Three Gorgeous Freeware Platformers
Of all gaming genres, 2D platformers must be the easiest to make. Free, simple development software like Game Maker has contributed to a slew of freeware platformers on the web, so it takes a lot to set one’s game apart. Interesting level design or game-play gimmick-ery isn’t enough, it takes some atmospheric art and music … Read more
Budget Gaming with Steam
Gaming with Valve’s Steam platform has many advantages beyond the social aspect–an achievement system that adds that extra element of satisfaction to your PC games, a powerful overlay that optimizes in-game chatting, and automatic background updates. On top of all this, Steam is a flawless digital distributor with titles from indie developers and major brands … Read more
Simulation Saturday: Abandonware Tycoon Games
I’ve always been hooked by tycoon games–from the original RollerCoaster Tycoon to basic iterations like Lemonade Tycoon. It’s a simple enough formula; you build, gradually gain more resources and end up with a tricked out theme park/lemonade stand and wads of cash. The simplicity of the genre is one of its strengths; better graphics, more … Read more
Arcade Management Games and Vertigo Gaming
Ever since Diner Dash took the internet by storm, the casual gaming market has been redefined by arcade time-management games. More and more people have discovered that repetitive tasks and gradual achievement are surprisingly satisfying, making Diner Dash one of top-selling downloadable games ever made and giving birth to a flurry of look-alikes. In 2003, … Read more
Why Terraria Can’t Touch Minecraft
Terraria, a 2D adventure platformer released on Steam by indie developer Re-Logic, bears a striking resemblance to Minecraft and seems to expand on many aspects of its 3D parent. Unfortunately, the game falls short, and despite its word-of-mouth success, isn’t quite worth the 10 dollar price tag. Terraria essentially mixes the gameplay elements of 2D … Read more
Top 5 Greatest Blow-Stuff-Up Shooters
With the critical flop of the long-awaited Duke Nukem Forever, gamers turned away by negative reviews might feel a void in their video game collections of an always fun blow-stuff-up shooter. Destructive shooters certainly aren’t hard to come by, but really good ones are few and far between. The best ones employ bad puns, one-liners … Read more
Free Sequel Saturday? Team Fortress 2 and Arma 2 Release for Free
For gamers who can’t resist a good online shooter but can’t afford a new game, it looks like Christmas in (the week before) July. Just in time for the weekend, two incredible shooters known for simply amazing multi-player have released for free. There’s something for everybody between the cartoon-ish and casual Team Fortress 2 and … Read more
Square Off and the Origins of Pushcart Gaming
As new console games become more and more expensive, hyped and advertised, a growing niche of indie game developers are cashing in on the potential of cheap, fun, casual games. From simple flash games on the internet, which have increasingly intriguing story-lines and art, to console titles on platforms like Xbox Live Marketplace, indie games … Read more
