Once again I am typically late. Even so, I got some links and news to put up. The biggest thing right now is that the Sonic Amateur Games Expo 2007 is taking place right now. With over 20 different projects on display, most notably Sonic Retro, it warms my heart.
SAGE 2007
Battle for Wesnoth has had an new updated release, bringing the stable version up to v1.2.6, which is an good time as any to give it a shot.
Battle for Wesnoth
The most brightest thing to come about recently is the July update that has been made for Dark Disciples II, a sequel to the original which I have very much enjoyed. Shapeshifting, new skills, and overhauled enemy design is the sort of thing to be expecting for the sequel. I look forward to it.
Dark Disciples II
The Silver Lining, an game that was originally an King's Quest fangame has released an demo. Adventurering gamers should check it out pronto.
There is also the Game Giveaway of the Day webpage to be considered - every so often an full game is offered for free. Unfortunately, this is an limited-time offer with an update restriction, so this means that worthwhile games would be rare to catch. On the other hand, this also means that you can a full game free.
Tuesday, August 7, 2007
Monday, May 21, 2007
The fanfiction I have made...
Well, I am a writer. Probably a poor one. Even so, I am compelled to make an attempt at making an Dragonball fanfiction, and so I have. Like most starting authors, I have high hopes for my attempts and generally I believe that the first three chapters I have produced are decent, considering the fact that this is my first major attempt at creative writing. However, if anyone is reading this and proceeds to read my fanfiction, I ask for an review. I would like an opinion from an stranger, because asking someone close to home would probably cause me to lock up or to get a poor response.
Of course, why would my fanfiction be worth reading in the first place? Well, I have tried to avoid changing any of the characters originally from Dragonball, and my own characters I have tried to avoid being poor. Yet, I sometimes feel like as if my writing is sluggish or trite. Now, aside from not tinkering with the core events and characters, I DO try to expand upon aspects that were lightly touched upon, trying to give the Dragonball universe an somewhat more realistic (though not out of character) approach, since writing a book is different from a comic or TV show.
By realistic, I mean detailing the politics, the whys and hows. I also try to make things tie into the more detailed portions of the show. For example, how come does an fool like Pilaf have managed to obtain so advanced vehicles? How and why did King Vegeta know Freeza was coming? In the end, I hope my attempt will bear fruit. Below is an link to the first chapter.
Currently my fanfiction stands at 59,000 or so words, and I have just begun work on the next chapter and possibly sidestories.
DBTC: Time Crisis
Of course, why would my fanfiction be worth reading in the first place? Well, I have tried to avoid changing any of the characters originally from Dragonball, and my own characters I have tried to avoid being poor. Yet, I sometimes feel like as if my writing is sluggish or trite. Now, aside from not tinkering with the core events and characters, I DO try to expand upon aspects that were lightly touched upon, trying to give the Dragonball universe an somewhat more realistic (though not out of character) approach, since writing a book is different from a comic or TV show.
By realistic, I mean detailing the politics, the whys and hows. I also try to make things tie into the more detailed portions of the show. For example, how come does an fool like Pilaf have managed to obtain so advanced vehicles? How and why did King Vegeta know Freeza was coming? In the end, I hope my attempt will bear fruit. Below is an link to the first chapter.
Currently my fanfiction stands at 59,000 or so words, and I have just begun work on the next chapter and possibly sidestories.
DBTC: Time Crisis
General update for May
Well, I know it has been a long time since I last posted. No good reason, unless you take into account my avid fascination with Star Trek and Sacred. But even so, the gaming world marches on, and there is definite activity. The biggest news is probably that Starcraft II has been officially announced by Blizzard, which has everyone and their grandmother in Korea in an uproar, along with every RTS Junkie. An very good thing to look forward to.
But everyone else will be talking about it, so I will instead talk about the lesser-known games out there. The first thing that comes to mind is that Aquaria may be released in late June, and has also been the best game on display at an Independent Gaming Festival. There are also other independent games to be noted, not the least of which is Battleships Forever.
Made with Gamemaker, by an person known as "th15", this game has an interesting Tron-style with the graphics of the ships featured in the game. It is an RTS kind of game, where the focus is not just what ships you have at disposal, but how you move them during the battles. The point is to out-manuever your enemies with your own ships, without exposing the vulnerable areas of your own. Very much micromanagement, but beautiful. Examine the picture below, to see what I mean. There is also an Ship Maker available, so perhaps ships similar to Sci-Fi classics could be produced, by the fans out there.
Battleships Forever
An deluxe edition of the Princess Maker styled independent game "Cute Knight" has been made available by Hanako Games, for a price. While I haven't played the game due to my inability to acquire (let alone to play it because of my...environment), I think it may be quite interesting to women and those who enjoy raising an character. Still, you should judge it yourself since my basic assessment isn't too good. It has dungeon crawl elements though, to be sure.
Cute Knight Deluxe
On a similar topic, there is the PK Girl to be considered. A freeware game, it is one of those games that combines anime graphics, music, and writing style for an old-style adventuring format. Those of you who have played Adventuring games, like King's Quest III where you could type "Kick the Cat", know what I mean. It is an very solid game. Sadly, the author doesn't seem to have produced more games, and I feel it is an loss for the videogame community. Players who enjoy romance or interactive fiction where you think, should enjoy this title immensely.
The PK Girl
But everyone else will be talking about it, so I will instead talk about the lesser-known games out there. The first thing that comes to mind is that Aquaria may be released in late June, and has also been the best game on display at an Independent Gaming Festival. There are also other independent games to be noted, not the least of which is Battleships Forever.
Made with Gamemaker, by an person known as "th15", this game has an interesting Tron-style with the graphics of the ships featured in the game. It is an RTS kind of game, where the focus is not just what ships you have at disposal, but how you move them during the battles. The point is to out-manuever your enemies with your own ships, without exposing the vulnerable areas of your own. Very much micromanagement, but beautiful. Examine the picture below, to see what I mean. There is also an Ship Maker available, so perhaps ships similar to Sci-Fi classics could be produced, by the fans out there.
Battleships Forever
An deluxe edition of the Princess Maker styled independent game "Cute Knight" has been made available by Hanako Games, for a price. While I haven't played the game due to my inability to acquire (let alone to play it because of my...environment), I think it may be quite interesting to women and those who enjoy raising an character. Still, you should judge it yourself since my basic assessment isn't too good. It has dungeon crawl elements though, to be sure.
Cute Knight Deluxe
On a similar topic, there is the PK Girl to be considered. A freeware game, it is one of those games that combines anime graphics, music, and writing style for an old-style adventuring format. Those of you who have played Adventuring games, like King's Quest III where you could type "Kick the Cat", know what I mean. It is an very solid game. Sadly, the author doesn't seem to have produced more games, and I feel it is an loss for the videogame community. Players who enjoy romance or interactive fiction where you think, should enjoy this title immensely.
The PK Girl
Thursday, March 29, 2007
Nethergate Resurrected
Spiderweb Studios are the independent developers of a few game series, that mostly plays like an RPG with an significant amount of exploration. While the games are not the best looking nor the most technical, I generally liked some of Spiderweb's creations. Especially so with Avernum 2 because it deeply appealed to my sense of imagination. That said, Spiderweb is now recreating one of the older games it has made, for an new generation.
Nethergate Resurrected is an remake of the game Nethergate, which is set in an Roman land with Celtic mythological elements. While I haven't played the original, it sounds like an promising idea. The game is coming out in the summer of 2007. The link to the game developer's webpage for the game is below.
Nethergate: Resurrection
Monday, March 12, 2007
The Underside (Game Preview)
I have recently found an upcoming game that looks to be in an similar style to Cave Story, which can't be a bad thing. Can it? While a part of me is giddy with glee, this game looks a little too similar to Cave Story's graphics. Which may mean that the developer has taken parts of Pixel's game and used it without permission. On the other hand, perhaps some things seem familiar because the designer has added elements of homage to Cave Story. Whatever the case, I will withhold judgment of this matter until I play it in full. That said, even if it is a rip-off of the original, it only has to play well for me to really enjoy it. Go through the link below and check out the screenshots and preview demo.
The Underside
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
Aquaria (Game Preview)
This upcoming game looks very interesting to me, judging from the video found through the link below. You see, I feel one of the big ways to predict an well done game is the graphics. Not advanced ones, but rather the beautiful and unique graphics that have style. This game looks like it has an certain style to it, which has charmed me like some sort of siren. As such, I had to talk about this game here, so that others will join me in my excitement for this game.
The game is the first one being officially produced by Bit-Blot, an independent and unknown developer. I am assuming it is an commercial company judging from their homepage, and it is good to see this since having professionally independently developed games can lead to someplace good for PC gaming.
Bit-Blot homepage
Aquaria homepage
What would I remake if I could?
I love games very much, and an big part of videogames is the nostalgia that eventually grows over time. Gamers and games age, and with this the memory bears fruit of older times, when things were new and experimental, which leads to the desire of both playing those aged games, but also to see something new within this context. When I look or play with games from my youth, I can't help but dream of what could be.
Take the game Magic Carpet for example. In the time it was made, this game was revolutionary in that terrain could be deformed in an early 3D engine, and the game itself was fun. Created by Bullfrog by Peter Monolyex, who also made the Black & White series, it was an great game at the time because the ideas were original and new at the time, and it might hold up somewhat today, which most games can't do.
Looking back at Magic Carpet, I couldn't help but wonder how it would be if it was made for a modern gaming world. After all, we now have much better calculation, music, and graphical abilities since Magic Carpet was first made, and the industry could always use an excellent and under-used concept...like Magic Carpet. It might be foolhardy for me to say this, but I honestly think that Magic Carpet would be an big AAA title for the PC, and that Microsoft should seriously consider taking it up. After all, Microsoft owns Lionhead studios, which has the very same Peter Monolyex at it's head. Wouldn't it make sense, especially since the "Games for Windows" initiative is something that could potentially keep customers loyal to Windows?
In this manner of reasoning, I typically look at dozens of games and think to myself "this is an great idea and should be remade". Operation: Inner Space could be remade into a title that would do well on Live Arcade or Steam if done right. The reason why is because the game is simple at it's core, but it can hold a potentially great deal of gameplay and variation, especially if the differences of each system the game is installed on is taken into consideration.
Innerspace is an old and rather nice Windows 3.1 game, and is interesting in how it's levels are generated - their contents are based upon the files on your hard drive. The game is like Asteroids, but you could carry an limited number of special weapons and drive literally dozens of different kinds of ships. It was an neat game at the time, but it hasn't aged too well. It is an great concept that could be revitalized, and this possibility pulls at my heartstrings, however taut they may be.
Does anyone else feel the vibrant thrum of the ancient gaming world like I do, and feel like it could be resurrected, or am I just an Maverick?
Take the game Magic Carpet for example. In the time it was made, this game was revolutionary in that terrain could be deformed in an early 3D engine, and the game itself was fun. Created by Bullfrog by Peter Monolyex, who also made the Black & White series, it was an great game at the time because the ideas were original and new at the time, and it might hold up somewhat today, which most games can't do.
Looking back at Magic Carpet, I couldn't help but wonder how it would be if it was made for a modern gaming world. After all, we now have much better calculation, music, and graphical abilities since Magic Carpet was first made, and the industry could always use an excellent and under-used concept...like Magic Carpet. It might be foolhardy for me to say this, but I honestly think that Magic Carpet would be an big AAA title for the PC, and that Microsoft should seriously consider taking it up. After all, Microsoft owns Lionhead studios, which has the very same Peter Monolyex at it's head. Wouldn't it make sense, especially since the "Games for Windows" initiative is something that could potentially keep customers loyal to Windows?
In this manner of reasoning, I typically look at dozens of games and think to myself "this is an great idea and should be remade". Operation: Inner Space could be remade into a title that would do well on Live Arcade or Steam if done right. The reason why is because the game is simple at it's core, but it can hold a potentially great deal of gameplay and variation, especially if the differences of each system the game is installed on is taken into consideration.
Innerspace is an old and rather nice Windows 3.1 game, and is interesting in how it's levels are generated - their contents are based upon the files on your hard drive. The game is like Asteroids, but you could carry an limited number of special weapons and drive literally dozens of different kinds of ships. It was an neat game at the time, but it hasn't aged too well. It is an great concept that could be revitalized, and this possibility pulls at my heartstrings, however taut they may be.
Does anyone else feel the vibrant thrum of the ancient gaming world like I do, and feel like it could be resurrected, or am I just an Maverick?
Monday, February 19, 2007
Cave Story (freeware)
A few years ago, which is roughly the year 2005, an Japanese game was translated by Gideon Zhi's AGTP into English. People played this game, and there was much talk about it among them. This game is Cave Story, which is an high-quality freeware game that is an very solid platformer, but it also introduces some gameplay mechanics that are innovative.
At the core of this game is the weapons, and these weapons each have significantly different abilities. The shurikens can be summoned, and continue to be summoned into the player has a cloud of sharp instruments that act as an shield, and can be launched in the direction the player faces to cause damage to the enemy. The machine gun can allow the player to have extended jumps, and it provides an decent source of firepower. However, all weapons in the game depend upon the upgrading and degrading system.
Basically, you can kill enemies and can collect the resulting stars to powerup your weapons, which can improve their special and ordinary functions. However, if you are hit by an enemy, your current weapon degrades, which means that as an warrior your power is reduced whenever you lose health. This is a really fun and solid game that is free, enjoy.
AGTP Official Patch & Game
Cave Story Deluxe Package (Free)
Sunday, February 18, 2007
La-Mulana (freeware)
PLATFORM: PC
CONTROLS: Keyboard (required) & Gamepad
NOTES : Be sure to apply the translation patch, and to READ THE MANUAL.
Now here is an gem. Made by an Japanese team, and translated into English by an veteran group of translators, this game is something I heartily recommend to gamers who enjoyed Castlevani: Symphony of the Night and Legend of Zelda gameplay.
This game is an potent mix of the two, in that while it is an 2D sidescrolling game, it has an style most platformers don't possess. The game is set in the ruins of an ancient civilization, where the Indiana-Jones impersonator shall venture into the ruins, in search of his father and outdoing him. With him, he takes his trusty whip and an unhealthy dose of courage.
The game starts simply, like most. The traps and enemies are easy, but then it gets progressively harder. Not surprising, but the transition is actually very quick in this game, and you can't save at first until you meet the requirements. You also can't save anywhere within the ruins, which further compounds the difficulty since it means that each trip into the ruins can be instantly halted by an unfortunate accident.
Like this close call. It isn't deep into the ruins,
and this trap would be very deadly for an unexperienced archaeologist, like most players are. This is one of the selling points of the game I feel, because this means each trip into the ruins are moderately difficult work, but well worth it where fun and interesting situations are concerned.
Being filled with traps, this game naturally has rewards and secrets for the players. Throughout the ruins are hidden MSX disks, some of which may grant the player abilities when paired together, and there are also various artifacts that are of great use to the player.
The enemies are usually quite easy to defeat, though sometimes the strategic positioning of such enemies could very well frustrate the player, by knocking the protagonist off platforms, or causing some sort of delay for the player that could result in a death because of a poorly timed coincidence with an trap or an instance of Divine Retribution by accidentally harming the ruins.
The puzzles come in various forms, ranging from moving around blocks to creating combinations of symbols, this game is all about exploration. Various tablets in the game provide clues and information that could allow a player to figure out the challenges of the game, like to NOT use weapons in the Temple of the Moon, or what to do with the Woman Doll. The tablets sound very much like the stories of an ancient civilization, which I like quite a bit since it adds to the atmosphere of the game.
However, what of the sound and music? Well, the music is very catchy and well placed in my opinion, and the sound affects achieve their goals. Very nice and straightforward I would say. The controls of the game can be done with Keyboard or Gamepad, and I very much recommend a gamepad like the AirFlow EX for the PC, since this is an platforming game.
In the end, I feel this game deserves a place on the hard drives of gamers everywhere, since it is an balanced and well done package. Unfortunately, the developers of this game have shut down, and so it is unlikely for a sequel to appear. Still, this is an very good game and should be played by any gamer looking for an top-notch freeware game.
La-Mulana translation patch & game
La-Mulana English Guide & Japanese Guide
La-Mulana MP3 soundtrack
CONTROLS: Keyboard (required) & Gamepad
NOTES : Be sure to apply the translation patch, and to READ THE MANUAL.
Now here is an gem. Made by an Japanese team, and translated into English by an veteran group of translators, this game is something I heartily recommend to gamers who enjoyed Castlevani: Symphony of the Night and Legend of Zelda gameplay.
This game is an potent mix of the two, in that while it is an 2D sidescrolling game, it has an style most platformers don't possess. The game is set in the ruins of an ancient civilization, where the Indiana-Jones impersonator shall venture into the ruins, in search of his father and outdoing him. With him, he takes his trusty whip and an unhealthy dose of courage.
The game starts simply, like most. The traps and enemies are easy, but then it gets progressively harder. Not surprising, but the transition is actually very quick in this game, and you can't save at first until you meet the requirements. You also can't save anywhere within the ruins, which further compounds the difficulty since it means that each trip into the ruins can be instantly halted by an unfortunate accident.
Like this close call. It isn't deep into the ruins,and this trap would be very deadly for an unexperienced archaeologist, like most players are. This is one of the selling points of the game I feel, because this means each trip into the ruins are moderately difficult work, but well worth it where fun and interesting situations are concerned.
Being filled with traps, this game naturally has rewards and secrets for the players. Throughout the ruins are hidden MSX disks, some of which may grant the player abilities when paired together, and there are also various artifacts that are of great use to the player.
The enemies are usually quite easy to defeat, though sometimes the strategic positioning of such enemies could very well frustrate the player, by knocking the protagonist off platforms, or causing some sort of delay for the player that could result in a death because of a poorly timed coincidence with an trap or an instance of Divine Retribution by accidentally harming the ruins.
The puzzles come in various forms, ranging from moving around blocks to creating combinations of symbols, this game is all about exploration. Various tablets in the game provide clues and information that could allow a player to figure out the challenges of the game, like to NOT use weapons in the Temple of the Moon, or what to do with the Woman Doll. The tablets sound very much like the stories of an ancient civilization, which I like quite a bit since it adds to the atmosphere of the game.
However, what of the sound and music? Well, the music is very catchy and well placed in my opinion, and the sound affects achieve their goals. Very nice and straightforward I would say. The controls of the game can be done with Keyboard or Gamepad, and I very much recommend a gamepad like the AirFlow EX for the PC, since this is an platforming game.
In the end, I feel this game deserves a place on the hard drives of gamers everywhere, since it is an balanced and well done package. Unfortunately, the developers of this game have shut down, and so it is unlikely for a sequel to appear. Still, this is an very good game and should be played by any gamer looking for an top-notch freeware game.
La-Mulana translation patch & game
La-Mulana English Guide & Japanese Guide
La-Mulana MP3 soundtrack
The Journey Begins!
Welcome to my small realm within the huge, interconnected universe that is the Internet. It is here you will find game reviews, opinions, and other such things. Hopefully, I can provide quality content.
Now then...where to begin? Well, I will make multiple posts now, but each are about an game I have found and enjoyed, along with links and pictures so that people can find them. What games will I cover first, though? I am thinking of La-Mulana, The New Satan Sam, Cave Story, and several other ones that the common game wouldn't be aware of.
Now then...where to begin? Well, I will make multiple posts now, but each are about an game I have found and enjoyed, along with links and pictures so that people can find them. What games will I cover first, though? I am thinking of La-Mulana, The New Satan Sam, Cave Story, and several other ones that the common game wouldn't be aware of.
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