Platform

By: Derek Yu

On: October 3rd, 2007

The fact that Platform directly references the cult horror/sci-fi movie Cube should give you an idea about the plot of this browser-based, episodic platform game. The premise is this: two guys (I like to imagine that they’re Gabe and Tycho) wake up in a strange facility with no recollection of who they are or how they got there. All they know is that they’ve got to help each other get out. As the story progresses, it’s clear that there’s something sinister going on behind the scenes.

Each episode (released every Sunday) consists of a single room level with various moving platforms, switches, and deadly traps. By hitting space you can switch between the two characters. As you can expect, the levels are designed around this idea, and for the most part, they are quite clever. And new mechanics are introduced fairly steadily to keep things fresh.

The platforming is pretty difficult, though, especially since you have to keep track of two characters. Fortunately, the smooth controls and fast-pace of the levels keep it relatively frustration-free. Restarting a level takes no time, either. And seeing the next chunk of the story, told through cutscenes at the beginning and end of each level, is a nice reward, too.

I really enjoy the feeling of comraderie between the two heroes, and it makes me want to see a little more interaction in-game. Even some simple words of encouragement when one player reaches the exit before the other (“You can do it, man!”) would be nice. The other thing I’d like to see is more interesting backdrops, although I understand that creating weekly content makes this difficult.

As of now, there are 22 episodes, and I’m very much looking forward to the next. Cool idea! And see Cube, if you haven’t already. It’s a really sweet film.

Viva Caligula

By: Derek Yu

On: October 2nd, 2007

Adult Swim’s latest Flash joint, Viva Caligula, puts you in the leathery shoes of everyone’s favorite crazy Roman Emperor. Charged with the task of killing all of Rome’s citizens, you’ll run amok through the streets, gardens, and catacombs of “The Eternal City,” smiting everyone who crosses your path. Along the way you’ll collect 26 different weapons with which to massacre your opponents.

The fun of this game really comes from the variety of the weapons that are available to you. You’ll get to wield everything from knives and axes and crossbows, to more exotic treats, like beehives and necromancy! And entering Rampage Mode increases the destructive power of your arms. This is achieved by killing, collecting trophies, or – no joke – screaming into a microphone.

Once you’ve collected all 26 weapons, you’ll be invited to the Palace for some good ol’ fashioned hedonism. But given the number of weapons and the size of Rome, this could take you a while.

Conclusion: fun time-waster, great artwork (natch). Would make an awesome cartoon!

Feudalism

By: Derek Yu

On: September 26th, 2007

Ah, feudalism… lords, vassals, fiefs, and all the wenches you can eat.

Oh yeah, and Feudalism (capital “F!”), the browser-based strategy/RPG game of medieval conquest. In this game you choose a hero (and consequently a nation to align with), customize his or her stats, and then go to town, literally. Once there, you can buy weapons, armor, and items, and recruit troops.

The goal of the game is to conquer every city on the map. In between you’ll be taking simple quests and fighting bandits to raise your experience and gain gold. In battle your minions are controlled by AI, but you can affect them indirectly with items or basic commands. The controls are a little rough, but are serviceable.

What can I say? The game uses the tried-and-true method of keeping you playing by letting you steadily get stronger and kick more ass. And it works… it’s pretty fun.

Manifold

By: Derek Yu

On: September 26th, 2007

Manifold is an interesting little flash-based platformer. During the game you collect “anomalies,” which can be thrown against walls to create bubbles that propel you in different directions.

Unfortunately the game is only a few levels long, and most of the challenge is in the final level, anyway. It’d be great to see the author extend the idea to a game that feels more complete.

And it looks like I’ve got some extra vertical space here.

Oh dear.

Yes, this is what we call good copy in the hard-hitting games journalism industry.

(Thanks, moshboy!)

Hoshi Saga 1 and 2

By: Derek Yu

On: September 25th, 2007

In Hoshi Saga 2, you are presented with a series of mini-games and the object of each is to find a hidden star. How the star is hidden and how you find it varies with each game. It’s kind of Wario Ware-ish in that the fun comes from figuring out what you’re supposed to be doing (minus the time pressure).

The levels are presented in a grid, and at the end of each row and column is a hidden mini-game that can only be accessed once every other game in the row/column is beaten. Beating all the hidden games unlocks the credits.

The games are all very clever, and beautifully presented. Quite lovely!

And be sure to try Hoshi Saga 1, too.

(Source: Sensible Erection [NSFWish])

Negative Yang

By: Derek Yu

On: September 24th, 2007

Everyone remembers Squidi’s attempt at 300 game ideas, right? Sadly cut short to 60 games, but still an admirable effort.

Well, y’all, it looks like we’ve got a little indie internet drama going on, as Nitrome’s latest flash title, Yin Yang, looks a wee bit similar to Squidi’s first game idea, Negative Space. Okay, maybe a little more than a wee bit. More like, if you shaved Ashley and Mary-Kate Olsen’s heads and stripped them naked, would you be able to tell which was which? No, because you’d be throwing up. Zing!

In all seriousness, though, here are the facts:

1. Nitrome is claiming they came up with the idea on their own. They are, unsurprisingly, supported by Jay of Jay is Games, and the Jay disciples.

2. Squidi did, in fact, say that his game ideas could be used without credit.

3. Squidi raised a bit of a stink over it, however, both on his blog, and on the Jay is Games site.

4. One thing he claims is that MTV contacted him about his 300 game ideas long before Yin Yang was released. (MTV hired Nitrome to create Yin Yang.)

5. Jay is now threatening libel for a (rather innocuous, imo) quote from Squidi’s blog.

Hit the extended for my very serious opinions:

1. Nitrome totally got the idea from Squidi. Seriously, look at this other screenshot comparison if you’re still not convinced. (This is an opinion.)

2. But Squidi should just drop the whole darn thing before it blows up in his face like with Penny Arcade. He gave the rights to his idea away willingly. Let others argue for him, if need be. (This is an opinion.)

3. Jay is really, really scary! He seems like he could tear out your throat at the drop of a hat. It’s even scarier because Jay is Games is such a “friendly” place on the surface. Reminds me of church, or Disneyland. (This is an opinion.)

4. Yin Yang is pretty fun, regardless of where the idea came from. (This is an opinion.)

5. DISCUSS. (This is a suggestion!)

Grow Island

By: Derek Yu

On: September 19th, 2007

Created to introduce prospective students to the curriculum of Shibaura Institute of Technology, Grow Island is another fantastic addition to Eyezmaze’s Grow series of games. Um, wow, yeah – sign me up for the class where I pave a railroad in a giant robot!

As usual, a walkthrough is provided by the readers of Jay is Games!

Bloxorz

By: Derek Yu

On: September 4th, 2007

Bloxorz has you flipping a block around – either along its long or short edge – to drop it in the hole. There are 33 levels of totally gnartacular block-flipping action.

(Thanks, Melly!)

Machinarium: New Game From Creators of Samorost

By: Derek Yu

On: August 31st, 2007

Amanita Design, the developer behind the beautiful and surreal Samorost series of games, is working on a new flash adventure game called Machinarium, slated for release in the second half of 2008.

Adventure Gamers reports:

Welp, it certainly looks beautiful!

(Source: Tim W., in the hizzy!)

Hikkoshi (Lonely House-Moving)

By: Derek Yu

On: August 29th, 2007

Hikkoshi is the latest flash game from NIGORO, a cute story about a boy running after the girl he loves. Moles, birds, and luggage are all that stands between them!

The controls and game mechanics are very simple. Use the arrow keys and spacebar to move and jump. Collect food to replenish your life. You get points by jumping over things or more if you jump on top of them (only some things can be jumped on).

It’s hard to distinguish food and hurtful objects at first – just know that there are only four types of food: the white and black rice balls, the blue and white cans of what looks like Pocari Sweat, and the corn and lemons that the farmer will toss you.

It’s fun! Can you beat my level 3 score of 757521?

(Source: dessgeega, from The Gamer’s Quarter forums)