Ye Olde TIGSource
By: ithamore
On: July 22nd, 2007
In the beginning, TIGSource was the Flaming Pear and the Flaming Pear was TIGSource. Then the Flaming Pear said, “Ginger Monkey Go Home!” Thus he began his lone, opinionated contribution to independent gaming.
A little over a year’s worth of older TIGSource posts were all but lost to the “cybermist.” Luckily, most of it had been preserved at the Internet Archive, and we’re now restoring them to their rightful place.
In the extended, only the first part of January 2005 is included. However, during that time, Flaming Pear had already stepped on some toes, soured any potential relationship TIGSource might have been able to have enjoyed with Indie Gamer, and covered many demos and a freeware titles.
So, if you’re ready to get nostalgic or if you’re a neophyte wanting to do a little catching up, follow the rather lengthy extended. Also, those who are interested in reading the original comments can find them in the Wayback Machine’s archive.
Tuesday, January 18, 2005
Alawar Releases Joe’s Farm
<img src=“http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1242/794639487_2357b7f16c_m.jpg” width=“240” height=“180” alt=“Joe’s Farm” hspace=10 vspace=10 align=right />From Indie Gamer:
“Slip on your overalls and get ready to sling hay! Alawar Entertainment has released Joe’s Farm, a 3D puzzle game in which you help a farmer complete his chores before time runs out. In Joe’s Farm, you guide a pig who must push barrels of water, bails of hay and crates to their destinations using the fewest number of moves.” More…
This is a Sokoban game. I’m not going to try it. I’ll admit it looks cute though.
posted by Flaming Pear
Star Chamber Expansion Released
<img src=“http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1240/794639451_0cd479510d_m.jpg” width=“240” height=“180” alt=“Star Chamber” hspace=10 vspace=10 align=right />From DIY Games:
“Nayantara Studios has sent word that the latest expansion to their award winning online collectible card game, Star Chamber, has been released. The new expansion, entitled Star Chamber: Rebellions, adds over 100 new cards to the game, introduces a number of new gameplay mechanics, and much more, all of which are available for free for all registered users of the original Star Chamber. But according to Paul Dennen, Star Chamber’s designer, not all of the fun has been reserved for registered users.” More…
posted by Flaming Pear
Go behind the scenes of Second Sight
From GameSpot:
“Second Sight gives players control of a character endowed with incredible psychic abilities. The game offers multiple approaches to completing levels either via stealth, dramatic gunplay, psychic powers or a combination of all three. The ability to psychically influence characters and remotely manipulate objects and individuals provides for a totally fresh gameplay dynamic.” More…
And the cool part?
“Founded in 1999, Free Radical Design Ltd is a wholly independent videogames developer based in Nottingham, UK.”
Here’s the deal: the first ten people to comment on this post will receive completely free copies of the Second Sight Making Of DVD. Post your email, and your favorite indie game. That’s it. First ten comments win. Courtesy of Codemasters.
posted by Flaming Pear
My Take on Revolved
<img src=“http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1230/794639441_5b02c0fb79_m.jpg” width=“240” height=“180” alt=“Revolved” hspace=10 vspace=10 align=right />Another game that everyone’s been talking about lately: Revolved won Puzzle Game of the Year over at Game Tunnel, and is a finalist for IGF 2005. Deserving? After playing for about twenty minutes I’m going to say, probably. What makes this puzzle game work is its fast pace, and level of “do-ability.” Together these qualities make for a very addicting little game; I won’t lie: it was hard to pull myself away.
What do I mean by “do-ability?” Well, simply that Revolved makes you feel good, because it gives you puzzles that you can solve—and quickly. Too many puzzle games present problems that are too difficult, or require too much brain power, which turns everything into slow going (see my take on BlueBug’s Add ’em Up, for example); Revolved knows how to maintain a fast pace, while still keeping your brain engaged.
In conclusion, Revolved is probably the best puzzle game of its type that I’ve played since Ambrosia’s Chiral, released over ten years ago. Give the game a try: I think you’ll like it.
Download the game here (6 MB).
Check out Game Tunnel’s [review] here.
(Image Source: Game Tunnel)
posted by Flaming Pear
Monday, January 17, 2005
Caleb’s Drunken Adventure released
<img src=“http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1028/794639349_a775182715_m.jpg” width=“240” height=“150” alt=“Calebs Drunken Adventure” hspace=10 vspace=10 align=right />From Crying Flower:
“You are Caleb a young guy who can’t stop partying. The story begins at your house during a house party. You wake up the next day to see your house trashed and your GF, Stephanie, a bit tiffed. Anyways as you go through the game you just solve the puzzles around and outside your house. Along the way there’s quite a bit of humor. Anyways without further explanations start the game and wander wildly.”
This game is free. Download it from Crying Flower (if you can afford the time, get the speechpack version: the voice-overs are great).
My Take:
This game is crass, hilarious, and simply awful! I love it! The graphics are reminiscent of games circa 1987, which will probably turn a lot of people off—but for me they add to the game’s vibe. If you liked the Space Quest series or the Leisure Suit Larry games you’ll get a kick out of this wonderfully crappy point and click adventure game. For the record, though (and I’m saying this very strongly) most people will not like this game. And it is crass.
posted by Flaming Pear
WhiteBlobs releases King of the Ball
<img src=“http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1409/794303605_73a6408d91_m.jpg” width=“240” height=“180” alt=“King of the Ball” hspace=10 vspace=10 align=right />From WhiteBlobs:
“Break everything with the ball and go through the levels. Steer your paddle to become the king of the ball. Start with the easy levels and as you compleate each one the difficulty will increase but you’ll also have access to new powerup objects to pickup and use. A big surprise awaits you at the last levels. Your goal is to destroy all the bricks with the ball and to collect all the bonus objects to get points and make your way in the world wide highscores list.” More…
My Take:
Not a bad Breakout game. But unless you’re going to be as brilliant as BreakQuest, we really don’t need any more Breakout games. Am I wrong? I also experienced some lag issues.
Oh, and could we use a spell checker Blobs? Never mind, “This game has one of the best gameplay for this gendre” is too amusing to take down.
posted by Flaming Pear
Bytten reviews Smart Lines
<img src=“http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1213/794303599_d26e884de3_m.jpg” width=“240” height=“180” alt=“Smart Lines” hspace=10 vspace=10 align=right />From Bytten:
“Smart lines is a simple strategy game that is wonderfully implemented. You can play against the computer if you want, but this game is essentially two player. Players take turns to drop a ball on a 4×4 grid, balls can be stacked. The aim is to make a line of four in any dimension or diagonal.” More…
Final analysis? Holy crap: the game gets a score of 96%! Well gee, I guess I’ve got to go check it out now. If anyone tries it, post a comment and let us know if you think it deserves the 96%.
posted by Flaming Pear
Game Tunnel reviews Rocketbowl
<img src=“http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1215/794303569_050a6eb57b_m.jpg” width=“240” height=“180” alt=“RocketBowl” hspace=10 vspace=10 align=right />From Game Tunnel:
“Rocket Bowl is not just another bowling game. The premise is simple: at the 1958 World’s Fair, the public is being introduced to “rocket bowling,†which is straight up bowling… except you play it on a miniature-golf style course with rocket-controlled bowling balls. The 1950’s art design and music are fantastic!” More…
The game gets 8/10 as a final score. Check out the 12 MB demo here.
posted by Flaming Pear
Gamextazy reviews Big Kahuna Reef
From Gamextazy:
“Will Big K appeal to everyone? For all of its gameplay innovation and technical savvy, it’s still a matching game. Yet it’s colorful enough to stand out from the other fish in the sea and pulls off enough new tricks that it should entertain even the most jaded players. If you grow green around the gills when you think of playing another matching game, toss down a Dramamine and give Big K a shot. Chances are, it’ll be a long time before you come up for air.” More…
posted by Flaming Pear
Fill out a game survey, and help indie developers!
Want to help independent game developers make better games? Here’s your chance. Go fill out this survey created by Lord Riff Raff of pyrosoftware.net.
Do it, it’s fun.
posted by Flaming Pear
Nuclear Games releases Machine Hell
From DIY Games:
“Nuclear games has joined the ever increasing ranks of shmup developers with the release of their first game, Machine Hell. Featuring 15 levels of top down shooting mayhem, Machine Hell may have some trouble setting itself apart from the pack due to a lack of any really innovative features, but it does have plenty of on-screen action, large explosions, and a variety of enemy units that could make it worth checking out for fans of the genre. An 8 meg demo should help you decide whether or not it’s worth the $19.99 price tag.”
Hurray. Another. Shooter.
posted by Flaming Pear
Gaming For a Better World takes off
From DIY Games:
“Xenopi Studios has announced the first recipient of their new charity program called the Good Samaritan Games Initiative (GSG). In light of the tsunami disaster Xenopi have decided to make Northwest Medical Teams their first GSG recipient, which means that all proceeds from the GSG Initiative for the months of January, February, and March will go to Northwest Medical Teams. During the next three months Xenopi will be donating 10-50% of the net profits from each and every game sold from the Xenopi website directly the charity.”
What a great idea… I hope the initiative takes off.
posted by Flaming Pear
Cosmos Gaming gives Shareware GOTY Awards
From Cosmos Gaming:
“Welcome to the 2004 Shareware Games Awards, which we hope to establish as an annual event. These are the best shareware games from last year, and are ones you’ll want to pay the money for.” More…
Overall winner? BreakQuest. I told you it was a good game! (The fact that it gets GOTY, though, probably reflects the limited number of shareware games that Cosmos has reviewed.)
posted by Flaming Pear
Saturday, January 15, 2005
Daily Click GOTW
It’s Saturday, and The Daily Click has another Game of the Week: Farmer Joe Vs. The Alien Invasion. The game is a fast-paced little platform shooter with a nice theme. As a shooter, of course, there are limited objectives; yes, as in, “shoot everything that moves.” Only this time you’re a farmer with a tractor and a pistle. As it’s free, and only 1.3 MB, I think it’s worth a look. But don’t get your hopes set on saving the farm: it will burn, sooner or later.
posted by Flaming Pear
December Monthly Round-Up at Game Tunnel
Mike Hommel (Hamumu), Seth Robinson (Robinson Technologies), Mike Kasprzak (Sykhronics), and Russell Carroll (Game Tunnel) take a look at December’s indie game releases. Top picks? Big Kahuna Reef, Paradoxion, Super Dudester, Revolved, and Iggle Pop all receive Gold Awards; no Editor’s Choices this month, though. Check out the full feature here.
posted by Flaming Pear
Tech TV looks at indie gaming
According to David Laprad:
“<a href=http://www.g4tv.com/screensavers/index.html>Screen Savers did a short segment on independent games last night on G4 Tech TV. One of the hosts, Kevin Pereira, seemed very enthusiastic about underdog releases. The other, Kevin Rose, was critical of
games in general and downright snobbish toward independent PC games. This more or less reflected the polarized attitude the gaming public at large seems to have toward shareware and independent games.They showed cool footage of Reflexive’s Wik & The Fable of Souls in action. Pereira talked about how good the game was, while Rose said it looked terrible.
(I imagine most people reading this will side with Pereira!) They then showcased a website called Orisinal.com, which contains a collection of Flash
games. Finally, Pereira plugged Game Tunnel, saying it’s a good source of information on indie games with great reviews. It was nice to see independent games given the spotlight for a few moments on a relatively popular media source."
Indeed. Thanks David, for the info.
posted by Flaming Pear
Friday, January 14, 2005
TIGSource interviews Metanet
In the first part of our quest to understand freeware game developers TIGSource has interviewed Metanet Software, creators of the hugely popular freeware game N. So make yourself comfortable and take a look at part 1 of What Makes Them Tick? Getting Inside the Heads of Freeware Game Developers. The interview is available here.
edit:
Thanks to Joystiq for the plug.
posted by Flaming Pear
Big Kahuna Reef improved
From the Reflexive newsletter:
“We added a screensaver! It’s awesome! We also improved a few things and now it’s better than ever! If you haven’t tried this fantastic puzzle/adventure game, or already bought it, download the new version and play the latest gaming craze!”
posted by Flaming Pear
PathQuest 1 update
From the Stormcloud newsletter:
“Work on PathQuest 1 continues, and the game is now about 90% complete. I’m just about ready to move to Beta Testing on it, and it looks good. Good story with surprised and twists, good atmosphere and a number of totally different paths through the game that make it a whole different tale with each path you take. It’s a concentrated effort to veer away from all the traditional “graphic adventure game” shortcomings. Release estimate: I’m figuring a late January release isn’t too out of the question. Probably the last few days of the month or so…"
posted by Flaming Pear
Thursday, January 13, 2005
My take on Red Space Trucker
<img src=“http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1226/794303559_2ec3df9498_m.jpg” width=“240” height=“180” alt=“Red Space Trucker” hspace=10 vspace=10 align=right />The game sounds pretty exciting, I must say:
“A terrifying look into the future of manned space travel… Fast, deadly, pant-wetting action… with nipple-twisting special effects and sounds!” More…
But in all truth, it can be summed up by 25% of the in-game help text: “Shoot anything that moves.”
Think Puppytron on steroids sort of: basically lots of circular manuevering with the arrow keys while firing away with your mouse button. Probably not worth 15 bucks, or a 23 MB download for that matter. Stick with Puppytron, or, if you want some real hard-core shooting (and the mouse control), check out Mutant Storm: now there’s a game worth $20.00.
posted by Flaming Pear
Gamextazy reviews Fatman Adventures
From Gamextazy:
“Even if you’ve never played Lode Runner, you need Fatman Adventures in your life. It strikes a perfect balance of simplicity, addictiveness and beauty. Moreover, it’s a casual PC game everyone in your family can enjoy. The little guy can’t gather all those gems alone, so give him a hand!” More…
posted by Flaming Pear
My take on Outpost Kaloki
<img src=“http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1224/810076354_ed738048ef_m.jpg” width=“240” height=“180” alt=“Outpost Kaloki” hspace=10 vspace=10 align=right />It’s not every day you see an independent game this polished and funky, much less a “tycoon” type management sim. In Outpost Kaloki you control a space station, and attempt to meet specific goals set by each scenario, such as building an observatory, a dating parlor, or four lemonade stands. Yes, you heard that right. The game is, as I’ve already noted, quite funky, and very creative. The graphics are pro-quality 3D cartoon renders, and the sound is first rate: fitting music and position-aware effects.
There’s not much to slam with this one: it’s a good offering (it did, after all, garner Game Tunnel’s Sim of the Year award). Ironically for a management game, my complaints would tend to be aimed at a potential lack of depth and sophistication: the game is almost too easy to play, and I fear for repetition-syndrome down the road. My guess is that most people, though, will see this as a refreshing addition to the management sim genre. I’d recommend trying the game out (8.5 MB for an hour of play).
P.S. The company name and logo are great: you’ve got to want to support them.
posted by Flaming Pear
Supernova: Galactic Wars released
<img src=“http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1285/810076422_a7eded7518_m.jpg” width=“240” height=“180” alt=“Supernova” hspace=10 vspace=10 align=right />From Winterwolves:
“How is the game played? Easy, you can move your ships on the battlefield like a chess game, and when 2 ships move in the same spot the arcade fun starts! You’ll be able to fight against the other ship in realtime, using arrow keys to move and 1,2,3 or Z,X,C keys to shoot!”
My take:
Haven’t played it too much, but so far it’s hard to see where the real strategy comes in, and the “arcade fun” portion of the game seems a little weak. The game is available for both Mac and Windows, though, which is nice.
posted by Flaming Pear
Wednesday, January 12, 2005
GarageDeveloper Int. bombed
From a GDI press release [for Jets n Guns]:
“FuQuay-Varina, NC, USA Wednesday, January 12, 2005 — GarageDeveloper International (http://www.garagedeveloperinternational.com/)
has reported that it’s retail store and offices were heavily bombed by 1940’s World War 2 styled war planes and futuristic enemy aircraft.” More…
posted by Flaming Pear
DIY posts Trash update
DIY Games has posted some info on Inhuman Games’ “post apocalyptic” RTS, currently in beta.
posted by Flaming Pear
Alvin’s World to get MMORPG treatment
From DIY Games:
“Orson Scott Card, author of the Tales of Alvin Maker series and eGenesis Games (creators of A Tale In The Desert) have announced that they’re working together on bringing an MMORPG based on Card’s series of books to life. The initial plans include things that are happening in Alvin’s world, but which will never show up in the books along with four different magic systems, plus the technology track, offering players many ways to develop their characters. Card will be involved in the planning of the game, and promises on his web site that ‘The goal, however, is to let the players freely develop characters and take part in a wonderful, magical world.’” More…
Well… MMOG’s certainly seem to be the news of the day.
posted by Flaming Pear
Game Tunnel reviews Radioactive
<img src=“http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1245/810076432_0e89c83b1d_m.jpg” width=“240” height=“180” alt=“Radioactive” hspace=10 vspace=10 align=right />From Game Tunnel:
“Radioactive by Cornutopia Software recreates the experience of the famous scene from the movie “War Games”. In fact, this is the sequel to their previous title, Thermonuclear Domination. From the moment it asks you if you want to play a game to the wireframe graphics, you become immersed in the War Games mindset while destroying the world through nuclear superiority." More…
The game gets a rating of 7/10, with its strongest points being value and concept, according to Game Tunnel. I’m interested to try this one out: if you give it a whirl post a comment about what you think.
posted by Flaming Pear
Dawn of Fantasy continues to look impressive
“There’s a lot happening over at Reverie Entertainment. As work continues on their RPG/RTS title Dawn of Fantasy they release new, and ever more impressive, screenshots on a regular basis, keep active in the official forums, and are promising a major update in the coming weeks with plenty of new information on the game. In the mean time we’ll have to be content with some new screenshots. Sure, graphics aren’t everything, but they don’t hurt.”
posted by Flaming Pear
Tuesday, January 11, 2005
BreakQuest 1.1.0 released
<img src=“http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1021/816802492_9c6b05b26b_m.jpg” width=“240” height=“180” alt=“BreakQuest in Game” hspace=10 vspace=10 align=right />Go to Indie Gamer for all the info on what’s been changed since version 1.0.
My take:
BreakQuest is the best Breakout/Arkanoid game you will ever play. Period. I thought the title screen was cool, until I saw the first level, which I thought was cool until I saw the second level, and so on. The amount of diversity in this game reaches a level I thought unattainable by any arkanoid game. On top of that the graphics are amazing, and the physics programming is first-rate: I love games with cool physics. Oh, and did I mention the weapons? Seeker missiles, the “old school gun,” and other goodies are plentiful. After all the Brickles playing I did as a kid, I never thought I would be tempted to buy a game like it… until today. I’m not kidding—give the game a try already (9.5 MB).
posted by Flaming Pear
X-Kings free browser-based MMOG released
<img src=“http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1036/819206040_4b732f1ee8_m.jpg” width=“240” height=“88” alt=“X Kings” hspace=10 vspace=10 align=right />From the Game Tunnel forums:
“<a href=http://www.x-kings.com/>X-Kings has ended its beta testing and has started its first official game. X-Kings is a free, browser-based massively multiplayer online game available at http://www.x-kings.com
“X-Kings started beta testing in September 2004 and has undergone a massive evolution in terms of gameplay, features and user interface since then, culminating in the end of the beta testing period and the beginning of the first official ‘Age’ on the 9th of January 2004.”
A massively multiplayer online game implementing commercial-grade software architecture available for free? What is the world coming to?
posted by Flaming Pear
Monday, January 10, 2005
My take on Xeno Assault II
<img src=“http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1234/819206078_ee2b1ad054_m.jpg” width=“240” height=“180” alt=“Xeno Assult II” hspace=10 vspace=10 align=right />As I was sitting around with nothing to do this evening I thought I’d give Jagged Blade’s latest release a try, seeing as how Neil was so nice about asking for a review, even braving my recent rath towards Deep Wars and Arydox. Well, it just so happens that Xeno Assault II is in the not-so-bad category of space invaders clones I’ve tried over the years. I’m against clones in general, but there is definitely a fine line between a good clone and a bad clone, and Xeno Assault II has more of the good than the bad about it. The action is fast, the explosions are huge, and there are these nifty things called “beam lasers” that shake the screen up pretty good. What am I mad about? The sound could be more intense, the demo hardly let me get anywhere, and the game’s not as good as Space Junkies—now there’s an awesome space invaders clone.
edit:
P.S. If anyone can actually find a copy of Space Junkies on the internet, make sure to post a comment.
P.P.S. While I’m at it, if anyone can find a copy of Rush5, post about that too, or email me.
posted by Flaming Pear
TIGSource: good or bad, news or not?
People are practically up in arms at the Indie Gamer forums over the appearance of my little site here. Freedom of speech, tabloids, ethics, paparazzi, “real” news, and whether I need a journalism 101 class are just some of the topics being discussed with regards to TIGSource! Read it all (the “real” discussion starts happening about half way through).
I maintain that my #1 responsibility is to bring interesting indie-related news to my readers, and that my opinion is a big part of that. But what do you, as the actual readers say? Am I succeeding, or not? Do you like being told if a game sucks or rocks, or would you rather spend the time downloading it to see for yourself? Do you like getting the inside scoop on alphas and betas? Am I getting you the news you want, the way you want it, or should something be changed? Let me know how you feel by commenting on this post.
posted by Flaming Pear
BlueBug releases Add ’em Up
<img src=“http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1198/819206092_4204f58c3c_m.jpg” width=“200” height=“171” alt=“Add ’em Up” hspace=10 vspace=10 align=right />BlueBug Games released Add ‘em Up today, a number puzzler with a $15 downloadable version and free online play. Those familiar with games like Arcade Lines (a small gem, by the way) will find the look and feel comfortably similar to such titles. The game was slow going for me (perhaps I’m just a bit daft), but if you’re interested in puzzle games or have been dying for a chance to marry your Math skills to your gaming, you should at least check out the online version.
posted by Flaming Pear
Deep Wars “flop” clarified
Some people at the Indie Gamer forums are having a cow over my use of the word “flop” to describe Deep Wars: Soul of the Machine. “Flop” simply means to fail. In the case in point I meant this in terms of what the game offered play-wise, not in terms of monetary sales figures, in case anyone (i.e. Ricardo C) was confused ;).
posted by Flaming Pear
Matrix Games lowers prices
From Matrix Games:
“Matrix Games is pleased to announce the new prices for its full current line of games for 2005, effective January 10th, 2005. Throughout most of the Matrix Games line, these new prices reflect a savings for customers.”
Gates Of Troy, Tin Soldiers: Alexander The Great affected, among other titles.
posted by Flaming Pear
World of Pirates MMORPG released
<img src=“http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1041/819206110_700c641918_m.jpg” width=“240” height=“180” alt=“World of Pirates” hspace=10 vspace=10 align=right />From DIY Games:
“It’s not everyday that independent developers release a MMORPG, which is just one reason why the release of World of Pirates is significant. And while it’s not the only pirate theme MMORPG out there, it’s the only one that doesn’t center it’s gameplay around puzzles and various mini-games.”
posted by Flaming Pear
Puppytron #2
Some lag problems fixed, as well as new difficulty progression. Shaping up to be a fun little applet game. Try it.
posted by Flaming Pear
Pretty Good MahJongg gets new tiles and layouts
<img src=“http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1259/819206130_326d608ba2_m.jpg” width=“240” height=“173” alt=“Pretty Good MahJong” hspace=10 vspace=10 align=right />If you’re into MahJongg check out these updates from the makers of independent gaming’s most popular solitaire game.
From the Goodsol newsletter:
“The Flags of the World Tile Set, the Flowers Tile Set, and the Traffic Signs Tile Set for Pretty Good MahJongg have been improved for version 2. You can download the new improved tilesets here.
“Nine new tile matching layouts are available for Pretty Good MahJongg here. These layouts are in addition to the 160 tile matching layouts available in version 2.0 of Pretty Good MahJongg here.”
posted by Flaming Pear
SolSuite ships solitaire update
SolSuite 2005’s version 5.0 arrives: check it out here.
posted by Flaming Pear
glHorizon website gets a facelift
<img src=“http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1139/819206134_ccf3ac70e0_m.jpg” width=“240” height=“180” alt=“glHorizon” hspace=10 vspace=10 align=right />The creators of the high-tech indie flight simulation glHorizon have recently revamped their webpage, giving it a stylish and simple look. A couple minor graphical issues with Firefox though.
[The most current version can be downloaded from here.]
(Image Source: DemoNews)
posted by Flaming Pear
Sunday, January 09, 2005
Gamextazy reviews 3 games
Just before new years Gamextazy posted 3 new reviews of the following respective games.
“Takes the jump-and-shoot mechanics of side-scrolling platform games and stirs in an assortment of puzzle game elements to produce a tasty mixture of the two genres.” More…
“BAGE isn’t the best arcade game ever, although it might be the cheapest good arcade game for the PC.” More…
“One release every fan of puzzle games should try” More…
Nice reviews from David Laprad, but where are the dates?!?
edit: dates for all the reviews can be found here.
edit: see comments.
posted by Flaming Pear
Deep Wars re-release flops
Thanks to a tip from Rob Sadedin I discovered that Deep Wars: Soul of the Machine, a rework of the original Deep Wars, was just released a few days ago by startup indie company No Substance Software. Unfortunately, all he gets for tipping me off is a bad review: did he not read my semi-rant on Arydox? I won’t repeat that rant here, but suffice it to say that this game brings us nothing new. On top of that, graphics and sound are poor (except the music for the intro sequence, which rocks). If you want more old style arcade shooters because you’ve played all 59 of the newest hottest ones and you have nowhere to turn, then go right ahead and download it.
posted by Flaming Pear
Links open new windows, or not?
Teq, at the Indie Gamer forums has pointed out that “It might be a little helpful if you have all external site links open in a new window, otherwise the instance they click on the news feed for say the bytten diamond hunter review you have effectively lost them.” However, Mark points out that "The one thing every web user understands is the “Back” button. It’s an integral part of browsing the web. Follow a link, go back. Explore a search engine result, go back. Even my father can do this…"
I’ve decided to do whatever my readers want… what kind of linking do you prefer? To pop new windows or not? Please comment on this post to let me know what you think.
posted by Flaming Pear
Arydox is nothing new
<img src=“http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1350/819247948_789bee23ef_m.jpg” width=“240” height=“180” alt=“Project Golden Hawk” hspace=10 vspace=10 align=right />From Pixel5 Studio:
“Missing a quality vertical scrolling shoot ’em up since the old days? Are you a SHMUP freak and can not find any game of your favorite genre? Just want to shoot hordes of alien spaceships rampaging on your screen and survive the fights against huge bosses?”
The answer to all of these is no. No we are not missing quality vertical scrolling shoot’em up games! Hasn’t anyone figured that out already? Pixel5’s new offering, Arydox: Project Golden Hawk is fine from a technical standpoint (the graphics and sound are good, if not outstanding), but the gameplay is nothing new, and weaker than many games of this genre. If you simply can’t get enough, go download the 11 MB demo.
posted by Flaming Pear
DIY Games reviews Tin Soldiers: Alex the Great
From DIY Games:
“Troy Goodfellow is back with another review, this time it’s for Koios Works’ historical strategy title Tin Soldiers: Alexander the Great. Looking past the obvious attempted movie tie-in, how is the game itself? As our local strategy game expert Troy has spent a lot of time with the title and has a thing or two to say about it.” More…
They finish up by giving it 3.5 stars… can’t say I’m tempted to pull out 39 big ones for it.
posted by Flaming Pear
Zap proves promising
<img src=“http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1348/819247964_510f6a18ac_m.jpg” width=“120” height=“150” alt=“Zap” hspace=10 vspace=10 align=right />If you’re looking for “a 2D vector graphics multiplayer team action strategy game that plays like a cross between Robotron and Tribes with the graphical blend of Asteroids and Pac-Man” look no longer: Zap is here. The developers who brought us Tribes (since turned indie—Garage Games) have just released what looks to be a very promising multiplayer “zap fest.” I’ve been playing the game for the last hour, and the time has slipped right away. Reminds me of the good old Super Maze Wars days (any Mac addicts out there?). The demo is only 500 KB, and if you purchase the game soon you can use the “zap2004” coupon to get $5.00 off (the game normally costs $20.00), and yes, it’s Mac and Linux friendly. But beware: this is an online-only multiplayer game; if you’re on dialup, look somewhere else for fun.
posted by Flaming Pear
Testing MonsterTech Arena
If you want to be a human guinea pig go here.
From the Game Tunnel forums:
“In MonsterTech Arena, your goal is to create one or more highly customizable robotic Gladiators for competition in the Arena. Take direct control of your vehicle to engage the computer or another person (via LAN) in one-on-one bouts, or choose from a variety of sub-games (such as Capture the Flag or Invader) to compete in. You are rewarded after each competition with extra credits for upgrading your vehicle. More credits are awarded for winning, and less for losing…”
The graphics look weak… gameplay is supposed to make up for them.
posted by Flaming Pear
Bombstrike: arcade shoot’em up on steroids
<img src=“http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1373/819247970_fcf9537885_m.jpg” width=“240” height=“180” alt=“Bombstrike” hspace=10 vspace=10 align=right />If you want intense shoot’em up action (did I say intense?) look no further: Tomcat Interactive has sprung their virgin release, Bombstrike: “The ultimate 3D helicopter action game.” The graphics are gorgeous, the bass is headache-inducing, and the action is fast and furious. If that sounds like your cup of tea, then check out the demo now (16 MB).
posted by Flaming Pear
Saturday, January 08, 2005
Glips Entertainment reworking old titles
From Glips Entertainment:
“Finishing up some games(tba)
MonsterTron 2k3 Special Edition being prepared
Friendly Combatant? being redone”
Note: if you’re looking for their games, go to the “Store” section of their site.
posted by Flaming Pear
Game Tunnel reviews Crusaders of Space
<img src=“http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1402/819247980_8152063658_m.jpg” width=“240” height=“180” alt=“crusaders-of-space-screenshot5” hspace=10 vspace=10 align=right />From Game Tunnel:
“It’s time for another Space Invaders remake! Alawar distributes this game, code and artwork mostly created by a single author – Daniil Mirkin. Space Invaders, for those among you who are not walking on crutches yet, is a simple game where your space ship is at the bottom of the screen, firing up into a slowly moving swarm of enemies. Your ship can only fly to the left and right, while some of the enemies can move all about the screen. It’s simple arcade classic, and there’s nothing wrong with attempting a remake.”More…
I’ve had enough space invaders, thank you, and I’m not too keen on trying a game that rates 2.5 stars.
posted by Flaming Pear
Game Tunnel reviews On the Oche
What the heck is an Oche? If you want to find out, read Game Tunnel’s review of Series One Software’s latest offering: a darts game that gets a score of 7/10. My take? A little hard to get the hang of, but surprisingly addictive.
posted by Flaming Pear
Mystery Studio turns fulltime
Okay, so this is a few days old, but heck, any time an indie goes fulltime they deserve a headline.
From Indie Gamer:
“Guys, I want to wish you a happy new year, and I’m also very happy to announce that today was my last day at my day job :)” More…
That’s Gabriel Gambetta living the dream… Just so you know Gabriel, we’ll be looking to Mystery Studio for great things from now on.
posted by Flaming Pear
Flipull Advantage not bad
<img src=“http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1021/819247984_2d6da5014f_m.jpg” width=“240” height=“180” alt=“Flipull” hspace=10 vspace=10 align=right />The Daily Click comes through with a surprisingly polished and wonderful old-school remake. For those of you not familiar with the original Flipull, the game involves shooting blocks of various colors at the right targets in order to break down a central block structure: hit a green with a green, it disappears, and the block behind or below it (depending on which angle you shoot it from) pops out as the next block to shoot. A wonderful little puzzler if you like that type of thing, and this remake is 1st-rate — and free. Congratulations to Johns Program, who submitted it.
Size: 4MB
Get it from: acoders
posted by Flaming Pear
Odd Man In
From Indie Gamer:
“I wrote a game for my website called Odd Man In and it’s a multiplayer, web based game of guns and game theory. Each round you pick someone to shoot and anyone shot an even number (excluding zero) of times is out. Last man standing wins. Last game had 29 people and it was a blast.
“The next game starts Monday, January 10th so get in there soon!
“Head here to register and check out the official http://www.bengarvey.com/oddmanin”
I’ve never tried one of these “web-based” games, so if you join, let me know what you think. Sounds a bit like a cross between Survivor and Mafia to me (which makes me wonder whether I should even be mentioning it here). Note: if you’re really out of it, this is not a “computer game” in the traditional sense.
posted by Flaming Pear
Friday, January 07, 2005
Supernova: Galactic Wars sees first beta
Jack Norton has released the first beta version of his shoot’em up. He says, quote, “Everyone is releasing shoot’em up, why can’t I ?!” which I guess is meant to be taken rhetorically. Anyway, check it out at Indie Gamer.
posted by Flaming Pear
Bytten reviews Diamond Hunter
<img src=“http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1145/819248000_5e0845c4b6_m.jpg” width=“240” height=“240” alt=“Diamond Hunter” hspace=10 vspace=10 align=right />Bytten celebrates its 100th review today, and awards a silver star to Freestone Group’s Diamond Hunter.
From Bytten:
“Anyone expecting an adventure game here will be a little disappointed as Diamond Hunter should really be considered a puzzle game with action elements. If you’ve ever played Boulderdash or Repton you’ll know roughly what to expect, as this game follows a similar pattern, with a small dose of Sokoban.” More…
Congrat’s Bytten for all the hard work.
posted by Flaming Pear
New Titan Assault alpha
Goldbolt Software has uploaded a new alpha of Titan Assault, an “overhead realtime strategy/action based game.” I haven’t had a chance to try it out yet, but people seem to be liking it. If you try it out, have the decency to give C_Coder a little feedback over at the Indie Gamer forums.
posted by Flaming Pear
Thursday, January 06, 2005
Anyone for complex?
If you’re up for political simulations, try the [demo] of Democracy, a game being developed by the respectable folks at Positech. It’s one of those “starts with you as President (or Prime-Minister) of a fictional country” games, so don’t say I didn’t warn you.
posted by Flaming Pear
Puppytron
PuppyGames has released another “almost done” java applet game called Puppytron. Pretty mindless, but it’s got a great old-school feel; check out Puppy Invaders if you haven’t already (I preffer it to this new release).
posted by Flaming Pear
Indie “biz” blogs
I don’t know how many of you are interested in the business side of things, but George has started a post over on Indie Gamer dedicated to unearthing indie blogs. My gosh, GBGames: don’t hurt yourself.
posted by Flaming Pear
Ginger Monkey Go Home!
<img src=“http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1080/819276172_d0974bdc6b_m.jpg” width=“226” height=“100” alt=“Ginger Monkey” hspace=10 vspace=10 align=right />From the Game Tunnel forums:
“To celebrate the new year in style Ginger Monkey has launched his brand new independent games website with his first indie game: Mr Marrow and the Temple of Egg. You can download the game free from the website which also contains articles, features and artwork. Have a look and let Ginger Monkey know what you think. http://www.ginger-monkey.com/”
All I can say is Ginger Monkey is not ready for prime time. The site’s okay (if you can handle orange on black), but the game is a 16MB mega-flop. I lasted about a minute and a half. If you want, see if you can do better, but unless you’ve got a DSL connection and some time to waste, don’t bother. (Okay, so I’m being harsh; the game is honestly a good first try.)
posted by Flaming Pear
[Unless it is noted otherwise, the source of each image is the game’s website.]
-
Derek
-
Tim
-
jon mak
-
Albert Lai
-
http://josephkingworks.blogspot.com Joseph
-
haowan
-
Tim
The Independent Gaming Source: A community of independent game developers and players.
TIGForums DevLog Magazine
TIGForums Image Crawler:
