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

"Still up there as one of the parody kings"

submission: Metal Gear Awesome 2

date: February 23, 2008

I thought this might not be as hilarious as the first Metal Gear Awesome, but you shut me up right at the start. Most of all, it addresses the way I thought the first one was far too short for a parody of a game far too easy to make a parody of.

The best game parodies play off the real feelings someone gets while play the damn thing, rather than just hopeless references, which I'm glad to say, this flash does perfectly. Those damn cigarette lasers!

As before, voice acting is top-notch. Animation, while not intended to be a high point is at least, very presentable. Finally, it's good to know you love the fans!

So yeah, I enjoyed it as much as the first one. I was hoping for the full game, but this would do fine. After all, I didn't know you had to change controller ports...

Score: 7

"Enjoyable"

submission: Rock Out Rivals: DFT

date: July 2, 2007

You've already addressed the file size; I think it is justified.

The sound quality is very good, and the homemade tracks themselves aren't bad either, which is obviously a must in a music-orientated game. I saw no problems with the sound at all, other than my personal taste.

While it's not a uber-graphics game, what's there is adequate and the dancing animations are quite good from the top down view. Sometimes they jumped a little, but this is all a matter of whatever buttons I'm using.

The instructions were also well-written and helped me understand the game straight away. If there were any improvements to be had, I'd look at the gameplay, though that would probably jack up the filesize further.

Overall, not a bad attempt at all.

Score: 8

"Weirdness pays off"

submission: L.O.V.E And You & I

date: June 22, 2007

I really enjoyed the song, and the animation really...goes with it. I stress "goes" because the song doesn't flow, rather it's a mashed up stew of Love. This is also exactly how the animation behaves through it's good artwork.

While I think in some places I think the artwork could be slightly better, the animation works fine and does it's soundtrack justice. I'm a fan of these neo-psychadelic pieces, which is definately a factor when I view it.

Overall, good. Could've been slightly better in places but I like it. Does what a music video should do.

Score: 8

"Very nice and challenging"

submission: Incubus Pulsum

date: June 22, 2007

I love the style of this game, and I'm not usually one for these type of game. It's quite refreshing to see a challenging music game on this website. That being said, it is very challenging and I've failed to get good at it yet. Well, there's only one cure for that: try until my head explodes!

The graphics and art are brilliant, not just within the deceptively simple gameplay, but also in the entertaining prologue and disastrous consequences when the player loses. In the latter, reading the small newspaper also turned out to be "one of those little things you can't miss" if you get that. You probably won't.

The sound was top-notch, and I never found a fault in it. My one little criticism is that the sound sometimes didn't match the beats the player takes against the enemies. Maybe it's just me, I don't know; maybe I should increase my abiities.

The controls seemed a little complex at moments, though not hugely hard to work with. It's another one of those "get the hang of" things I suppose.

Overall, entertaining and challenging. Pretty good for spending any lost time with.

Score: 7

"Nice and Political."

submission: GWB:Boy President - Ep101

date: March 19, 2007

First of all, the graphics and animations are top notch. It makes this humourous piece all the more pretty.

The music in the background is fairly irritating and it don't think it really contributes to the humour, but the voices were well done. They were ocassionally drowned out by the music but that's okay.

It was funny too, though the main joke didn't take too many forms; it was pretty repetitive. Maybe it's supposed to be like that, I'm not sure but I think a bit of improvement can be made here.

Either way, nice job. 7/10.

Score: 6

"Funny Short - I like it."

submission: Piano Lessons

date: January 19, 2007

The graphics and (the little) animation wasn't too bad. I love the jolly credit music; good choice. I giggled at the joke, and I love these short animations. I look forward to seeing more.

In future, just make it a tidgey bit longer...

Score: 7

"Above Average."

submission: Limerick City

date: January 18, 2007

I liked it, I think there were a good choice of pictures, and a good choice of music to sync the pictures, and the "message" is put across well.

The effects on the first part got a little irritating to look at after a bit, and there were maybe too many pictures on this part.

Still, nice work.