Possibly the best Balloon Fight remake ever, though the game itself is practically nothing like it's source material. Balloon Tournament 2006 features multiplayer deathmatch with a very capable A.I. controlling your opponents and teammates.

There's plenty of characters to choose from, and even more to unlock by completing challenges with the best times. Land on an opponent's balloon twice to ground them, then proceed to knock them out before they inflate a new balloon. Certain stages require the player to capture an object and hold it for a certain period of time.

It's also interesting to note that the developer of this game was also responsible for programming Blocksum.

Name: Balloon Tournament 2006
Developer: Ginger
Category: Action
Type: Freeware
Size: 10MB

Skywaymen is a short demo for the upcoming horizontal shooter by Ishisoft, though getting it to work may require a certain SDL.dll file which can be found either in the Clockwiser or Pushover installers freely available from Ishi's web site.

Name: Skywaymen
Developer: Ishisoft
Category: Shooter
Type: Demo
Size: 2MB

Twenty of the best freeware adventure games released in 2006 (roughly). Mac and Linux versions of the AGS engine are available. [show all twenty entries on one page, part 2 only, Digg this article]

1. Duty and Beyond
2. Reactor 09
3. Spooks
4. Knightsquire/The Family Treasure
5. Indiana Jones and the Fountain of Youth
6. Automation
7. Heartland Deluxe
8. Missing
9. The White Chamber: International Edition
10. Nathan's Second Chance

1. Duty and Beyond

Your 'quest' in Duty and Beyond is simply to deliver a pizza. But who knew that the adventure would take you on an epic journey across several exotic locations in search of the mysterious customer. Simply a winner in the content category, with multiple endings to achieve depending on your final score. Fans of classic LucasArts games (especially Maniac Mansion) will love this one to bits.

Name: Duty and Beyond
Developer: Wandering Adventures
Resembles: Maniac Mansion, The Longest Journey
Size: 4.25 MB
[ direct download link | walkthrough ]

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2. Reactor 09/Cedric and the Revolution

Warning: contains a short discussion about a mature subject.

Reactor 09 is simply a fine piece of work by Bernie. Featuring multiple endings and gorgeous art with hues resembling those found in Beneath a Steel Sky, this game demonstrates what the AGS engine is capable of in the hands of a professional.

A bit less controversial is Cedric and the Revolution, in which you play the role of the titular character on a quest to gather enough people for a demonstration. Both are definitely adventure games worth having in your collection.

Name: Reactor 09/Cedric and the Revolution
Developer: Bernie
Resembles: Beneath a Steel Sky
Size: 4.70 MB, 1.72 MB
Direct Download Links: Reactor 09, Cedric and the Revolution
Walkthroughs:
- Reactor 09
- Cedric and the Revolution

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3. Spooks

Spooks is an excellent AGS adventure game by Erin Robinson, where most of the sprites and backgrounds were drawn using MSPaint and nine shades of gray. The story begins as Mortia finds herself in possession of a goldfish on a day out at the carnival. The prize she won from a game of darts is the catalyst of her adventure to seek the meaning of life.

The writing stands out and most of the music employed doesn't disappoint, although puzzles can be slightly perplexing at times. A small drawback to an otherwise amazing achievement, considering that it's a first effort and a sign of things to come.

Name: Spooks
Developer: The Ivy
Resembles: King's Quest IV, Grim Fandango
Size: 4.88 MB
[ direct download link, walkthrough ]

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4. Knightsquire/The Family Treasure

Knightsquire is basically a remake of buloght's earlier one room adventure, with new backgrounds and a complete quest involving the rescue of the king's daughter.

Clicking on the portraits allow you to swap between two characters, since certain actions can only be attempted by either the squire or the knight. Items can be passed around to each other by simply selecting an object, then choosing the recipient. Use the left mouse button to interact and press the right mouse button to examine your surroundings.

The Family Treasure is another lovingly crafted AGS adventure game by buloght that uses a point-and-click interface made popular by classic Lucasart titles. A story about pirates and hidden treasures may not be original but the gameplay more than makes up for it.

Name: Knightsquire/The Family Treasure
Developer: buloght
Resembles: Discworld, The Secret of Monkey Island
Size: 849 KB, 985 KB
Direct Download Links: Knightsquire, The Family Treasure
Walkthroughs: Knightsquire

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5. Indiana Jones and the Fountain of Youth

Indiana Jones and the Fountain of Youth is a new game by Screen 7 featuring the immortal screen legend on another globe-trotting adventure. Out of all efforts by many other fans, this one resembles it's source material the most.

Like the original, multiple paths can be used to reach the objective. Arcade sequences are optional, depending on your actions in the game. No voice acting yet, plus the length is rather short but this release is well worth downloading even if it's not the full version.

Name: Indiana Jones and the Fountain of Youth
Developer: Screen 7
Resembles: The Indiana Jones series by LucasArts (of course)
Size: 5.83 MB
[ download page | walkthrough ]

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6. Automation

Automation is a winner of the first One Room One Week Competition, in which all entries are small games made in a relatively short period. The story is centered around a bloke who met an accident while transporting a rather expensive droid, and must attempt to recover his experiment back in one piece or risk losing his job.

The kick command yields some interesting actions when used on certain objects. Most puzzles are logical though some items require a bit of pixel-hunting.

Name: Automation
Developer: Mr Colossal
Size: 5.62 MB
[ direct download link ]

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7. Heartland Deluxe

Originally an OROW competition entry that won the prize for best writing, Heartland Deluxe now includes cutscenes and a panoramic view but it's relatively short length may disappoint many adventure game veterans, plus an abrupt end to proceedings does little to improve the situation. A commendable effort nonetheless.

Name: Heartland Deluxe
Developer: LimpingFish
Resembles: Hotel Dusk - Room 215
Size: 24.4 MB
[ direct download link | walkthrough ]

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8. Missing

Warning: Contain scenes of violence, strong language, blood and gore.

In Missing, you play the role of an ex-cop in search of his missing wife and child with only a handful of clues as leads. Most players will struggle with the controls at first but persistence is rewarded with one of the best stories this year. It's important to note that save games are only allowed in your room and nowhere else.

Tension builds up rather quickly after the protagonist settles into bed for the first night. There's a mystery to solve and a few twists in the story that will keep you playing right till the end. Full marks for one of the best games of it's kind.

Note: Try setting your monitor refresh rate to 60 Hertz if the game doesn't display correctly the first time.

Name: Missing
Developer: RPGCreations
Resembles: Uninvited, Shadowgate, the Deja Vu series
Size: 3.09 MB
[ direct download link | walkthrough ]

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9. The White Chamber: International Edition

Warning: Contain scenes of violence, strong language, blood and gore.

The White Chamber: International Edition is a new version of Studio Trophis' debut effort. There are plenty of easter eggs to be found, and some are hinted at the end of each adventure. Fans of the original certainly won't be disappointed with the extras.

Worthy of another mention in the 2006 list, owing much to the inclusion of four new endings and voice acting.

Name: The White Chamber: International Edition
Developer: Studio Trophis
Resembles: Silent Hill
Size: 299 MB
[ download page | walkthrough ]

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10. Nathan's Second Chance

Nathan's Second Chance is an excellent freeware adventure game made by Tim Knauf. Much like what the title suggests, your character has a sudden heart attack and finds himself embarking on his final journey.

Only this time, the trip involves a bus ride to meet a Brit. The eccentric man offers Nathan another opportunity to return to the land of the living, but under one condition. He must reconcile his differences with his daughter, who no longer stays together with the family.

And so the grand adventure begins. It's fairly simple to get into, thanks to an extensive tutorial. All the puzzles are relatively easy to solve as well, contributing to the gameplay because the story continues to move along without long pauses or unnecessary side quests.

Name: Nathan's Second Chance
Developer: Upper Orbit Software
Resembles: The Adventures of Willy Beamish (Dynamix)
Size: 6.84 MB
[ direct download link ]

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Here's a summary of scores awarded by AGS forum users, presented Famitsu-style:

The old GR3 Project's web site was closed recently. A 50MB zip file (design documents for La-Mulana) and the remixed soundtrack (high quality, 54 songs) were posted on the front page for download.

Click on the open door to visit GR3 Project's new web site. [La-Mulana download page]

Ablation is basically a four color vertical shooter with an interesting concept. Touching a white bomb neutralizes all projectiles, while activating a black one destroys every object in range. Collect power-ups for a firepower upgrade. Hold the control, Z or space key to shoot, and use the function keys numbered 5 and 6 to switch window sizes. Press the P key to pause the game.

Black pixels do no damage, though contact with a white pixel will cause your ship to lose one power-up degree. Destroy an enemy's weak point for a special core bonus.

Shades of Clean Asia, but very different at the same time and well worth downloading.

Name: Ablation
Developer: Nenad
Category: Shooter
Type: Freeware
Size: 10MB

Aetherzap is a rather loose remake of an old Midway arcade classic entitled SpaceZap, featuring an updated control scheme and a mind-numbing soundtrack to assault your auditory senses.

Use the arrow or W, A, S, D keys to launch an attack in any of the four available directions. Enemy patterns begin to vary as the game progresses, while your base is rebuilt automatically after some time. Collect green pulsating dots for bonus points.

Name: Aetherzap
Developer: Jph Wacheski
Category: Action
Type: Freeware
Size: 2MB

New screenshots posted at the Honeyblaster site. [4 color compo releases]

BenH's 4 Colour Shooter (now dubbed Axion) updated with an end of level boss. [web site, Axion, Pyoro review]

According to various sources, FLAT has handed development responsibilities of eXceed3rd-JADE PENETRATE- to TENNEN-SOZAI. [eXceed2nd-VAMPIRE-, eXceed review]

Results for the AGS Awards 2006 are out. The wiki site has been updated with all nominees.

Project Aon updated with two new additions. All four books from the Combat Heroes series are now available as free PDF downloads.

Information about a new project was posted over at the Acoders' web site.

Wolverine is currently developing a platformer for the Retro Remakes mini compo, featuring Robin Hood and his group of merry men.

News about Pixel's upcoming shooter can be found here. As translated by Shih Tzu:

Thanks for your posts. I'm sorry to make you all wait. The shooting game is slowly coming along. As usual, I'm resisting the impulse to show it to people early. There are a number of reasons that I can't release a half-done version: I wouldn't be able to keep up with the number of player requests that would come from players using a work-in-progress version, and it would also risk ruining players' first impressions.

Acidbomb 2: Rearmed is the latest puzzler by Mr. Chubigans, developer of Vivid Conceptions and Sandbox of God. Much like it's prequel, your objective is to defuse bombs in multiple locations by using advanced deduction skills and quick thinking.

Beams of light can be moved around to reveal the number of pistons underneath each line of tiles. Just like Minesweeper, you can left click to mark a tile as safe or right click to designate one as a piston. The number of pistons in each level is displayed on the top right of the screen. Press the enter key to reduce the countdown to ten seconds.

It is recommended to play the original Acidbomb before attempting it's successor. Made with the intention to distribute over the Playstation Network via Playstation 3.

Name: Acidbomb 2: Rearmed
Developer: Vertigo Games
Category: Puzzle
Type: Freeware
Size: 10MB

Wizard of Wor Remix is another beautifully crafted remake by jph, featuring larger mazes, a handy fold space button which allows basic teleportation and a very capable A.I. written to mimic the actions of a secondary player in the game.

As a Worrior, your task is to hunt down monsters in a maze-like dungeon with only a unified field disruption rifle as your only weapon. Definitely an item of interest to fans of the original, though the current generation may not be so easily endeared by it's archaic roots.

Name: Wizard of Wor Remix
Developer: Jph Wacheski
Category: Action
Type: Freeware
Size: 2MB

Top 20 freeware adventure games released in 2006 (roughly). [show all twenty entries on one page, part 1 only]

11. Dungeonman 3
12. A Cure for the Common Cold
13. The Winter Rose
14. The Marionette
15. Kaptain Brawe: A Brawe New World
16. Nearly Departed
17. Trilby's Notes/6 Days a Sacrifice
18 - 20. 1213 Episode 1, 2, 3

Best Browser Adventure Game Category:

11. Dungeonman 3

Dungeonman 3 is another sequel to Videlectrix popular text-based adventure, but this time they have included awesome jaw-dropping graphics and animation. You're bound to be impressed by the gorgeous backgrounds and detailed character portraits.

If that isn't going to floor you, then the humor and poor usage of fake Old English will. The game is rather short and easy puzzles are of no help, but what you get in return is a satisfying experience and an amazing tribute to classic adventure titles from the past.

Name: Dungeonman 3
Developer: Videlectrix
Type: Browser Adventure Game
[ play now in new browser window | walkthrough ]

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Bit Too Early/Too Late Category:
November 2005/January 2007 releases.

12. A Cure for the Common Cold

A Cure for the Common Cold is a short AGS adventure game by Marina Siu-Chong, also currently developing The Hatmaker's Tale.

After spending years as a starving artist, you've managed to catch the eye of a influential gallery director. He wants to see some new work, and you've got a terrible cold that is draining your creativity. You'd better find a cure for the common cold, and fast!

Name: A Cure for the Common Cold
Developer: MashPotato
Size: 3.89 MB
[ direct download link | walkthrough ]

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13. The Winter Rose

The Winter Rose is an excellent adventure game by Alex van der Wijst which took a year and a half to develop. The story is about Rose, a young archer on a quest to save her father and rid the land of the evil ice-dragon.

For a solo effort, the game does showcase excellent use of limited resources. Backgrounds are hand-painted, and a lot of nice touches have been added to create the right atmosphere. The animation is great, snowflakes are beautifully animated, and throwing in footprints is genius.

But what is most impressive about the game is the writing. Every item has a description based on your actions, a feat rarely seen in other AGS titles. You will be rewarded with quite a few chuckles if you attempt to click on everything you see, because of the witty script.

Verdict? Fans of classic adventure games won't be disappointed with this one.

Name: The Winter Rose
Developer: Alex van der Wijst
Size: 8.28 MB
[ direct download link | walkthrough ]

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14. The Marionette

In The Marionette, you play as a struggling sculptor named Martin. One evening he finds in his mail a strange white envelope, unmarked except for the number '1011' written in the top right corner. Inside is a photograph of a room with ropes hanging from the ceiling. He has barely registered that fact when he is struck unconscious, and later wakes to find himself in completely unfamiliar surroundings, with only a house nearby to offer any hope of help...

Name: The Marionette
Developer: Team Effigy
Size: 13.1 MB
[ direct download link | walkthrough ]

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Demo Category:
Short demo versions of full games, scheduled to be released in 2007.

15. Kaptain Brawe: A Brawe New World

Kaptain Brawe: A Brawe New World is a new adventure series from Naphtalite Productions, featuring a slightly absentminded titular character, his sidekick and an accompanying robot.

Graphically reminiscent of classic 2D LucasArts titles, a verb coin called The Badgotron is used for interaction with objects and characters. The story kicks off with a rescue mission, but soon after Kaptain Brawe finds himself branded as a fugitive from justice for a crime he did not commit.

Name: Kaptain Brawe: A Brawe New World
Developer: Naphtalite Productions
Size: 21.7 MB
[ direct download link | walkthrough ]

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16. Nearly Departed

Nearly Departed is an adventure game made using a relatively new scripting engine named LASSIE. As a professional illustrator working for Disney, John Green has done an amazing job with the graphics for this upcoming release.

The final version will include voice acting. No full screen option for the demo, unfortunately.

Name: Nearly Departed
Developer: John Green
Platform: PC, Mac
Size: 16.3 MB
[ direct download link | walkthrough ]

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The Special Edition Category:
Special editions for each of these games are for sale.

17. Trilby's Notes and 6 Days a Sacrifice (note: released in January 2007)

18, 19, 20. 1213 Episode 1, 1213 Episode 2, 1213 Episode 3

Walkthroughs: Trilby's Notes and 6 Days a Sacrifice

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The OROW Category (Best Three):
The Heist, A Gunshot in Room 37, The Loathesome Man [The Heist, A Gunshot in Room 37, The Loathesome Man review]

The 'Too Difficult' Category:
What Linus Bruckman Sees When His Eyes Are Closed

The 'King's Quest' Bandwagon Category:
The Silver Lining, King's Quest III

The 'Ben Jordan' Category:
Ben Jordan Case 5, Ben Jordan Case 1 Deluxe, Sven Gordan Paranormal Parody

'Narrowly Missed It' Category:
Sydney Finds Employment, The House That Ate My Soul, Chicken vs. Road, The Game That Takes Place on a Cruise Ship

After releasing Lure of the Temptress, Revolution decided to explore a completely different setting with its second adventure game. A bleak vision of the future was imagined, where mind control and medical science combined forces to repress the populace. Beneath a Steel Sky was made available as a free download in August 2003, with the consent and full blessings from the original development studio.

Name: Beneath a Steel Sky
Developer: Revolution Games
Category: Adventure
Type: Freeware
Size: 70MB

New animation from the author of Pirate Baby.

Trailers/Teasers

Infamous Adventures (King's Quest III remake) is currently working on a new project.

Trailer for Lethal Judgment 4 released.

New pixel art added to buloght's gallery. [buloght's past projects]

A gameplay video from Mr. Stump's Dentures 2 was recently posted.

Releases/Updates

Scratches: Director's Cut will be released soon.

Steam Brigade updated with a new campaign.

Colocoro updated to version 1.5.2. Minor changes to online high score submission feature. [Colocoro review]

Alien Abduction is a decent Defender clone by Pumpkin Games, featuring 3D graphics but retaining 2D gameplay from the classic. Your objective in each level is to destroy all alien ships while protecting as many energy crystals as you possibly can.

The radar will be helpful to keep track of all the action, while power-ups appear rather frequently and can be collected for a temporary firepower upgrade. Fuel has to be replenished from time to time by hovering your craft over a fuel depot usually identifiable by it's red or pink glow. The game is now available as a free download.

Name: Alien Abduction
Developer: Pumpkin Games
Category: Shooter
Type: Freeware
Size: 5MB

In Bubblestorm you play as a tiny bubble inside a storm of different bubbles. While you are trying to survive from the evil red bubbles, your task is to collect as many other bubbles as you can. As you progress, your bubble will grow and the chance of being the victim of an evil bubble will increase.

Name: Bubblestorm
Developer: Johan Hargne
Category: Action
Type: Freeware
Size: 1MB