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Multiplayer Game Reviews
February 16, 2011
 I am finding that more and more I like games that are built on the idea of rhythm. After Audio Surf, I have been looking into games that are not just tools for making your own music, but games that are run on that kind of idea. That you should be able to incorporate your own style and choices of music into your gaming experience. I am sure it is obvious why but I just feel like, though major companies are not picking it up yet, this is the next step in big games. It is a kind of customization that goes further than just picking what color hair or which set of features you want with your adventure. It is about adding something that is uniquely you to a pastime. That is why I was so excited when I found the rhythm game called BIT.TRIP Beat.
Now, while I believe that the aforementioned perk is important I also understand that in order to be a good game it has to stand on its own. That means that no matter how much rhythm you put into a game, if it sucks it sucks. Luckily, for me, BIT.TRIP Beat was just as fun in practice as it was in theory.
In case the title does not give it away, the game is another one of those throwback games. It incorporates a lot of the older game aspects and puts a modern twist on old ideas. I, Personally, am thrilled by most of these efforts and this game was no different. The Bit style of artwork is fun and encouraging. The game is classified as “casual” and “action” on Steam but I am going to go ahead and include “arcade” with my own review, just because it has that kind of classic feel to it.
The game is not just that, though. It is a bunch of pretty colors and fantastic sounds, but on top of that, it has more substance. It is filled with classic style boss battles. In addition, it has a few rather intense cut scenes, which I was not expecting at all when I picked this one up.
Overall, this is a game that goes above and beyond my expectations. It is sophisticated in a very laid-back kind of way, presenting itself as one thing and then wowing you with a completely different charm than you ever expected. It takes greatness and tacks onto it. This is a real crowd pleaser.
P.S. I just wanted to add that I didn’t realize that this company also does quite a few other games that I didn’t realize were…Indie. I’m not sure if this company still counts as an Indie developer with that kind of resume, but they’re worth checking out, still. Very impressive work.
Game: Bit. TRIP BEAT | Developer: Aksys Games
February 14, 2011
 This might be a strange title to review on this website because it is not really meant for adults. I mean, I played it for a while and I was generally impressed by the ingenuity of the game, but let us be honest here. It is a game that, from what I understand, is primarily purchased for children between five and eleven. Still, I am going to review it because it was fun. Do not judge me, review readers! The game was adorable and fun, like watching Blue’s Clues at three in the morning because I cannot sleep. Yes, I do realize after the first clue that Blue wants a peanut butter and jelly sandwich with her glass of milk but that does not mean it is not entertaining to watch Steve stumble around.
Anyhow, there are plenty of reasons that I liked this game. For the sole purpose of not seeming like a complete weirdo, I did play it with one of my friends children.  She is three, so I was afraid the game would go over her head but I am constantly amazed at how smart children are. The game itself is set up so simply and vibrantly that it is easy enough for a three year old not only to follow it, but also to enjoy it.
The coolest feature about this game is that you get to draw with it. For instance, you are asked to draw a house. Now, that seems simple enough, you sketch a quick house and voila! It is on your screen. Not only that but it is not just a copy and pasted version of what you have done. The characters in the game actually change to interact with your drawings. Therefore, if you draw a tiny car the character will shrink in order to fit into it. Isn’t that awesome?
 The game is not all fun and games, though (haha, see what I did there?!). It is also a great learning tool. After a few wonderful hours of playtime -which is a miracle in it of itself, since the only way you can usually get this little girl to sit down for an entire hour is to tape her to the chair. I watched in wide-eyed wonder as this girl slowly began to point out the right answers.
I suppose that ultimately this really is a children’s game. Still, I am going to call it a family game. It really is fun to watch the kids get a little brighter as they shout and point. This game makes drawing a joy.
Game: Itzabitza | Developer: Sabi Games
February 13, 2011
 These are your opponents. Say that someone asked you, “Would you want to sit down for some poker at a very exclusive club with Max from Sam & Max, Strong Bad from Homestar Runner, The Heavy Weapons Guy from Team Fortress 2, and Tycho Brahe from the Penny Arcade webcomic?” If your response was an enthusiastic “Yes!” then I have some good news for you.
Poker Night at the Inventory is a game that allows you to do just that. It begins with you buying into a high-stakes game of Texas Hold ‘Em, and doesn’t end until you either bust out or manage to win the whole shebang.
The characters’ poker playing styles tend to match their personalities. Max and Strong Bad are erratic, and commonly make huge bets for no apparent reason. Tycho often plays too conservatively, with a tendency to fold instead of placing risky bets. The Heavy Weapons Guy, or “the Heavy,” is much harder to read. Sometimes he’ll play aggressively, going all in with only a royal high card, yet other times he’ll fold when he has a fairly decent hand. I can’t tell if he doesn’t know what he’s doing, or if it’s some elaborate card shark fake-out. Looking at the guy, I would say the former, but considering the fact that he so often wins, I think he’s actually onto something.
 Let's just say that Max is the wild card. I’ve played plenty of poker games in my life, both real and video game versions, and I’ve noticed that on medium, I tend to wind up with an unrealistic amount of good hands. I’ve played straights and flushes more times than I can count, and full houses tend to pop up pretty regularly. In the early rounds of the game, I tend to win a lot. But hard difficulty is an entirely different experience. Hard feels a lot more like your opponents are actually thinking about what they’re doing, and you won’t be blessed with such “golden hands” all the time.
But playing poker isn’t really what this game is about. It’s really more of an excuse to hang out with all of these guys in one place. They constantly chatter back and forth and make comments on the way the game is progressing. In fact, it’s easy to get caught up in conversation and completely forget about the poker.
As an additional incentive to download this inexpensive title, you can play for bonuses that actually transfer to exclusive in-game items in Team Fortress 2.
Poker Night at the Inventory doesn’t really offer anything new other than the chance to hang out with some oddball video game (and comic strip) characters for a while, but it still manages to be a pretty enjoyable experience. It’s well worth the small price tag, especially if you own Team Fortress 2.
 I can't tell if the Heavy is terrible at poker, or incredibly good at it. Game: Poker Night at the Inventory | Developer: Telltale Games
February 12, 2011
 Grotesque Tactics: Evil Heroes is one of those games where I have had friends tell me it was either unbelievably good or unbelievably awful. After playing it, I can see where both sides are coming from. It is like going to see Drag Me To Hell without knowing it was supposed to be comedy/horror (which I happened to actually do). You are expecting one thing and all you are stuck with is the vast annoyance of having the person behind you cracking up over what you assume is supposed to be a dreadfully scary moment. The point is, do not go into Grotesque Tactics: Evil Heroes expecting anything special. It is a parody RPG and by that standard, it does pretty well.
The game is very pretty. There is a lot of scenery to explore and cute little details that really suck you into the world. The opening music was not jarring and for the most part, I feel like the creators did a good job with the overall ambience of the game. Some of the sound effects are obviously for dramatic affect (keeping with the satire aspect of the game) but they do not seem out of place in the fully fleshed out world.
 The story is mildly funny, though there isn’t much by way of the usual RPG wiggle room that you expect when you sign up to play one. This is not a particularly bad thing, but after playing Disgaea or Agarest War, you are not going to be too thrilled with the lack of options here. You cannot really customize your character, which takes away from the whole RPG thing, but I suppose it’s not really a deal breaker.
While I was a little disappointed at the lack of customization, I will say that Grotesque Tactics: Evil Heroes did not shirk on the battle system. It is easy to navigate and though it is typical, it was still very well done. I play a decent amount of these games but still was not bored or anything, so that is a good sign.
Overall, I think that this was a good game. Laggy by nice. It accomplished the goal it set out for, which was to be amusing. It is a great game for anyone who wants a good laugh and to be sucked into a world where an emo suicidal guy gets the chance to be a hero. And who doesn’t want that?
Game: Grotesque Tactics: Evil Heroes | Developer: Silent Dreams
February 8, 2011
 Blade Kitten is cute. I mean, common! It is one of the cutest games that I have ever played. One look at the neko main character with her big anime eyes and her fuzzy little ears and I was pretty much hooked from “meow!” Blade Kitten is riddled with all of the things that make an action game wonderful. Powerful characters that you actually care about, beautiful artwork, and impressive voice actors make this a real diamond in the rough.
Besides being cute, the game is wonderfully rendered. It is an action game so the controls and motion are very important. During a great portion of the game, you are fighting. There is nothing more annoying when playing a game than mashing a button and having the character refuse to move in response. For this game, those scenes are poetry in motion. From swirling blows to jumping across platforms, our neko friend delivers.
 You play as a somewhat goofy cat girl named Kit. Our hero is a bounty hunter out for her next adventure with the help of her sidekick. It is a rather simple story that carries itself with a semi-humorous vibe that was at one engaging and relaxing. As I stated before the characters are well written. You care not only about the main character but also about her sidekick while playing.
Now, of course no game is perfect. This one comes close but there are some concerns that I need to mention. First of all, I will say the game is one that becomes a lot easier and more fun to play if you have the ability to hook up a controller to your computer. It is not required but it can make your adventure run quite a bit more smoothly. Another concern I had is that the game is a bit…stretched.  It is a bit like a book that would have been fantastic if it had stopped at ten chapters but instead it went fifteen. It is not annoying enough to make the book awful but you can definitely tell they were scraping the bottom of the barrel.
Those concerns being voice I really did enjoy this game. It is cute, quirky fun and who doesn’t like cat girls? For that matter, who doesn’t like cute girls in awesome outfits kicking butt? That’s what I thought. Everyone wants to spend a few hours of their time following the life of something cuddly and lethal. That is what Blade Kitten offers.
Game: Blade Kitten | Developer: Krome Studios
February 5, 2011
 As much as I loved all of the games I have reviewed this week I have to say that Blue Toad Murder Files: The Mysteries of Little Riddle was my absolute favorite. In case the title did not give it away, it is a mystery game. Basically, you come to this “normal” little town in England, looking for a little rest and relaxation, and are immediately thrust into a murder investigation. At first, you think that it is a single incident but you quickly come to find that the murder of the prestigious Mayor is only the icing on the cake. This seemingly simple city is nothing of the sort and it is up to you to clean it up!
Now, if you liked Phoenix Wright, or even better, if you liked Professor Layton, this is the game for you. It takes all of the good things from those games and builds on it in an interesting way. There is the wit; the charming art, the clever characters, and the genuine care the game makes you feel towards solving each case.
The game is broken up into chapters but if at all possible, you should try to play them all in order and within a relatively quick amount of time. The story carries over through each and you will miss out on some of the hilarious banter if you don’t do that. The jokes and familiarities are much better when you do.
Of course, the highlight of the game is the puzzles. They come in all shapes and sizes here and can be a walk in the park as well as “Ohmigosh, I will kill myself if someone doesn’t give me a hint.” Yeah, I get like that. Puzzles are serious business. You have the option to leave a puzzle and come back to it later, just as if you do with Professor Layton, but that will affect your overall score at the end.
One thing that this game has over it, though, is the multiplayer. You can grab some friends and tackle this witty game together. You take turns beating puzzles, even. Hopefully, if your friends are not jerks (like mine are!), they will even help you if you are stuck. The game is an all around good time if you actually like puzzles. If not, it is still a good time among friends. Again, if they aren’t jerks.
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Game: Blue Toad Murder Files: The Mysteries of Little Riddle | Developer: Relentless
February 2, 2011
 Get Your Girlfriend Into Games is not really much of a game, really. It is a collection of mini games, supposedly picked for the sole purpose of getting your girlfriend interested in playing games. Obvious, huh? Yes, the title says it all, almost to an annoying degree.
Now, ignoring the obvious problems, I, as a girl, would have with a game designed to rope me into a game for that sole purpose…yeah, that was pretty redundant, but so is the game. Still, I could have ignored the annoying factor is the game has just been a little less disappointing.
For one thing, as much as I hate to stereotype that females only play games because they are pretty…this one was not. It is almost as if the developers just picked a bunch of games you need two people to play and stuck them into an umbrella of unhelpful helpfulness. It is as if they did not even try. I mean, the games they picked are not necessarily bad. Its things like mahjong, the memory game, and crosswords. These games are not terribly by themselves but with a painfully blue background and horrible yellow smiley faces, they are mush more brutal to play in this instance.
Besides the harsh color choices, the games are not set up with any kind of care or difficulty options, so after you and your beau have finished that game of mahjong? There is nothing more to it. I played the games with my husband but they were a little boring. We actually ended up playing UNO for an hour instead. The game is only a dollar and if you are looking for a couple of cheap, easy games, it is a good price. They are not anything special and they could have been presented in a much more attractive way but I suppose it was not awful.
I am not going to be playing it with my husband again but I did find that my friends little girls enjoyed some of the more obvious games, which was nice. I suppose it goes to show that for every game, there is someone out there who is willing and ready to play them, but for the most part, I would suggest you pass on this little nugget.
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Game: Get your Girlfriend Into Games | Developer: AwesomeGamesStudio
January 31, 2011
 I loved, loved, loved Jolly Rover. It is unbelievably adorable, funny, and actually interesting. This was not one of the games I got in a packet. My husband bought it on accident and I ended up playing it out of boredom. Now, I want to tell you guys how I feel about games and movies with animated animals. They freak me out. I will usually try them but I never really enjoy myself, just because of the creepy factor. The last book I enjoyed about animals that moved was Charlottes Web. The last movie? Rock-a-doodle (those of you who know that cartoon are awesome. Those of you who do not need to get on eBay). Anyway, that should tell how much this game had to wow me for it to give it a good rating.
First of all, the opening music for Jolly Rover was stirring. I was all but falling asleep and it woke me up. The starting scene was clever and funny, which always equates to another few minutes before I chuck it into my “I’ll finish this later…but probably not” pile. Jolly Rover did a fantastic thing after that: it held my interest.
You guys know I love? Item games. I gave them a witty name before but it has been so long since I have found one that was worth reviewing that I have forgotten what it was. These are the games where you have to find one item in room A, walk to room C and find a completely different item, combine those two items, and go to room B in order to let the parrot out of the cage. Jolly Rover is one of those games.
This game does that and does it well. It is not only a point and click adventure, though that is what I would label it as. It is also a charming little kind of…sim-esque game. What I mean is you run into bits of dialogue where you can respond to a particular problem. I have only been playing off and on for a few hours but I do not think they actually affect the score in the game. Still, they are funny and only add to the glory of the game.
This is a great game. I do not think I can make that any clearer. It is absolutely stunning in every way and I am really glad I ended up buying it. Try it, just try it, and see if you do not fall in love.
Game: Jolly Rover| Developer: Brawesome
January 29, 2011
Sniper Assassin has set the standard for all web based sniper games. There is a new one on the scene and to be honest it does a pretty good job of trying to match the SA series.
Sneaky sniper follows the same basic set of characteristics that made SA popular in the first place. The stick figures mean the game engine does not take forever to load, and this combined with pretty basic terrain and backgrounds makes for a very fast paced game.
Control is very simple, you move the scope around with your mouse and when you are confident that you have the right target you click to fire. The scope is not small, which is often a problem in sniper based games, and you can see plenty of what is going on in each level.
 Use the mouse to move the scope over your targets The levels work in a very simple way. You are given a clear brief at the start of each that tells you what you must or must not do to qualify for the next mission. Follow these instructions to the letter and you will quickly fly through the game. If you fail then you can have another go but you shouldn’t really because the lay out and design of each level is so basic.
The only problem is that there is no developed story line, which made the SA series popular. However, had this been included then the similarities may have been too similar and this would have taken emphasis away from the individuality of the game.
There is no annoying soundtrack, which you quite often get with action based shooting games. However, there is a gap for it in this game. The levels are really basic, which can make the game get quite boring and an upbeat and good track would help move things along.
 Take out targets quickly before they can react All in all Sneaky Sniper is a pretty good attempt at a sniper based web game. If you’re bored of work or revision then this is a great game. It will take your mind off of other things and keep you occupied for a good number of levels.
Game: Sneaky Sniper http://www.addictinggames.com/sneaky-sniper-game.html | Developer: Sniping Games http://www.snipinggames.net/
January 28, 2011
 I loved Diamond Dan. It is a cute game with charming artwork, colorful scenes, and crisp lines. It sets the adventure theme with heart pumping music and a charming opening mini-movie. I was pretty much hooked after ninety seconds, which never really happens with me, but I was. After those first two minutes, I was still charmed by Diamond Dan. The story here is that you are a junior adventurer out to discover jewels and shiny gold coins with your mentor. The only problem with that is, of course, you do not want to wait for your mentor to go exploring!
You run off to pull your own impersonation of Indiana Jones and get into just as much trouble as poor Harrison Ford.
Diamond Dan is essentially a huge revolving 3D puzzle. It is always shifting, always changing, and you are caught in the middle of it, trying to navigate.  Your goal is to gather not only lovely shiny things, but maps that will lead you to other lovely shiny things. Are you seeing the beautiful pattern here? I am. Shinies! There are many different traps and triggers you have to pull in order to collect your goals. This can make it quite difficult.
The idea here is that you are stuck in what I can only describe as an evil Rubix cube. The huge blocks can (and more than likely will) squish you if you stand still for too long or stand in the wrong place. At the same time, you can push them to the side if space allows. Even so, the problem with pushing them is that you may just push some of your shinies over the edge and lose them forever.
 The game was cute and surprisingly hard. I had nightmares about evil temples after I finished playing. It was all very disturbing. Still, it was a lot of fun and even though the game is a puzzle game, it rather felt more like a platform adventure while I was playing. It is not really about outsmarting the temple as much as it’s about not getting dead before you can get to your shinies.
In addition to the general game play, the game allows you to replay temples. Now, this might not seem like a big thing, but you can go back and challenge yourself to get a better medal or to make sure you got absolutely everything. It really offers you the chance to play the game completely through.
Game: Diamond Dan | Developer: Grendel Games
January 21, 2011
 There were not any obvious instructions for Puzzle Dimension but that was not really a bad thing. The game is not very complicated. It starts out with music that encourages you to move in your seat. The art style only furthers the game play; it is comprised of flowers and paths made of dimensional blocks. Since the game is essentially a series of interactive 3D puzzles that you “solve” by using a ball this seems perfect.
If you are wondering what I meant by the ball…well, I mean exactly that. This game offers a unique chance to solve a straightforward kind of puzzle through the eyes of a ball. The idea here is to use the ball smartly and grab a set number of keys. These keys come in the shape of my favorite flower, the sunflower. Once you have all of them on one level, the door opens up and you can complete the puzzle in question.
Now, I did not have too much trouble while playing the game. It is a truly motion based game, though. This means that in order to pass each level your ball if going to flip over and defy gravity while it rolls. This will kind of tilt your visuals along with it and can lead to a bit of dizziness but even for me -with my weak stomach- it was mild.
Overall, I liked this game. It was extremely simple, which can be a negative depending on how it is set up. Here it was not. Thanks to fun music, a colorful background, and a fun overview the game really speaks to me. It is enjoyable and easy to play which makes it fun for all ages. If you are not looking for a family friendly game this should still tickle your fancy, though.
It’s cute but thanks to some crumbling panels, a ticking clock, and doors that don’t open without gathering every prerequisite, it’s challenging enough to stimulate someone who likes games a little grittier too. Grab a stopwatch and it could be a fantastic party game with a few repeats of the same level. This game is a great example of a little bit of effort going a long way. A simple game design done with high-end finishes really makes a bit of entertainment more of an adventure that does not require you to leave the comfort of your home. This is just what you want when you think of Indie games that really thrill.
Game: Puzzle Dimension | Developer: Doctor Entertainment
January 16, 2011
 Every Christmas Steam has this awesome sale and I end up blowing my game budget. It is usually not a bad deal. I get like four games for the price of one thanks to their spiffy bundles but in addition to that, I end up with a number of games that I would not have considered otherwise. Many of those games end up being fantastic. So, when I ended up with Rush, thanks to a Steam event I was beyond excited. Good thing, too, I do not like to be disappointed.
My first impression of this game was it looks like it was put together lovingly. The backgrounds are colorful and glossy. They put you in a good mood immediately. The pallet is stunning. The music is nice too.
Atmosphere aside, Rush is a 3D puzzle game. You have blocks that are set to move in one set direction over a floating mass of planes. You use a certain amount of special tiles to direct the rolling blocks to marked goals. Once these blocks finish their rotation, another puzzle is unlocked. It is a straightforward game. You know your goals right from the beginning and there is little way you can get lost.
I had a great time with this game. The tiles can change the directions of the blocks. They come in lots of different forms but all of them can make your goals. Beyond that, the game is beautifully done. When you are playing, you set up the movement tiles all at once, press play and watch your set-up come to life. It reminded me of synchronized swimming. Everything in this puzzle game is well done.  It was challenging but not frustrating. It was also aesthetically pleasing, which is always a plus.
This is the kind of game you want to play when you are looking for a relaxing sort of headache. Does that make sense? There is no denying that the game is built on the back of strong, interesting puzzles. They range in ease, meaning you could let children play the first few lines without getting bored. On the other hand, someone who is deeply into puzzles (like me!) can plow through the first dozen and find themselves really enjoying themselves. I would say this is a game for anyone who likes a good puzzle. It is beautiful, easy to understand, has a nice learning curve, and is a joy to play. This one is well worth the price as well as the time and effort. Get the family together for Rush.
Game: Rush | Developer: Two Tribes
January 13, 2011
 Big Tidy Up is an awesome game for parties. You play as little Sim-ish robots bent on making the world a cleaner place. They start out by picking up trash and then wonder what to do with it. Of course, they come up with the most perfect answer for this day and age. They decide that the only responsible thing to do with trash is to recycle it!
The opening scene for this game is absolutely charming and it makes sense for what the developers were trying to say. We see this cute, fun little robot put a can in the recycling bin meant for plastics and watch the bin make him feel sorry for his poor choice. It is funny, lighthearted, and sweet, just like everything else in this game.
 The opening menu is brightly colored and cheerful while the actual game play is fun and cute. There are clear cut, understandable instructions for each of the different mini games, which was wonderful because there are so many. In addition, every mini-game as a clever little skit that goes with it and tells you why you are picking up piles of steaming dog poop or wondering what color some random car was.
The music for this game is exactly what it is supposed to be. Chipper, fun, and exciting it gets you in the mood to recycle with our quirky little friends.
Honestly, I can’t think of a single negative that I ran into while playing this game. The only thing that I can even remotely think to mention is that the computer AI cheats. Yes, everyone says that but jeez, there is no way anyone with actual fingers could move that quickly. Besides that, this really was a perfect game.
You know, I hate the word “perfect,” but it really was. The game was beautifully rendered, it ran smoothly, and it was a lot of run. I would not be surprised if it was sponsored for a second installment. The story makes this a heartwarming story while the games make it entertaining and challenging.
The game is not only fun and cheerful it has a good message. It shows a lot of consideration, not only for the run we all have while playing it, but also for things we should do in our day-to-day lives. I am putting this on my “must have” list.
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Game: Big Tidy Up | Developer: Ton3s
January 10, 2011
 I received The Maw as a gift from a friend. At first I was confused why she would send me such a random game but after playing it for half an hour I think I’m going to go give her a big fat kiss. The Maw is not the kind of game I would have picked on my own but thank goodness we all have good friends who know what we should be playing even when we do not ourselves, huh?
Now, my friend obviously did not just pick this game out of a hat and send it to me. At least I do not think she did. She is really not that lucky. The thing is, she knows that I love Indie games. Especially ones that are fantastic. That turns out to be the reason she sent this one to me. The Maw is cute, funny, and absolutely wonderful. It turned out to be one of the best games I’ve played in a long time…but don’t tell my friend that. She’ll think I owe her one.
My first impressions of the game itself were pleasing. The models they used for it are wonderful and seamless. There are no voices in this game. At least none of the characters speaks a particular language. Instead, they tell the story with their actions and beautiful facial expressions. Even though they are aliens, you get the distinct feeling that they are very, very human.
The story of The Maw is heartwarming and hilarious. Two aliens are thrown into a strange world together. They have to rely on one another to get around. Maw is this bottomless pit of an alien that is lead around by the other alien of the game. As the player, you lead them around, watching him eat a number of different beings. When he does so, he not only grows in size but he gains some of their attributes as well. For instance, he eats a kind of fire lizard (after you put it out, of course) and is able to breathe fire. This helps the pair get past obstacles and brings them closer together.
This was a heartwarming and sweet game. Peppered with humor and smooth game play, it is one of those games that it is hard to find fault with. It was charming and cute, all the things I would hope to find in any game, be it Indie or not. This one is really cut from quality cloth.
Game: The Maw | Developer: Twisted Pixel Games
January 9, 2011
 Kaleidoscope Reef is home to some weird-looking creatures. Kaleidoscope Reef is a little Flash game with an interesting premise: you must help rebuild a coral reef that was destroyed in an oil spill. You plant coral, then try to feed it plankton so it grows big, strong, and pretty. However, you must bat away the predatory fish that want to eat your plankton and destroy your coral. You will see little bubble-like objects floating gently from above. Use your mouse to move these around and stick them to a rock so they can begin growing. Of course, some of the rocks are covered in oil and you must clean them off before any polyps will attach themselves.
Some polyps are very picky about what they’ll eat, so you’ll have to watch which color the plankton is. Some colors will be poisonous to certain polyps, while others will be full of plankton-nutrient goodness. But if you happen to be colorblind, there is no need to fret. There is an option that gives you shape-based hints to help you match the food with its proper consumer.
 If this game teaches you one lesson, it's that floaty red skulls are bad. You progress through a series of levels, each one increasing in difficulty. The final level has you battle a giant oil blob of a boss who will definitely be a problem for reef enthusiasts. And once you finish the story mode, you unlock aquarium mode, which is basically an endless battle against predatory fish and octopi while you try to see how far you can expand your own personal reef. If the regular game isn’t challenging enough for you, aquarium mode is probably more up your alley.
Kaleidoscope Reef was made by the same people who brought you Anika’s Odyssey, and there are a few similarities. The biggest one is the colorful and detailed artwork. While not quite as fantastical as Anika’s Odyssey, Kaleidoscope Reef still manages to maintain that signature look that made Anika’s Odyssey so much fun to look at.
Kaleidoscope Reef is a creative, coral-reef-saving piece of entertainment. While it may not challenge hardcore gamers, it’s definitely a fun way to kill an hour or two. And the aquarium mode may even keep you coming back. Let’s hope Trickysheep never stops making games!
 This guy spews oil and belches poison. He's pretty much the wort possible thing for a coral reef. Game: Kaleidoscope Reef | Developer: Trickysheep
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