Brown reviews... (Posts about Shareware)

Swift stitch

ggn — Sat, 01 Sep 2012 18:52:37 GMT

I bet you're scratching your heads right now, trying to figure out from what 8-bit machine the above screenshot escaped from. But no, it's a new game! (ok, I know that the title also includes platforms and you've probably seen them, but it seemed like a nice introduction ;))

So, what we have here is a simple idea with simple graphics and sound, but a really addictive game. Imagine Superfly but instead of the character moving up or down, have the character move down or left depending on whether you hold the button or not. Or doing a clockwise or anticlockwise circle. Also imagine hitting some coloured lines that reverse direction. Or open doors. Sounds complicated?

Well, it is for the first couple of seconds. Then it becomes second nature, really! And, I realised that I really don't have to add much more, except that you should try the demo or visit the site to buy it!

Black Box

ggn — Sat, 14 Jul 2012 19:59:38 GMT

Eyezmaze has been making fun online games for years now, and their latest offering, Black Box seemed like a good opportunity to write a small text about them. If you've played the early Amanita Design's games in the past (Windosill, Samorost 1/2) you'll know what to expect: Games that display a static screen where you get to click stuff on screen and see cool stuff happen! (actually even the later games by Amanita Design are pretty much like this: Machinarium, Botanicula).

I really can't give a better description for this game, it's really up to the individual to decide if this game is good or bad (or if they classify it as a game at all). I can only say that the animations are really imaginative and fun coupled with really nice sound effects. Also, to play the full game the author(s) would like a tiny donation (even $1 will do it for him), which I personally think he/they deserve it just because of the back library which has always been released for free (for example Grow cube, Grow RPG, Grow etc.).

I'd suggest playing the earlier games (which are more challenging than Black box since you can get stuck and will have to start over and rethink your strategy. In comparison, Black box seemed totally linear) and then moving on to Black box; if you're convinced by then that it's a good game, be a good boy (or girl) and leave a donation to see the rest of the game :).

The trader of stories

ggn — Wed, 06 Oct 2010 19:31:19 GMT

Apparently, what I played here is one story from the full game which will be commercial, but was enough to spark my interest :). It's been a while since I played a nice point'n'click adventure (Machinarium, and before that it was flippin' ages ;)).

Nothing out of the ordinary to report gameplay wise, it's all kept down simple. It more feels like the game is a vessel to the story and art, which are both very well done. I must say I felt obliged to play it until I finished it, and that's only a good thing!

I'll be looking around for the full game as I enjoyed it tbh, here's the game's blog for those interested.

Machinarium

ggn — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 23:03:16 GMT

Probably the best point'n'click adventure game of the past decade. No, really! It's all so nicely balanced, it's dreamlike! The script, the graphics, sound, puzzles... All very well thought and presented. The flashback bits that the character has when you leave it alone for a few minutes are cute. Everything in this game simply rocks! Of course you have to buy it to see most of the game, but just for the 2 screens you can check out even online, this game gets a mention here :)

Windosill

ggn — Sun, 21 Mar 2010 15:41:11 GMT

Look at the screenshots. Now try to imagine them animating. Now think of more twisted ways of animating them. Now add some puzzles in there. Oh hell, just click the damn link and try the demo version, it's captivating :) (plus I can't describe it or spoil the learning process for you - it's part of the fun!)

Finwick

ggn — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 20:41:35 GMT

The sequel to platform. Excellent presentation, although much easier than platform itself. Requires registration after level 25.

If anything else, I think it's worth a try! Click here to do so.