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

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

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 site indicated in the FAQ for more information.

To download the 285MB full version of Dot Fighters:
Click on the link below, which can also be found at Takase's blog.

http://www.filebank.co.jp/guest/takase61/df6 (opens in a new window)

1. Enter the password "easy" in the first blank area.
2. Enter the login code (as seen where it says "login code", not case sensitive) in the second blank area.
3. Check the box at the bottom if it's empty.
4. Click the button at the bottom next to said box.

5. Once you get into the folder, click the last button at the top (looks like a cog). This will take you to the download setup.
6. Choose the second option in the window that opens.
7. Click on the first button at the bottom. This window should close.
8. Click on the first button on the folder page (image of an arrow pointing downward).
9. Double-click on the executable to extract the files automatically. This is a stand-alone updated version; the older 384MB and 278MB files are not required.

Mirrors will be posted in the IG forums.

For a game with a smaller file size (40MB) but similar gameplay and just as good, try Light Destiny.

[Discuss]

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

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

Buster'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

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]

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