Jason Rohrer’s latest game, “Sleep is Death,” is now available for pre-order!

Jason Rohrer the name behind indie gaming classics “Passage” and “Gravitation” has announced that his newest game, which was featured at the Art History of Games, can now be pre-ordered for 9 dollars (or you can wait and buy it for a 14 dollar price).  Pre-Ordering the game also gets you an early copy this April 9th.  Most of his games have been a pretty serious bunch, but this game seems to have an aura of light-heartedness about it.

Just imagine a game with an AI that reacts perfectly to your every statement and action.  Impossible with this technology you say.  Well, not now!  Find out why at the LINK to the game’s site (for an entertaining explanation).  It looks like a lot of fun, and I’m pretty excited to play.

PRE-ORDER “SLEEP IS DEATH” HERE.

…it’s not exactly shouting creativity or wild fun.  The cover suggests either “a games for the girls” or a perverted dress-up game.  But I was dead wrong.  What “Feel the Magic: XY/XX” is is a clever, funny, romantic compilation of exciting minigames complete with some the greatest abstract humor, I have ever seen.

You play as a silent protagonist in a bicycle helmet, who sees the girl of his dreams, and with the help of an army of men in Playboy bunny ears known as the “Rub Rabbits,” decides to win her love.  How do you go about getting the girl.  You have to rescue her and impress her in every way – which involves riding unicycles across skyscrapers, fighting bulls, sky diving, forcing a man to vomit fish, drying clothes, and using a laser powered Mohawk.  Every minigame, is fast-paced and a surprising amount of fun, and are perfected by solid stylus controls, which are both simple and easy to learn.  Aside from a few other wonderful games, I have never seen the DS controls used so adeptly.

The first major thing you might notice, picking up “Feel the Magic,” is the art style, which is beautiful.  Fully aware of the NDS’s graphical limitations Sonic Team used very simple character designs, while still keeping them in 3D.  Everyone is a black silhouette, with the the occasional distinguishing article of clothes.  And because this is a stream of minigames instead of a standard, linear game, you’ll get to see these characters do a large number of insane activities which you would never have done in a traditional game.  That’s another place where the art shines, by juxtaposing black silhouetted characters with brightly colored locations and ridiculous situations.

The story is a standard romance, boy sees girl and wants to be with her, which is a sweet story, but I can’t help feeling that the bare bones “Mario-esque” narrative leaves something to be desired.  Essentially, the girl is just a prize, and while I commend the art style, her lack of any genuine features (aside from a hefty bust and blue dress) make it hard to find her appealing as a character.  Fortunately, there’s not a lot of time to think about this while the game is throwing exciting minigames at you left and right, and do to some very cute set pieces you’re heart does warm up to her.

The last items of note are a clothing editor only for the girl and a frankly tasteless “cleaning” gaming, where you rub dirt off of the girl and she makes disturbingly erotic sounds.  These sexploitive tricks seem to belittle the genuine nature of the game, but looking past them isn’t hard to do.  Just ignore the clothing editor, because it’s silly.  And try not to feel to uncomfortable while wiping your loved one off, and don’t leave the sound on while other’s are around.

In the end it’s a funny and cute experience.  It’s a little short, but at this point it’s a two-dollar bargain bin game, so why not get a copy from your local used game’s shop.  It’ll be well worth it.

A long time ago, back when the SNES had the home console market by the balls, there was a big corporation named Disney that asked another company, named Capcom, to make games for it.  Capcom said to Disney, “Yes!  I will make for you games!  I will make for you the greatest games imaginable!!!”  And so Capcom set about making the greatest Disney titles ever and the greatest of all of these was known as Disney’s Aladdin.

Disney’s Aladdin was an extremely short game, with only seven levels, though arguably the lack of saves and limited lives made up for it, but the gameplay in Aladdin was top notch and the levels were beautifully designed.  In the traditional 2D platforming way you usually jumped on each enemy’s head to defeat them, on top of that you could throw apples to temporarily stun them at range.  You could use ledges and and pegs to climb and swing smoothly through each level and were able to use a blanket for gliding.  The simple but fluid controls are reminiscent of last gen Prince of Persia titles, making Aladdin arguably the closest thing to a 2D Prince of Persia (and this includes the original Prince of Persia).

The levels go from sandy streets to lava filled volcanoes to heavenly casino, and the progression doesn’t feel particularly forced.  This is partially because the films story is used to connect each area to the next in pointless still cut-scenes, and it is secondly due to the fact that each level is so pretty and different that you can’t help but embrace them.  Aside from platforming there are two levels taking place on the magic carpet (each on total opposite ends of the game’s difficulty curve) and there is the occasional boss fight.  Alongside the varied gameplay is the game’s actual length, which isn’t very long at all, that ensure you won’t get very bored by repetition.  Sometimes shorter can be sweeter.

Disney’s Aladdin is probably one of the most remarkable examples of 2D platforming, which will seem a little strange if you’re one of those jerks that believe anything Disney does is supposed to automatically be bad.  So with great controls and great design Aladdin has a warm little place in my heart.

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Since dear old Chadley reviewed the SNES version, I thought I’d throw my hat (or fez) into the ring with the Sega version. If you haven’t had the chance to play both versions you truly missed out. Both have great things to offer… but I have to side with Sega’s version since I played the shit out of it back in teh day.

The biggest difference between the two is the style of attack. Both versions have the apple throwing ability which can make or break a situation (SKIZZ’S ADVICE: if you’re playing the Sega version, CONSERVE YOUR APPLES! You’ll thank me when you battle Jafar and you’re not completely screwed). SNES’ version lacks one key component: the sword-wielding Aladdin. The SNES version utilizes a lot of acrobatics (including being able to VAULT OFF OF BATS to get to higher areas. The physics of that scenario are baffling until you remember it’s a video game) but slicing guards and various enemies with an Arabian Sabre feels pretty great.

Like the SNES version, there are a lot of great (yet different) maps to travel through. The desert level has one of my favorite secrets of all time. At some point, you’ll find clothes hanging on a line along with a hat with Mickey Mouse ears. Stand under it (as if to wear it) for a few seconds and you’ll get a 1Up. Fun stuff!

One of the most frustrating levels in the game is the dungeon. You have to work your way up to the top by correctly timing when the stones in the wall come forward. You hop up on them and try not to get hit by exploding skeletons and the like. Time it wrong and you could find yourself plummeting to the bottom to begin anew.

Even MORE frustrating than that is the escape from the Cave of Wonders on Carpet. It starts off slow but gains momentum as the level progresses. With the help of Genie…’s hand, you are given the direction to head towards. Which becomes a little tricky when you’re darting past your doom at high speeds. The best way to go about this is to chill in the middle and await your direction. But beware, at some point there will be a giant rock blocking your way in the middle. Hit it and it’s back to the beginning of the ride. So it’s a matter of knowing where little chunks of bullshit like that reside.

Aladdin is a game that is really easy to underestimate, possibly due to it’s Disney nature. But keep your wits about you or you’ll be out of continues in no time. And, again, SAVE YOUR APPLES. Max those bitches out and use them only when necessary. As the game progresses they become more and more scarce and you do NOT want to walk into that final battle without them. Belie’dat!

[SkizZ]

Seventy Two Pin Connector Podcast – Episode 042 – The Rise and Fall of Atari

“When the Bomb Goes Off” by Tom Sennett is a black comedy collection of microgames and maybe the darkest interpretation of WarioWare-like gameplay I’ve ever seen.

Let’s get one thing straight, I don’t really care for WarioWare, it’s gimmicky game play was not enough to get me into it, but When the Bomb Goes Off essentially uses the incredibly simple and fast paced microgames that WarioWare is known for and adds in a horrifyingly, bitterly hilarious element.  No matter what, if you succeed or fail, the bomb goes off, and where do you want to be when the bomb goes off?  Well, I want to win a game of hop scotch before I die and that’s exactly what this game wants me to do as well.

It’s not only the bomb that creates an entertainingly anarchic design to the game.  It’s simple, stick figure art style and Scott Joplin instrumental enhance the brutally comical experience to no end.  Since it’s short and fast paced replay becomes addictive.

There’s one particular game I can think of that is impossible to beat, let’s just say that it has a spikey ceiling and very mean turtles.  So I have no idea how to pull off 100% on that game, but that doesn’t stop me from trying…over…and over…*sigh*…

Great Game!

…Anyways, Zeno Clash has also been released and because of my low end PC’s inability to run anything beyond DOS…and I don’t have a mouse…I probably won’t be playing it for a little while.  Also in non-indie related news there’s a debut trailer for Katamari Forever out (Katamari being one of those games that is so unique I can’t stand not spreading the word), look into it, it’s Japanese!

There really is only one truly satisfying way to describe Scarygirl…FREE!

Let’s imagine you love Super Mario games and Nintendo announced that they were gonna release a short sidescrolling 2D Mario game, it was only gonna be about an hour long, but it would be the same fun mechanics that we’re all used to in Mario.  The catch is, they’re giving it away for free!!!  That, my friend, is what Scarygirl is all about.  It’s a fun 2D platforming adventure game that builds itself on familiar and simple gameplay, making it easy to pick up and oh-so-much fun to play.

Yet, Scarygirl kind of goes above and beyond the traditional freeware game.  Instead of making the usually platformer the nice folks at Touch My Pixel said, “No!  We won’t be happy releasing a good platformer.  We’re gonna release a good everything!”  And they did.  Aquatic levels, a timed racing level, boss fights, pie fights, puzzle platforming, Scarygirl does it all.  And I’ll admit, none of it is the best thing in the world.  But, 1. It’s free!  and 2. When you combine all these good aspects of different genres, it makes a great game.

The story in Scarygirl, is really not too existent.  The real premise of the game is play and have fun.  Though depending on what I chose to do in the story left me surprised by the inclusion of different paths to follow at a point, leading me to this motherfucker:

Leaving me curious about what the alternative was.  So, as we all know multiple paths equals multiple plays, and I think that’s what these makers wanted to create.  A game you’ll want to play more than once.

At the end of Scarygirl, they suggest that more levels will be on the way (obviously for free) and out of the kindness of their hearts they decide to give the player some neat wallpaper for winning…FOR FREE!  I havin’ a free overload here, children!  Some games you pay 60 bucks for on console want you to pay them extra cash for wallpaper, but Scarygirl gives you 5 pics just for giggles.  Soooo, in the spirit of sharing I have created a 72PC wallpaper that any fan would be proud to show off on his computer, and you can all have it for free.  Enjoy!!!

(Note: the following picture is REALLY not meant to be viewed by those without a sense of humor)

Scarygirl came out this week (note: it’s free), which is located HERE (for free!), and I’d prefer if you’d play it (cuz it’s FREE!!!).

The reason this “review” is marked with a p1 is because it’s not actually a review, more of a first impressions.  Ya see kids, I’m busy and can’t be bothered to do everything I want to do, what with all the cocaine and women I’m enjoying on a daily basis.  But anyways, Scarygirl (by Touch My Pixel) is a dark, cute, cartoony, and bizarre romp through a plether of video gaming genres, with a unique approach on each of them.  It doesn’t copy and paste other styles as much as it lovingly emulates the more traditional classics, from the timed racing level, to classic platforming, to everybody’s favorite (eye roll) aquatic level.

I haven’t been able to get as far as I’ve wanted to, mostly due to my own time restraints, but occasionally I notice a small hiccup in the game, these are things like a level where the camera suddenly stops following me and I have to restart that part later, or when the programmers change the button config (in a more convenient, yet confusing surprise).  These aren’t really bad things, they’re just hints that the kinks are still being worked out (why games get patches), and but this is a FREE game that Twist My Pixel are working diligently on to make better and better smoothin’ out those kinks.

So when I actually beat the game, and hopefully I’ll be singing more and more of its praises by then, I’ll probably get a full review up.

Alright! Another episode is out! We will be releasing more minicasts here sometime. And expect more posts! For now, hear about games that jumped out of their home environment to try something new. Enjoy!

Seventy Two Pin Connector Podcast – Episode 038 – Cross-Genre Games

The Path is a “horror adventure” game by developer Tale of Tales that acts as a retelling of Little Red Riding Hood set in modern times.  With absolutely no combat and a plethora of exploration this game definitely caries the indie torch.  But while there’s a lot to be admired about The Path, it occasionally sink into old video game cliches.

I’ve been looking forward to this game’s release for a little while now, but I can’t whole-heartedly say that it’s completely met my expectations.  This is mostly because The Path is trying harder than previous Tale of Tales entries to be like all the other games.  Item collection and a grade at the end for “how well you did” are typical cliches in the video gaming world, and definitely two of my least favorite.  While trying to gain a larger audience the developers of The Path have sunk to this level from their non-traditional origins.

I don’t use this lightly, because it’s a dirty word that should almost never be uttered, but The Path is (cover your children’s ears) pretentious.  The first sign is the game’s main objective “Don’t wander from the path.”  Well, you have to wander from the path or else you “fail.”  Because of that dumb grading system the only way you can actually “succeed” is by frolicking off into the wilderness, meeting a stranger, letting your little girl get raped, and then shuffling to granny’s pad a dramatized wreck.  The aforementioned pretension comes from The Path’s attempt to send out some sort of message about “forging your own path” or “making your own rules,” but I’m not sure that’s really what it’s about, because if I get raped in the end I’d be happier not wandering too far off.  The letter grade at the end of a play through is a tell-tail sign of generic, unoriginal thinking.  To put it another way, The Path tries hard to be smarter than it actually is.

A slow moving gameplay should alienate all but the most patient players, but there’s nothing wrong with patience.  The incredibly slow pace of the little girls can be exchanged for running while the camera shifts to an awkward overhead view, so the game really does want player’s to take things slow.  The environment is dark and mysterious, and fairly interesting to explore.  Music is creepy, making one dread every step they take away from grandma’s house.  So exploring the scary woods has just the right atmosphere to keep the player looking around nervously, while still intrigued.

The two biggest highlights of The Path are grandma’s house and the “wolves.”  The wolves are the people you’ll run into out in the forest, and at least every time I’ve met one it ended badly.  They’re intriguing, scary, and sometimes a little bit too creepy (i.e. don’t take cigarettes from that nice, handsome boy).  That stupid grade at the end of the game aside, the fun really does come from frolicking off into the wilderness, meeting a stranger, letting your little girl get raped and then shuffling to granny’s pad a dramatized wreck.  Then inside of grandma’s house the camera moves to first person and no matter what you press you’ll keep going forward.  This gives a fantastic feeling of helplessness.  And whatever fate you meet decides what grandma’s house will look like on the inside, and sometimes where you’ll go inside the house.

While The Path is an interesting concept and a unique play, it feels like Tale of Tales’ sell-out game.  So hopefully their next release will be a first person shooter with bullet time (OH BOY!).  But, even with all it’s weaknesses The Path is a lot more compelling than 90% of what’s out there.

Ten dollars on Steam is all it takes to get a copy of this game, and I think whether it’s worth buying is largely up to the kind of person you are.  If you love video games as a potential art form and have a lot of patience, I’m going to most certainly recommend it.  If you are the kind of person that just wants to have fun blasting the heads of baddies, please oh please do not buy.

A Final Thought: I would like to see more games trying to be daring and different, instead of seeing a company known for being daring and different trying to make something more like all the other games.

Oh, and Final Final Thought: You don’t always get raped.  Just sometimes…

Well… I just got done playing some Geometry Wars on my computer and while I love its simple, retro charm, sometimes I’m just in the mood for a portable RPG with an incredible amount of style. With one of the best explanations for the title, a memorable quote that will stick with you through the very end of the game, The World Ends With You is not your typical run-of-the-mill RPG.
As stylish as you can get without being a trendy Abercrombie shirt or something.. this game has got a very Japanese/Graffiti-driven art design. An amazing blend of hard spray paint and anime goodness. Character models are well defined, the environments scream of unique traits, the unconventional menu’s make you long for the days when game systems weren’t plagued with the ever-present shovelware epidemic. True… shovelware has always been on game systems, dating back to even the Atari 2600, but today finding an original title is amazingly difficult, if not impossible.

The battle system is very unique, boasting both top and bottom screen battles at the same time. You control the top screen battles with the D-Pad, and the bottom screen battles with gesture-based stylus attacks. This can be overwhelming at the start of the game, but luckily this is a game you can play any way you want, but we’ll get into that later. When you get into a zen of attacking with the top screen while dodging with the bottom, then switching offense and defense, then back again, you become completely involved in the experience. Its like finding that sweet spot in Gradius or Geometry Wars, you just feel it. The game becomes an experience, a feeling, a fleeting moment of being one with the game. Unfortunately, you have to play quite a bit to experience that feeling. One thing that really helps connect you is the music.

With a song library that rivals Jet Grind Radio in terms of catchy-ness, song quality, and number of tracks. Its hip-hop, rock, classical, and very Japanese. Almost pretentious in the way the music of the game starts out, you’ll be off put by the tunes when you first turn on the game. I really didn’t care much for the soundtrack until about 15 minutes into the game. Then… just like any good video game soundtrack, it’ll be rocking in your head for the rest of the day. This game takes the music very seriously. You can even walk into stores to buy certain songs that can be played by touching them in your inventory screen. One song in particular: Hybrid, is particularly catchy. I’ll admit it: I’m a sucker for a good soundtrack, I don’t believe a game can do a good job of involving you in an experience without one, but this is my favorite portable soundtrack thus far.

But what’s an RPG without story? While I won’t delve into spoilers, the story starts out as one of the most bland, generic pieces of shit I’ve ever experience. Besides the graphical quality, I hated this game for the first 15 minutes I played. Neku is emo, “Doesn’t get people…”, refuses to cooperate on any human level, and is completely down on the world. Fuck. How lame can you get? Luckily, the character grows on you and he doesn’t stay in this awkward middle-school phase for long. Insert uber-cutesy Japanese love interest. Again, stereotypical, squeaky voice. Blah, blah, blah. OH FUCK AMNESIA STORY INSERT! Yea.. that old card again. The story start off terribly, an epic fail in the world of RPG’s. But! If you stick with it, through this awkward, semi-retarded stage, it starts to open up and show you one of the most unique worlds I’ve ever experienced in an RPG. Trust me, it’s worth your time.
While we usually stick to classics at this site, we can’t just ignore the world around us either. Try this one out, I’m sure you’ll like it.

By the way: Thanks IGN for the screenies, kinda hard to take DS screenies with a college budget.

Amazon.com – The World Ends With You (No Rom here, just a link to go buy it)