Score: 7

"Simple, but definately enjoyable while it lasts."

submission: --Nightmare--

date: September 20, 2009

I think this Flash does well in traversing the usual problems of adaptation - the story is fairly simple one, and the art style matches that. That's not a bad thing, as the art and animation is mostly very clean. The mystery is captured in the dark, but perhaps it could've felt more complete with more features that also speak the atmosphere, if I'm making any sense at all.

For the art, the highlights were the views of the nightmare itself. They did their job in forcing me to clench myself a little. The main character is well displayed too, though like I say, some of the rest seems a little unfinished almost. This might be because I found the ending a bit too abrupt, but again, it was fairly well imaged I think. The title cards were effective at pushing the boat out story-wise, but I just would've liked to have seen a bit more of the character, who he is, or possibly why he's having this nightmare... though it's always good to avoid pushing that one too much. Obviously the story doesn't call for much animation, but it might've built up something extra towards the start, hmm.

The music was well chosen, and it slotted nicely into the Flash. It does its job near-perfectly as far as suspense goes. Seeing as its a short Flash, having two tracks was also a good choice to throw in that variation. Anyway, definitely a thumbs up on how the music was implemented.

So overall, it was pretty good I think, with the music pushing it a fair bit alone. I'm pretty sure it could be expanded on, particularly towards the beginning (and still remained a pretty simple, short Flash) but it does its job in all areas to make it worth watching, so cool :)

Score: 7

"Enjoyable, though let down in some areas."

submission: This is the Only Level

date: August 28, 2009

This is an enjoyable game that's clever and simple at the same time. The gimmick is interesting, and it's tackled in ways that get the gamer thinking. This is obviously the game's main strength, but in some cases, I think it's also the game's main weakness. As creative as many of the levels are, they are restrained by only what's already there (some levels really are identical, and not in the humourous way that the game uses the concept, as far as I made out). Fortunately, as it's a pretty simple game, it doesn't wear itself out on that front. While on the topic of simplicity, some might say that the game is too easy, but I think it keeps you guessing while you play it, and since it's not overplayed, it's still pretty entertaining.

The usual humour in the game is fine and it goes well with the minimalistic design that the gimmick brings. The music suits the game well, and it doesn't annoyingly drill into the player's head so much, unlike other tunes. Perhaps it could've been played with somehow, possibly even as a level feature, I don't know. Anyway, as far as the purpose goes, it's all good.

My main issue is only that there's sometimes not enough there, even keeping the point in mind. It's probably hard to find a nice balance for this sort of thing, but there's got to be a way of building up on the levels while maintaining the little bits of humour and the gimmick. Maybe I'm just a picky guy. Otherwise, an entertaining game for the most part really.

Score: 7

"Thought-out, but loses out on the gameplay."

submission: William and Sly

date: July 29, 2009

The overall concepts of the game are thought-out. There's enough there to keep you playing for a while, and the completion purists among us probably love the work that needs to be done. It's also good to se that it doesn't come at the player in a sequence, but that it all happens gradually, keeping the player working towards several objectives at once.

The animation on Sly is good, and although the beginning is dealt with quickly, the animation there can also be good. The darklings too have been displayed well, and they fit their purpose to annoy the player brilliantly in some areas. The art itself is a bit samey, but the quality is there. There's a mixture of atmospheres in there almost, aided by the music.

The music is quite comforting... but it's let down by the way it's just not very varied. It keeps the mood up, but in a game where I'm going to be moving a character backwards and forwards constantly, I like to move things around a little with the music. After all, I'm not very good at Flash games, I need all the comfort I get while I fail over and over. At least the presence of the music is felt though, as it might be welcomed after a brief silence.

My main issue with this game, as great as it looks at points and as set-out as it is in regards to its objectives, is the gameplay. A lot of the time, I'm just not enjoying playing the game. The simple controls, I think, are a mixed blessing, as it restricts what the player can and can't do according to the physics. Sly is a simple character of course, but I'm always out to get a little bit of excitement myself. The brief "tutorial" feel of the beginning has a mixed rsponse from me too... it did take me time to realise what I was supposed to be doing exactly, where I'm supposed to be going, etc. Maybe I'm just slow, I don't know.

Perhaps it's my own computer (or, you know, my own body), but I felt a bit dizzy playing this game at points too. Moving too fast would blur my eyes a little and in a game where moving around is pretty much the key interactivity, that's not a good thing. I'm not sure if anything could be done to improve on that all, but I felt like I should bring it up :)

So in conclusion, this is definitely not a BAD game. It's pretty worthy of the recognition it's received. The pleasure I'm getting out of it though, is pretty restricted if I'm being honest. Interesting ideas, good aesthetic qualities, but the other factors aren't really doing it for me all that much.

Score: 9

"Good reading."

submission: MWC February (Part 3 of 3)

date: April 21, 2009

Your voice is very clear, so that's the basics down. The flow of the story is very good also, with barely any stuttering or anything on your part. It's the sort of story that needs a careful reading, which I'm sure is done. The punctuation is also pronunced, so while character's speech may not be entirely identifible by sound, the pauses and whatever else make it pretty clear.

It's a good reading voice you have. I look forward to the next one.

Score: 9

"Best Prank Ever"

submission: Jesus pranks Wendy's

date: July 29, 2007

This is the best prank I ever heard. It's only boredline "completely stupid" and nothing goes majorly wrong. The best part is it's obviously fake so everyone's a winner!

This brigtened up the redesign for me. Cheers Rage.

Score: 9

"Ah, nostalgia"

submission: CasualDays (Beaches)

date: September 28, 2006

That beat is very nostalgic, reminds me of early 80s dance tracks, which isn't a bad thing. All I can say is once again well done on the tune going in with the beat etc etc...