Help Angelo to retrieve all stolen artifacts along his journey
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
Mystery Trackers: Black Isle Standard Ed.
Investigate a supposedly abandoned island in Mystery Trackers: Black Isle! After a journalist is kidnapped after beginning an investigation, it’s up to you to learn the truth behind Black Isle. Years ago an earthquake struck leaving the island deserted. None of the buildings seem to be damaged, however, and a hooded figure seems to be stopping people from discovering the truth. Find the missing journalist and learn a sinister secret in Mystery Trackers: Black Isle!
Download: Mirror 1
Saturday, July 28, 2012
7-28-12 - Soldier Of Progress: Stealth, Tanks, and...?!
Hey. So, I've still been working on Soldier Of. It's turning out pretty well so far.
One thing I've implemented is stealth - now enemies can and will chase you if they spot you. As you can see in the GIF animations below, they will patrol a certain area randomly, but if you get in their field of view, then they will chase you down, firing when they've got a clear shot. I've toned down their damage since the second GIF, but they're still not to be trifled with.
The next thing of note is that I've been working on the first boss. I thought a tank would be a nice boss to start working on, so I modeled it awhile ago based off of the tank from the GBA and DS series, Advance Wars. It turned out alright, and since then I've textured and rigged it. Hopefully I'll be able to work with it and develop a cool and tense boss fight from it.
I got a little stuck when animating the treads for when it moves forward, as I couldn't quite decide between moving the UV values of the treads' vertices, or manually replacing the mesh every frame it animates. I ended up going with the UV translation method - one thing that I didn't fully know about was that you can't animate the UV values of a vertex with it being transformed by bones from an armature, which is unfortunate. Fortunately, I was able to split the model up into several different pieces, and so bypass that little issue. It turned out well.
Note that the rigid body physics looks nice, but probably won't be implemented in-game since it's not really necessary for the boss...
I've also worked on new maps and areas. I thought that the park didn't really get enough 'play', so I'm planning on expanding it with kind of a dark forest area. I was thinking that it would play into the plot a little bit, where the alien robots are stealing resources from the land and dumping waste, thereby corrupting the forest and causing it to turn dark and poisonous. Kind of a stupid plot idea, but I think it looks nice, so I want to tie it in somehow (the green tree in the back doesn't really fit in, though). Forgive the poor weeping willows, as well - I've yet to find a good way to render them.
Anyway, that's some of the things I've done so far. I should have a video up soon, and another demo release should be coming up soon as well. Thanks for reading and watching my blog here!
One thing I've implemented is stealth - now enemies can and will chase you if they spot you. As you can see in the GIF animations below, they will patrol a certain area randomly, but if you get in their field of view, then they will chase you down, firing when they've got a clear shot. I've toned down their damage since the second GIF, but they're still not to be trifled with.
The next thing of note is that I've been working on the first boss. I thought a tank would be a nice boss to start working on, so I modeled it awhile ago based off of the tank from the GBA and DS series, Advance Wars. It turned out alright, and since then I've textured and rigged it. Hopefully I'll be able to work with it and develop a cool and tense boss fight from it.
I've also worked on new maps and areas. I thought that the park didn't really get enough 'play', so I'm planning on expanding it with kind of a dark forest area. I was thinking that it would play into the plot a little bit, where the alien robots are stealing resources from the land and dumping waste, thereby corrupting the forest and causing it to turn dark and poisonous. Kind of a stupid plot idea, but I think it looks nice, so I want to tie it in somehow (the green tree in the back doesn't really fit in, though). Forgive the poor weeping willows, as well - I've yet to find a good way to render them.
Anyway, that's some of the things I've done so far. I should have a video up soon, and another demo release should be coming up soon as well. Thanks for reading and watching my blog here!
Friday, July 27, 2012
Cases Of Stolen Beauty Updated
Expose the most incredible plot of the millennium in Cases Of Stolen Beauty! While writing a typical story for a well-known European magazine, the talented journalist, Eva Sanders, begins witnessing strange events. After taking it upon herself to investigate she soon finds herself implicated in an evil conspiracy. Will you be able to solve the mystery and find out who is behind the plot?
Download: Mirror 3
EPIC Wishmaster Adventures
Sue grew up on her Uncle Fred’s bee farm. As many young girls do, she often dreamt of a charming prince who would come and take her far, far away. On one very ordinary morning, something extra-ordinary happened - a massive starship landed in the middle of a field, taking Sue on the first of many incredible adventures. Join Sue as she faces mysterious puzzles, riddles, harsh challenges and difficult decisions while ravaging monsters, greedy slave traders and ruthless Horror Soldiers. Become a captain of a space ship, find Sue’s long-lost, beloved father and learn the mystery of her birth in this head-spinning game - E.P.I.C.: Wishmaster Adventures.
Thanks to Velocity
Download: Mirror 3
Arizona Rose and the Pirates Riddles Updated
Arizona Rose: humble antique collector, or treasure-hunter extraordinaire? While shopping for exotic antiques, Arizona stumbles across some old maps, which turn out to hold the key to Blackbeard’s lost treasures! But the treasures’ locations are concealed by a clever code, and Arizona needs your help to crack it.
Join Arizona on her epic treasure-hunting quest, with 200 levels of picross to solve and numerous treasures to discover. Along the way, you’ll also collect powerful items to help you and encounter hidden object scenes and other exciting mini-games. You can also show off your puzzle-solving prowess by collecting all 15 achievements!
Whether you’re a picross fanatic or a first-time solver, Arizona Rose and the Pirates’ Riddles will keep you coming back for more. There’s always one more puzzle to solve, one more cave or shipwreck to explore, and one more treasure to take home at the end!
Download: Mirror 3
Thursday, July 26, 2012
Surface 2: The Noise She Couldnt Make Collectors Edition
On a lonely stretch of highway, a young girl is found unconscious, a bloody knife lying next to her. Was she a victim, or did she attack someone? Her doctors are baffled when she fails to respond to treatment. Desperate, they call you in to help. As a psychic, you’re used to working with clients who can talk to you. But this girl can’t. Enter her mind and work to discover...the noise she couldn’t make...
Earn achievements as you solve the mystery
Collect aura flowers and spend them in the store
Watch scenes from the game
Download wallpapers and soundtracks
Download:
Single Links: Mirror 3
Unrar and Play Links:
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
Live Novels: Jane Austens Pride and Prejudice
Live one of the world’s most famous novels in Live Novels: Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. As the young, wealthy and single Charles Bingly and his friend, Mr. Darcy visit a neighboring estate, the respected Mrs. Bennet sees a rare opportunity to marry off one of her daughters. Unravel a plot of intrigue, envy and romance in this beautiful Hidden Object Puzzle Adventure game!
Explore Victorian era England
Experience a romantic atmosphere
Solve interesting mini-games
Download: Mirror 3
Worlds Greatest Temples Mahjong
Learn about the great temples of the world as you play through impressive Mahjong levels in World’s Greatest Temples Mahjong! As you play seven different game modes and multiple levels you will learn fascinating facts about beautiful temples. Put your mahjong skills to the test and use special abilities to clear the screen in this gorgeous Mahjong puzzle game!
Sunday, July 22, 2012
Fantastic Creations: House of Brass Standard Ed.
Escape an underground vault of clockwork wonders with the help of its mysterious and eccentric inventor in Fantastic Creations: House of Brass! Manipulate the steam-driven contraptions expertly, and listen to Edwin Q. Cogglethorpe’s helpful advice. Reactivate the house floor by floor until you reach the top. Will you survive the treacherous malfunctioning devices and make it back to the world above? Find out in Fantastic Creations: House of Brass!
Download: Mirror 3
Saturday, July 21, 2012
Wonder World
A medallion banishes Jessica to a strange world where she must defeat the witch who stole her husband's soul. Partake in a journey that takes you from the ordinary world, to a land of adventure and wonder.
Travel to a magical world
Defeat an evil witch
Save your husband's soul!
Download: Mirror 3
Friday, July 20, 2012
Victorian Mysteries: The Yellow Room (Updated)
A young woman is attacked in the middle of the night inside a locked room. There are only two ways out: a dead- bolted door and a single window blocked by iron bars. How did the murderer escape? Solve this perplexing conundrum in Victorian Mysteries: The Yellow Room.
• Soak in sumptuous scenes of 19th Century France.
• Discover evidence to unravel the mystery.
• Scour beautifully detailed, authentic locations for clues.
• Interact with a host of characters and find out who is telling the truth.
Thursday, July 19, 2012
Sisters Secrecy: Arcanum Bloodlines Standard Ed.
Ariel and Belle were dropped off at an orphanage long ago and cannot remember their parents. Now, Belle has been kidnapped and Ariel goes off in pursuit of her twin sister. Ariel's search leads her to a backwater European town that time forgot and where magic fills the air. The locals tell tales of bloodless bodies turning up and strange silhouettes floating in the night sky. Discover the connection between these strange events and Belle's abduction in this exciting hidden object puzzle adventure.
Download: Mirror 3
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
Adelantado First Book (Updated)
Storyline of Adelantado begins in Spain during the Age of Discovery. The Queen summons a brave and noble officer Don Diego De Leon. She tells him about an expedition that was sent overseas to find gold for the crown.
For a while there was no news from the adventurers. The Queen grants Diego a title of Adelantado – a governor and caretaker of the new lands. He is given a mission to find and if possible save the lost expedition as well as collect the so much needed gold. One of the Queen’s ministers knowing of Adelantado’s mission wants all the fame and glory for himself. He hires a thug named Pablo Rodrigez to complete the mission first.
Ts Keys to the Past
Dive into adventure in Ts Keys to the Past! Join Lillian as she travels to the opening of the world’s first ocean-floor museum. Jump between the present and past as you help her discover the Ts mysteries and get closer to unveiling the truth behind the disaster that took her great-grandmother’s life 100 years ago. Are you prepared to uncover the truth behind the Ts fateful voyage?
Download: Mirror 3
Echoes of the Past The Revenge of the Witch CE
Save the kingdom of Orion in Echoes of the Past: The Revenge of the Witch! Once again black powers has seized the land and this time the witch is more determined than ever to take her revenge on you. The entire city is gripped by fear and it's up to you to save them, and yourself. Exorcize the evil and defeat the witch once and for all!
The Collectors Edition includes:
Bonus gameplay
Integrated Strategy Guide
Exclusive mini-games
Game Designer mode
Download: Mirror 3
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
Foreign Dreams (Updated)
When nightmares begin to torment her friend Victor, a young woman decides to help him. Gradually she realizes that Victor is haunted by memories of terrible events he experienced in his childhood. In order to save him from his past she is ready to enter into a world of horrible and dangerous dreams. Help her save Victor in Foreign Dreams, a fun Hidden Object Puzzle Adventure game!
World Wonderland
With unique and exciting gameplay, plentiful mini-games, fantastic graphics and music, World Wonderland brings you an incredibly entertaining experience. Alice plans to build a theme park where visitors can enjoy lots of world-famous landmarks. Now she needs your help! Pick up your mouse and earn as much money as possible by passing levels in this exciting Match 3 game. There are tons of levels waiting to challenge you, and plenty of world-famous buildings waiting to be constructed. Are you ready to help Alice?
Depths of Betrayal Standard Ed.
Stop a mechanical monster before it destroys an entire town in Depths of Betrayal! Uncover the truth and stop the terrifying machine in this incredible Hidden Object Puzzle Adventure game. Protect the people of the town and figure out why the machine turned its back on its creator and went berserk. Search amazing locations and find important clues to solve the mystery and save the town in Depths of Betrayal!
Saturday, July 14, 2012
Soldier Of Progress - 7/14/12
Hey. Sorry for not posting on my blog so much, but I've still be plugging away at Soldier Of. I've implemented a few things since my last post, actually.One thing that I am still working on implementing is a good stealth system. Enemy guards can now patrol the area, as well as navigate around the environment to follow the player. The current implementation involves a series of nodes that I place on the map - each node is connected to each other node if there's a clear shot. This makes a map, or web, as each node is connected to at least one other node.
If a guard needs to go from one point to another, it first finds the nearest node that it has a clear shot to (uninterrupted by walls), and the nearest one to the desired end point. Then it finds the first path that works from the nodemap. It works alright, though may not be 100% accurate. I'll have to keep working at it.
Guards also follow the player around the environment, avoiding walls and obstacles while shooting and running directly at the player if he's got a clear shot. So, be sure to have cover and not go out in the open unless you're really ready.
The guards seem like they might be really following you around too diligently, but I'm not sure. Maybe I'll make 'em easier going. After implementing this system of stealth with nodemaps, I'm thinking that it might have been easier to just implement a set of nodes that the player drops when he moves around. If an enemy finds him, they can just navigate using his nodes. I think I might just need to tweak the current way it works to make it better, though.
Also, I added an actual cone of vision (it's actually more of a rectangle) for the enemy guard robots. If you're behind them, then they won't see you, but if you cross their path, then they'll be on you for sure. Before, they would just detect you if you got close enough (that could be a good enemy, actually).
Another thing I added was grenade awareness to enemy guards. Now, if they're near a grenade when it hits the ground, they'll be onto you. I probably should make them run away from the grenade, actually. :p
I also gave the sky a darker gradient to give the game some color and imply the time of day better. I probably need to lighten it by a lot, but the principle's there.
Anyway, that's it for now. Thanks for reading and watching this space!
Haunted Hotel: Charles Dexter Ward Standard Ed.
Track down your missing twin in Haunted Hotel: Charles Dexter Ward. The only trace of your missing twin is the necklace he never took off…and a swampland address. Follow the clues to an abandoned hotel and unravel a mystery of necromancy and more in this eerie hidden-object puzzle adventure classic!
Old Clockmakers Riddle
Embark on a fascinating adventure in a world of magic through an ancient and beautiful town in Old Clockmaker’s Riddle. The town has fallen to a curse and running backwards in time. Break the town’s curse by solving exiting puzzles and using bonuses to free the town’s clock tower returning the town to its former beauty and splendor in this fun Match 3 puzzle game!
Farm Fables
Join Leia on a two year adventure as you harvest through the seasons and help her keep her farm in Farm Fables. Grow your plants, look after animals and use tools to develop your farm. Upgrade your farm to create ice-cream, milkshakes, cake and lots of other tasty treats. Keep your farm running through sun, rain and snow to make a new life in this beautiful Time Management game!
Secrets of the Titanic: 1912-2012 (Updated)
Join Eva and her family as they take a cruise on a ship following the same path as the ill-fated Titanic. After wearing her grandmother’s necklace, Eva starts to experience flashbacks and finds herself onboard the Titanic, not as herself, but as her beloved grandmother. Should she try and stop the Titanic from colliding with the iceberg and change the course of history forever? And if she does prevent the disaster, what impact does it have on the future and ultimately the safety of her own family! Test your hidden-object and logic skills in this tense and exciting adventue games!
Thursday, July 12, 2012
Grim Tales: The Wishes Collectors Edition
Be careful what you wish for... When her young son begins to wither and age before her eyes, your sister desperately requests your help. You arrive to discover that a deadly bargain has been made. You must set things right before your nephew pays the terrible price in Grim Tales: The Wishes!
The Collectors Edition includes:
Bonus Gameplay
Integrated Strategy Guide
Wallpapers and Concept Art
Musical soundtrack
Download: Mirror 3
A Gnomes Home: The Great Crystal Crusade
Save the kingdom of the gnomes in A Gnome's Home: The Great Crystal Crusade! The underworld gnomes' kingdom was happy and rich under the shining of the magical crystal. But one day an evil witch stole the crystal and now the gnomes' kingdom lies in ruin. With help of gnome workers you must walk the long and hard path to gather the magical artifact, reach the lands of the evil witch, and defeat her to return the magic crystal and rebuild the underworld gnomes' kingdom in this mystical Time Management game.
Download: Mirror 3
Saturday, July 7, 2012
Hoyle Puzzle and Board Games 2012
Hoyle Puzzle and Board Games 2012 is the largest collection of puzzle games available for your PC! This epic collection of over 1,000 puzzle and board game variations includes traditional favorites plus new games to challenge your skill, strategy and wit. Take a break from your daily duties and relax with classics like Chess, Checkers and Dominoes. Love word games? Twist your vocabulary in ways you never thought possible with fun and unusual Anagrams, Crosswords and Word Searches. Play Mahjong, Memory or Master Match and revel in your matching skills. With new and classic games, this collection is chock-full of fun!
With fast game play, an easy-to-navigate user interface and large cards, Hoyle Puzzle and Board Games 2012 will keep you entertained for hours! Escape with these easy-to-learn games that take a lifetime to master. Play for a quick moment with your friends or indulge for hours with computer opponents – day or night, you'll find a character ready to compete. Don't bother pulling that dusty chess board off the shelf or sifting through the newspaper for the latest crossword puzzle, play Hoyle Puzzle and Board Games 2012 now!
Ghost Whisperer (with 2 episodes)
Inspired by the popular TV series "Ghost Whisperer," take on the role of Melinda Gordon, who has a special gift...communicating with the spirits. Help ghosts with unfinished business to "cross over" into the light. "Forgotten Toys" follows the tale of a famous toy-maker whose haunting past seems to have finally caught up with him. "A Brush With Death" tells the story of a ghost haunting the Grandview Art Museum shortly after a very special painting is put on display. This hidden object, light adventure game is spooky yet heartwarming, and fun for everyone!
Download: Mirror 3
Friday, July 6, 2012
R-type
Developer: Sega
Publisher: Sega
Publisher: Sega
I've always been a fan of Irem's R-type series, here you'll be flying a lone spaceship against hordes of enemies, ranging from ships and robots to huge bio-monsters, the game features plenty of power ups like the ricocheting blue beam, the straightforward but power red laser and the fire attack, which shoots straight up and down (didn't really care for that last one) but everyone's favourite is without a doubt the shining orb, it can be used as a shield, thrown against enemies and it even fires its own weapons which is especially useful against bosses, speaking of them, the bosses are awesome, the first one looks like a super sized version of Ridley Scott's "Alien" and the third level is basically just one big boss fight, making it my favourite level in the game.
Unfortunately the Master System can just barely handle the game, you'll come across a fair amount of slowdown, but the real offenders here are the flickering graphics and the gutted soundtrack.
Trivia: Did you know the Master System version of R-type has a secret level? You access it on the fourth level, by ramming against a specific pillar, oddly enough this level has the best song in the game.
Pros:
- The orb power-up gives makes the game stand out from anything else in the genre
- The bosses are fun and original (and Level 3 is basically one big boss fight)
- One of the best SHMUPS on the master system
Cons:
- Between flickering graphics and relatively poor music the Master System can just barely run the game
Pros:
- The orb power-up gives makes the game stand out from anything else in the genre
- The bosses are fun and original (and Level 3 is basically one big boss fight)
- One of the best SHMUPS on the master system
Cons:
- Between flickering graphics and relatively poor music the Master System can just barely run the game
Final Grade: B
The packaging for this game is above average for the time and definitely leaps and bounds ahead of most Master System games, I love that 80's sci-fi artwork and amazingly, the grid background doesn't really clash with it.
The Manual doesn't really say much though, it gives you two short paragraphs for backstory, one explaining who your enemies are and the other giving you details about your ship, the rest is just item descriptions, points you get for each kill and a small detail of what each level layout is.
My version also came with a Master System Catalog, and it's without a doubt the most interesting part of the packaging, I just love reading about all of the games that I own and still hope to own.
Packaging Grade: B
Thursday, July 5, 2012
Phantasy Star
Developer: Sega RD4
Publisher: Sega
Publisher: Sega
Originally created to compete with Final Fantasy and Dragon Warrior, Phantasy Star went on to be the closest thing the Master system had to a "killer app" (sorry Alex Kidd), however, these days the series is more often remembered for its series of short lived MMOs, which is a shame because this is without a doubt in my mind, the BEST Master System game out there and the best RPG I've ever played on an 8-bit console.
You play as Alis, a resident of the Algol solar system who witnesses her brother's death by the hands of King Lassic's forces, along the way you'll ally yourself with a warrior, a wizard and... a talking cat (just go with it) though the game's plot isn't really it's strong suit, but it really shines in gameplay, graphics and content, for starters you have three planets to explore all of them with their own look, feel, towns and gear, the combat itself is done in typical turn-based RPG fare, though you have the option to talk with some of your enemies, sometimes helping you evade battles.
Unlike other RPG's of the time, who were almost exclusively sword and sorcery themed, this game is actually a mix of Science Fiction with sword and sorcery, this means some of your characters will be equipped with laser blasters while others still use swords and shields, you also get to travel between three planets, all of them look stunning with some well animated and colored overworlds, even the battles look amazing, all of your enemies perform a some animation when attacking you and sometimes even the backgrounds will be animated, I especially loved the beach, you can see the waves coming and retreating as you fight.
Although most of the game is set in 2D, when you enter a dungeon the perspective changes into a Pseudo-3D plane which looks great, but it also makes it easy to get lost, so a pen and graph paper will be crucial towards the end of the game (I love games that require me to draw my own maps).
Its obvious Sega was trying to one-up the competition by packing everything they could into the game and that's a good thing because we got one hell of an RPG
Pros:
- A fun mix of medieval and sci-fi
- All three planets have a very distinct feel and are fun to explore
- First Person Dungeons are extremely well done
Cons:
- The story could have been more fleshed out
- Almost every dungeon will require you to draw a map, not everyone will be up to it
Pros:
- A fun mix of medieval and sci-fi
- All three planets have a very distinct feel and are fun to explore
- First Person Dungeons are extremely well done
Cons:
- The story could have been more fleshed out
- Almost every dungeon will require you to draw a map, not everyone will be up to it
Final Grade: A+
For all the great content the game has, I seriously expected more from the packaging, what? Not even a map Sega?
At least the manual does a good job of explaining the story and what most of the items and spells do, so there's always that.
I also like the artwork, but I think it's ruined by that grid background (big surprise, right?), it just makes a decent cover seem bland, at least they put more effort into it then they did with early Master System covers.
Packaging grade: C+
Yar's Revenge
Developer: Atari
Publisher: Atari
Played on: XBLA Game Room
Yar's Revenge is a pretty complex considering its competition, in most space games all you have to do is either shoot everything on sight, or collect items while shooting everything on sight.
Publisher: Atari
Played on: XBLA Game Room
But not here, for starters, there's only really one objective and that would be destroying the Zorlon on cannon on the right while avoiding it's beams and guided missiles, as if that wasn't enough the cannon is protected by a shield (which looks pretty good) which you'll slowly have to wear down by either shooting or ramming into it.
Luckily though, you can retreat into the neutral zone in the middle of the screen (which also looks pretty good), which will stop the enemy fire but will also prevent you from firing, there you can also pick up a slab of energy capable of destroying the cannon but not it's shields. Once you destroy the cannon you're treated to a nice looking explosion, and then the whole thing starts all over again, only harder and harder.
Overall, Yar's Revenge is a treat in both gameplay and graphics, though I didn't care much for its sound, it got annoying fairly quick.
Overall, Yar's Revenge is a treat in both gameplay and graphics, though I didn't care much for its sound, it got annoying fairly quick.
Trivia: Did you know that one of the people who worked on this was responsible for the infamous E.T. game?
Pros:
- Pretty complex considering its direct competition is Space Invaders
- The graphics look pretty good by Atari 2600 standards
- It's pretty unique
Cons:
- The sound can be a bit grating after a while
Pros:
- Pretty complex considering its direct competition is Space Invaders
- The graphics look pretty good by Atari 2600 standards
- It's pretty unique
Cons:
- The sound can be a bit grating after a while
Final Grade: B
Wednesday, July 4, 2012
Private Eye
Developer: Activision
Publisher: Activision
Played on: XBLA Game Room
This is an unusual game, as a detective you'll have to drive around in a quasi freeroam game, you'll have to pick up several items in the right order and under a very strict time limit, these are meant to serve as clues for the case you're working on (there's three cases total, one for each difficulty) but you wouldn't know it without reading the manual.
Your only means of defense is the jump button which is okay for the first case, but after on the final level I was wishing my gumshoe had a gun or something, it just gets way too chaotic for my taste.
Publisher: Activision
Played on: XBLA Game Room
This is an unusual game, as a detective you'll have to drive around in a quasi freeroam game, you'll have to pick up several items in the right order and under a very strict time limit, these are meant to serve as clues for the case you're working on (there's three cases total, one for each difficulty) but you wouldn't know it without reading the manual.Your only means of defense is the jump button which is okay for the first case, but after on the final level I was wishing my gumshoe had a gun or something, it just gets way too chaotic for my taste.
Despite the interesting gameplay mechanics, I found this title to be little more than a memorization game with a lot of trial-and-error involved.
Pros:
- The idea behind it is certainly original
- A free roam platformer? Probably the only one of its kind on the Atari 2600
Cons:
- Won't take long before you have an optimal path memorized
- And once that happens the game is pretty much over
Final Grade: C-
Arizona Rose and the Pirates Riddles
Decipher the clever codes of Blackbeard’s treasure maps in Arizona Rose and the Pirates’ Riddles. While shopping for exotic antiques, Arizona stumbles across the lost maps of an infamous pirate’s hidden treasure. Join Arizona on her epic treasure-hunting quest with 200 levels and fortunes waiting to be discovered. There’s always one more puzzle to solve, one more cave or shipwreck to explore and one more treasure to take home at the end!
Grim Facade Sinister Obsession Collectors Edition
In Grim Facade: Sinister Obsession, you have been summoned to a lush vineyard by the maid of a wealthy family. When you arrive, the frightened girl hands you a mysterious diary that reveals the murders of three women – but who is the murderer? Signs point to a member of the Conti family, yet Signor Conti and his sons are away… As you delve deeper into your investigation, you realize that all is not as it seems on this rural Italian estate. Can you uncover the truth before you become the next page in the killer’s diary?
Pitfall II
Developer: Activision
Publisher: Activision
Played on: XBLA Game Room
THIS is how you do a sequel, the original Pitfall was a good game that unfortunately was starting to show it's age, but the sequel improves just about everything, the world is bigger and this time, instead of an underground path there's a whole complex of them that are strangely reminiscent of Metroid, you also get some new abilities like swimming and flying on balloons.
Publisher: Activision
Played on: XBLA Game Room
THIS is how you do a sequel, the original Pitfall was a good game that unfortunately was starting to show it's age, but the sequel improves just about everything, the world is bigger and this time, instead of an underground path there's a whole complex of them that are strangely reminiscent of Metroid, you also get some new abilities like swimming and flying on balloons.
The graphics are virtually the same as the original Pitfall, but the sound is MUCH better, there's even background music this time around, something very rare for the time.
Trivia: Did you know the game's cartridge came with its own sound chip? No wonder the music is so good
Pros:
- Possibly the best soundtrack on any Atari 2600 game
- Gotta love that dungeon system
- Flying on the balloons is a guilty pleasure of mine
Cons:
- it still comes down to little more than memorization, though this time there's more to do
Pros:
- Possibly the best soundtrack on any Atari 2600 game
- Gotta love that dungeon system
- Flying on the balloons is a guilty pleasure of mine
Cons:
- it still comes down to little more than memorization, though this time there's more to do
Final Grade: A
Tuesday, July 3, 2012
Pitfall
Developer: Activision
Publisher: Activision
Played on: XBLA Game Room
Although often considered to be one of the best 2600 games I personally feel like time has not been kind on this classic.
Publisher: Activision
Played on: XBLA Game Room
Although often considered to be one of the best 2600 games I personally feel like time has not been kind on this classic.As Pitfall Harry you have 20 minutes to find all treasures in a dense jungle, filled with scorpions, snakes, crocodiles and barrels (huh?). You can usually jump over most threats, though the crocodiles require you to jump ON them when their mouths close, it's a bit tricky at first but you'll soon get the hang of it, other times you can jump on vines and swing to the other side which is definitely a blast, if you go underground every time you reach the end of a screen the game jumps you three screens ahead, however there's quite a few dead ends as well, so some memorization is essential.
Overall, the game was okay, but every time you boot it up you'll always have the same experience, at first the 20 minutes limit will be a major hindrance, but after a while you'll have an optimal path memorized and it becomes cakewalk
Pros:
- Jumping over the obstacles and picking up treasures is good clean fun
- Love the Tarzan reference when you swing on vines
Cons:
- Kind of feels like the same thing every time I play it
- The dungeon system feel unnecessarily complex
Pros:
- Jumping over the obstacles and picking up treasures is good clean fun
- Love the Tarzan reference when you swing on vines
Cons:
- Kind of feels like the same thing every time I play it
- The dungeon system feel unnecessarily complex
Final Grade: C+
Keystone Kapers
Developer: Activision
Publisher: Activision
Played on: XBLA Game Room
If there's something I love about the 2600 and games in general from that era it would be how so many tittles have such simple concepts and how well the developers make pull it work.
Publisher: Activision
Played on: XBLA Game Room
If there's something I love about the 2600 and games in general from that era it would be how so many tittles have such simple concepts and how well the developers make pull it work.A cop and robbers game on a mall? Genius! A shame you don't get to play as the robber though, still, this game is very fun regardless, you'll need to chase said robber before he escapes or before the time runs out while catching items for bonus point and avoiding bouncing balls and shopping carts, I also like that being hit by them doesn't take you a life, but instead reduces your timer and that's a good thing, because by the time you reach the 4th or 5th level things get REALLY hectic, though they also get a bit repetitive.
Pros:
- A nice, simple platformer
- I love how much stuff they cram on the same map between levels
- It isn't long before the game becomes chaotically fun
Cons:
- But it also isn't long before it becomes too chaotic
- Adding some more maps would be nice
Pros:
- A nice, simple platformer
- I love how much stuff they cram on the same map between levels
- It isn't long before the game becomes chaotically fun
Cons:
- But it also isn't long before it becomes too chaotic
- Adding some more maps would be nice
Final Grade: B
H.E.R.O.
Developer: Activision
Publisher: Activision
Played on: XBLA Game Room
In this game you're sent to a deep dark cave infested with the typical spiders, bats, bottomless pits and lava to save some miners, luckily you brought with you a short distance laser, a limited supply of dynamite and a backpack propeller (God I wish I had one of those).
Publisher: Activision
Played on: XBLA Game Room
In this game you're sent to a deep dark cave infested with the typical spiders, bats, bottomless pits and lava to save some miners, luckily you brought with you a short distance laser, a limited supply of dynamite and a backpack propeller (God I wish I had one of those).Each level has various screens, usually requiring you to kill/dodge enemies, blow up a pillar or perform some light platforming. I like how some of them offer more than one path, though often it comes down to little more than a 'right' and 'wrong' path, so some memorization is definitely in order. I also really like how colorful and detailed your character looks, those are some late 2600 graphics right there.
Trivia: H.E.R.O. is an acronym for Helicopter Emergency Rescue Operation
Pros:
- Flying on your chopper is extremely fun
- I love the difficulty scale progression
- Smart level design
- Having to conserve dynamite promotes strategic thinking
Cons:
- Running out of Dynamite will pretty much result in a game over
- Suffers from leap of fate syndrome
Pros:
- Flying on your chopper is extremely fun
- I love the difficulty scale progression
- Smart level design
- Having to conserve dynamite promotes strategic thinking
Cons:
- Running out of Dynamite will pretty much result in a game over
- Suffers from leap of fate syndrome
Final Score: B+
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