Precision is a new action game by cactus which involves timing your leaps to collect every green bottle in each of the seven levels included. Use the cursor keys to jump or increase your running momentum. Press the left or right arrow key when the main menu is shown to change the time of the day.
Name: Precision
Developer: cactus
Category: Action
Type: Freeware
Size: 2MB
Direct download link: Click here
An alpha version for Flashbang Studios' much-awaited Jetpack Brontosaurus is available to play now. The current build only has a couple of sparse missions but more content is promised in the next update. Use W, A, S, D or arrow keys to move, and press the space key to activate your jets. Hold the left mouse button to move the camera view around. Requires the installation of Unity web player to run. (source: Fun-Motion)
Name: Jetpack Brontosaurus
Developer: Flashbang Studios
Category: Action
Type: Browser
So, you may have spotted a just-debuted announcement about Austin GDC 2008 opening its registration - in there is the revelation that "an Independent Games Festival (IGF) showcase" will be part of the September 15-17th 2008 show.
However, that's all the information we've released thus far, so I wanted to explain in more detail and offer an informal call for submissions to this IGF Showcase. It will be significantly different from the traditional Independent Games Festival competition, summit and finalist exhibition that we hold every February/March at Game Developers Conference in San Francisco. (Though it will be similar in that each picked game will be showcased in a special IGF booth, with free all-access show passes for the developers.)
Basically, we decided that the event doesn't necessarily need another worldwide indie showcase - especially as the Independent Games Festival at GDC does that on such a large scale already, and will always be our flagship event (call for submissions for IGF 2009 will be up in the next 4-6 weeks, by the way!)
In addition, the Texas/Southern game scene has such a rich and interesting tapestry, from Origin Systems to Gamecock Media Group and beyond, and we wanted to honor that by doing a special 'IGF Presents' and picking some 'local flavor' in terms of interesting startups, indies, and game creators from Austin and beyond.
So that's just what we are doing! This won't be a fully-fledged 'competition' as such, but the IGF organizers will work with some of our trusted advisors to pick a select amount of Texas/Southern indie game creators to showcase in a special IGF booth at the event. We've already been making semi-discreet enquiries and have a list of possible companies to choose from, but we're definitely open to more suggestions.
So, if you're a Southern developer (we don't yet have a precise geographical boundary - use common sense!) who would like to be showcased at the IGF in Austin in September - and bearing in mind you'll need to turn up in person and show your game to the assorted publishers, developers, and luminati in attendance, of course - then please email chairman@igf.com with the following information:
- Name/location of developer & URL of official webpage/full contact details.
- What's the game and what's its platform? Brief description, please.
- Can you provide us with links to screenshots, movies, or a playable version of your title?
- A few words about what makes you 'indie', in whatever abstracted form that phrase is valid nowadays.
We're looking for all kinds of neat independently produced games - both professional and student, PC and potentially console/handheld, offline and online - so feel free to contact us on or before June 15th with your suggestions, and we'll start announcing 'IGF Presents' showcase games soon.
Simon.
[Chairman, IGF.]
Gish fans can soon download and play a port of Cryptic Sea's popular physics platformer game on their J2ME-enabled mobile phones. Multiplayer modes such as the classic deathmatch and cooperative games will be supported via the Bluetooth function. (source: Fun-Motion)
Game projects from the latest batch of DigiPen students are now available for download.
In Kryzta, players have to direct shots from enemies toward each other to damage them, thus generating small units to collect for points. Only enemy bullets and projectiles can damage your ship. Use the cursor keys to move, and press the Z key to activate your special weapon when available. Made for Poppenkast's 3 hour competition.
Name: Kryzta
Developer: cactus
Category: Action
Type: Freeware
Size: 2MB
Pictures taken at the exhibition of messhof's games.
Continue reading "Preview: Randy Balma, Municipical Abortionist (messhof)" »
A Breakout-style game from the developer of Understanding Games, set to be released next month.
New prototype trailer for Hampa's upcoming 3D racing game, Glitchracer. Release date: Q4 2008. (contains loud music, old preview in the extended)
Vector Infector is a new epilepsy-inducing arena shooter created by Oddbob. Use the cursor keys to move, and hold the Z key to shoot. Bullets and laser beams should be avoided at all costs. Destroy a cloud at the right time to activate the Brucey bonus. (use JoytoKey or Xpadder for gamepad support)
Name: Vector Infector
Developer: Oddbob
Category: Shooter
Type: Freeware
Size: 5MB
Review by Gr.Viper
Another big mech game coming right up! It's old but still has its charm. Unlike recently picked Bootfighter, Young's Modulus should be more appealing to Battletech (or Earthsiege) fans. That is the mechs here are ugly, heavy and steer like a sleigh full of bricks. But their enormous mass means that inside there's a lot of space for fitting weapons and equipment.
The curious might learn about the plot in game's readme but basically YM boils down to destroying two-legged steel balls that spit plasma. You can either do it in Quick Combat mode or start an alien extermination campaign where you'll have to fight for many planets and manage resources such as money, metal, energy to build more mechs. Research is also required to hit the enemy with the best stuff.
Despite simple graphics and bland menus the action feels very immersive because the view bobs with mech's steps and flashes from gunshots light everything in the area while you listen to cold computer voice listing failed subsystems. And you will feel the failures: controls start acting strange, HUD and tactical radar go haywire, IR and low-light vision flicker, reactor loses output, batteries leak and rear-view camera shows black screen. Then you fall down.
To prevent this you have to learn basic teammate controls and properly arm your mechs. Good choice of weapons allows all kinds of combinations: fast unarmoured gunner with jump jets, heavily shielded stomper with missiles and flamer, invisible cloaked laser sniper etc. You decide! Although in quick combat the choice of weapons is limited to mech's tech level while in campaign you can try to fit newly developed weapons into older gear. (tip: do not use emergency power while running up hill - mech's legs are more likely to slip with throttle over 100%)
P.S. It might be hard to see where the unlock "code" goes: main screen, bottom text field.
Name: Young's Modulus
Developer: Austin Meyer
Category: Action
Type: Freeware (demo unlocks with any 6-digit code)
Size: 25MB
Direct download link: Win, Mac
"Edge catching up with the fiercely independent creators of N to get their unique insight on working with Microsoft, the struggle of maintaining their artistic vision, and what it means to be indie." (source: GameSetWatch)
Debrysis is a Geometry Wars-style arena shooter which uses a combination of both keyboard and mouse for controls. The handy radar indicates the position of all enemies and power-ups on field which are out of your view, shown as red and blue arrows on screen. Your best score and weapon of choice can be submitted online after the end of each game.
Name: Debrysis
Developer: OUEO factory
Category: Shooter
Type: Freeware
Size: 5MB
Direct download link: Click here
Beltality is a simple one switch game with two gameplay modes, a window resize option and online high score tables. Depending on which mode is selected, your objective is either to stop people from passing through or assemble as many robots as you can without destroying them in the process. Power-up effects are acquired by allowing the alphabets to continue towards the other end of the screen safely.
Name: Beltality
Developer: OUEO factory
Category: Action
Type: Freeware
Size: 1MB
Direct download link: Click here
Evolution Shmup is Petri's experimental attempt at creating the perfect vertical shooter by tracking the amount of time that a player spends on each random iteration of a new game. Every refresh creates a different result, using elements from versions of Evolution Shmup which players have spent the most time on.
Name: Evolution Shmup
Developer: Petri Purho
Category: Shooter
Type: Browser
The objective of Putty Puzzle is to shift the correct coloured blocks and rest them on marked areas in each screen, achieved by breaking up and merging blobs of putty piece by piece. Use the R key to restart and press the escape key to access the main menu at any time.
The current build consists of only six playable stages in total, and requires a Java-enabled browser to run. (screenshots)
Name: Putty Puzzle
Developer: Kevin Glass
Category: Puzzle
Type: Browser
Crazy Bound 2 by CraftM is a 2D action game in the style of Within a Deep Forest, in which players have to guide a bouncing object past obstacles and dangers placed haphazardly in the underground caverns. Use the up and down arrow key to view other sections of the map, and hold the space key to center the view at all times. Wall jumps should be mastered in order to progress past the second stage. Hold the cursor key in the direction opposite of a wall to jump off it, and repeat the process in a small opening to scale upwards any surface. Red platforms will turn into the last tile you're in contact with.
Name: Crazy Bound 2
Developer: CraftM
Category: Action
Type: Freeware
Size: 5MB
Direct download link: Click here
Police Brutality: New game posted in Jason Rohrer's monthly column. (source: Lithium Leaf)
Morning's Wrath: Ethereal Darkness' isometric RPG now available as a free download from GameTap.
thatgamecompany: Kellee Santiago and Jenova Chen listed in Variety's "Ten Innovators to Watch Out For" feature. (article)
Danmaku Gata: Reasons behind the closure of shooter fans' number one news site translated. (source: the2bears)
Knytt Stories: Nifflas' latest 2D platformer mentioned in the local papers.
Atomhex: A review of Mark Incitti's new arena shooter.
Two-Digit Addition: GameDesign's latest release.
Jonathan Mak's Everyday Shooter (Windows version) is now available on Steam for only $8.99, though the game will retail at $9.99 after one week. Keyboard controls are supported, but players can use a gamepad or an Xbox 360 controller as well.
For Vista users: If Everyday Shooter runs without sound, try enabling XP SP2 compatibility mode to solve the problem. Switch to 32 bit colour to make the game run faster. (gameplay videos in the extended, source: Queasy Games)
What follows is an informal chat with darthlupi, a respected indie developer in the Game Maker build your own game community - with releases such as Raging Skies, The Cleaner, Airdoo and Winter's Heart under his belt.
He also finished first in the Retro Remakes Competition (2004 edition) with his entry, Legend of Shadow - we talk to him about his releases and thoughts on the indie scene.
Hi lupi, can you introduce yourself for the benefit of our readers?
Sure. My name is Robert Lupinek. I've been making freeware video games for the last 4 or 5 years for the pure pleasure of it.
Hmmm, I like to drink dark beer and I think that ninjas do beat pirates.
Do you develop games full-time? Or supplement your hobby with a day job?
Ok first off - I work full-time during the day as a UNIX/Oracle admin. And I hate to think of game making as just a hobby - you know? Even if I have to do something else to feed the family, I hope to be able to support myself fully with game making someday. That is if I can get the art down right.
What do you do to relax?
I go camping. That is how I chill. I like to run and go camping with my wife and take pictures of nature. And I love, love, love to snorkel. If anyone wants a super happy snorkeling buddy give me a call!
Any recollections of the first game you've made?
Of course. It was called Hell Stalker! It was coded in QBasic. It was never completed because I foolishly didn't believe in backing up my hard drive. The first game anyone played was called SpoonPage. That game was so silly and awful and fun.
Continue reading "Interview: Robert Lupinek (The Cleaner) Talks Game Maker Magic" »
new screenshot from Amanita Design's Machinarium
Continue reading "Preview Screenshots: Machinarium, Teppomanto, etc." »
The complete video walkthrough for Yume Nikki.
"I remember people saying that they liked the EB0 area's music, so I figured I tell you all how to find it. Go into Yume Nikki (Folder, not game) -> Music, and look for a file that's a bunch of gibberish. It's an MP3 file, and it's 1.34MB. You may need to look through a few files to find it, but to help the file name has 001 at the end of it." - Giegue
pararalyzer is a generic vertical shooter consisting of only three short levels. Hold the Z key to shoot, press the X key to use your stun weapon and tap the C key to activate your shields. Collision with enemy ships or bullets will decrease your life gauge, though the red bar can be restored and even increased permanently by acquiring life ups and extends.
Pause the game at any time by pressing the S key. pararalyzer also features three difficulty settings and an online high score submission function. (source: shmups.system11.org)
Name: pararalyzer
Category: Shooter
Type: Browser
Ad Nauseam 2 seemed to be a pretty big hit on GamingW compared to your other games and a lot of people have said good things about it, what was the concept and idea behind it?
Well, first I started out wanting to make a game with powerful explosions. A shoot 'em up felt like the easiest way to do it. Technical limitations pretty much excluded most other genres anyway. So I decided to make as many enemies as I could before I got bored, and ended up with three levels worth.
I wanted the game to have a theme so I designed it after the game's title. I used the internet as the point of focus. The first level in the game is about my hate for emoticons. Unfortunately I've started to use them myself. It seems to be really hard to avoid them.
The next bit was about text, which there really seems to be no limit to how much there is on the net. And most of it is a waste of bandwidth, it seems. The final bit is about spam. Here we got porn, viagra, drugs and money, which seems to be the kind of e-mails I usually get that end up in the junk folder.
What programs do you use to make the graphics in your games?
MS Paint, or GM's built-in graphics editor which is practically the same as MS Paint.
Cactus Interview (Gaming World, forums)
Review by bigbossSNK
Dino Run (Pixeljam mirror) - The pyroclastic wall of doom is approaching. Nothing survives it. The premise is clear, you either run ahead of it, or you die. No one said survival was going to be easy in this dino-eat-dino world.
Pixeljam's latest game lets you decide the fate of a dino, and has the typical* features of a free indie game: old school pixel art, multiple areas to explore, achievements to unlock, upgrades and secrets to obsess over.
And to prove these dinos live in packs, the developers have included an online multiplayer mode that'll have you competing against other dinos across the Pangea. (Smack talking optional)
*By typical, I mean extraordinary
Name: Dino Run
Developer: PiXelJAM games (kindly donate)
Category: Action
Type: Browser
Continue reading "Flash Game Pick: Dino Run (Pixeljam Games)" »
Defend your Castle will be released for the WiiWare this May 12th, 2008. (announcement, interview, multiplayer gameplay video in the extended)
Review by Gr.Viper
It's time for some wanton destruction - Japanese style! Bootfighter Windom XP SP-2 features giant armed mechs (designs borrowed from Gundam) fighting in dense urban environments. Powerful weapons demolishing city buildings with one shot, jetpacks taking you sky high and special abilities like brief transformation are in common use both by player and AI bots, so battlegrounds tend to get pretty hot seconds after the battle begins.
The game also features Practice mode with disabled enemy AI. The other two modes are large scale battles with AI teammates - either until one team is destroyed or (in Blitz mode) until it loses its motherships which are huge and tough but not invulnerable.
Players are offered a good selection of gear to try on. Some mechs are pure melee types with a neat special ability thrown in (like long plasma whip), while others are designed for sniping and dealing massive damage at medium ranges. Several mechs can transform in flight to gain more speed but jetpacks rapidly drain energy, so long flights are impossible. Luckily, weapons drain energy from a different pool and each of them has its own cooldown counter so you'll never be unarmed even if your mech has no sword.
The default control scheme isn't very convenient to use but keys can be reassigned. Key combinations required to perform different tricks are listed in the manual, which has been translated into English along with readme and the few captions in game.
Mech models and animations are well done. Without shiny armor and plasma beams in the air the streets look pale and boring, although you won't have time to notice it unless you press the escape key and give the shot camera feature a try (controlled by cursor keys, W, A, S, D, Z, X and R for reset). A DirectX 9 video card is recommended, and the installation of .NET 2.0 is also required. With graphics set to full the game tends to get choppy when many mechs get together, although options to disable HDR and shaders are present. (screenshots, trailer in the extended)
Name: Bootfighter Windom XP SP-2
Developer: Y. Kamada
Category: Action
Type: Freeware
Size: 60MB
Direct download link: Click here
Continue reading "Freeware Game Pick: Bootfighter Windom XP SP-2" »
Behind the scenes footage captured by Kyle while creating the introductory screen for World of Goo, chapter 2.
Also: Castle Crashers
Mubbly Tower is basically a tower defense game built around the concept of making your structure as tall as you possibly can to please the king's increasing demands. The game ends when the tower does not reach the line for a certain amount of time, as indicated by the king's happiness gauge shown at the top left of the screen. To compound to your troubles, Wobbly creatures will attempt to topple the tower with all manners of attacks and projectiles in their arsenal.
Money gained from defeating Wobbly creatures can be used to hire mubblies to defend your tower. Mubbly Tower also comes with an online high score table, four unlockable modes and a bonus platformer game.
Name: Mubbly Tower
Developer: Jesse Venbrux, Ferry Spaans
Category: Strategy
Type: Freeware
Size: 10MB
Bowja the Ninja (on Factory Island) is a point and click adventure game in the style of The Visitor and Hapland. Your objective is to infiltrate the enemy's island and destroy their secret weapon, achieved by solving one or two simple puzzles in each screen to progress.
Some knowledge of Roman numerals is required to complete the game.
Name:Bowja the Ninja
Developer: Pencilkids
Category: Puzzle
Type: Browser
"The game (Brain-Damaged Toon Underworld) will be available in HD resolution, and has therefore gotten a new resolution and aspect ratio."
download trailer (high quality version)
Cactus Software
Fantastic Blood Boy is a 2D action game created by Gustav Kilman for TIGSource's VGNG competition, in which players have to protect red clot crystals from an entire army of sockpuppets. Blood Boy is practically invincible in the game, and touching a clot crystal will move it to a random position on screen. A new crystal is generated when you've collected enough blood from the sockpuppets you've destroyed. You may have up to three clot crystals at any time, but the game ends when you've lost all of them to exploding sockpuppets.
Deactivate a sockpuppet's destruction sequence by jumping off them. A crystal that isn't moving around will generate weapons, which can then be acquired by moving Blood Boy next to one.
Name: Fantastic Blood Boy
Developer: Gustav Kilman
Category: Action
Type: Freeware
Size: 5MB
The Amazing Brain Train, Grubby Games (Windows, Mac, Linux)
Larva Mortus, Rake in Grass (Windows, Mac)
Droid Assault, Puppygames (Windows, Mac, Linux)
Skin and Bones, Addictive 247 (Windows only)
Chase Ace Deluxe, Space Time Foam (Windows only)
Previews
Clockwork: Preliminary design sketch for Mike Bithell's new steampunk adventure posted in his development journal.
Blood from Clockwork Hearts: The author of Gun Mute and Snowblind Aces might possibly be working on a new IF adventure game.
The Fool and His Money: More screenshots from Cliff's long-awaited sequel added to the game information page.
Lila Dreams: New design sketch and art posted in Creatrix Games' development journal.
Go Beryllium: More screenshots from monoRAIL's upcoming 2D shooter posted.
Press/Interviews
What's New in Indie: The April edition of GameTunnel's monthly feature is up.
GameTap: New interviews with the developers of P.B. Winterbottom and World of Goo added.
Karoshi: The lead producer of Fallout 3 takes a look at 2Dcube's series of suicide platformers.
Play This Thing: Cactus Arcade reviewed.
In the Woods is a short IF adventure game set in the world of a classic fairy tale. This story is much closer to the original unabridged version which few people would have heard of, and can be completed in roughly ten or fifteen minutes of play time.
Name: In the Woods
Developer: Anna Anthropy
Categor
