As I pointed out in my previous post, I have played plenty of well-known, big-name, big budget titles when it comes to computer games and if I were to mention them here it would just take up far too much time and space. Therefore, this will have to be postponed for another post or ten. This post (and the next three) is devoted to those "indie" and "casual" games that are available from
Steam (a site which provides the games to users in a downloadable form). I have whittled down all the games I have downloaded, which number just under 100, to a select few of 24. What follows are my brief reviews of each game.
Axel & Pixel This is a quirky but deceptively basic point and click adventure game that has the user getting the eponymous heroes from one screen to the next by clicking on objects on the screen and seeing how the characters interact with them. It's similar to the "Monkey Island" or "Sam & Max" style of game but evidently doesn't have the same production-values. The characters, rather than talk to each other, just kind of grunt and burble. It is actually more comparable with the equally bizarre but more difficult "Machinaruim" game. It's very unusual and a bit "arty" so investigate before you buy. (Very amusing clip. Better than the game?)
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Azada This is a puzzle game, pure and simple. It's one of those super-friendly, cosy and warm, family-type games that is for all ages and which will offend no one. It contains over 30 different types of classic puzzles, has plenty of variety and is tastefully done in soft colours. You progress by completing 10 chapters with 8 puzzles in each but there are "boss" puzzles thrown in as well. It is timed, which may have some pulling their hair out, but there's always youtube and walkthroughs. I must confess, I needed them for the madenning matchstick conundrums. (A Must - Matchstick Solutions)
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Blue Toad Murder Files This is another puzzle game, very much along similar lines to "Puzzle Agent." It has a real Cluedo feel to it and is set in a quiant and gentle, sleepy town in the heart of the countryside. The voice-acting is hammed-up to extremes bringing with it an over-the-top Agatha Christie flavour. The town has various buildings which you click on to enter and solve puzzles. The puzzles themselves are a pleasant undertaking but, I must confess, this was a recent purchase and I haven't delved too deep into it. (SPOILER - Solution to one of the puzzles)
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Braid Braid is a platform game unlike any other you have seen before. Out goes the shooting and the frenetic ducking and diving and in comes the need to ponder and think of how on earth you are going to get from A to B this time. The main departure it makes form other platformers is the use of going back in time which you do with the press of the "shift" key. Be warned, however, although the first world draws you in by its charm and ingenuity - it begins to get brutally difficult requiring regular trips to youtube. There is no long waiting for screens to load and you never really die. (First five minutes, rushing through game and not doing it properly.)
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Chainz 2: Relinked "Bejeweled" and "Jewel Quest" may have been all we needed as far as match-up games go but ever since then, they've been churned out by the bucket load. Chainz 2 uses that age-old formula and just shakes it up a bit. It has a zany, cartoony feel with a jazzy soundtrack similar to the saucy "Carry On" films and the navigation through the game is sharp, fast and slick. It has four modes including; Classic, Arcade, Puzzle and Strategy with high-scores thrown in to satisfy the nerd in all of us. The game is great for a short blast of fun. (A few clips, poor quality)
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Clones This is another fine thinking-person's game that takes its ingredients from the classic game Lemmings. Here, you begin each screen with a landscape which effectively consists of a series of obstacles that the clones have to traverse and overcome. They negotiate this by being given a series of orders by the player. The orders range from being told to dig, build a bridge or float or whatnot. The clones just keep walking blindly forward until you give them the order - they will often walk to their death if you don't think fast and tell them what to do. Good stuff. (Trailer, with some complicated-looking levels)
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There ends the first six of my Top 24 Steam games. Although these games aren't bad at all, they certainly aren't the best of my selection and there are far better games to come. I will endeavour to complete the rest through the weekend.
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