Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[The Joystiq Free Game Club: Time Fukc]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/18/the-joystiq-free-game-club-time-fukc/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/18/the-joystiq-free-game-club-time-fukc/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/18/the-joystiq-free-game-club-time-fukc/#comments Yes, the Free Game Club is back -- only for one man would we resurrect this classic feature. While we wait not-so-patiently for Super Meat Boy, creator Edmund McMillen has given us Time Fkuc (yes, all orders of the second word's letters are acceptable) to gnaw on.

As with most of McMillen's Flash platformers, explaining its gameplay is almost as difficult as understanding its meaning (if there even is one). Suffice to say the game's mechanics play with time, dimensional shifting and forms part of, according to the release, "an allegorical game about stuff you've never experienced."

McMillen continues to have an incredibly fresh perspective that hasn't disappointed yet: Time Fkuc is no exception. It's lovely, with better animations than the art would suggest, and a really cool soundtrack. Plus, it's free! If you're still not convinced, there's a trailer after the break, placed there because it contains a bad word and is ... well, it's kind of unsettling.

Continue reading The Joystiq Free Game Club: Time Fukc

JoystiqThe Joystiq Free Game Club: Time Fukc originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 18 Sep 2009 09:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>edmund-mcmillenflashfree-game-clubmacsuper-meat-boytime-fckuFri, 18 Sep 2009 09:15:00 EST<![CDATA[The Joystiq Free Game Club: The Several Journeys of Reemus 2]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/20/the-joystiq-free-game-club-the-several-journeys-of-reemus-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/20/the-joystiq-free-game-club-the-several-journeys-of-reemus-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/20/the-joystiq-free-game-club-the-several-journeys-of-reemus-2/#comments
Wow, what a milestone. After, like, eight months of doing the Joystiq Free Game Club, we finally have a sequel to a game we've previously featured. Wow, it looks like one semi-regular feature is all grown up. Ladies and gentlemen, please, give a big hand to our guest of honor, The Several Journeys of Reemus: Chapter 2.

Sadly, on this proud, proud day, we don't have a whole lot to add to the discussion that we didn't say about the first one. We're still following exterminator Reemus and his purple bear buddy Liam as they travel the countryside fighting vermin. It's still lovely to look at and the point-and-click puzzles are still as well-conceived as they are amusing.

More to the point, though, it's still free, free, totally free -- so what are you waiting for?

JoystiqThe Joystiq Free Game Club: The Several Journeys of Reemus 2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 20 Feb 2009 01:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>flashfree-game-clubnewgroundspcreemuszeebarfFri, 20 Feb 2009 01:15:00 EST<![CDATA[The Joystiq Free Game Club: Ben There, Dan That]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/05/the-joystiq-free-game-club-ben-there-dan-that/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/05/the-joystiq-free-game-club-ben-there-dan-that/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/05/the-joystiq-free-game-club-ben-there-dan-that/#comments
We know that we normally wait until Monday to bring you fresh Free Game Club offerings, but, to be honest, we couldn't go another day without bringing this gem to your attention. If you have any place in your heart for adventure games (especially those of the LucasArts variety), then you must, must play Ben There, Dan That, a hilarious love letter to adventure games of yore.

As best friends Ben and Dan, you'll be abducted by aliens, fall out of a cow's rectum and become a pan-dimensional murderer, all in an effort to return to their depressingly ramshackle apartment. The graphics are decidedly low-fi and the walking animations are comically terrible, but the presentation belies some preciously goofy puzzles and genuinely hilarious writing.

We weren't at all familiar with developer Zombie Cow before we sat down with the game, and now we can't wait to see what they do next. What do you think?

JoystiqThe Joystiq Free Game Club: Ben There, Dan That originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 05 Feb 2009 15:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventureben-there-dan-thatfree-game-clublucasartspczombie-cowThu, 05 Feb 2009 15:15:00 EST<![CDATA[The Joystiq Free Game Club: Closure]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/26/the-joystiq-free-game-club-closure/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/26/the-joystiq-free-game-club-closure/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/26/the-joystiq-free-game-club-closure/#commentsFiled under: ,


We usually use this space in the Free Game Club post to expound a bit on the gameplay of the week's subject. But we're not going to do that this time. No, the last thing we'd want to give away is the delightful, mind-bending mechanic that Closure is built around.

Instead of spoiling all the fun, we'll spend our time trying to convince you that you absolutely need to check this game out. Would it sway you to know it was created by Tyler Glaiel, half of the team behind the delightful Aether? What if we informed you that it had a gorgeous, willowy look to which the above screenshot can't do justice? Would that make you more likely to click?

If you're still not swayed, continue and read the comments below from readers that have come before. Who can you trust, if not the Joystiq BioMass?

JoystiqThe Joystiq Free Game Club: Closure originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 26 Jan 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aetherclosurefree-game-clubPCtyler-glaielMon, 26 Jan 2009 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Joystiq Free Game Club: Dodge]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/19/the-joystiq-free-game-club-dodge/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/19/the-joystiq-free-game-club-dodge/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/19/the-joystiq-free-game-club-dodge/#commentsFiled under: ,


The industry is finally slowing down on the twin-stick shooters, but we've found their successor: One-stick no-shooters. Submitted for the approval of the Joystiq Free Game Club, we present Dodge.

It feels (and sort of looks) like a forgotten gametype from Geometry Wars. You pilot an unarmed ship with only one means of defending itself: Steering enemy bullets into other foes. By circling your enemies you can get a whole train of missiles following you, and direct the whole lot into the opposition's hulls with a single quick maneuver.

By stringing together a bunch of kills you can build your combo meter and earn more points, points that can be exchanged for a refill of your health bar.

We're fans of the basic gameplay here, as well as the fairly derivative sights and sounds. But we think it gets repetitive just a bit earlier than we'd like. What say you about it?

JoystiqThe Joystiq Free Game Club: Dodge originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 19 Jan 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>armor-gamesdodgefree-game-clubPCMon, 19 Jan 2009 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Joystiq Free Game Club: Mario vs. Spartan: The Game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/22/the-joystiq-free-game-club-mario-vs-spartan-the-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/22/the-joystiq-free-game-club-mario-vs-spartan-the-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/22/the-joystiq-free-game-club-mario-vs-spartan-the-game/#commentsFiled under: ,


Yes, the idea of Master Chief being dispatched by Bowser to kill Mario tests the limits of even disturbingly circuitous fan fiction logic. And OK, fine, the gameplay leaves a certain something to be desired. And no, we don't know why our favorite Spartan brought only grenades and no guns. But Mario vs. Spartan: The Game is what we're going to talk about this week, so you're gonna have to deal with it.

It has a lot of shortcomings, but the idea of Master Chief fighting Mario is just so devastatingly badical, we found ourselves powerless to resist. Seriously, we bet you could find the design doc written on the back of a binder in Wite-Out somewhere. Awesome.

Are you leet enough to finish teh fightz0r against Mario? Share your accomplishment in the comments below.

[Via Hawty McBloggy]

JoystiqThe Joystiq Free Game Club: Mario vs. Spartan: The Game originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 22 Dec 2008 12:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>free-game-clubhalomariomaster-chiefPCMon, 22 Dec 2008 12:55:00 EST<![CDATA[The Joystiq Free Game Club: Auditorium]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/08/the-joystiq-free-game-club-auditorium/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/08/the-joystiq-free-game-club-auditorium/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/08/the-joystiq-free-game-club-auditorium/#commentsFiled under:


You've probably seen Auditorium already on numerous other sites, so, since the Joystiq Free Game Club can't be the very first, we're going to be the very best, with the most insightful analysis yet of this melodic, meditative Flash puzzler. Ready? Here goes.

What the hell is going on in this game?

Seriously! OK, so we don't have any problem moving our space ship around, but our light bullets are almost impossible to control. Also, no matter how many bullets hit the little castles, they never explode. If we didn't know better, we'd say they're actually getting bigger! And, come to think of it, they don't even look that much like castles!

Also, the music seems to cut in and out at random, and we're not even sure any of the instruments is an electric guitar. ... Oh, and the first level is called "Hajimemashite." Nice localization, guys!

We give it a 6.5.

JoystiqThe Joystiq Free Game Club: Auditorium originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 08 Dec 2008 11:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>auditoriumfree-game-clubjoystiqfeaturesPCMon, 08 Dec 2008 11:17:00 EST<![CDATA[The Joystiq Free Game Club: Buggle Stars]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/24/the-joystiq-free-game-club-buggle-stars/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/24/the-joystiq-free-game-club-buggle-stars/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/24/the-joystiq-free-game-club-buggle-stars/#commentsFiled under:


We already told you about the Casual Collective's hyper-addictive Desktop Tower Defense iteration, but this week we've been swept away by another one of their confections: Buggle Stars, a platformer with an adorable shell to hide its difficulty.

You're a little buggle who wants nothing more than to collect all the stars in each stage of his world as quickly as possible. The faster you grab them (while simultaneously avoiding spikes and other hazards), the higher your score. It sounds easy enough, and it is. At first.

Before long, you'll realize that there's a "right" way to sail through each level, and if you're ... well, let's say a particular sort of person, you'll find it tough to resist the siren song of the perfect run.

Graphically it's simplicity itself, but we have to give a little love to the music, which is just charming enough to keep your fist out of your monitor when things get tough.

Give it a try and let us know what you think.

JoystiqThe Joystiq Free Game Club: Buggle Stars originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 24 Nov 2008 12:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>buggle-starsfree-game-clubPCMon, 24 Nov 2008 12:40:00 EST<![CDATA[The Joystiq Free Game Club: Hunted Forever]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/20/the-joystiq-free-game-club-hunted-forever/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/20/the-joystiq-free-game-club-hunted-forever/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/20/the-joystiq-free-game-club-hunted-forever/#commentsFiled under:


On its surface, Hunted Forever is a very simple game: You're madly scrambling as you attempt to avoid a vicious laser-and-missile toting A.I. Dig a little deeper though and you'll find ... well, it's still pretty simple. But it's also really fun.

We don't know why the robots want to wipe this sad last human off the face of the planet, but they do, and, frankly, as a human yourself, that should be enough for you. With really fantastic animations, your shadowy protagonist will leap to avoid certain death, all while trying to collect machine parts that he can use to upgrade his abilities.

For the duration, he'll be taunted/guided by a GLaDOS-esque support system that wants nothing more than his quick, painful death.

As we said, it's a simple concept. But much like Castle Crashers, it bolts on some more contemporary concepts to its classic core for an experience that we think you'll really enjoy.

JoystiqThe Joystiq Free Game Club: Hunted Forever originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 20 Oct 2008 15:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>free-game-clubhunted-foreverPCMon, 20 Oct 2008 15:26:00 EST<![CDATA[The Joystiq Free Game Club: Warfare 1917]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/13/the-joystiq-free-game-club-warfare-1917/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/13/the-joystiq-free-game-club-warfare-1917/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/13/the-joystiq-free-game-club-warfare-1917/#commentsFiled under: ,


As you long-time readers know, Joystiq loves the zombie-battling action from The Last Stand and The Last Stand 2. Now, developer Con-Artists has moved on to a new project, Warfare 1917, and though it lacks a horde of brain-hungry degenerates, its take on World War I is no less addictive.

You'll lead either the British or German forces as you try to overcome the steadily approaching opposition. It's both a battle for land and morale as you can win by either moving to the far right of the board or just beating up on your foes until they can't take it any more.

You'll decide which unit types you want to send out when, as well as the best time for them to move from trench to trench. Also at your disposal is a wide array of different big weapons like mortars and artillery, which you can rarely deploy without making sure your forces are far, far away from the target area.

We haven't completeld Warfare 1917, so we can't quite put it on the level with Last Stand yet. But if the early bits we've played are any indication, you might want to free up a couple of hours before deciding to give Warfare a try.

JoystiqThe Joystiq Free Game Club: Warfare 1917 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 13 Oct 2008 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>armor-gamesfree-game-clubPCMon, 13 Oct 2008 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Joystiq Free Game Club: I Wish I Were The Moon]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/29/the-joystiq-free-game-club-i-wish-i-were-the-moon/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/29/the-joystiq-free-game-club-i-wish-i-were-the-moon/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/29/the-joystiq-free-game-club-i-wish-i-were-the-moon/#commentsFiled under: , ,


We're usually into featuring more fully formed products on the Free Game Club, but they are, after all, free, so we hope you won't be too bothered by the inclusion of I Wish I Were the Moon, a precious little experimental gem by Daniel Benmergui.

In the simplest terms, you're manipulating a short story with the use of a camera frame that can relocate objects from one location to another. With a few clicks, you can alter how the story of a boy, a girl, the moon and a seagull comes to an end.

By Benmergui's own admission there are some failings, but the central idea is really solid. In fact, the designer went on to use a similar mechanic in a more fully-formed concept called Storyteller.

So please, play around with IWIWTM and then come back to let us know what you think. We're curious as to whether you see this as more of a toy or the possible cornerstone of a full, compelling game.

JoystiqThe Joystiq Free Game Club: I Wish I Were The Moon originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 29 Sep 2008 15:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>free-game-clubPCMon, 29 Sep 2008 15:55:00 EST<![CDATA[The Joystiq Free Game Club: Urban Brawl]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/15/the-joystiq-free-game-club-urban-brawl/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/15/the-joystiq-free-game-club-urban-brawl/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/15/the-joystiq-free-game-club-urban-brawl/#commentsFiled under: ,


We bet when you woke up this morning, "Playing a mod of Doom 2" was probably pretty low on the list of things you thought you'd be doing. But believe us when we tell you that you absolutely shouldn't miss out on Action DooM 2: Urban Brawl. It's free, it doesn't require Doom 2 to run and it's really, really good. We swear.

You play a washed up cop who's forced by tragedy to take to the streets and fight through an army of thugs. The story is related to you through Sin City-inspired cut scenes that have some of the best writing you'll see in a game this year. Yeah, we know, we found it pretty hard to believe too.

As for the actual action, it's a beat 'em up/FPS hybrid, somewhere between Double Dragon and Condemned, with a colorful visual style that really pops despite the graphical limitations.

We should say up front that it's pretty hard and doesn't make a lot of allowances for modern FPS conventions (you will, for example, have to press a button to enable mouse looking) but the whole package is so shockingly good we hope you won't let those hurdles keep you from the goodness within.

[Via IHTP]

JoystiqThe Joystiq Free Game Club: Urban Brawl originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 15 Sep 2008 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>action-doomdoom-2free-game-clubPCurban-brawlMon, 15 Sep 2008 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Joystiq Free Game Club: Aether]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/08/the-joystiq-free-game-club-aether/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/08/the-joystiq-free-game-club-aether/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/08/the-joystiq-free-game-club-aether/#commentsFiled under:


Oh boy, do we ever love Aether, and we bet you're going to as well. Simply put, it's the story of a boy dealing with feelings of alienation as he discovers (with the help of his pet monster) that he is, in fact, not as alone as he once imagined.

As the game begins, you leave your home planet on the back of your beast, which gets through the universe via his long, elastic tongue, allowing him to snap to nearby clouds and planets and then hurtle to the outer reaches of the galaxy. There you'll find several planets, each with their own unique puzzles to solve, requiring a combination of quick reflexes and some non-linear thinking. It's all presented in attractive, washed out pastels and with a hauntingly otherworldly soundtrack.

It's everything you want an "art game" to be, with a unique visual style, a creative gameplay mechanic and a real sense of an artist's touch (two, in this case, Edmund McMillen and Tyler Glaiel). It's a uniquely personal, touching game that we can't wait for you to try and share your thoughts on in the comments.

JoystiqThe Joystiq Free Game Club: Aether originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 08 Sep 2008 12:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aetherarmor-gamesfree-game-clubPCMon, 08 Sep 2008 12:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq Free Game Club: Epic War]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/25/joystiq-free-game-club-epic-war/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/25/joystiq-free-game-club-epic-war/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/25/joystiq-free-game-club-epic-war/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Video games based on the Lord of the Rings franchise have been a mixed bag at best, but, as you know, there's one sure-fire equalizer when it comes to quality: Freeness (or is it freeosity)? Using that logic, Kongregate and ArtLogicGames' Epic War, an LOTR-inspired strategy game, may just be the best of the lot.

The premise is simple: you defend your castle with a turret and an army of Tolkien-created creatures, all the while trying to get your forces to the enemy castle to demolish it. No, it's not exactly canon, but that's good news, because it means you can inexplicably throw out an army of dwarves, elves and hobbits with no worries of watching a favorite character die.

As you progress through the battles on the world map, you'll earn experience you can use to train your units, acquire new types like wizards and dragons and gain new powers for your turret. It's hard to break the addiction cycle when the upgrade or character is just a quick battle away.

Give it a whirl, let us know what you think. And if you know of a free game that you'd like us to feature, let us know in the comments.

JoystiqJoystiq Free Game Club: Epic War originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 25 Aug 2008 11:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>epic-warfree-game-clubkongregatePCMon, 25 Aug 2008 11:35:00 EST<![CDATA[The Joystiq Free Game Club: Fantastic Contraption]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/11/the-joystiq-free-game-club-fantastic-contraption/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/11/the-joystiq-free-game-club-fantastic-contraption/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/11/the-joystiq-free-game-club-fantastic-contraption/#commentsFiled under: ,


Your first reaction to Fantastic Contraption is going to be one of complete befuddlement. Not only will you not understand the game, you won't be able to comprehend why we selected it for the FGC. But trust us: Hang in there. Because once the game's intricate mechanics reveal themselves to you, we predict you're going to have a really hard time stopping.

The idea is, at its core, simple. You're trying to build a contraption that can get a pink ball to a pink square. You don't even have that many tools to work with, just a few different types of wheels and rods. The challenge (and the joy) is figuring out how those components all work together in-game.

If we have a problem with FC, it's that the tutorial could be a bit better. But at the same time, we can understand why playing with the physics is probably a lot easier than trying to get someone to understand them. Give it a spin and let us know what you think.

[Thanks, BitPicnic]

JoystiqThe Joystiq Free Game Club: Fantastic Contraption originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 11 Aug 2008 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>free-game-clubjoystiqfeaturesPCMon, 11 Aug 2008 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Joystiq Free Game Club: Tap Tap Revenge]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/04/the-joystiq-free-game-club-tap-tap-revenge/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/04/the-joystiq-free-game-club-tap-tap-revenge/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/04/the-joystiq-free-game-club-tap-tap-revenge/#commentsFiled under:

After expanding our horizons with Flash games and GameTap games in recent weeks, we thought it might be time to delve into everybody's favorite new game console that isn't: The iPhone. Though there are plenty of good purchasable games, you have to look a bit harder in the App Store to dig up a decent free one. We've picked one of the most popular choices this week: Tap Tap Revenge.

The concept couldn't be simpler. Three columns of dots hurtle towards the "Home" key, and you have to tap them in time with the music. As you nail more notes in succession, your multiplier (and, in turn, your score) continues to climb. You'll occasionally have to use the phone's accelerometer to shake it instead of tap.

There's also a surprisingly enjoyable two-player mode that allows you and a friend to grip either side of the phone (make sure they wash their hands first) and tap the dots now careening toward both ends of the phone.

Besides being free, the game also has some additional songs you can download -- not a bad value-add for a game that was free in the first place. iPhone owners: Give it a shot and let us know what you think. Non-iPhone owners: Please be more dedicated about trying to get an iPhone.

JoystiqThe Joystiq Free Game Club: Tap Tap Revenge originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 04 Aug 2008 11:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>free-game-clubjoystiqfeaturesMobileMon, 04 Aug 2008 11:45:00 EST<![CDATA[The Joystiq Free Game Club: Psychonauts]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/28/the-joystiq-free-game-club-psychonauts/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/28/the-joystiq-free-game-club-psychonauts/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/28/the-joystiq-free-game-club-psychonauts/#commentsFiled under:


We thought we'd take a break this week from our usual Flash-based fare this week on the Free Game Club to talk about a slightly meatier experience that you could be having for for free right now: Psychonauts. Yeah, that's right. Tim Schafer's bizarre, hilarious action-platformer is available right now as a free selection on GameTap.

So here's the question: Why haven't you played it yet? You might have had an excuse a couple of years ago, when it was just a poorly-marketed Majesco game. But how has it not made its way onto your must play list at this point? It's cleverly written, it's got some really memorable levels and characters, it's just an all-around great way to spend your time. OK, so maybe some of the actual platforming and combat gameplay is a touch spotty from time to time. But we can look past it, and we're betting you can too.

If you've played the game, feel free to use the comments below to share your thoughts/gushing adoration. If you haven't, we'd love to hear your excuses. If you're about to play it for the first time ... well, don't let us keep you. We'll still be here when you're done.

JoystiqThe Joystiq Free Game Club: Psychonauts originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 28 Jul 2008 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>double-finefree-game-clubgametapjoystiqfeaturesPCpsychonautsMon, 28 Jul 2008 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Joystiq Free Game Club: Kongai]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/21/the-joystiq-free-game-club-kongai/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/21/the-joystiq-free-game-club-kongai/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/21/the-joystiq-free-game-club-kongai/#commentsFiled under:


We hook you up with two different kinds of games in the JFGC. The first are just titles that we hope you'll think are fun. The second are ones we've been paid to post about by the Chinese government to make the English-speaking world less productive. Posting about Kongai ... well, let's just say if you want to go to a fancy meal that will cost no more than 457 yuan, you don't even need to worry about it. We've got you.

Kongai is a really excellent digital collectible card game hosted by Kongregate. The strategy is sufficiently deep so that explaining here wouldn't really be practical but, in short, you'll pit three or five character cards against three or five of an enemy's. You'll then have to balance choosing the right attack for the right situation with knowing when to retreat.

Continue reading The Joystiq Free Game Club: Kongai

JoystiqThe Joystiq Free Game Club: Kongai originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 21 Jul 2008 11:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>free-game-clubjoystiqfeaturesPCMon, 21 Jul 2008 11:49:00 EST<![CDATA[The Joystiq Free Game Club: GemCraft]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/08/the-joystiq-free-game-club-gemcraft/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/08/the-joystiq-free-game-club-gemcraft/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/08/the-joystiq-free-game-club-gemcraft/#commentsFiled under:


There have been a bevy of tower defense games in the past months, none of which were able to usurp the king (of our hearts) Desktop Tower Defense 1.5. But Game in a Bottle and Armor Games' new offering GemCraft ... well, it still doesn't, but it does some interesting stuff that we think is definitely worth talking about.

The best way of thinking about the game is a Puzzle Quest-ian take on the TD genre. You're trying to protect your base from oncoming hordes with varying strengths and weaknesses, but instead of building different types of towers, you use mana to create different gems that are placed in towers. Each color has different qualities and if you're willing to spend more mana you can create stronger versions of each, creating a risk/reward question of building a weaker gem or waiting to build a more powerful one.

There's another layer on top of that, though. As you complete stages, you earn experience that you can use to buy more starting gems, a lower mana cost for gems, quicker mana regeneration, etc. And each time you beat a level with more experience, the difference is added to your total. That means that while it may be easy for you to beat the opening stages, if you don't work to get the best score you may not be powerful enough for some of the final conflicts.

There's a lot going on here, some of it working better than others. But who cares what we have to say about it? What's your take on GemCraft?

For another look at the Freeware scene, check out BigDownload's Freeware Friday series.

JoystiqThe Joystiq Free Game Club: GemCraft originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 08 Jul 2008 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>free-game-clubgemcraftPCTue, 08 Jul 2008 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Joystiq Free Game Club: Music Catch]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/30/the-joystiq-free-game-club-music-catch/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/30/the-joystiq-free-game-club-music-catch/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/30/the-joystiq-free-game-club-music-catch/#commentsFiled under:


Music Catch, a recent free game from Reflexive, is a very different sort of animal, but not for its gameplay. The concept couldn't be simpler: Catch the colorful shapes with your cursor by avoiding the red ones. It's fine, nothing revolutionary really, but just fine.

What really sets it apart (for us at least) is the song that underscores the game, a dynamic yet melancholy piano piece written by the game's programmer, Isaac Shepard. The way the shapes emerge onto the playing field in time with the music is one of the most seamless examples of game and music working in concert that we can remember.

Though it's enjoyable, we're still not thoroughly satisfied. We've played through the entirety a few times, and the concept feels as if it could be fleshed out a little more. But we're not sure if that would ruin the game's peaceful, hypnotic quality. What do you think? Does Music Catch leave you wanting more? Or does it work fine just the way it is?

For another look at the Freeware scene, check out BigDownload's Freeware Friday series.

JoystiqThe Joystiq Free Game Club: Music Catch originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 30 Jun 2008 18:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>free-game-clubmusic-catchPCMon, 30 Jun 2008 18:28:00 EST<![CDATA[The Joystiq Free Game Club: Elephant Rave]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/23/the-joystiq-free-game-club-elephant-rave/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/23/the-joystiq-free-game-club-elephant-rave/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/23/the-joystiq-free-game-club-elephant-rave/#commentsFiled under: ,

These days, we're seeing more and more games targeted at a wider demographic spectrum, even outside of the traditional video game market. Well, the Joystiq Free Game Club is proud to report that a game has finally been released that caters to that oft-neglected sect of the population: Crazy people. Ladies and gentlemen, we give you Elephant Rave.

The name is an impressively accurate summary of the game itself. You're an elephant, and you're trying to survive a rave. But sadly for fans of methylenedioxymethamphetamine, the only things being dropped here are deadly, deadly lasers, falling in-sync with the throbbing techno beat. Oh, and at the beginning there are some fairly inflammatory "pro-elephant" political messages.

There's a lot of insanity to like here, but we love the "game over" message, just a simple pronouncement of "Rave Ruined." Because it's true, dude. You totally ruined the rave.

For another look at the Freeware scene, check out BigDownload's Freeware Friday series.

JoystiqThe Joystiq Free Game Club: Elephant Rave originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 23 Jun 2008 20:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>free-game-clubPCMon, 23 Jun 2008 20:44:00 EST<![CDATA[The Joystiq Free Game Club: Dolphin Olympics 2]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/16/the-joystiq-free-game-club-dolphin-olympics-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/16/the-joystiq-free-game-club-dolphin-olympics-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/16/the-joystiq-free-game-club-dolphin-olympics-2/#commentsFiled under: ,


For the first time, we're actually hesitant about recommending a game to the club. It's not because we have any doubts about its quality, far from it. We just often wish we could turn back the clock to a day when every activity in our lives was not just a brief respite from Dolphin Olympics 2.

If you're among the lucky uninitiated, Dolphin Olympics 2 puts players in control of a dolphin and charges them with scoring as many points as possible (both by linking tricks and getting amazing heights) in two minutes. (In case you're curious, our highest is 19,000,000 and we've seen Pluto a couple of times.)

The main problem is that, at just two minutes per game, it's difficult to put down, especially when you're always positive you could have a better run. Testaments to its vicious addictiveness have even made their way to YouTube.

So please, give it a spin, either on Kongregate or on its Facebook version, heck, go ahead an post your high scores here. Just don't say we didn't warn you.

For another look at the Freeware scene, check out BigDownload's Freeware Friday series.

JoystiqThe Joystiq Free Game Club: Dolphin Olympics 2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 16 Jun 2008 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dolphin-olympics-2free-game-clubPCMon, 16 Jun 2008 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Joystiq Free Game Club: Trackmania Nations Forever]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/09/the-joystiq-free-game-club-trackmania-nations-forever/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/09/the-joystiq-free-game-club-trackmania-nations-forever/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/09/the-joystiq-free-game-club-trackmania-nations-forever/#commentsFiled under: ,


Is there an excuse for not playing Trackmania Nations Forever? If there is, we can't think of it. Let's get this out of the way first: It's free, so don't even act like it's a money thing. You say racing games have gotten too sim-like for you? Well, this one is different, allowing races to be played with only the arrow keys if you want. And if you have complaints about the way the cars look, we're going to hit you with a link to download Mad Max's Interceptor or Mario's kart.

Free or not, we don't think this is a game that anyone should miss. There are tons and tons of races to play against the clock, allowing you to collect medals and compare your major awards with people in your region, nation and all over the globe. And if you tire of racing by your lonesome, you can take a spot in massive multiplayer competitions with everyone vying not to beat others to the finish line but to get the fastest lap time.

It's easy to play, it's free, it's fun, we think a download should be a foregone conclusion. But, as always, this is the Joystiq Free Game Club, so the final word is yours. What do you think?

For another look at the Freeware scene, check out BigDownload's Freeware Friday series.

JoystiqThe Joystiq Free Game Club: Trackmania Nations Forever originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 09 Jun 2008 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>free-game-clubPCtrackmaniatrackmania-nationstrackmania-nations-foreverMon, 09 Jun 2008 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Joystiq Free Game Club: The Several Journeys of Reemus]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/26/the-joystiq-free-game-club-the-several-journeys-of-reemus/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/26/the-joystiq-free-game-club-the-several-journeys-of-reemus/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/26/the-joystiq-free-game-club-the-several-journeys-of-reemus/#commentsFiled under: ,


Thanks to entries in the genre like Sam & Max, the debate over the life or death of the point-and-click adventure seems moot at this point. But we're still encouraged when we see them not just taking on life, but shining in a different venue. The latest example of that and one of our new favorites is The Several Journeys of Reemus by Zeebarf.

The game follows the story of Reemus, an exterminator hunting a giant ant with his purple bear by the name of Liam. By manipulating the environment and (occasionally) Reemus himself, you'll guide him through a series of puzzles that strike just the right balance of logical and abstract thinking. Oh, and there's fantastic music. We think you're really going to enjoy it.

But, as is always the way with the Joystiq Free Game Club, the verdict lies with you. Does it leave you wanting to go on more of Reemus' journeys? Or is one more than enough?

For another look at the Freeware scene, check out BigDownload's Freeware Friday series.

JoystiqThe Joystiq Free Game Club: The Several Journeys of Reemus originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 26 May 2008 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>free-game-clubjourneys-of-reemusjoystiqfeaturesPCMon, 26 May 2008 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Joystiq Free Game Club: Sonny]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/19/the-joystiq-free-game-club-sonny/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/19/the-joystiq-free-game-club-sonny/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/19/the-joystiq-free-game-club-sonny/#commentsFiled under: , ,


As much hubbub as there is surrounding new games for sale, there's one class of game that often gets the cold shoulder: Free games. It's sad, not only because there's a lot of really clever, well-crafted stuff in the shareware/Flash/freeware world, but also because they're all so very, very free. We at Joystiq decided they should huddle in the shadows no longer as we present our new weekly feature, The Joystiq Free Game Club.

What do you have to do to be a member? Well, the idea is this: We'll pick out a game that meets two important criteria: 1. It's free. 2. It's interesting. We won't be picking solely the newest stuff, just things that we think merit your attention. Then, we ask that you give it a whirl and share your thoughts with the rest of the Joystiq biomass in the comments section. It's like Oprah's Book Club, but with more zombies.

Proving that point, we're kicking off with Sonny, a deep, Flash-based RPG with an incredible soundtrack by Armor Games that we think everyone should play. Let us know what you think.

For another look at the Freeware scene, check out BigDownload's Freeware Friday series.

JoystiqThe Joystiq Free Game Club: Sonny originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 19 May 2008 13:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>free-game-clubjoystiqfeaturesPCsonnyMon, 19 May 2008 13:55:00 EST