PC Game Reviews and News

Rome Wasn’t Built in a Day: Create a Metropolis in Forge of Empires!

noreply@blogger.com (CaptainD) — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 17:50:00 +0000

Hamburg, January 26, 2012. Forge of Empires, InnoGames’ brand new browser-based strategy game, allows you to create a city and develop it from the Stone Age and onward throughout the centuries. Today, InnoGames released more information on the rare goods and trading system and the strategic construction of cities.

Rare resources like glass, copper or iron are important to player’s progress and vital to a peaceful way of playing. Several production buildings and varying supplies of 22 different goods add to the challenge. Players must undertake various tasks including research, trade, warfare and tactical battles, all of which are necessary to lead a Stone Age village through various epochs and transform it into an impressive and prosperous city.

Aspiring architects and city-planners have to juggle several factors; residential and production buildings provide coins and supplies, as well as housing space to accommodate an ever-growing population. Military buildings allow players to recruit troops to defend their city and conquer neighbor provinces. Goods Buildings produce rare resources like marble or honey, which can be used for trading and diplomacy, in order to keep citizens happy, however, players must also consider community and cultural buildings, such as schools, theaters and, later in the game, much grander structures like Castles and Cathedrals.

Players gain access to several supplies of raw goods, such as wool or trees, by conquering provinces on the world map. Resources can be refined to rare goods, like lumber or cloth, but as every resource needs its own production building, the outcome is largely dependent on the supplies at hand and trade with other players is important. Obtained resources can be used to unlock new technologies on the research tree and to negotiate with NPCs. By fulfilling their demand of resources, peacefully-minded players can endeavor to assimilate provinces without bloodshed.

Screenshots, artwork and a trailer can be found on www.forgeofempires.com.

With about 75 million registered players, InnoGames is one of the world's leading developers and providers of online games. The Hamburg-based company has scored major successes with games such as Tribal Wars, The West and Grepolis

PC Game Reviews and News

Legend: Legacy of Dragons Gets New PvP Features

noreply@blogger.com (CaptainD) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 19:29:00 +0000

International Battlegrounds for epic fights

Mail.Ru Games integrates new PvP features for Legend: Legacy of the Dragons

Hamburg, January 27, 2012 - It is war time in Faeo. Since time immemorial, the Magmars and Humans have fought against each other. What's more; the grotesque armies of Chaos are flooding the land and preventing either of the parties from getting a moment's rest. 15 million players worldwide are caught up in the fight for survival in this magic world - this makes Legend: Legacy of the Dragons (http://warofdragons.com/) one of the most successful browser games of all time. The publisher, Mail.Ru Games, is now announcing new features for PvP fans: from January 27, 2012, English players will have the opportunity to pit their strength against gamers in other nations.

Only the strongest survive

In Legend: Legacy of the Dragons, fans of dark fantasy will find exactly what they are looking for. There are three classes - Bonecrushers, Heavyweights and Dodgers - as well as nine freely selectable professions which leave enough room for customized role-playing. But Faeo offers even more: a world full of dangers, myths, legends and mysteries that are waiting to be discovered and experienced.

With over one million words in the game, Legend: Legacy of the Dragons is more than just a game - it is a gigantic novel that the players can experience for themselves. Of course, any absorbing book must contain epic battles.Legend: Legacy of the Dragons does not disappoint here either, up to 500 players face one another at the same time, in fully animated fights. Because of the great popularity of these fights, Mail.Ru Games is now introducing a new feature: "Since the release of Legend three years ago, our steadily growing community proves that we are on the right track with our game development. In particular, the simultaneous battles of up to 500 players are immensely popular," said Ilya Mamontov, CEO of Mail.Ru Games. "For this reason we have decided to offer players the option of fighting on other servers."

Anyone who is in the mood to dive into the world of Faeo can find his or her own way there at www.warofdragons.com

PC Game Reviews and News

Freeware Game Release - "Timeslip" by Smudged Cat Games

noreply@blogger.com (CaptainD) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 17:56:00 +0000

Always nice to know about a good quality freeware game being released...

Smudged Cat Games have decided to release a Windows version of the classic time travel game, Timeslip,... completely for free.

You can download the game here - http://www.smudgedcat.com/timeslip.html.

(I don't think this game has anything to do with the classic C16 game called Timeslip apart from the name.)

PC Game Reviews and News

Anastronaut: The Moon Hopper released (commercial indie adventure game)

noreply@blogger.com (CaptainD) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 17:45:00 +0000

Explore the depths of the universe, visit new worlds, meet new "people", dazzle your mind with time travel and more! The Moon Hopper is the place for all Sci Fi adventurers. With original graphics, original soundtrack, full speech, 3 mini games, 2D animated cut scenes, a song, cameo appearances of different AGS games.

Screenshots:

Anastronaut Blog
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Buy Anastronaut Now

PC Game Reviews and News

Broken GPU means MORE RETRO ADVENTURE GAMING!

noreply@blogger.com (CaptainD) — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 23:47:00 +0000

I thought my GeForce 9800GT going up the creek was 100% a bad thing, but maybe not quite so much - with the very basic backup GPU on the motherboard, I can only run graphically very simple or old games. However I've realised that this is the ideal opportunity to do something I've been meaning to for a while - catch up on the golden era adventure games that I never got round to playing - starting with Indiana Jones and the Fate of Atlantis, and Loom (I know, I know... how can I have never played these before?!). I've also discovered that Machinarium still plays quite happily, so I'll give that another go. On Steam there's a LucasArts pack with both of those games plus The Dig (which I already have, but it was still cheaper getting the pack of 4 games than 3 of them individually) and Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (which I've played, but many years ago) for just £6.99 - for the hours of playing time, that just has to be a bargain. And my broken computer can still run them without difficulty!!!

The only thing with the classic LucasArts games is that I can't seem to fullscreen them - anyone know how you do that? Alt-Enter makes it fullscreen but the actual game graphics remain at 640*480 resolution. (Still beautiful, whatever anyone says!) If there isn't a solution to that I guess I can just reduce the desktop resolution before I start playing it.

PC Game Reviews and News

Poll Results So Far - What Are Your Favourite Monkey Island Games?

noreply@blogger.com (CaptainD) — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 22:30:00 +0000

It's a battle royale between the first 3 games... still just over a month to get the final result though.

The Secret of Monkey Island - 23 (38%)
Le Chuck's Revenge - 22 (36%)
The Curse of Monkey Island - 22 (36%)
Escape from Monkey Island - 5 (8%)
Secret of Monkey Island: Special Edition - 3 (5%)
Le Chuck's Revenge: Special Edition - 8 (13%)
Tales of Monkey Island: Season One - 9 (15%)
Night of the Hermit - 1 (1%)

PC Game Reviews and News

Law and Order: Legacies - Episode 3 Trailer

noreply@blogger.com (CaptainD) — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 21:47:00 +0000

LAW AND ORDER: LEGACIES

PC Game Reviews and News

Law and Order: Legacies - Episode 2 Trailer

noreply@blogger.com (CaptainD) — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 21:46:00 +0000

LAW AND ORDER: LEGACIES

PC Game Reviews and News

Law and Order: Legacies - Episode 1 Trailer

noreply@blogger.com (CaptainD) — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 21:45:00 +0000

Hmm... interesting graphics style. I rather like it.

LAW AND ORDER: LEGACIES

PC Game Reviews and News

Carte Closed Beta

noreply@blogger.com (CaptainD) — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 21:38:00 +0000

GAMESCAMPUS' CARTE ANNOUNCES CLOSED BETA DATE

Carte Builds Momentum Leading To Launch Later This Year!

Sunnyvale, Calif. (January 26, 2012)- Armies, Heroes, Signature Weapons, Storyline Events, all await you in a deck of 64 precious cards and the opportunity is coming soon! Leading online game publisher, GamesCampus.com (www.GamesCampus.com) tipped their hand with new assets and a countdown to closed beta for their first global online trading card game, Carte, due to launch in North America next month. Registration is now open and bonefide card carriers can dash over to http://carte.gamescampus.com and become among the first to experience all of the card-slinging action when Carte enters beta on February 23^rd.

"Carte is based on a real card game - the most successful trading card game of all time," said Chris Ahn, Head of Marketing at GamesCampus. "Amazing illustrations bring every card to life, allowing players to build decks that shout their personalities in an unforgettable way."

Starting in just four weeks, players will have the opportunity to leap into an exquisite world filled with lush story and encompassing lore. Players joining Carte will almost immediately gain a starter deck for each nation, so they can explore both the deck building possibilities and the underlying story expressed through the cards. Each nation in Arcadia has its own heroes, villains, and plots to be unveiled as the game progresses.

The continent of Arcadia is entering the bloodiest conflict it has ever seen, and the battles will play out on the card table of Carte. Each deck is led by a Hero card of the player's choice, with heroes from the storyline such as the elf Serya Tasdelen or the Evil King Belial available. Players then build a 64-card deck around their hero, with cards representing not only the armies of their nation but also important storyline events or signature weapons.

In coming weeks, GamesCampus will be revealing the epic story that players are immediately pulled into when presented with their very first deck, as well as showing off a sneak peek at the various cards on the official Carte Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/CarteGlobal

Carte: Cogito Ergo Sumis a fast paced global online trading card game. Choose a Hero, build a deck and launch into exciting battles with fierce weapons and allies. Create and master endless strategies with an arsenal of spells and creatures to conquer your opponents. With an easy to learn system coupled with a user friendly interface, Carte is ready for new players as well as grizzled TCG veterans and everything in between.

For more information about GamesCampus.com or Carte, please visit www.carte.gamescampus.com

###

About Games Campus

http://GamesCampus.com is a thriving Free-to-Play games portal operated by OnNet USA and serving the Western gaming market. Headquartered in California, OnNet USA was founded in 2006 with the launch of its highly successful golf simulation game, Shot Online and recently expanded its operations with a new office in Germany. Games Campus' diverse game portfolio includes MMOs ranging from sports titles such as Shot Online, MLB Dugout Heroes and the racing MMORPG, Drift City , to imaginary fantasy MMOs like Asda 2, and the WWII flight combat simulator, Heroes In The Sky . All of GamesCampus.com titles are completely free to play, and can be accessed athttp://GamesCampus.com or in Europe at http://www.GamesCampus.eu

PC Game Reviews and News

Closed Beta Draws Near For Forge of Empires

noreply@blogger.com (CaptainD) — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 21:37:00 +0000

New Features Are Unveiled For InnoGames' Upcoming Strategy Browser Game

Germany, January 26, 2012 - Today leading developer of online games, InnoGames, released additional information regarding gameplay elements in the brand new strategic browser game Forge of Empires, just weeks before a closed beta for the title is set to begin.

Players will be guided through the game's most important tasks via quests that encompass researching new technology, constructing a variety of resource-gathering buildings and tactical battles, but what a player chooses to build, conquer or research is in their hands. All of these important aspects lead towards the game's ultimate goal: lead a tiny Stone Age village through the various epochs, transforming it into a lavish and sprawling modern city.

In addition to impressive browser game graphics, InnoGames also revealed the combat system for Forge of Empires will be hex-based, allowing players increased control and strategic options for combat, alongside a research tree that moves players through history by discovering the greatest inventions of mankind. These technologies unlock the use of additional land to build upon, stronger military units, and advanced structures that produce a variety of resources.

Building on its experience with successful strategy games Grepolis and Tribal Wars, the company is convinced of the game's success. "Forge of Empires is InnoGames' most elaborate in-house production so far", says Eike Klindworth, Co-founder of InnoGames. "Our requirements in terms of graphics, gameplay and technical quality of the game could not have been higher. As with Grepolis and Tribal Wars, we aim to provide a satisfying and enduring experience for players - the gameplay allows for a huge number of tactical options that will keep even advanced strategists engaged for a long time."

On www.forgeofempires.com, InnoGames has already posted screenshots and artwork from the game.

With about 75 million registered players, InnoGames is one of the world's leading developers and providers of online games. The German-based company has scored major successes with games such as Tribal Wars, The West and Grepolis.

###

For video on Youtube visit: http://www.youtube.com/user/forgeofempires

PC Game Reviews and News

Microvolts Update - first in 2012

noreply@blogger.com (CaptainD) — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 20:28:00 +0000

Get ready for the Knox Pow Wow

First MicroVolts 2012 Update going live today

Markham, Canada January 26, 2012 – Rock Hippo Productions is pleased to announce that the new year also means a new round of exciting game updates for MicroVolts, the fast and furious TPS-MMO! Check out the new trailer and screenshots at www.MicroVolts.com!

Part of this brand-new update is the map “Bitmap”. Based on the actual developers’ office space, this map puts the battlefield on top of office desks, behind computer screens, and other office supplies. Now players can finally get an inside look into the developers’ office!

This update centers around one of MicroVolters’ favourite characters: Knox, the toy with a tough exterior but a heart of gold. His new Chief and Warrior costume sets are inspired by Native American traditional outfits and there’s no doubt he’ll be having a Pow Wow right in the middle of the developers’ office! .. Alongside these new parts for Knox, are new Katana melee weapons as well as three new rare rifles and a brand new costume set for Pandora, all of which can be found in MicroVolts’ Capsule Machine.

Visit the official website www.MicroVolts.com for more information on the game. The website is updated on a regular basis, giving players an insight into the game and information on forthcoming in-game and forum events. Tournaments and other surprise events will be unveiled so make sure to keep a daily check on the site.

###

About MicroVolts

Four toy figures - Naomi, Knox, Pandora and C.H.I.P.- carry special instructions to activate others of their kind. But with limited battery resources, they are forced to fight for power. Now toys around the world are engaged in an all-our secret war for supremacy of the Micro World.

MicroVolts is a free to play online multiplayer third-person shooter. Players and reviewers alike are raving about the unique gaming experience of MicroVolts, with its dynamic cartoon style graphics and intense fast-paced gameplay. Players can create their own custom character, swap between 7 weapon types on the fly, and battle it out in over 10 exciting locations. With events and tournaments hosted each week and strong player involvement through social media channels and forums, there’s something for both social and competitive gamers. Join the battle today at www.MicroVolts.com!

About Rock Hippo Productions Ltd.

Rock Hippo Productions Ltd. is a digital media provider and publisher of online, community based video games for distribution to the mass market on a global scale. Founded in 2009, Rock Hippo seeks to provide premier “free-to-play” interactive entertainment, which offers a community and social networking experience to gamers all over the world, resulting in a gaming experience that is second to none.

For more information about Rock Hippo and its current product offerings, please visit www.rockhippo.com.

Screenshots:

PC Game Reviews and News

Open Beta launch of RiotZone

noreply@blogger.com (CaptainD) — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 19:25:00 +0000

Good Morning, Merania!

Mail.Ru Games announces the Open Beta launch of RiotZone

Hamburg, January 25, 2012. Mail.Ru Games, publisher of internationally successful online games like "Legend: Legacy of the Dragons", "Allods Online", "Juggernaut" and "Gunblade Saga" opens its doors today to the upcoming tactical MMO "RiotZone" (www.RiotZone.net). The story is set in the tropical jungle where players battle to deliver the future of the civil war torn state of Merania. Semi-automatic rounds show which of the two playable factions will emerge victorious from the war. Tactical decisions, the strategic outfit of mercenaries and clever handling of the special abilities available determine the difference between victory or defeat. A good dose of black humor, unique game characters and addictive gameplay attract fans to the monitor.

Hot battle for cool heads

Anti-malaria's? Check. Food? Check. Adequate equipment? Check. Good preparation is essential in"RiotZone". Gamers will not only fight for one of the two factions - The Red Alliance or the Coalition of the Crown - but also train their soldiers, upgrade weapons and expand their base. These role-playing elements turn out to be authoritative in later gameplay. Only the coolest strategic thinkers will prevail in numerous missions and PvP battles. "RiotZone" scores with many PvP modes: 1on1, 2on2 and 3on3 are just the beginning. Raids on enemy territory, conquest of resource-rich areas and large-scale battlefields require the commander within the gamer. Semi-automatic fights allow dynamic and spontaneous short-time battles where players can bring in a lot of extra firepower in form of various special abilities.

"RiotZone" is for real adventurers who believe they have what it takes to conquer Merania. Apply at www.riotzone.net

###

About Mail.Ru Games

Mail.Ru Games is one of the leading publishers of online games, developing high-quality client and browser-based games played by millions of people around the world. The International business is handled by the European central office Mail.Ru Games GmbH, based in Hamburg. The company is offering localized versions of its top titles to European audiences. Currently, Mail.ru Games GmbH is operating the internally developed games » Legend: Legacy of the Dragons«, »Allods Online«, »Juggernaut«, »Farm Kingdom« and »RiotZone« in up to eight different languages. Additionally, four licensed Asian products »Empire Craft«, »GodsWar Online«, »Last Dynasty« and »Gunblade Saga«, had been released. In 2012, the portfolio will be further extended.

About Mail.Ru Group

Mail.Ru is the largest provider of internet services on the Russian market. The company operates the leading e-mail service, the two largest instant messengers and two of the largest social networks. Mail.Ru is also the major publisher of online games on the Russian-speaking market, offering client and browser based games as well as games for social networks.

Riotzone Screenshots:

PC Game Reviews and News

CaptainD Interviews Wham (currently making "He Watches")

noreply@blogger.com (CaptainD) — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 18:42:00 +0000

I interviewed Tomi Kähkönen (otherwise known as "Wham"), an adventure game developer in the AGS community, about his forthcoming game He Watches. Look out for the game sometime this year... or maybe next year? Read on to find out...

1/ First off, the obvious question - tell us a bit about your game "He Watches"

He Watches is a moment's brainchild I came up with in the summer of 2011. I've always loved classic horror stories and detective stories, and as of late I've been reading up a lot of the more modern variations of these scary stories, known as "internet creepypasta". One night I was reading up on such material and I started getting ideas of this very classic horror story of a haunted house with teenagers trapped inside, but with twists taken from elements of modern creepypasta. I started writing down ideas and realized that I had just recently started testing ways to create atmospheric lighting in AGS and it all just clicked. I whipped up a quick tech demo and everything just snowballed from there.

2/ What's the most difficult part of the game creation process?

Definitely graphics. He Watches consists of well over 50 rooms that all need to feel distinct and unique, and yet connected and stylistically in line with one another. While I can make a single room in just a few hours on a good day, usually it takes me several days to get the rooms just right. Then there is the character art and animation, for over 5 unique characters, which is also a huge work payload, especially since I work almost completely alone.

3/ What aspect of making an adventure game do you enjoy most - storyline, puzzles, coding?

Can't I just answer "D: all of the above"? The aforementioned three elements are the three main reasons I make games, along with the will to make "better games" than what I feel the mainstream media is producing nowadays. If I absolutely have to pick one as my favorite, that would be coding. While story designs and planning out puzzles are fun, they lack the same sort of immediate rewards that coding has. Nothing quite beats the rush you get in the middle of the night, after problem-solving scripts that handle footstep sounds on different surfaces, or adjustable lighting, and suddenly everything just clicks. You can test it out immediately, see the results in action and celebrate. Nothing quite like it.

4/ He Watches is planned to be a commercial release, all going well. There are some great freeware adventure games out there, so what do you think the main difference(s) are between a game you'd intend to release as freeware and a game you'd like to sell commercially?

It all boils down to quality and feedback. I've been trying to squeeze out as much feedback as possible from people who have played the demo, or have seen the design documents or concept art, and in every turn I try to make a game of quality. If there is enough constructive feedback, and I manage to evolve myself and the game in such a way that I can turn that feedback into positive feedback, that will encourage me invest more time and resources into the game. If the game seems to be a mediocre but enjoyable one, I might release it as freeware. However, if the project goes well, the test audience enjoys it and I feel it is good enough, I will probably hire voice actors, do extra work in polishing animations, details and the overall look and feel of the game and just put a massively bigger investment of time into the project so that I can feel that the end result is something people might want to pay money for.

I also have to mention that being a “real game developer” has been a lifelong dream of mine. I’ve already proven to myself that I can make games, but with He Watches I am hoping to prove that I am able to evolve as a game designer to such an extent that the games I can create are of such quality that people would be willing to pay for the result. I’m not in this to make huge sums of money, since I already have a job that can support me, but rather I just want to see if I can really do it.

5/ Does creating adventure games really lead to nervous breakdowns?> Occasionally, mostly just teeny-tiny small ones. Mostly the issue is that I work alone and as such I have very limited capacity in testing everything that I am creating. This has led to some instances where I have put hours and hours into creating something, before realizing it will not work and having to start all over, sometimes abandoning days or weeks’ worth of work just to improve an existing design that was just not good enough. It’s overhauls such as this that have kept my previous game project; “Infection – Episode 2” (started development in 2008) out of action for so long and it can be a bit soul-crushing at times.

6/ What are, in your opinion, the finest examples of the adventure game genre?

I am a huge fan of the old Lucas Arts adventure games such as Monkey Island 3, The Dig and Grim Fandango. These were all games with fun and often surprising storylines, clever and occasionally rather insane puzzles and humor and all in all they were just great games. A bit more modern game called “Scratches” also deserves a special mention for being a fantastically well-made modern adventure game with a wonderful atmosphere that still sends shivers down my spine.

7/ Did any particular game / game designer inspire you to want to make your own adventure games?

Yes, that questionable honor would go to Mr. Yahtzee and his 5 Days a Stranger. 5DaS was featured back in 2007 as part of a small freeware gaming article in a Finnish IT magazine called "Mikro-Bitti" and I remember looking at the picture and thinking "that reminds me of Monkey Island and The Dig". The article had two URL's listed on it: one was a download link of 5DaS and the other was "www.bigbluecup.com". Within a few days my teachers at school were wondering why I had become so quiet in class all of a sudden, as I was working on trying to make my first room and character and walkcycles using MS paint in class.

8/ Apart from adventure games, what genres do you enjoy playing?

I play a lot of games: First-person shooters, JRPG's, WRPG's, platformers, hack'n'slash games, real-time-strategy, military simulations... Almost anything I can get my hands on. I also do tabletop gaming and pen&paper RPG's such as Call of Cthulhu and Dark Heresy, the latter two of which are great ways to practice story writing.

9/ Back to "He Watches" - what aspect of the game design are you most proud of?

My first real new innovation: the adjustable lighting system. While it's not really that robust or amazing to the hard-broiled scripting veterans on the AGS forums, it was something I had never seen done in AGS before and it was just incredibly fun and rewarding to make. To think that a simple overlay with adjustable transparency can create such an illusion of light and shadows was just mind-boggling to me at first, and it allows me to do a lot of tinkering with visual scares, atmosphere building, puzzles and gameplay mechanics. For example, the game is designed so that the main character cannot see small items or little details in the dark, so in some rooms creating a stable source of light to search the room by will be a puzzle in itself.

10/ Finally, what sort of time period do you expect to be able to release "He Watches"?

When I started the project in July 2011, I was optimistic, as I had already released two small games that year, and I thought I could do it by Christmas 2011. We all know that didn't come to pass... I'm trying to be realistic here so I'd say that IF the game ends up freeware, you can expect to see it during 2012 for certain. However, if I do go the extra mile and make the game a commercial release, with extra animation, improvements, full voice acting with authentic accents, more music and all that, a 2012 release is possible, yet unlikely. I am looking into scrounging up some money so I can actually hire someone to playtest the game in a more professional manner, as well as to hire the voice actors etc. If I can do that, things should speed up quite considerably.

PC Game Reviews and News

AGS Bake Sale - Latest Stats and Child's Play Calendar Update

noreply@blogger.com (CaptainD) — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 15:48:00 +0000

The latest stats from the AGS Bake Sale:

Number of bundles sold: 839

Largest amount donated: $99.99

Average donation: $3.96

Number of donations $5 or below: 638 (76%)

Number of donations $20 or above: 28 (3%)

Total earned: $3318.67

Also the Child's Play Charity Calendar now mentions the bake sale - just the last 3 days though (27th-29th February).

http://www.agsbakesale.com/

PC Game Reviews and News

In Production: "He Watches"

noreply@blogger.com (CaptainD) — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 16:43:00 +0000

"The year is 2008 and the player takes on the role of Sarah MacDonald, a young woman born in London, now living with her parents in the Scottish countryside, working hard to finish her education. Almost a week ago, Sarah's boyfriend; Oliver, went missing without a word. Knowing the young man's interest in going on long trips in abandoned places without warning, nobody worries at first. However, a week without a word is a long time and Sarah finally begins to worry.

Maybe Oliver is just fine and is out documenting some abandoned building, as such is his hobby, or perhaps there is something far more sinister at work. Can you see through the deceit and find the truth?"

FEATURES

Manage your fears, stay away from the dark
Interact with your environment as well as other characters
Solve puzzles and find clues to uncover a hidden truth
Enjoy a haunting classical ghost story with a twist

STATISTICS

Character graphics done: 1,1 / 5
Room graphics done: 25 / 57
Story script and documents written: 70+ pages
Lines of script written: Lots and lots
Cutscenes done: 10%
Project activity level: In full swing
Nervous breakdowns so far: 1,5

This game is now back in production (perhaps following one of the nervous breakdowns mentioned?!?) This adventure game looks like it will be worth the wait, anyhow...

There is a demo available (no speech pack - that will come with the full release and possibly on a later demo), and the developer is looking for as much feedback as possible - so if you download and play it, please either leave a comment here (I'll make sure he knows when a new comment is posted) or at the game's development thread on the AGS forums.

DEMO DOWNLOAD

PC Game Reviews and News

AGS Bake Sale - Stats So Far

noreply@blogger.com (CaptainD) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 13:21:00 +0000

Response to the AGS Bake Sale, raising money for the Child's Play charity, has been impressive.

Number of bundles sold: 695
Largest amount donated: $85
Average donation: $3.86
Number of donations $5 or below: 535 (77%)
Number of donations $20 or above: 22 (3%)

Total earned: $2683.46

Pretty impressive fundraising already!!

More about the AGS Bake Sale

AGS Bake Sale Official Website

PC Game Reviews and News

Preview - "Europa"

noreply@blogger.com (CaptainD) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 01:15:00 +0000

No confirmed release date as yet, but this one looks pretty interesting. It describes itself as a "Dark adventure set on the icy moon of Jupiter". Unless I'm much mistaken, it's being developed with Wintermute.

Check this page for more news.

PC Game Reviews and News

The Shine of a Star

noreply@blogger.com (CaptainD) — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 16:54:00 +0000

The Shine of a Star is a classic point and click adventure, in which we follow a star who has fallen down to earth. Lost in the dark woods, he tries to find his way home but there are obstacles and challenges to overcome on the way. The game is focused on a short and atmospheric experience and all hints, the narrative and dialogues are passed on in form of animations and sounds instead of text and Words.

FEATURES:
Hand drawn graphics.
No dialogue. Narrative and hints are all conveyed through animations and sounds.
Developed by the four man indie team at Forgotten Key.
Winner of Game Concept Challange 2011

Created with Wintermute

You can buy Shine of a Star for 3.99 euros at The Adventure Shop

Screenshots:

PC Game Reviews and News

Yet Another Space Quest Game!

noreply@blogger.com (CaptainD) — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 12:15:00 +0000

All Space Quest fans must be really loving these last few weeks... we've seen the release of Space Quest: Vohaul Strikes Back, then Space Quest 2: Vohaul's Revenge Remake, then Space Quest Incinerations, and now Space Quest minus 1 - Decisions of the Elders. When will it all end? Just how much puzzle-solving can Roger Wilco manage all by himself?!?

Well anyway, this one's release was almost delayed because of all the other Space Quest releases recently, but then the game's creator decided to go with it anyway. It's got retro graphics (as you can see from the screenshots), but some aspects of the game are upgraded from the original Space Quest games.

Download Link

Announcement Thread on AGS Forums

PC Game Reviews and News

AGS Bake Sale - DEFINITELY NOW ON!

noreply@blogger.com (CaptainD) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 18:20:00 +0000

Further to my earlier blog post - The AGS "Bake Sale" is NOW ON! - it seems that it definitely IS on now! Unfortunately I can't get it to go through to PayPal for my donation, will try again later - if anyone manages to get it to work would you mind leaving a comment on this post to let me know?

http://www.agsbakesale.com/

Ah great, got it to work (thanks Ben!) - if you have problems with PayPal still, try using this link.

PC Game Reviews and News

Press Release- Pack Shot Oil Rush revealed

noreply@blogger.com (CaptainD) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 16:50:00 +0000

Haarlem, The Netherlands – 20 January 2012 – Today, videogame publisher Iceberg Interactive and game developer UNIGINE Corp., reveal the official pack shot of the naval strategy game Oil Rush. The global war for oil in the flooded post-apocalyptic world of “Oil Rush” starts with the digital release on January 25th 2012. The boxed version is set for a release date of February 24th in the UK, Benelux and Scandinavia and in Germany on February 23rd 2012.

For more information and news about the game, please visit the Iceberg Website (www.iceberg-interactive.com)

About Oil Rush

Oil Rush is a real-time naval strategy game that combines the strategic challenge of a classic RTS with the sheer fun of Tower Defence, while featuring state-of-the-art visuals. The game is based on group control: the player doesn’t have to micro-manage every unit but has control over all important aspects of tactics, strategy and economy. Capture, upgrade and defend floating production platforms and oil rigs. Discover new technologies and send groups of naval and air units into battle to capture enemy platforms and oil rigs.

Earth, post-nuclear war. Melted ice caps have raised the sea level dramatically, changing the face of the planet forever. The last survivors live on the remaining spots of dry land and floating sea platforms. Remnant armies have evolved into rival factions still fighting for power, turning the planet into a massive battlefield, the key to which is oil.

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Farm Kingdom - something smells fishy...!

noreply@blogger.com (CaptainD) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 16:16:00 +0000

DROPPING A LINE IN FARM KINGDOM FISHES UP DELICIOUS REWARDS

Mail.RU Games' Farm Kingdom Kicks Back And Enjoys The Water

Hamburg, Germany--January 20, 2012--Mail.RU Games, the publisher of internationally successful online games such as Legend: Legacy of the Dragons, Allods Online and Juggernaut today unveils the latest details of the first mini-game in Farm Kingdom http://farmkingdom.net/, their newest social game. In addition to working their own farms, players tend their animals, pass the time until their harvest ripens by playing mini-games and help their friends to whip their gardens into shape.

The first mini-game players will encounter is just a click away from their main farm, and has some of the most compelling game rewards. Feeling relaxed? Take a stroll down to the Fishing Docks, where players can enjoy a fishing game that's easy to begin but challenging to master! The ever-helpful Tutorial Turtle is on hand to teach new visitors how to reel in their dream catch and embark upon a fantastic journey of fishy fun.

"We spent a lot of time fine-tuning the challenge and enjoyment of the fishing game, and we're excited about the player feedback we've received from our Open Beta," says Malte Werner, Product Manager of Farm Kingdom. "The only problem we have now is the whole office is addicted to fishing and the competition is fierce as we wait to see which GM will land the biggest fish!"

Choosing the right combination of rod, line, lure, and bait is critical to entice a variety of fish including Grass Pike, Rudd, and more! Players must wait for a strike marked by the ring of a bell, then keep the fish in their sights to lure them in. Learning the behavior of each variety of fish takes time but is rewarding: some fish follow a very specific swimming pattern while others will jerk the line left and right frantically, so knowing the difference is key to catching the biggest trout around.

Freshly caught fish can be used in a variety of cooking dishes, or players can simply sell them to fund a bigger fishing tackle box. Successfully catching a fish not only gives you experience, but also increases your Angler profession. The more skilled at fishing a player becomes, the more options become available to them including upgraded fishing spots, the ability to produce nets, and buy better tackle. Compete in monthly rankings for best individual fish as well as most caught.

So Much To Do in a Fairy Tale World

What else is there to do after the maize is harvested, all the animals are fed and even the last tree has been felled? In the four Farm Kingdom mini-games players can cook meals, construct buildings, go fishing and dig for resources -- all to receive terrific rewards.

Creative chefs can cook up a storm in the Farm Kingdom kitchen, preparing many wonderful dishes - from pancakes to goose soup.

Anybody in search of a little relaxation after a stressful day at work in the real world can head straight to the fish pond. Big fish are jumping, just waiting to be caught! Remember, however: fish will only go for the right bait. Players with the blood of an architect running through their veins can turn their dreams into reality by constructing new buildings. From a new deck to a large pigsty, they can saw, build and hammer anything they like. Old-school arcade fans can indulge themselves by playing the mining game: searching for precious metals requires sleight of hand, good planning and strategy. Advancements in the game, such as helping out on friends' farms, will be rewarded with additional gold coins and experience points. To make your own farm stand out from the common crowd, there are many cute animals and exciting construction projects. Accessories like a huge barbeque grill or sun loungers give your territory that personal touch.

Those eager to discover the pleasures of farm life will find enough space for their own farm and a whole bunch of new friends at http://farmkingdom.net/

Farm Kingdom Screenshots:

PC Game Reviews and News

The AGS "Bake Sale" is NOW ON!

noreply@blogger.com (CaptainD) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 16:01:00 +0000

THE BAKE SALE BUNDLE

The AGS Bake Sale Bundle is a collection of AGS-made games by members of the AGS community who all teamed up to bring this idea to fruition. Available 20 January 2012.

HOW IT STARTED...

It started out as a small idea at first but quickly evolved into a much larger project. As word of the Bake Sale spread more and more members of the AGS community wanted to take part, the team of 5 bakers quickly grew into more than a baker's dozen! Nobody was (or is getting) paid to create the games in the bundle; they did it out of their love of the indie-game scene and AGS.

WHAT'S IN IT?

The AGS Bake Sale Bundle consists of 14 unique and individual games showcasing the different styles of each author as well as the diversity of the AGS engine as these aren't all just "adventure" games! It consists of a wide variety of games across a few different genres.

WHAT WILL IT COST ME?

The best part of the Bake Sale Bundle is YOU NAME YOUR OWN PRICE!!** That's right, you can decide what you think is a fair price and the bundle is yours! Just follow the link (the big button) above and name your price!

** THERE IS A MINIMUM ORDER COST OF $1.50 USD!!

WHY ISN'T IT FREE?

The proceeds of the bake sale will be going to Child's Play; a great organization/charity that helps give sick kids the chance to play video games! So really, when you buy the bundle you're helping make a sick kid's day just a little better!!

http://www.agsbakesale.com/

The games and their authors:
• 9 Months In
by Tzachs, Noavana, and gameboy
• Abner The Amazing
by poc301 and LocutusOfBored
• Barn Runner: The Rich Dame Who Cut The Cheese
by Ponch
• Ben Chandler, Paranormal Investigator - In Search Of The Sweets Tin
by Grundislav
• Entrapment
by Lightbulb Games
• Escape The Barn
by Cat
• Falling Skyward
by ThreeOhFour
• Fragment
by Kaputtnik and ThreeOhFour
• Indiana Rodent and the Raiders Of The Lost Cheese
by Crystal Shard Games
• The Rail
by Technocrat
• RAM Ghost
by Ghost
• Red Volition
by Richard Hofmeier
• Retina
by Dualnames
• Zombie Attack
by ShiverMeSideways

PC Game Reviews and News

Official Pack shot for Armada 2526 Gold Edition revealed

noreply@blogger.com (CaptainD) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 15:56:00 +0000

Haarlem, The Netherlands - 19 January 2012 – Today, videogame publisher Iceberg Interactive and game developer Ntronium Games have released the official pack shot for Armada 2526 Gold Edition. This special edition includes the deep ‘4x’ space strategy game “Armada 2526”, its official ad-on “Supernova”, several additional alien races (making it 18) and the latest updates.

Armada 2526 Gold Edition will be available in retail stores and as digital download by the end of February 2012. For more information and news about the game, please visit the Iceberg Website (www.iceberg-interactive.com)

About Armada 2526 Gold Edition

Lead one of 18 different alien races to become a mighty pan-galactic empire. Manage your colonies, deploy your fleets and conduct research. Plot your strategy and turn your planets into mighty bastions. Explore new star systems, where you may encounter tachyon storms, psychic plants, primitives or find abandoned alien technology. Diplomacy is of utter importance in being successful. Make pacts and alliances, make threats or ask for favours – and when the time is right, replace diplomacy by space combat and fight it out in real-time 3D.

The trade system lets you trade valuable commodities between both your own and alien worlds. Alien relics, rare minerals, tourists, or even natural anti-matter, your freighters will carry them all. Although the game is complex, and the possible strategies endless, powerful help and advisor features, help you get up to speed quickly. Unlike many games in this genre, Armada 2526 focuses on providing a game that can be finished in a reasonable time, and emphasizes battle and strategy over economic micro-management. All with one purpose: to emerge victorious and conquer the galaxy with your armada.

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