Here is the next installment of 10:
Here Be Monsters! - ethankennerly
Here be monsters is another explore the world game. This time you arent finding the South Pole, but rather you are exploring the seven seas charting maps for merchants and fighting off pirates, killer sharks, and other sinister sea creatures. With some gold to line your pockets as a bonus. I would have quite liked it if it were possible to shoot up and down (due to the placement of some of the enemies), but otherwise there is pretty much nothing I can point out that isnt decent about this game. But, on the same note I also cant really think of what could be added to improve the game. Perhaps another playthrough or two will change that.
The Secret Documents - Danik
The Secret Documents hints at the idea that you discover the secrets that people are trying desperately to hide. The sound effects are quirky, and the music fits perfectly. This game is almost a cross between an action platformer and a puzzle platformer, but I have no idea what that would be called. All in all it is rather enjoyable.
Coffee Forever - Jake Birkett
So, as the name would suggest, this game is entirely pro-coffee. I would also recommend you get a decent dose of caffeine if you are going to try and play this late at night (like I am). It is simple to learnt o play, the sounds are funny, and I can totally see how motivating this game would be while you develop it for ludum dare ("coffee! great idea!"). What would make a nice addition is more types of coffees that do different things, like espresso gives +2 seconds, or decaffeinated that just gives you more score.
The Detectorizer - danblack
I distinctly remember playing a game where you had a metal detector on the beach to try find treasure, but I also remember that there werent overly "friendly" dogs chasing you or bouncers on the beach (its probably a life guard, but bouncers seem cooler in this context). The game is fun, you can pick it up and play for short periods of time, or you can get lost in the finding of treasure and keep going for ages.
Espial - NGuillemot
It is nice for there to be a game revolving around colours that I can actually play, but Espial is a tad too easy, there is enough time for you to construct any pattern from scratch on any position in the window. My suggestion to make this more challenging but without changing the whole mechanic would be to possible add a limit to the number of moves you can make per round. This would then mean the player has to try find partial matches to the pattern (though, thinking about it, it could potentially be the polar opposite difficulty wise and make the game too difficult). A nice puzzle game to spend time on.
Epic Spice Quest - feyleafgames
Epic Spice Quest is just that, a platformer where you have to find spices to make the queens meal taste better! The levels so far are fairly easy and without peril, but there is a lot of content that could be added to the game if the author decides to continue the development. One thing I will comment on is the controls, it would be nice if in instances where you have two hands on the keyboard (like arow keys + space to jump) that the space bar is use for the interations in menus and dialogue aswell, but it is a minor issue that doesnt detract from the game at all.
Code Monkey Trials - Rolith
Well, I am a code monkey, and I seem to have gotten through the trials. Works out for both of us! This puzzle game works on a system of lighting, where you win the game you have to have the whole map revealed (much like Here Be Monsters). The mechanics are easy to learn, and the puzzles are at times challenging. A little polish on the graphical side and it could become a real gem (it is already fun and addictive).
It's A Frickin' CAVE - Hempuli
The game's name actually describes it very well, but it didnt really prepare me for what it was. I kind of had the idea that I would be fighting things in a cave, but the cave generation coupled with the variety of enemies makes for a nice fun play through. There isnt anything I would add or remove from this game as it is, but perhaps with more playthroughs I could give suggestions as to new features or find things that bug me. So far so good.
Disco Five - JohnColburn
Unlike Disco Very, Disco Five is about actual discovery rather than a clever play on words. The game is nicely executed and despite similarities to games I have reviewed already it stand out due to its art style and the goal of the game. Instead of riches you are actually trying to get money as an escape. The author has noted that the balancing isnt correct and that it is nearly impossible to win unless you get lucky, but with the random levle generation it could very well turn into a classic game we talk about in years to come after the balancing.
Palpable Heroic Perception - Furyhunter
Palpable Heroic Perception relies heavily on patience, control and your ability to not launch yourself into oblivion by accidentally bouncing off walls. What put me off about this game was there didnt seem to be a maximum speed, you just keep getting faster and faster (which past an early on point makes it impossible to control yourself) ending up in an accidental wall touch sending you ricocheting around the level, and to your death by wall impact. But I like the concept itself and the implementation of the rest. So that basically sums my experience up.
And thats it for this batch. Be sure to try the games and let the authors know what you think.