This vertical shooter features two missions with boss encounters usually lasting for about twenty seconds. There are several power-ups to collect and four difficulty levels to select from, with an additional one included for experts to unlock. Like Under Defeat, shots can be directed at an angle by moving your craft left or right. A very nice effort indeed.

For slow connections, I've uploaded the single 3MB entry to this site.

Name: Demolition Gunner
Developer: DHC
Category: Shooter
Type: Freeware
Size: 3MB

BUSTERBuster's latest post as translated by Shih Tzu (thanks again!):
I'm currently enamored with a certain free game. I'm getting lots of inspiration from it - and it's making me sick of BUSTER.

The last release from Lazrael entitled Random Land can be found over at GMG. [Poyo, Pozzo - Jello Crusade, Flapper review]

There's also another decent GM platformer named Albero that I'd neglected to mention for a couple of months now. [The Trap review]

Prototype Mk II screenshots can be found here. [Prototype review]

The September issue of Adventure Lantern is out.

Tiny Town Golf is a pretty good one button golf simulation from Crush Puppy, also the developer of a Frogger remake entitled Froggy Ribbit. Everything is controlled by using the enter key, from setting the shot angle to determining the strength of the club swing. Works well enough, though the game only features nine holes.

Name: Tiny Town Golf
Developer: Crush Puppy
Category: Sports
Type: Freeware
Size: 1MB

Invalid Tangram is a shmup that could have came right out of Kenta Cho's deep pockets, featuring tangram-shaped objects in four different colors. Enemies turn into blocks when destroyed, slowly filling up the background which can then be absorbed in multiples of two and above for a temporary power-up.

A handy tutorial explains most of the controls, though only two buttons are required along with the arrow keys for directional movements. Absorbing blocks will also award the player with three precious seconds worth of additional play time.

Name: Invalid Tangram
Developer: Goose Games
Category: Shooter
Type: Freeware
Size: 1MB

Another Experimental Gameplay Competition entry, String Theory is an action game in which you attempt to guide a spider-like entity around vector-shaped landscapes. The adventure ends if you allow the creature to exit past the edge of the screen.

Four of your limbs can be extended by using the numeric keypad, though elasticity is lost quickly and they soon detach from ceilings or walls in a matter of seconds if left unattended for long.

The scrolling speed and screen size can be altered by editing a text file. Players are advised to download the updated version available from the same page. Looks like a clear winner.

Name: String Theory
Developer: Dillon Cower
Category: Action
Type: Freeware
Size: 5MB

Sokoblast is another gem of a puzzler by Hellbound, though this was released two years ago and have gathered little recognition besides an entry at the GMG site.

The name may slightly mislead as there's more to it than sliding blocks. Probably closer to resembling Chip's Challenge than Sokoban, your character can carry a maximum of one item which is the basis of all the challenges. Certain blocks need to be destroyed using dynamites, while others are to be removed through the use of a switch or key.

Do note that the boomerang serves no purpose until stage 21. There's no time limit to restrict the player from experimenting, plus none of the puzzles are ever too difficult to solve without a little thought. Progress can only be saved at the main menu, accessible at any time by pressing the escape key. Highly recommended.

Name: Sokoblast
Developer: Hellbound
Category: Puzzle
Type: Freeware
Size: 1MB

October 2, 2006

Light Destiny is a pretty good doujin fighting game which was developed using Enterbrain's 2D Fighter Maker. Your character's attack strength is dependent on his or her current level, as indicated by a gauge at the bottom of the screen. This can be increased by executing moves or landing punches on your opponent.

Players are recommended to configure the controls to their liking before starting a game. Parries and safe falls most commonly found in Capcom's flagship series made their way into this production as well. Each character has their own distinctive special and super moves, though all are explained in the accompanying manual included with the download package.

An excellent alternative to Arm Joe.

Name: Light Destiny
Developer: Karasu
Category: Action
Type: Freeware
Size: 50MB

An award-winning DigiPen student entry, Toblo is best described as a capture the flag game with a world of blocks as it's setting. Physics play a large part in this production as buildings, trees and structures can be torn apart and taken piece by piece to be used as weapons.

Throw a block at your enemy to stun them, and they will spawn back at their base in a matter of seconds. You can carry up to fifteen blocks at once.

A pretty good multiplayer effort with plenty of potential, assuming that more maps are added and some optimization is done for future releases.

Name: Toblo
Developer: DigiPen
Category: Action
Type: Freeware
Size: 30MB

A freeware matching game by Paul Varney, Gem Towers is one that features 3D graphics and freedom of camera movement. Certain times a block has to be retrieved from inside the structure in order to create a match of three.

Three difficulty levels round up this decent offering.

Name: Gem Towers
Developer: Paul Varney
Category: Puzzle
Type: Freeware
Size: 5MB

Virtual 2 is the spiritual sequel to an earlier abstract shooter by Vector Games, though the vertical shmup element has been substituted with the freedom of movement in an area that wraps around.

Press the left control key to warp and create a small circle. Static objects with the same color caught in it will reward the player with bonus points.

Enemies leave trail when traveling, and your ship will be terminated if it crosses these lines with another color. Use the left shift key to change your ship's color. A more relaxed gameplay compared to the frenetic pace introduced by it's predecessor.

Name: Virtual II
Developer: Vector Games
Category: Action
Type: Freeware
Size: 5MB

Parity Shot Integral is a shmup that is rather difficult to describe, partly due to the array of special attacks available to each character. Press the Z key to shoot and tap the V key to dodge in any direction. Hold the shot button and X key at the same time to execute rapid fire, or use the C key to access your special move.

Parity can launch homing missiles just by holding the X key to target. Xlala has a large light saber that she can swing around, while Queenty inherits the ability to cast spells with different effects. The trial only features one level but there is quite a bit of gameplay to be had, especially with the inclusion of a difficulty setting to adjust.

To grab the demo, just click on the second link inside the side bar to access the download page.

Name: Parity Shot Integral
Developer: Crane House
Category: Shooter
Type: Demo
Size: 10MB

Dungeons of Fargoal is a modern remake of Jeff McCord's classic dungeon exploration game. Although this particular effort features updated graphics, it remains faithful to the original in most areas.

Combat is automatically initiated by touching a monster, and the gate to the next level will only open once all treasures have been collected. Dungeons are randomly generated, just like the real thing.

Still fun to play after all these years.

Name: Dungeons of Fargoal
Developer: Hellbound
Category: RPG
Type: Freeware
Size: 2MB

Tiltor is a game made using AGS, but surprisingly there's not a single element of adventure to be found in this effort. It's actually a linear puzzler that requires the use of only four buttons for all actions, including menu selection and saving your progress.

The objective in each level is to get a red block to the exit by tilting the screen left and right. Note that the only way to quit is by pressing the left alternate and F4 function key at the same time, though this is just a minor hassle.

Features over a hundred and fifty stages, plus an additional arcade mode that you just can't say no to. Deceptively simple but extremely fun to play, owing much to it's simplistic controls.

Name: Tiltor
Developer: AH productions
Category: Puzzle
Type: Freeware
Size: 5MB

Information about Derek Yu's latest shareware game is finally out. Aquaria is set to be released in early 2007, and was submitted as an IGF competition entry as well.

More details available from Derek's blog and the official site.

Top ten things you need to know about Aquaria:

1. Shareware, non-linear 2D adventure game with underwater setting.
2. Mouse-only control scheme with 360 degrees movement.
2. Several times bigger than Eternal Daughter.
3. Very little text dialogue, only voice narration.
4. Main character has to sing to cast spells.
5. Change form using spells, each with a different playing style.
6. No HUD or health gauges, only one mini map on bottom right of screen.
7. Some puzzles, no keys to collect, lots of optional areas to explore.
8. Huge bosses, some occupying half the screen.
9. Price: 20 USD. Platform: PC. Release date: Spring 2007.
10. It's cool.

[Discuss]

October 1, 2006

The Road Fighter Remake is a racing game that has only a combination of three buttons and some basic rules to learn. Race down a road in an attempt to cross the finish line before your fuel tank empties, though hearts can be collected for a little refuel.

There are no continues but it's possible to play from any stage by using the command line RoadFighter 3, or any desired number.

Name: Road Fighter Remake
Developer: Brain Games
Category: Action
Type: Freeware
Size: 5MB

Alien Invasion is another 1 megabyte wonder from the increasingly impressive Game Maker community. Nothing particularly impressive but all the ingredients worked well together to warrant a mention.

You play the role of an old farmer named Jebediah Smith, who manages to intercept signals about an incoming alien invasion. As an eccentric inventor himself, he prepares to protect his little town with a set of energy cannons designed just weeks before.

A lot like Missile Command except for the part where you can shoot from two directions. The population does grow but it rarely happens fast enough to replenish the numbers you lost through alien abduction. Great stuff.

Name: Alien Invasion
Developer: Divinely Uninspired Games
Category: Action
Type: Freeware
Size: 1MB

Boidtrancer Maniacs is another shooter from Japan which was strangely made with Game Maker. Hold the Z key to shoot and press the X key to launch a bomb. A boss encounter is introduced every five levels.

The action does slow down a little after the twentieth stage due to the large number of objects spawning. As usual, press the F4 function key to play in full screen mode.

Name: Boidtrancer Maniacs
Developer: Unknown
Category: Shooter
Type: Freeware
Size: 2MB

Another Konami classic, the F-1 Spirit Remake is a niche racing game that will only appeal to fans of the original. Each track consists of several laps to complete, and requires plenty of practice just to squeeze in a top finish.

Not a bad effort but one that will not be appreciated by many, even with new features not found in it's predecessor.

Name: F-1 Spirit Remake
Developer: Brain Games
Category: Action
Type: Freeware
Size: 20MB

From cactus comes another effort that exists only to confuse. Made in one day, God Came to the Cave is simply a love or hate affair. The game sets you off on a task, and does the job extremely well though there is no actual moral or point to it. Easily recommended for fans of Illegal Communication.

Name: God Came to the Cave
Developer: cactus
Category: Adventure
Type: Freeware
Size: 1MB

Riesling is a decent shooter by Contralogic that only disappoints with it's poorly-implemented control scheme. Granted, some players may prefer using a mouse to move the ship around but additional keyboard or joypad options would have been appreciated.

The game plays out like Defender, with fruits to collect from destroyed ships for points. Power-ups can be collected to increase firepower as well.

Name: Riesling
Developer: Contralogic
Category: Shooter
Type: Freeware
Size: 1MB

Plaxis is a fun platformer that took Polystyrene Man four days to develop. Only half of the coins in each room can be collected, while the rest will only turn from intangible to a solid form when a special button is activated. Press the F1 function key to insert a credit and use the F2 key to start a new game.

Your character can perform double jumps and stomp on blue enemies, though the red ones will hurt you. To advance, simply collect all coins before time runs out. Simple but surprisingly addictive, even with no music and minimal sound effects.

Name: Plaxis
Developer: Polystyrene Man
Category: Platform
Type: Freeware
Size: 2MB

Pi: Mind Encircled is a mix of several puzzlers from the past, but with a new spin literally. You can move the entire area around while attempting to fit each piece to form a complete horizontal line. Blocks can also be rotated before dropped down, and a high score table has been implemented for exceptional players.

Name: Pi: Mind Encircled
Developer: Liquid Graphics Interactive
Category: Puzzle
Type: Freeware
Size: 10MB

Loveless is another vertical shmup that is obsessed with combos and multipliers. It's possible to play without ever executing chains but to earn a high score, the ship needs to be positioned in the right place and enemy patterns have to be memorized.

Hold the Z key to shoot, tap the X key to activate your shield and press the C key to engage warp speed. The soundtrack contributes much of it's share to an unnecessary large file size.

Not a bad effort but the odd scoring system used to mask the game's inadequancies might not go down to well with shooter veterans. Would have worked perfectly if an online high score table was implemented.

Name: Loveless
Developer: Monokey
Category: Shooter
Type: Freeware
Size: 50MB

Quantized Blaze is another excellent shmup from acclaimed developer keim, responsible for releasing both Nomltest FS and Sky Swimmers' Heaven. Like most of his efforts, the ship's cockpit is the actual hit point which you must protect at any cost.

Bullet patterns are programmed, and enemy formations hardly change much if ever at all. You lose a life automatically when a blaze crosses the bottom of the screen, which can be prevented by using a bomb.

Keyboard controls are not advised, because you need decent bullet dodging skills to sign up for this shooter. Press the left shift key to shoot and launch a bomb using the Z key.

Name: Quantized Blaze
Developer: keim
Category: Shooter
Type: Freeware
Size: 5MB

Xadlak PlusNew horizontal shooter released entitled Xadlak Plus.

Update: I'll be fixing a few stuff around here (which isn't noticeable on the front page) and taking things a bit slow after doing seventy reviews in less than week. Don't miss the remakes as some of them are absolutely brilliant!

Shoot the Core updated again with another 19 new entries.

New screenshots of the work in progress, Into The Eagle's Nest were recently posted.

Sam and Max - Culture Shock Walkthrough (Spoiler Free)
Published by Telltale Games

Act 1

Objective: Rescue the office phone from it's abductors.

1. Get the BOXING GLOVE from the window. (behind Sam)

2. Grab the blue BOWLING BALL next to the rat hole.

3. Open closet door.

4. Pull gun out of inventory and shoot cheese.

5. Take a piece of CHEESE.

6. Place Swiss CHEESE from inventory near the rat hole.

7. During conversation, click on Max's portrait.

8. Choose any threat. (the rat will complain about his headache)

9. Click on Sam's portrait, then ask about the rat's headache.

10. The rat will inadvertently reveal his weakness.

11. Click on Max's portrait, then choose to hang the rat out to dry.

12. Use the office door to leave after the phone conversation.



Act 2

1. Head left and grab the SPRAY PAINT from the car behind the DeSoto.

2. Hop into the patrol car and choose to pull over some random motorists.

3. In the arcade sequence, hit a car from the back to tail them.

4. Click on the gun icon, then shoot at the car's taillights. (one or all)

5. Click on the megaphone icon, then pull them over.

6. Choose hideously broken taillight when asked about the motorist's offence.

7. You will receive a BAG OF MONEY for the excessive fine.

8. Now click on the office icon at the bottom right of the screen to end the arcade sequence.

9. Head right, past your office and enter the convenience store.

10. Talk to Bosco the shop owner.

11. Ask about munchkin terrorist, then say you've got it.

12. Tell Bosco that you want to buy something.

13. Ask him about what he's got, then about item behind the counter. Request for the tear gas.

14. Money will automatically be paid to Bosco in exchange for the LAUNCHER.

15. Grab the CHEESE from the table located just next to the counter.

16. Head left and use the bathroom.

17. Quickly place the CHEESE into the kid's basket before he exits the bathroom.

18. Exit the convenience store.

19. Head left, past your office and enter Sybil's lot.

20. Exhaust all conversation topics or end it outright.

21. Open closet door to release the real Sybil.

22. Ask Sybil about charges, then about what Sam and Max can do to help.

23. Use LAUNCHER on Peepers, then quickly use BOXING GLOVES on him again.

24. The cutscene will reveal a method to cure hypnosis.

25. Leave Sybil's office.

26. Return to the convenience store and click on Whizzer to wake him up.

27. Exit the convenience store.

28. Use SPRAY PAINT on graffiti just outside Sam and Max's office building.

29. (The graffiti could possibly be obscured by the staircase)

30. Head back to your office and look out the window by clicking on it.

31. Drop the BOWLING BALL from your inventory on Specs' head.

32. Head back down and click on Specs (who is unconscious) to cure him.

33. A chase sequence will ensue.

34. Avoid all the videos thrown out of the van to close the distance.

35. Attempting to avoid the videos on your own will most likely end in failure.

36. The trick is to trail the van.

37. When it swerves left or right just follow it's direction.

38. Stay right behind it to avoid all boxes, even when it's far away.

39. When you're close enough, click on the gun icon and shoot at the tyres.

40. The van will stop and you'll learn about the mastermind's hideout.



Act 3

1. Grab an ADMISSION FORM located next to the ticket booth.

2. Hop back into the DeSoto and head for the office.

3. Enter Sybil's lot and show her the ADMISSION FORM, then end the conversation.

4. Examine the SYMPTOMS FORM and note down all three symptoms.

5. The symptoms are different in every game.

5. Talk to Sybil again and take the inkblot test.

6. Answer five questions with the best description that matches the first symptom.

Pennies on the eyes of a dead mime (money)
A pair of oxen boxing in a rowboat
Susan Lucci holding an Emmy (fame)
The results of the last time I let Max drive

A bunch of bacteria playing basketball
Pigeons on a the marquee at Mann's Chinese Theater (fame)
An SUV crashing into an opulent mansion (money)
The St. Valentine's Day massacre

A squirrel that got run over twice
My uncle Louie's moth-eaten wallet (money)
Coded love notes from space aliens
An autograph written in Braille (fame)

Elephants at the New York stock exchange (money)
A cheering crowd of lanky albinos (fame)
The exhaust manifold of a bread truck
Twenty nuns with machine guns.

That blotchy thing a flashbulb does to your eyes (fame)
An orangutan escaping from the trunk of a DeSoto
A war between two teams of abstract shapes
A debit card fed through a document shredder (money)

7. If you get them right, Sybil will check the first symptom in the form.

8. You need to exhibit a violent reaction to dentistry for the free association test.

9. Just pull your gun out and attempt to shoot Sybil when she mentions anything related to dentistry.

10. This is usually the second word. (e.g. crown, drill, filling, flouride, polish)

11. You will fail the test if you're being violent when a non-dentistry word is mentioned.

12. The BOXING GLOVE can also be used on Sybil as a substitute method, but not the LAUNCHER.

13. The third test involves a dream analysis.

14. To exit your dream at any time, just click on the open window or office door.

15. You have to dream about items related to the third symptom to have it checked in the symptoms form.

16. If the third symptom is:
a need to know your peer's age - choose a birthday cake and Max
marry your mom - choose a wedding cake and you (Sybil)

Water cooler
- a rat
- a gun
- a magazine
- nothing

Dartboard
- a toilet brush
- a tattoo
- a diploma
- nothing

Lush vegetation
- needles
- money
- soda can
- leaf

Donut box
- a birthday cake
- a wedding cake
- a fruitcake
- a cheesecake

Shadowy figure
- Max
- Bosco (father)
- You (mother)
- Me

Closet
- a camera
- lottery tickets
- a parking meter
- nothing

17. Leave Sybil's office and head for Brady's hideout.

18. Use the SYMPTOMS FORM on the form reader to open the right gate.

19. Enter the building. After the cutscene, Max will end up at the inconvenience store.



Act 4

1. Grab the CHEESE from the table next to the counter.

2. Stand underneath Max's head.

3. Pull out your gun and shoot at the one way sign next to the open office door.

4. Replace MAX's head.

5. To turn off the fan, use the light switch located next to the one way sign.

6. Next, take the COAT HANGER from the top of the television.

7. Open the CLOSET DOOR and quickly use the BICYCLE PUMP.

8. End the conversation with Bosco, then head for Sybil's office.

9. Talk to Sybil and asks if she can help.

10. Sybil will give Sam a HELMET DIAGRAM.

11. Leave Sybil's office and head back to your office.

12. Grab the COAT HANGER from the top of the television.

13. Leave the office and head for the inconvenience store.

14. Pass the HELMET DIAGRAM then the COAT HANGER to Bosco.

15. Leave the inconvenience store and hop into your DeSoto.



Final Act

1. Enter the building through the right gate. Sam will wear the device automatically.

2. Click on the Soda Poppers and select become... Brady Culture!

3. The worship option will appear. Select worship... me!

4. Click on the Soda Poppers again and select attack... me!

5. Watch the final cutscene, ending and credits roll.

6. Congratulations, you have completed the game!

For more news on upcoming Sam and Max episodes, visit Telltale Games.


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