Deck the Barn Runner with BETRAYAL

Its finally happened, the cow has flipped and gone to the dark side. The new Barn Runner game is made with (cover your ears, kiddies) GameMaker and not AGS.

In other game release news: GO GREY!

Primordial Super?

Wadjet Eye have released Primordia (don't forget to put it in the games DB, Dave) and its got some reviews:

• Richard Cobbett @ Gamespy (lukewarm)
• We The Gamerz (good)

More on the Wadjet Eye preview page...

Releases, Reviews and something else beginning with R

• Adventuregamers review Anna's Quest
• Ben and Grundi release Spaceman in Space
• Cosmos Quest 4 is out
• Radiant (Crystal Shard, ATOTK, etc) releases Errand
• Ghostlady releases her latest, Haunting of Cliff Richard

Wow, busy times!

Nettoyer le paddock!

Avez-vous toujours rêvé de pelleter du fumier de cheval? Pourquoi ne pas downloader de bon jeu Horse Park de Marion? Dans le jeu, vous pouvez créer des chaud, steamy stallion-sur-mare d'action et de faire de nouveaux chevaux. Maintenant, tu pouve envoyer ton beau spécimens des races équines et prendre grosse francs!

Or, go and play Marion's new horse game!

What's better than Ben 10?

Ben Jordan 8, of course! Mr Grundislav has finally released the final chapter of the much acclaimed Ben Jordan series and finally we will see if Snape will kill Voldemort, or something like that. Join the discussion in the forums, or go the the game page for more. So, can anyone spell denouement?

Anastronaut is aut (out aut , see what i did there?)

Anas Abdin, has just released an AGS game, by the utter delight name of Anastronaut. The game appears to be commercial, something that completely slip me by. I'm stupid.

Go to the topic here, to find more info on purchase and stuff. I also post the fabulous promo-poster art below. I think it's a very good looking interesting tragicomic kind of game.

^_____^

Ben304, has released a funny little game that he decided to call ^_^ like the famous emoticon. The game is about a Werebunny that wants to become a human again. It's a mix of Spore meets Buffy meets Cuteness meets The Nightmare Before Christmas meets ..well. Yeah.

Prepare to meet Witches and Vampires and some God. It took me around 35 minutes, but definitely well spent. The interactions are fantastic, you can bite things, you can headbutt things, you can do stuff!

Plus the Gnome liked it too. You can't get wrong with two people liking it!


DOWNLOAD THE BLOODY GAME (doesn't include blood)

AGS Bake Sale Deadline Looming!

The AGS Bake Sale is just over the horizon. Those of us doing games for the charity project received a reminder that the deadline to get our games submitted is about two weeks out.

For those who aren't aware, the Bake Sale is a batch of 13 games sold in a bundle pack. The sale will begin on (or about) January 15, 2012 and all money raised by the sale will be donated to Child's Play, a fantastic charity that seeks to enrich the lives of unfortunate children in hospitals around the world. Child's Play is a charity that is uniquely suited to gamers like us, as it is funded almost entirely by gamers and the videogame industry.

The bundle of games will be sold on a "Pay What You Want" basis, where you can get the bundle of games for the price you are able to donate to the charity. The games in the bundle will not be released to the public for an agreed upon one year period. During this time, you'll be the exclusive owner of the amazing titles being produced.

More info on the Bake Sale can be found here : http://www.bigbluecup.com/yabb/index.php?topic=44684.0

Review: Blackwell Deception

Today, Wadjet Eye Games has released its newest game, which happens to be the franchise that Dave Gilbert himself, is to blame for.


-INTERFACE

The changes towards some directions that Dave Gilbert has made, only feel natural and correct. The mouse cursor changing color to indicate which character you are controlling, is just one sprite, but really works magnificent. The control interface is basically the same, and takes zero time to get adjusted to - and if problems arise, Dave has integrated a tutorial so neatly in the start of the game. I am really impressed by how easily and naturally issues, that would bug you in the previous games, have been solved here.

With that said, I found the menus a bit generic to be frank. Perhaps I am nitpicking, but they felt a bit uninspired, graphically. I am quite possibly nagging for nothing.

-GRAPHICS

Hiring InCreator and Ben304, is probably the greatest team-up you could come up with. The background art and related animation, is definitely fantastic, and really raises the bar. A mix between 3D and 2D, really shows attention to detail, and makes every background worth it. About the character art, what can be said about Ben Chandler, that has not be said before? The animations are extremely fluid and retro-like, and there's a lot of diversity in terms of character designs. Initially one can rush to the conclusion that the character art and the background art, don't match, but I feel they give a graphical boost to the series that was perhaps needed.

-STORY

Well, I don't want to spoil much, in fact I'd rather not say anything, but since I am forced to, by Scottish supermen, I have to say that the story is definitely bloody brilliant. It's probably like watching a nice movie, it kind of stays with you for a bit after it's over. I think also a sequel is due. The conversations between Rosa and Joey are still fantastic, and perhaps even more amusing this time.

The best thing about this game is that it plays like a standalone game. You don't have to play the rest first, though that would be nice. And unless I am mistaken Wadjet Eye Games offers all the Blackwell games in a DVD.


-EXTRAS

The music and voice work are still top notch, with the voice work feeling more natural than it did for Gemini Rue. It probably has to do with the fact that the team has been stabilizing a bit, but regardless this has to be noted. I also found the best part of the game to be the Developer Commentary. Unlike Gemini Rue where frankly I hated it's implementation, here, in Blackwell, it's simply fantastic.


-INFO

The official Wadjet Eye Games, Blackwell Deception page.
A demo straight from the AGS Database
The Blackwell Deception topic, at the AGS Forums

The game is available for $14.99 (download) or $24.99 (limited edition DVD version). Note that the DVD will only be offered through this Sunday, October 16.



-CONCLUSION

Blackwell Deception, the fourth installment on the series, has just one flaw for me. It leaves you begging for a sequel. The game is certainly the best of the series, hands down.


-NOT LIKING THIS REVIEW:

You can always read the same opinion, expressed in a more coherent and verbally correct way.
So, here's two of them.

-Adventure Gamers-
-Gnome's Lair-

OROW VII

RESULTS AND GAMES HERE.

PUBMINISTER MASTER QUEST is Released.

Above lies the worst title this blog has yet to offer. Below lies the best game with the AGS Engine, with the initials PMQ.

Do your Wednesdays feel joyless and empty now Parliament’s in its summer recess? Does 12 o’clock pass without event, leaving you deflated and depressed?

Prime Minister’s Questions is every political nut’s favourite time of the week and we all deserve to enjoy it whenever we want.

Play as the prime minister in this satirical, retro style game as he faces his weekly grilling from Her Majesty’s Opposition.

Go Download the Game.

ALSO A VOICE OF LOGIC: WHAT THE F@#%!!1

TOP TEN: BEST AGS GAMES

For more top 10s, see Celebrity AGSers Top Games and Top 10 game series

Overview:

This is a personal opinion list, if you don't like the games in the list, or feel a game is missing, don't judge us. I'd very much like to include them all, but that's not doable. Also there's only one game per franchise. Anyway, enjoy!!

10. Permanent Daylight

Not sure if it's remembered by many AGS members, but this got me into playing AGS games. A very short game, but without lacking anything in fun and humor. And totally one of the most memorable introductions. 2ma2, I wholeheartedly thank you!

Imagine a plot that's been used so much it always is considered a parody nowadays.. It's a mad scientist who's detroying the world! It feautures Dieter Kartoffelbrei as the hero, Dr. Really Really Evil Ed as the mad scientist and an amount of other characters which will mock you on your quest.

9. Ben Jordan PI: Case 3 - The Sorceress of Smailholm

When Grundislav made Ben Jordan 1 and 2, nobody cared. Then came Case 3, what fans of the series confirm to be the best game of an amazing series.

The tiny Scottish village of Smailholm has seen better days. Two local children have been murdered, and the villagers suspect it's the work of witches. Ben Jordan is called upon to get to the bottom of this mystery, but he may soon find himself in over his head..."

Winner of 3 AGS Awards.

8. Infinity String

The sheer beauty of the graphics, makes this an amazing accomplishment. And a very sci-fi like scenario, enhanged with horror and mystery sections, really make this game by Sector 13 a must. Just wait till the main menu comes. You'll be crying from beauty.

Your name is Yerik Elnar. You are scientist working for United States. In late 2009 a ruins were found in Antartica by Russian explorers. A year later a complete research base was built to study the findings. Team consisted of 7 russians, 5 americans and 2 germans. 1 year later USA send you as an additional help. You arrive with the helicopter. But strange things begin to happen...

Winner of 1 AGS Award.

7. Apprentice Case 1: Deluxe

And here comes Apprentice Case 1: Deluxe. Widely considered as the most professional game in the AGS database, is indeed a Herculean effort to create a masterpiece and then outdo yourself twice. One by improving and adding more content, and secondly by making a better and/or equal sequel.
Finally, you can experience the Willowbean world with full voice. And in French or German. The deluxe version also features improved graphics, a totally redone soundtrack, and several bug fixes.

Winner of 1 AGS Award.

6. Nelly Cootalot: Spoonbeaks Ahoy

And here comes Nelly. No introduction is required.

Nelly Cootalot, fearsome pirate and lover of tiny and adorable creatures, is charged by the spirit of a dead buccaneer to investigate the mysterious disappearance of a fleet of birds known as spoonbeaks. Her adventure will bring her face to face with the nefarious Baron Widebeard as she uncovers corruption and wanton punning in the Barony of Meeth. This is my first complete AGS game. It is around medium length, and should take a few hours to play. I made it for, and about, my girlfriend. She enjoyed it and I hope you will too!

Winner of 5 AGS Awards.

5. Barn Runner: Forever Friday Part 2

And on place number 5, comes a personal favorite. I will pity you and not repeat myself. This is totally the best of the series and the most enjoyable. Ponch, PART 3 PLX.

The madness of the "Big Crazy" is tearing through Arc 19 and everyone is giving cannibalism a try! Detective Prick Peckard and Inspector Harry Sach must team up to save the city from itself. Track down multiple suspects and question each of them to learn if they played a part in bringing chaos to the streets of Arc 19: Evansville. Along the way, they'll contend with bargain hunting looters, blood thirsty robots, and the dim witted minions of an evil cult bent on destruction. But they'll have to move quickly. Time is unexpectedly running out in a city where the clocks stood still for twelve years. Can you get to the bottom of this mystery before all hope is lost? Question suspects! Shoot bad guys! Ignore traffic laws! Annoy the elderly! Use pop music in brutal ways!

Winner of my heart ^__^.

4. Cedric and Revolution

ELVES + REVOLUTION + CUTENESS. EPIC WIN.

Follow the adventure of Cedric and Victor as they try to get a demonstration up and running. It's not as easy as it sounds and they end up doing something completely different, but hey, at least they tried, eh? CatR is a fairly short and easygoing adventure.


Winner of 2 AGS Awards.

3. Shifter's Box - Outside In

When Ben started his releasing spree, with each and every game, everyone in the forums thought that the room for improvement was matched. Then Shifter's Box, came, and personally blew my mind. Still a favorite and sorry I keep saying that. But point stays :D
Sally is taking a walk outside one fine day when she comes across a strange box. Curious as to who would leave such a strange box lying around, she opens it - only to find herself in a very strange place indeed. Help Sally uncover the true nature of the box and find her way home!

Winner of 2 AGS Awards.

2. Trilby's Notes

Well, from all the games that Yahtzee himself, this is hands-down the best. Chzo is totally the most badass villain in the whole AGS database, and not restricted there. The game has an amazing interface, nice graphics, amazing plot, amazing music, what more can a man ask for?!!

Four years ago I was involved in the DeFoe Manor Incident. I and four other individuals were trapped inside a manor house by some kind of supernatural intelligence; a dark wraith with murder on its mind, the ghost of the original owner's youngest son. I was trapped inside DeFoe Manor for five days. I was forced to do something I can never forgive myself for. Possessed I may have been, but I was still watching through my eyes a man dying at my hands...

Winner of 4 AGS Awards.

1. Technobabylon: Part 2

Yeah, yeah, whine as much as you want. This is the best AGS game of all time. I don't believe any game has marked me and left me so envious of its plot like part 2 has. The way it unfolds is amazing and everything just pales in comparison.

"What is this, national suicide week?"

A young woman contemplates her end. A terror from the past comes to take its revenge. A police scientist finds himself blackmailed with the lives of the unborn children of his dead wife.

Forced to carry out the will of an anonymous voice on the interlinks, Dr Charlie Regis must try to perform both his official role as public servant, and the role that his antagonist has set for him. How long can he keep this conflict hidden from his friend and partner, Dr Lao? And more importantly, can he save the most important remaining part of his lost love?

Welcome to the future...
Welcome to Technobabylon

Ben gives you his heart

And gnome writes it up better than I can...

Review: Gemini Rue

-Story-

Gemini Rue narrates the story of two people. When the intro begins, we're introduced to Delta-Six, a male specimen, part of some experiment. Initially, it appears that Delta-Six just had his memory wiped out, because of his attempts to escape, and it is hinted that he has done the same before. We're also introduced to Azriel Odin, an ex-assassin, currently situated on Barracus, trying to find his brother .

-World/Setting

The game mostly takes place in two different settings. One being the planet of Barracus, currently ruled by a Boryokudan (a mob), and one being the facilities of Center 7 .

The settings are totally unique and amazing for different reasons.

a) The planet of Barracus, where it's constantly raining, gives this feeling of decay and film-noir, as everything is almost falling apart. Additionally it also makes obvious the presence and the rule of the Boryokudan. The game is taking place in the far future (2230 DC or so), but despite the apparent presence of technology, an approach to show that nothing comes without consequences is evident, as we have spaceships next to rotten buildings. What also got my attention is that almost everyone is either a junkie or part of the Boryokudan.

b) The facilities of Center 7 on the other hand, appear to be a great technological achievement, where everyone is happy and acts for the common good, by performing training and various tasks assigned. However everything is under surveillance and its evident early on that escape is needed. Initially due to the memory wipe, you will be kind of lost in terms of who to trust or not, which really makes this part of the game a great mixture of 1984 and Logan's Run.

-Graphics

Personally I feel the graphics are amazing and moody. I can say that the walkcycle seemed a little weird to me, but that may be just my idea, so you are free to disregard this. The animations overall are very detailed and well made, the backgrounds are amazing, and some scenes will probably take your breath away. There are one or two close-ups as well. And of course there are some other more fancy ones, like the raindrops on the ground, the rain dripping from the edges.
What's also worth pointing is that I don't remember a background that felt static. There was always something moving, either a light flickering, or the rain, or a terminal's light blinking.

-Music/Sound

Whatever a person can say for Nathan Allen Pinard would be insufficient; the music is mostly ambient and fits incredibly well with the game, boosting up the immersion a lot. The soundtrack roots mostly to Blade Runner and Halo, and will certainly not let you down. As for the sound effects there's a great variety from ambient sounds to footsteps, that all fit the game quite excellent.

-Voice Acting

The voice acting is really great, and every voice fits the character quite amazingly good. I especially loved the voices from the speakers throughout Barracus, and the voice behind Epsilon-Five.

-Interface/Puzzles

The interface is very similar to 7 Days a Skeptic (by Yahtzee), where in addition, you get a kick icon. I have to say I really liked using the kick on everything and the puzzles that were related to it, were probably my favorite ones.

From the beginning of the game, the puzzles are created in order to familiarize the player with the interface and the logic of the game, so later on as the game progresses, you won't find yourself in a dead-end. An interesting element is the Terminal. Several of those are scattered on Barracus (both on streets and apartments), where the player can look up for information.

The game, except for the standard point and click puzzles, also contains certain sequences, that I found really exciting. Some of them involve maintenance duties as Delta-Six, other involve gun-fights. A lot of people have complained about those action sequences, and it really makes me wonder. I honestly really loved them, except that I would like to be able to change the controls. But regardless I always longed for them. Initially, they seem very barren, but
as you progress into the game, the controls and the sequences become more complicated and difficult, without however becoming annoying.

-Conclusion

You must give this a try, it's definitely a very innovative game with a story that won't disappoint you. Disregarding the magnificence of this game, should be considered a crime.

It took me about 8-9 hours to finish (on default settings), so I'm guessing it is at least 4-5 hours of gameplay worth. The game also comes with a developer commentary and bloopers.

Get the Demo

Visit the Gemini Rue Webpage and get your copy

Just what you've been waiting for!

I know you guys didn't want to pressure me, which is why none of you sent me messages demanding a new Princess Marian game. But, I can read between those non-existent lines and tell you were thirsting for the compelling gaming experience that only your favourite character can bring. So, I can happily announce to have met these tacit demands: Princess Marian's Pigeon Pinger. You may think its just a poorly executed Angry Birds rip-off, but PMPP has a completely different set of standard that has eliminated the need for a complex physics engine.

Anyway, download and enjoy the latest Princess Marian gaming experience.

Ben's new game!

Minutes before the posting of the game, we've discovered that Ben will release AIRWAVE! How? Well, a secret!!Check his signature! It's the ultimate truth! Be proud and happy for we bring you news, before they even happen!

Dogs and Showgirls

CaptainD gets the scoop on the new release from Ali (of Nelly Cootalot fame): I was a Vegas Showgirl. Its also the first game released with DAGE, the "Dog Adventure Game Engine".

Sludge flashes by

Some of you may be familiar with Squinky, erstwhile Telltale intern and AdventureGamers writer (not the other Squinky with the eyepatch avatar). Anyway, she has a new game out: Life Flashes By, which was funded by Kickstarter and was written in SLUDGE.

They've already reviewed it on GayGamer.

Freeware roundup

AdventureGamers' Steve Brown continues his awesome series of covering the latest freeware releases.

Ben again

You can tell that I'm not the blogger I used to be... over two weeks before I realize that Ben released a game!