dive is a small action game in which players are given the chance to venture into the sea for a bit underwater exploration. Communicate with friendly blue creatures by pressing the Z key to acquire more air. You will lose a small amount of air if you touch any of the dangerous creatures.

Press the plus or minus key to change window size, and use the alt and enter key to enter full screen mode. The game has a proper ending. Mac version available.

Name: dive
Developer: namako team
Category: Action
Type: Freeware
Size: 1MB
Direct download link: Click here

LexVenture is a game that mixes elements from board crosswords games like Scrabble and Upwords. Fans of Viqua Games' Thomas and the Magical Words will be pleased to know that LexVenture can be tested for another three weeks before it goes on sale.

An application form has to be completed to access the download page, although no email confirmation will be sent to verify the information provided. One for the kids.

OokiBloks: Matt Verran of Hermit Games (Fren-ze) is working on a new project entitled OokiBloks, an IGF competition entry.

Plasma Pong: The author of Plasma Pong is currently working on a new project that is not related to Atari's registered trademark.

Super Mogura Tennis: Another gameplay video from Super Mogura Tennis posted. Krobon Station's latest project will be released sometime this month. [download video, right click to save]

5 Days a Stranger: The 3D remake of 5 Days a Stranger gets its own web site. [information page, source: Gr.Viper]

Portal: Portal will be released on the 10th of October, 2007.

Moonpod interview: Kieron Gillen is working on a new interview with the Moonpod development team.

Force Majeure: Monokey's horizontal shooter Force Majeure will be published on a handheld (or possibly console) soon.

Race Challenge: Foppy will release Race Challenge on the 1st of December, 2007.

Gish Expansion Pack: Cryptic Sea is working on an expansion pack for the original Gish. The new release is currently titled Gish: The Lost Levels.

The Games Page: TGP (Hurdler 2) will release a new game next week.

Buster: Buster could be thinking about releasing a new platformer soon.

flOw Expansion Pack: A new video feature for flOw expansion pack can be found over at GameSpot.

Schizoid is an XBox Live Arcade game due out before the end of the year. Basically it involves using a ship to destroy creatures with similar color. Two players can play using different ships, while the Uberschizoid mode allows one player to control both ships.

- watch trailer one on YouTube
- watch trailer two
- download gameplay videos
- IGN preview

Xorpl is a short exploratory platformer with three endings. The game runs in a small window. Cursor keys can be used to control the main character.

Name: Xorpl
Developer: Time Wraith
Category: Platform
Type: Freeware
Size: 2MB
Direct download link: Click here

Axel City (2D versus fighting game) was recently updated with an extended roster. All characters can be challenged, but only seven fighters are available from the character selection screen.

Note: requires the installation of East Asian languages pack for Windows operating systems.

- download page (260 MB)
- moves list
- instructions

Typhoon 2001 updated with a new build and a Linux port.

Sonic Ironstorm: Fatal Attack is an updated version of DHC's earlier 3Punge competition entry. Hold the Z key to shoot, and press the X key to launch a missile. The secondary weapon can be used repeatedly without any penalties.

Collectibles marked S increases your shield count, while acquiring items marked P upgrades your firepower in small increments. There are six stages to explore, though one is marked as a secret and players are only allowed to take on a maximum of three missions in each game.

Name: Sonic Ironstorm: Fatal Attack
Developer: DHC
Category: Shooter
Type: Freeware
Size: 10MB
Direct download link: Click here
Mirror: Filefront

Varia is a new vertical shooter from Kairos, featuring four playable levels and a combination of influences from several classic shmups. Rotating powerups can be collected using the Cho Ren Sha 68K method, while options can absorb and mimic enemy attacks.

Hold the Z key to shoot, and use the X key to freeze options in their places. Tap the C key to free the ability of the currently selected option.

Name: Varia
Developer: Kairos
Category: Shooter
Type: Freeware
Size: 20MB
Direct download link: Click here

[online high score table]

The entries for this year's IFComp are now available for download! Anyone may vote on the games, but you shouldn't really do so unless you endeavour to try them all out. Voting will run until November 15th, 11:59 P.M. EST - which should give you plenty of time to get through them all!

The twenty-nine games participating this year are:

TADS 2 GAMES

A Matter of Importance, by Nestor I. McNaugh
Slap that Fish, by Peter Nepstad

Z-CODE GAMES

Across The Stars, by Dark Star & Peter Mattsson
An Act of Murder, by Hugh Dunnett
Beneath: a Transformation, by Graham Lowther
Deadline Enchanter, by Anonymous
Eduard the Seminarist, by Heiko Theißen
Fox, Fowl and Feed, by Chris Conroy
The Immortal, by Just Rob
Lord Bellwater's Secret, by Sam Gordon
Lost Pig, by Grunk
My Name is Jack Mills, by Juhana Leinonen
Orevore Courier, by Brian Rapp
Packrat, by Bill Powell
Press [Escape] to Save, by Mark Jones
Wish, by Edward Floren

TADS 3 GAMES

Reconciling Mother, by Plone Glenn

GLULX GAMES

The Chinese Room, by Joey Jones and Harry Giles
Ferrous Ring, by Carma Ferris
Varkana, by Farahnaaz

ADRIFT GAMES

A Fine Day for Reaping, by revgiblet
In The Mind Of The Master, by David Whyld
My Mind's Mishmash, by Robert Street

QUEST GAMES

Gathered In Darkness, by Dr. Froth

WINDOWS GAMES

Adventure XT, by dunric
Ghost of the Fireflies, by Dunric
Jealousy Duel X, by Alex Camelio
The Lost Dimension, by C. Yong
Vampyre Cross, by Dunric

BattleJewels has been made available for Windows and Palm OS. Originally a GP2X title only, it's the 3rd place winner in this year's GBAX Competition. The game clearly uses the Bejeweled concept taken in a new direction as commercialized in Puzzle Quest.

It's addition of gems with different effects, and roleplaying elements which allow for character building make it quite addictive. To quote from its website, "it's as simple or as complex as you want .. play to clear, play to win, or play to level up and perfect your character."

Name: BattleJewels
Developer: CodeJedi
Category: Puzzle
Type: Shareware
Size: 3MB
Direct download link: Click here

Loco Mogul is a resource management game not unlike Mind Control's Oasis, viewed from an isometric perspective with trade as it's focus instead of conquest. Each round of the game is played out in two phases. The first phase involves surveying a given territory for towns, farms, fishery and mines. Players have a limited number of days to explore the landscape, with each click using up either one or three days depending on the action taken. Important landmarks are usually surrounded by roads on it's sides. Train tracks would then have to be placed strategically to provide service coverage for as many trade locations as possible.

A train is placed on the map for the second phase, and it is for the player to decide which routes to undertake and cargoes to deliver for maximum profit. The train can only carry two cars at any time.

A lecture about innovation in indie games from the Independent Games Summit, GDC (March 2007) - panel represented by Jonathan Blow (Braid), Kyle Gabler (World of Goo), Jonathan Mak (Everyday Shooter) and Jenova Chen (Flower).

- watch on Google video
- download high res version

Too bad Derek didn't get to ask his question though. Nice shirt! [source: GSW]

Winners of the PDRoms Coding Competition #3.667 have been announced. There are seven entries, and all were created for the GameBoy Advance as per competition requirements. For the winners, and download links for each game, visit the official PDRC #3.667 forum thread.