Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2008 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/Mercenaries 2 gets a Flash versionhttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/29/mercenaries-2-gets-a-flash-version/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/29/mercenaries-2-gets-a-flash-version/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/29/mercenaries-2-gets-a-flash-version/#commentsFiled under: ,


If you find yourself unable to wait until the Aug. 31 release of Mercenaries 2: World in Flames, we may have the perfect soothing balm for you: Armor Games and EA's Mercenaries 2: World (Nearly) In Flames. It's exactly like the console versions of Mercenaries 2, except it's free! (And it's made in Flash. And it's two dimensional. But other than that? Exactly the same.)

OK, so maybe it's not as technically impressive, but we could think of many worse ways to kill some time until the real release than with this solid, old-school diversion. Enjoy.

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]]>armor-gamesflashmercenaries-2mercenaries-2-world-in-flamesJustin McElroy2008-08-29T16:45:00+00:00Joystiq E3 Hands-on: Castle Crashershttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/17/joystiq-e3-hands-on-castle-crashers/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/17/joystiq-e3-hands-on-castle-crashers/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/17/joystiq-e3-hands-on-castle-crashers/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Thanks to the dedicated blogging of the folks at Behemoth, we pretty much knew everything there was to know about Castle Crashers coming into E3 -- it's the followup to Alien Hominid, a game that started out on Newgrounds, and ended up on the XBLA. It's got tons of playable characters, lots of "animal orbs" you can recruit to fight with you, and a great art style and a sly sense of humor. In fact, the only thing we didn't know about it was probably the most important thing: how it actually played.

After playing it with Microsoft Director of Digitally Distributed Content Scott Austin here at E3, we can safely say it's going to be one of the biggest XBLA titles of this year (it's due out before September 21st). Castle Crashers is crazy good button mashing fun, and we can't wait to lay down our hard-earned Microsoft Points for it.

The game is basically a beat-em-up in the spirit of Streets of Rage, or any number of licensed games of yesteryear. You always move right (a flashing pointer shows you the way to go when it's open), mash buttons to crush enemies when they fall across your path, and then the whole thing is punctuated with the occasional wacky encounters and boss battles.



But Castle Crashers is so much more -- as you take out enemies, you earn experience points, and the more points you get, the more moves and abilities open up. And combat gets complicated, too -- you start with just a hack and slash, and then open up a power hack, and then a spinning attack, and then a sprint attack, and oh yeah, there's a mana bar for each character, and spells to cast (for each of many strange character types in the game) that can also be unlocked, and so on. And that's all just within level 3. Oh, and did we mention the totally cute pets that give you various abilities and statuses? The complexity in the game is mindboggling, and the action is frenetic, but it never forgets that at its heart, it's still just a fun beat-em-up. It's like playing the frontend of the TMNT arcade game with the backend of Final Fantasy Tactics.



And both the art and humor in the game is divine as well -- during the stage we played, there was a huge battle going on behind the foreground, and in the areas we walked through there were soldiers playing dead, enemy creatures doing unspeakable things to soldiers that really were dead, and NPC soldiers trying to do CPR on dead soldiers (that's how you can bring fallen players back to life as well). And at the end of the stage, we were threatened by a big, angry viking boss, only to have another, much larger, viking boss knock a door open flat to crush the first one -- turns out we were fighting the bigger guy.

Behemoth has refined their cartoony style since Alien Hominid -- that game suffered from its Flash roots, but Castle Crashers doesn't suffer from that problem -- it's gorgeous in HD, and every character, background, and boss that we saw oozed with style and color.



And when we did finally beat the boss (it turned out to be a viking battering ram, and we had to hack away at the little enemies populating the inside until they could take no more), we saved a beautiful princess, and discovered that she only wanted one suitor. So after vanquishing all the enemies around us, we then turned on each other to finish off the stage.

Castle Crashers is great fun, looks terrific, and just might end up being the best original XBLA game ever. We'll know for sure when we actually get a chance to play through it -- the pre-October release can't come soon enough.

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]]>alien-hominidanimal-orbbehemothcastle-crashersflashnewgroundsxblaxbox-live-arcadeMike Schramm2008-07-17T10:00:00+00:00Aussie military using games to attract recruitshttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/02/aussie-military-using-games-to-attract-recruits/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/02/aussie-military-using-games-to-attract-recruits/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/02/aussie-military-using-games-to-attract-recruits/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Taking a cue from America's army and, er, America's Army, the Australian military is also using online games to pump up flagging recruitment numbers. As the New Zealand Herald reports, Australia's Defence Jobs web site allows visitors to control crude, Flash versions of ARV Tiger Attack Helicopters, F/A-18 Hornets and more.

The games aren't exactly new (JayIsGames discussed one of them back in 2004) but they're getting increased attention now as a way for military recruitment to compete with a fierce job market. "It is critical to the future of the ADF that Generation Y and beyond can access and interact with recruiting information via the technology they are comfortable with," said Defence Science and Personnel Minister Warren Snowdon, who sounds extremely old.

Two of the Air Force games have recorded over 300,000 plays, according to the Herald report, which might not seem like much compare to America's Army's 8+ million users. Remember, though, that America's defense budget exceeds Australia's (and indeed, the rest of the world's) by leaps and bounds. Whoo! We're No. 1! Don't mess with the U.S.! These colors don't run! And so on ...

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]]>air forceAirForcearmyaustraliaflashmilitarynavynew-zealand-heraldrecruitmentKyle Orland2008-05-02T18:00:00+00:00The Last Stand returns for titularly improbable second helpinghttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/28/the-last-stand-returns-for-titularly-improbable-second-helping/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/28/the-last-stand-returns-for-titularly-improbable-second-helping/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/28/the-last-stand-returns-for-titularly-improbable-second-helping/#commentsFiled under: ,


You may remember that, back in the spring of 2007, we had what one might call a total crush on the zombie-killing survival game, The Last Stand. Now, almost a year to the day after we first brought word of it, the game has risen from its grave and begun shambling towards us with The Last Stand 2.

Though it's not a huge leap forward graphically, there are some significant improvements, especially to the daylight time-management part of the game. Now you'll be able to move from city to city as you try to survive the zombie apocalypse with your ragtag group of survivors, deciding exactly how much time (and where) they'll hunt for new weapons and others still among the living. Traps have also been added, which give the combat a little more depth. If you haven't checked it out (especially if you haven't played the first game) you absolutely need to.

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]]>armor-gamesflashthe-last-stand-2Justin McElroy2008-04-28T15:45:00+00:00Flash game most likely to become internet meme phenomenon: YHTBTRhttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/06/flash-game-most-likely-to-be-internet-meme-phenomenon-yhtbtr/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/06/flash-game-most-likely-to-be-internet-meme-phenomenon-yhtbtr/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/06/flash-game-most-likely-to-be-internet-meme-phenomenon-yhtbtr/#commentsFiled under: ,


We know it's a little early to be throwing phrases like "Game of the Year 2008" around, but when we discover flash games of this caliber, we can't help but voice our heartfelt infatuation. With its stunning character design, addictive gameplay, and breathtaking soundtrack, You Have To Burn The Rope is a smorgasbord of top-notch writing, programming, and design.

We must insist you try it out, and let us know your opinions, strategies and fastest speed run times for the game in the comments section. Though it may detract from the game's titular twist, we feel we must warn you -- you will
 come across a rope during your journey through YHTBTR's lovingly-crafted world, and it absolutely must be burned. Anyone who tells you differently does not have your best interest at heart.

[Via Kotaku]

Play: You Have To Burn The Rope
Watch: The pulse-pounding teaser trailer
Read: The comprehensive walkthrough

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]]>burnflashflash-gamesflashgamesfreehaveindiemazapanropetoyhtbtryouyouhavetoburntheropeGriffin McElroy2008-04-06T16:30:00+00:00This week, you probably Do Know Jackhttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/01/this-week-you-probably-do-know-jack/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/01/this-week-you-probably-do-know-jack/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/01/this-week-you-probably-do-know-jack/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Sacre bleu! Something odd seems to have happened to our favorite sardonic online flash quiz for its March 31 edition (embedded above). Questions like "Repeat after me!" and a comparison between lines from Great Expectations and Jackass 2: The Movie seem completely out of pace with the game's usual punishing difficulty. Don't even get us started on the "repeat after me" Jack Attack, which could probably be completed by a mentally handicapped surrender monkeys (cheese-eating or non).

We can only hope this is a one-time glitch, and not a trend that will last past through the beginning of the fourth month of the year ...

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]]>aprilfoolsaprilfools08flashonlinepuzzlequizwebYDKJyoudontknowjackKyle Orland2008-04-01T02:00:00+00:00PETA's fur-hating, law-skirting, super-cute animal gamehttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/28/petas-fur-hating-law-skirting-super-cute-animal-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/28/petas-fur-hating-law-skirting-super-cute-animal-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/28/petas-fur-hating-law-skirting-super-cute-animal-game/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Spurred on by the apparent success of anti-KFC game Super Chick Sisters, PETA is once again entering the Flash-based interactive activism arena with Bloody Burberry: The Fur Fighters. This time, the action focuses on controlling cute animal critters who are trying to raise awareness of the cruel, fur-coat-selling ways of the Burberry clothing stores. They complete this goal by freeing caged bunnies, protesting at fashion shows and spray-painting coats, all while avoiding some shadowy, black-clad security agents.

You might think a game that encourages spray-painting private property might be a little irresponsible for an activist group, but an in-game disclaimer notes that it's all right because the animal characters are "not subject to human laws." It's like the ultimate diplomatic immunity! This gives us an idea for a crime spree involving trained penguins that the courts can't touch ... but perhaps we've already said too much ....

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]]>activismanimalsflashfurmessagePETAKyle Orland2008-03-28T01:00:00+00:00Defend Your Castle Wii Ware trailer is super-cutehttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/21/defend-your-castle-wii-ware-trailer-is-super-cute/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/21/defend-your-castle-wii-ware-trailer-is-super-cute/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/21/defend-your-castle-wii-ware-trailer-is-super-cute/#commentsFiled under: , ,

We've known about its existence for about a month, and now we get to know what cult classic Flash game Defend Your Castle will look like when it come to Nintendo's Wii Ware service. The answer, it turns out, is pretty freakin' cute.

Compared to the original Flash version, the Wii Ware Defend Your Castle sports a significant lack of blood, perhaps not surprising for the family-friendly system. What is pleasantly surprising is the new paper cutout aesthetic, which reminds us of a cross between Paper Mario and Pencil Whipped. We're also fond of the robust more robust animation, which doesn't miss a beat even when hundreds of stick figures storm the castle in the trailer's thrilling multiplayer co-op finale. We haven't seen such an effective mix of cuteness and carnage since the town's last kitten massacre (warning: this last link is not for fans of kittens).

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]]>cutedefend your castleDefendYourCastleflashindiewii wareWiiWareKyle Orland2008-03-21T16:00:00+00:00Nickelodeon to bulk up online game libraryhttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/19/nickelodeon-to-bulk-up-online-game-library/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/19/nickelodeon-to-bulk-up-online-game-library/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/19/nickelodeon-to-bulk-up-online-game-library/#commentsFiled under: , ,

MTV-owned Nickelodeon recently announced plans to add a whopping 1,600 Flash games to its network of web sites. That might sound like a lot, until you consider that the children's network already controls roughly 5,000 web games that reach over 20 million users every month.

Sure, a good proportion of those games are probably Space Invaders clones found at the acquisition AddictingGames.com. But the Nick portfolio also includes some deep, popular virtual worlds like Neopets and Nicktropolis, and the company has announced they'll be creating three more kid-focused, web-based MMOs in the future. When exactly did the first kids network become the first kids gaming network?

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]]>casualflashneopetsnicknickelodeonwebKyle Orland2008-03-19T10:45:00+00:00Line Rider coming to PC, Wii, DS this summerhttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/11/line-rider-coming-to-pc-wii-ds-this-summer/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/11/line-rider-coming-to-pc-wii-ds-this-summer/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/11/line-rider-coming-to-pc-wii-ds-this-summer/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


It's been a while since we talked about the cult flash physics game Line Rider. Last we heard, developer InXile Entertainment snatched up the rights to the project, with the intent to release it on DS and Wii. Now, industry newbie Genius Products has announced intentions to publish the game on the DS, Wii, and PC, with all three versions due out this summer.

Genius Products has up to now specialized in the distribution of home entertainment products like DVDs. With Line Rider, the Weinstein Holdings company is moving into the game publishing market, hopefully with a hit product. The retail versions of Line Rider will include a level creator mode with the ability to share creations online, but will also feature a single player puzzle mode with, inconceivably enough, a storyline.

As Bosh -- the "clever and cunning" protagonist -- players must traverse over forty sled-riding puzzles to reclaim their true love Bailey from the hands of the "sled-stealing scumbag" Chaz (seriously). The pre-made Line Rider levels were notably designed by TechDawg, the #1 Line Rider player in the world. Let's hope this big(ger)-budget, plot-driven version of the freeware classic is still, above all else, fun.

[Via DS Fanboy]

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]]>flashgenius-productsinxileinxile-entertainmentline-riderlineriderScott Jon Siegel2008-03-11T09:00:00+00:00Zack and Wiki Flash demo availablehttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/05/zack-and-wiki-flash-demo-available/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/05/zack-and-wiki-flash-demo-available/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/05/zack-and-wiki-flash-demo-available/#commentsFiled under: ,


We know that Zack and Wiki is exceedingly old now. Having been released in the fall of 2007, it's practically an e-octogenarian at this point. But we also know that, for whatever reason, some of you still haven't sampled the delights of the whimsical puzzle adventure. Well, as so rarely happens in life, you are now being given a second chance.

A Flash demo for the game is available right here. Just click on "Gameplay" when the site loads up, you'll see the demo on the right. Keep in mind that the actual game has a bit more to offer (Wiimote action, Zack actually moves, etc.) but this brain-teaser should give you a good idea of what you've been missing.

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]]>capcomdemosflashnintendozack-and-wikiJustin McElroy2008-03-05T10:10:00+00:00Cursor*10 is our new Flash jamhttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/15/cursor-10-is-our-new-flash-jam/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/15/cursor-10-is-our-new-flash-jam/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/15/cursor-10-is-our-new-flash-jam/#commentsFiled under: ,


With it's black-and-white aesthetic and isometric view, odd flash game Cursor*10 couldn't be any simpler. But behind the simplicity is a really clever game mechanic and an oddly addicting experience. Ten cursors race through a maze, but as you (the one controlling these cursors) will soon discover they're going to have to work together if they're going to reach the top.

As you layer the progress of your cursors, the beauty of the game reveals itself. Is there a quicker way to beat the game? Can you do it with more points? We're still trying to find the best way to beat it an our later, which isn't bad for a line-drawn Flash game. What's your best score?

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]]>flashJustin McElroy2008-02-15T16:30:00+00:00XGen browser game dev throws casual weight behind WiiWarehttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/17/xgen-browser-game-dev-throws-casual-weight-behind-wiiware/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/17/xgen-browser-game-dev-throws-casual-weight-behind-wiiware/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/17/xgen-browser-game-dev-throws-casual-weight-behind-wiiware/#commentsFiled under: ,


With the launch of Nintendo's WiiWare just around the corner, we expect developers to begin coming out of the woodwork with support for the new download service, the latest of which is Canada-based XGen Studios. Wait, who? As a company known for, of all things, web-based Flash games, XGen has not specified what its initial WiiWare project will be, simply stating that it will release the game alongside the service's launch in early 2008.

On closer inspection, the announcement actually makes a modicum of sense for XGen, which has created browser games for a variety of web portals, including EA's Pogo Network and MTV. The studio's catalog of web games already included labels for those titles it feels are "Wii Compatible," paving the way for game development for the system itself. XGen notes that its first WiiWare title will be based on one of the studio's multiplayer titles, modified to use the Wii remote. But with titles like Fishy, Chicken Jockey, and Balloon Duel, how can you pick just one?

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]]>casualflashnintendowiiwarexgenJason Dobson2008-01-17T12:00:00+00:00Today's most political video and game: Kung-Fu Electionhttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/05/todays-most-political-video-and-game-kung-fu-election/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/05/todays-most-political-video-and-game-kung-fu-election/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/05/todays-most-political-video-and-game-kung-fu-election/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Atom Films hosts Kung-Fu Election, a Mortal Kombat knock-off fighting game starring Republican and Democratic primary front-runners. While the game is fairly deep -- boasting three attack buttons plus special moves -- the intro video snared us. Who knew Obama could shred like that?

See the non-embeddable video, play the game, then tell us how far you fared in the democratic primary tournament.

[Via AdRants]

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]]>advergamingatom-filmselectionflashkung-fukung-fu-electionmortal-kombatmortalkombatonlineprimaryZack Stern2008-01-05T01:33:00+00:00Joystiq impressions: InstantAction (PC)http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/31/joystiq-impressions-instantaction-pc/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/31/joystiq-impressions-instantaction-pc/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/31/joystiq-impressions-instantaction-pc/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Do gamers need yet another platform? GarageGames hopes so. The company's latest project, the InstantAction "platform" -- that word was specifically used -- sits inside a web browser, creating a new environment for gaming. And unlike Flash's 2D limit, InstantAction will support a variety of developer-driven technologies and engines, scaling up to first-person-shooters that even utilize video hardware acceleration. (GarageGames had its hand in the Tribes games after all.)

Like other browser plugins, InstantAction has cross-platform intentions. It's first launching for PCs in early 2008, Mac support will be coming as soon as possible, and a Linux version is under consideration. Gamers will be able to download several titles at launch with pricing to be determined. (Free content may be an option, while paid titles could follow subscription models, multi-game package sales, or single purchases.)

We recently explored an in-development version of InstantAction to wrap our heads around the platform-in-a-browser concept. The execution impressed us, but we're still unsure if InstantAction attempts to solve a problem nobody has. Will 3D and developer-driven environments be enough to displace Flash, as GarageGames hopes?

Gallery: InstantAction



Josh Williams, GarageGames CEO and CTO, drove our demo. He stressed that the InstantAction platform would behave like a console, where it would be simple to develop one game for many users. But unlike a console, the multiple-OS reach and in-browser playability make it more accessible. (The technology could even sit in a console's web browser someday, but because of console restraints, Williams didn't expect that to happen soon if at all.) GarageGames hopes to continue its history of cross-platform development, but individual titles will need to use cross-platform engines for full support in Macs and Linux.

But since GarageGames sees InstantAction as a platform, it's up to developers to create engines or use technologies from GarageGames. (And that framework will ultimately determine cross-platform support on specific games.) Multi-platform Torque, for example, is already running in the InstantAction environment. We tried a couple games that use that technology, like Marble Blast, and everything looked the same as the stand-alone versions of games.

GarageGames thinks instant online access, community, and web connectivity will drive InstantAction's appeal. New games will download dynamically in the background. So if a user wants to play something new, it'll only take a few moments to receive the several-megabyte executable file and basic data. While playing, the PC will continue to download data and assets for further levels. Once complete, a game stays on a hard drive, but players can log into any PC and start the process again.

Friend-list options will also be a central part of the experience. Like other multi-game networking options, InstantAction will keep track of your clique of players. Unlike most competitors, gaming groups will be able to migrate together directly between titles.

GarageGames revealed few details about its launch titles other than plans to create several. Think Tanks and Marble Blast Ultra are among the only ones announced. Several unnamed action games -- including an FPS that's aiming for 32-player matches, a real-time strategy, and a role-playing game -- are also in progress.

But GarageGames is also courting third-parties and other independents to create content. Wideload is working on Cyclomite, an action-puzzle game with single and multiplayer options. GarageGames is seeking even smaller developers, offering to keep its hands off the little guys' IP while funding those projects.

Unlike Flash, InstantAction won't be fully embedded in a content creator's site, at least not initially; games will only be played through InstantAction.com. We hope that GarageGames eventually allows people to host their own titles if the company wants InstantAction to become a full platform instead of just a digital game store.

Otherwise, the project has our interest. The idea, technology, and support for developers sound positive. We'll wait until next year -- and beyond -- to see if that's enough for InstantAction to become a full "platform."

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]]>downloadableengineflashgame-downloadgaragegamesinstantactiononlineplatformplug-inplugintorqueZack Stern2007-10-31T07:04:00+00:00Portal transformed into a Flash gamehttp://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/12/portal-transformed-into-a-flash-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/12/portal-transformed-into-a-flash-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/12/portal-transformed-into-a-flash-game/#commentsFiled under: ,


There are only two groups of people reading this: People who haven't tried Portal yet, and people who have beaten it and desperately want more. (On the off, off chance you've only started Portal -- what are you doing? Stop reading the internet and go play more!) For the rest of you though, you may be able to find a couple of minutes of diversion (or solace) from Portal: The Flash Game.

Sure, this version may lack it's big brother's sense of humor and 3D graphics, but what is here actually manages to catch the Portal gameplay experience fairly well. Heck, the portals even sound the same. If you've just finished the brilliant game, this Flash outing might just bum you out more, like looking at pictures of an ex-boyfriend, or a recently-euthanized family pet. But we're more than grateful for the shot of methadone to help us kick our addiction.

[Thanks, BPMΩ]

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]]>flashorangeboxportalvalveJustin McElroy2007-10-12T08:00:00+00:00Peggle gets free online version, but still no Mac love (for now)http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/05/peggle-gets-free-online-version-but-still-no-mac-love-for-now/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/05/peggle-gets-free-online-version-but-still-no-mac-love-for-now/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/05/peggle-gets-free-online-version-but-still-no-mac-love-for-now/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Popcap Games have just announced a free, web-based version of their pachinko-inspired, unicorn imbued casual hit Peggle. Despite being played in a browser, the web version of Peggle still requires players to download an executable file and install a plugin before use, making the online game just as PC-exclusive as the (other) downloadable version.

Still, that doesn't rule out all hope for the perpetually-deprived Mac gamers of the world. Some insider news reveals that Popcap is currently working on Mac versions of several of their PC-only titles, including Peggle. No word on whether these will be Universal Binary releases, or just Intel-only, but several are expected for release in the upcoming months. Until then, PC users can still enjoy both the full version of Peggle, and the new free online version, which features scoretracking and randomly-generated levels. Hooray for them.

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]]>browserbasedflashnomacloveonlinepegglepopcappopcapgamesScott Jon Siegel2007-09-05T14:55:00+00:00Human Brain Cloud "proves" we think about sex more than moneyhttp://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/22/human-brain-cloud-proves-we-think-about-sex-more-than-money/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/22/human-brain-cloud-proves-we-think-about-sex-more-than-money/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/22/human-brain-cloud-proves-we-think-about-sex-more-than-money/#commentsFiled under: ,

Kyle Gabler, founder of the Experimental Gameplay Project and indie game studio 2D Boy, recently posted a few stats from his side project, Human Brain Cloud. The online "game" shows you a word or phrase and all you have to do is type in the first thing that comes to mind. The answers players give are amassed into a huge network of connected blobs viewable from the website. Nearly 800,000 associations have been submitted so far, connecting over 100,000 unique words and phrases.

What's the most commonly submitted word? "Sex", of course. The second most common is "me", while the third is "money". Good to know the collective consciousness of the human race has its priorities straight. Human Brain Cloud lets you sit and submit as many associations as you want, and we spent more time than we'd like to admit adding our two cents to the project.

[Via Independent Gaming]

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]]>2dboyexperimentalflashindependentindiekylegablerJohn Bardinelli2007-07-22T18:15:00+00:00Rose & Camellia: Slap your way to gaming blisshttp://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/21/rose-and-camellia-slap-your-way-to-gaming-bliss/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/21/rose-and-camellia-slap-your-way-to-gaming-bliss/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/21/rose-and-camellia-slap-your-way-to-gaming-bliss/#commentsFiled under: ,


Slapping. The fighting style of choice for people wearing mittens, women, small children, and now, gamers. Rose & Camellia is a Japanese-made Flash game where you play a woman named Reiko who married into a noble family only to have her husband die shortly afterwards. The women of the house don't respect her, so its your job to slap some good old fashioned sense into them.

Fights are turn-based and you only have a few seconds to act. When it's your turn, click the "attack" button and swipe the mouse in an arc to slap the other woman. When she's on the offensive, click "evade" and make a mirrored arc to avoid the attack. Successfully dodge and you're ready for a counter-slap!

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]]>casualflashindependentindieJohn Bardinelli2007-07-21T17:30:00+00:00Videlectrix releases another game parody: Where's an Egg?http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/18/videlectrix-releases-another-game-parody-wheres-an-egg/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/18/videlectrix-releases-another-game-parody-wheres-an-egg/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/18/videlectrix-releases-another-game-parody-wheres-an-egg/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Homestar Runner's fictional game development studio, Videlectrix (who also created Peasant's Quest and Thy Dungeonman 3: Behold Thy Graphics!), have just released another treasure of gaming hilarity: Where's an Egg?. The gameplay is reminiscent of old adventure titles and has you visiting a number of locations talking to people and hunting for the egg. The catch is that you only have 999 seconds to find it. Oh, and did we mention you have a gun? Yup, loaded with three bullets you can use to shoot anyone you like. Bring on the adventuring!

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]]>flashfreehomestar runnerHomestarRunnerhumorindependentindieonlineparodyvidelectrixJohn Bardinelli2007-07-18T01:54:00+00:00