Sunday, April 26, 2015

Review-Breaking The Bank

Date Released-2008
Developers-PuffballsUnited
Genre-Adventure, Point-and-Click

Remember that 'alternate-choice' game I reviewed last time? Today, we have another one, but better. Breaking the Bank is a Newgrounds original game released by PuffballsUnited, as the first game in a series dubbed the 'Henry Stickman series.'

The game revolves around a stick figure attempting to...rob a bank. The game is simple, click an item and receive an outcome. This game actually features much to offer, as simple as it is. Even with the limited number of choices, the humour in every outcome balances it out. I'm a fan of physical comedy, and I was pleased playing this game for the comedy in it.

In short, this game features short, yet funny playthrough, at least for those who enjoy slapstick. If you're a fan of this, check this game out. Of course, I will be reviewing the rest of the series soon, so keep in for that. Did you play the game? Did you like or dislike it? What did you think of the review. Feedback and suggestions are appreciated, and I will see you all soon.

Official Walkthrough

Sunday, April 19, 2015

Review-An Average Day At School


Date Released-2005
Developers-double-slash, NORM
Genre-Adventure, Point-and-Click

An Average Day At School is an adventure game originally uploaded to Newgrounds by users double-slash and NORM. The game revolves an unknown stick figure, going around the "Collège de Montréal" High School, an actual private high school in Quebec.

It's an ordinary Monday morning, and you're strolling to Math, only to realize the classroom is empty. After talking to the class coordinator, and completing a quick-time challenge, you find out the first class is Physical Education, and you quickly run to the gym. It's only after coming to the gym, however, that you realize the day is the 1st of November, and you came an hour early. The game ends after that.

So what did I think of it? Well it's definitely a very...interesting game. The idea is simple enough, which is to choose which scenarios play out, and choosing the wrong one having you "die," but the challenges don't have a set pace, resulting in a short game. Don't get me wrong, the challenges don't come too early, and at least the game has a palpable plot, but the game can have at least a tad bit more to it. Also, if you're expecting humour, there is little attempts at comedy, if at all. 

As it is now, it's a game that has a unique concept, but an execution in which there isn't enough time to play the game out. Hell, there's a review of the complete game, and it's three minutes long. It's just an amateur game that'll probably give you limited entertainment value. So did you play this game, and what did you think of it? Did you like or dislike the review? Tell me in the comments, it's very much appreciated, and I will see you in the next review.

Official Walkthrough


Sunday, April 12, 2015

Review-Clear Vision I



Date Released-2007
Developers-DPFlashes
Genre-Action, Shooting

Clear Vision is a point-and-click shooting series developed by DPFlashes, a Swedish independent developing company.


The first game revolves around our protagonist, Jake. At a young age, Jake witnessed his parents killed by an unknown army general. After the murder, Jake is sent off to a remote camp, where he is trained to be a sniper. Now a free man, Jake works as a hitman, given missions to complete. To play, point your mouse at the screen, and left-click to shoot.

At the end of the game, on a mission to take down a "high ranked officer," Jake spots the mysterious army general. The game ends on a "To Be Continued...," implying this is an installment of a series.

This was certainly a good game. I believe the game ended with an ominous and vague enough ending to leave the audience wanting more. The gameplay itself isn't too difficult for players. I guess that the only complaint is that the game could've been longer,  but the game is part of a series, so I can't get too mad at it. This is personally a favourite of mine, and I  do recommend it, if you're a fan on shooters. There is a mobile version, and I do plan to review it, but later as we continue with this series.

Official Walkthrough

Sunday, April 5, 2015

Review: Escape Culver

Last time, I've discussed how Whispers Room 6 is proof that escape games could be done properly. Now, let's take a look at Escape Culver, where I'll say none of those things.

Overview

Escape Culver is an escape game made by Victor Saponari and Max Ozawa, released on April 26th, 2007.

Plot

You're a student in military school, and you need to escape your room. How well thought out.

Flaws

Ok, I'll be honest here, there is hardly anything positive about this game, so, I'll just go over the faults.


  • The art direction is horrendous. The entire game looks as if it was a class project made within a day or two, which actually explains a lot.
  • The clock detection is wonky. Whenever you try to click on anything, at times, it won't work.
  • The entire game is too easy. In fact, if you want to beat this game in under a minute, just type in "rosebud" on the computer.
Overall

This game isn't very good, and it serves as a poor example of escape games in general.

Walkthrough

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m8MKC68Dlw4

Review-ESCape Prologue





Date Released-2009
Developer-Kevin Gu
Genre-Escape, Adventure

ESCape Prologue is an independent escape game created by Kevin Gu, who's currently working towards a degree in Computer Science in the University of Waterloo and Business Administration degree from Wilfrid Laurier University, according to his website here.

The game revolves around an unknown stick figure, wandering around a seemingly abandoned house. The game uses simple arrow keys to move and space bar to interact with the environment. The game has many puzzles laid throughout the house, keeping you interested. The game ends with you blowing up the front door, along with a surprising ending, which I am not going to spoil here.

The game is definitely one of the more interesting escape games. The simple style of the game has an innocent charm to it. The puzzles are engaging, involving you walking around the house to solve them. The house isn't big, so the puzzles aren't tedious, either. The dramatic music sets the mood of the game, creating a very passive yet persistent atmosphere, and I applaud Mr. Gu for his choice of music. While the game isn't spectacular by any means, I personally enjoyed this game, and if you enjoy quick and simple escape games, this is definitely enjoyable.

Official Walkthrough