Vital Stats
Name: Fahrenheit (UK and PAL)/Indigo Prophecy (US and NTSC)
Developer: Quantic Dream
Publisher: Atari

What is it?
Fahrenheit/Indigo Prophecy is not a video game. As its developers, Quantic Dream, put it, it's an 'interactive film', rejecting conventional video game genre labeling. Using motion-captured actors, split-screen with different camera angles, and organic and intuitive real-time controls, the game creates an impressively atmospheric cinematic experience that is involves more than just watching a film, but is not really like a traditional video game either.


The story involves players solving a supernatural psychological thriller revolving around ritualistic murders, a mysterious child, and various organizations that wish for the power the child can provide. Players primarily control Lucas Kane, the main protagonist in the story and the first character players can control - right after he apparently has stabbed a man to death in a diner bathroom while in a trance.

However during various story sequences later, players may play as other characters or are able to select which character they would like to control at that time.


So how do you 'play' this?

Players who have experienced with the classic arcade games Dragon's Lair or the quick-time events in Shenmue would be familiar to how Fahrenheit is played. The game is originally designed to be played with a gamepad, and is primarily controlled by the two analog sticks. The left stick controls character movement, while the right stick controls context-sensitive actions.

 

The cop might be entering any moment but there's always time for hygiene!

Degree of movement of the right stick also affects the degree of the action it controls - for example, how fast and how far a door opens. This gives the player a very tactile and immersive experience whether he's making his character wash his hands, or moving a dead body into a toilet stall.

This method of intuitive and real-time control also extends to conversations. The game runs on its own process of 'real time', in that progress in conversations and events don't necessarily have to wait for a player's input.

To make conversations feel real and organic, there is a timer involved during which time the player must select a response. Failure to do so either cause the game to select a default response from the player, or the other character responds to your lack or slow response, usually negatively.

There are also scripted sequences during which time, colored directional bars appear on-screen, directing the player to quickly react in order to complete the sequence. Although continuing with its subversion of gameplay mechanics, some sequences play out more positively if the player knows when not to react as well. There is also action sequences that use endurance test style button presses, such as rapidly alternating between left and right trigger buttons to make your character run faster during an action sequence.

 

 

Through all this, there is also a Sanity meter for characters. In the case of the main character, Lucas, initially waking up and finding out he has murdered a man by stabbing him to death causes him to go into a despaired state. Through user actions, a character's Sanity can go up and down, with different reactions and possible responses potentially opening up in any given scene. Having the Sanity meter deplete fully will have dire consequences for the character currently being controlled. For Lucas, it would mean he goes mad or commits suicide and the story ends. Other characters would have different reactions, but generally the game will end if the Sanity meter depletes completely.


Is it a good 'game'?

Well, there is the problem with Fahrenheit not being exactly a game. As its developers assert, it's more of an interactive movie, and what you take from it is how well-written (at least in the front half, the story devolves somewhere in the end of the middle) and how well-acted the entire interactive movie is. Its use of a DVD-like menu structure in its start menu clearly shows its developers intentions of how gamers should perceive this game.

For what it is, Fahrenheit is an excellent piece of interactive media. The supernatural and psychologically thrilling story it tells melds the best of occult dramas, a little bit of the Da Vinci code, and its action sequences are clearly inspired from the Matrix. Told with characters that act better and more well-written than many that make it to the big screen, the game makes you feel completely that you are in a movie, and not just watching it. Players are given just enough control over the characters actions and movements to make them feel still part of the action and the consequence. There are many branching paths and possible outcomes throughout the story, and with its DVD style menu system, it allows gamers to go back and re-tread a Chapter just a little differently, for better or for worse.

Quantic Dream clearly took a huge risk in developing this game so far from conventional norms, and it paid off. They won multiple accolades back in 2005, and now are developing the highly anticipated Heavy Rain which is building on their idea of creating truly interactive movies with characters that act and aren't just polygons. They showed that gaming consoles and the gaming genre should never limit themselves from a good story.

Machinarium is a point-and-click adventure game, based on flash. In the game, you play a lone robot thrown out of the city working his way through deserted machinery wasteland. Solve puzzles, find and combine items, and encounter loads of creative characters in your quest. The illustration is beautiful and the animating and personality of the robot is cute.

Everything is handled with a click of the mouse, you can explore the environment using the cursor, if the cursor turn into a pair of walking feet, mean you can walk to that direction, if the cursor turn into a pointing finger, mean you can interact with that object. You can only adjust the height of your robot in order to get to hard reach object. You also have an inventory, so you can collect and combine item within your inventory. There is also a quick hint to help you get out of the place, just mouse over to the top right corner. If you are still seriously stuck and couldn't think of any ways to move to the next level, there is a walk-through solution of that level, but before you are able to read the solution, you have to complete a mini game. When you click something that the robot can't do, he'll shake his head which is kinda cute. Sometimes when you idle, the robot will start to wonder about his girlfriend which often end with a cute giggling.

After solving the first 3 level of the game and you still haven't give up, you are hooked to it. Its a pity that the demo only has 3 level to play, I'm addicted to it after solving the 3rd level :(:(:( Pay $20 for the full download, anyone wants to share? haha

Some reasons that this game appeal to me is the storyline, artwork, animation, personality of the character and the cute sound he always make. The puzzle solving by exploring the environment and combining item is really engaging and makes you devote all your attention to it. I wonder what is the ending of the game.

You can play this game here : http://machinarium.net/demo/

Ping Ting

What??
A 1 player RPG game where u control a fighter aircraft with missions ranging from dogfights, ground assault, escorting fleets and defending your airbase.

Is iT good??
By far the best air combat game i ve ever land my hands on. The different levels of difficulty caters to all category of skill. The graphics are awesome with no latency whatsoever. U will have career advancements with the ability to purchase state of the art jets and go up the rank. As always, the levels get more challenging and better enemy planes will be in the midst. There are even stages whereby you will be guided through landing procedures which are tricky but very much exhilarating without crashing though.

Why??

The controls are easy enough to understand and use but you do need a getting to use to especially with the vertical controls where by pressing down manuoevers the aircraft to go up n vice versa. The controls will enable you to perform moves just like you would in a real plane.

Is it bad?

If ure not a fan of fighter planes this might seem a little too much for you to handle. But as for me, its the best games i ever played as it makes me feel close to what i dreamt to be which is a pilot. So it kinda takes me into a virtual escapade from what it could be if my dreams were to come true.

Ratings
10/10 ok im being biased here!

Hasbullah

This is an avatar dress up site which has become the obsession of females interested in fashion or shopping.

The site is @ http://pupe.ameba.jp .

'Poupee' actually means doll in French thus this is somehow a digitalized, more techy version of the paper doll dress up cutouts girls used to play but with wayyy more functions, capabilities and interactions.

I'd consider it a game as members/players are driven to collect enough ribbons, the currency the use, so that they are able to buy items to dress their dolls up.

And how do they get ribbons? By uploading real photos of their clothes, accessories, makeup items etc which will then be voted by other members. So ribbons will be collected from uploading pics, getting votes and selling avatar items... OR even by paying real money.

Sometimes you will find shells at random places such as the doll room and once 5 are found or bought from the marketplace, they can be thrown at the Shell Spring to get a surprise dress up item of varying values.

Poupee Town shows all the places you can visit such as clothes shops, the marketplace where real-time haggling of dress up items occur, cafe where you can see other avatars who are online at the cafe, the amusement (a game where you will control a bird to avoid contact with balloons to win items), Beauty Poupee (kinda like a plastic surgery place where the features of your doll can be modified by paying ribbons), etc.

The front page will show your poupee doll, the list of friends, favorite items, calendar and message updates.

This game allows interaction with other payers so it encourages communication and binds people with similar interests.

There is a daily cute ranking which is updated daily to show the most popular items that received the most number of votes for the day.

An item that received lots of votes.

This is the dress up contest winner for that session. The contest is held at different schedules and contestants compete for votes.

The drawback of this game is that some parts of the website are in Japanese characters and you'll just have to guess what's happening. Even some of the English they use are confusing probably due to direct translation. Some messages by users are in Japanese so you'll have to use a translator generator. However this is understandable considering the origin of the game. And you'll most probably get the hang of the system after some time.

Time for a classic!!!! Has anyone ever played this before?

Haha... I get back to this game once in a while when I'm tired of 'new' and complicated games.

SO WHAT IS ALCHEMY ALL ABOUT??

It's a simple match-and-coordinating game. It's a computer puzzle game and is web-based so it's easily accessible with internet connection.

TELL ME - WHAT'S THE OBJECTIVE?

1) You have to change fill up the board and change it from lead to gold

2) How to do this? You will need to place randomly generated symbols that will appear at your mouse's cursor on the board

3) Same colour symbols and same symbols match and can be placed side by side

So.... what makes people like me get addicted to this game??

Honestly it's a simple and straight-forward game.

You can't really go wrong with this game. 

It provides a simple platform to explore yet there are simple rules to keep you from doing too many things at a time.

So is this game tough to play?!

Nope! Not at all actually.

It may get tricky as you proceed on but it's not tough per se.

Flaws in this game??

The only flaw I can think of is the attention span it can hold for a player.

You might get bored with it after a while.

But what keeps you going is the level indicator.

Each time you reach achieve a certain level, you get a new rank!

Who doesn't want a better rank?!

Okay come let us see... how to play this thing!

Random symbols will appear at your mouse and you can place them on the board.

You can only place them anywhere around the grey box or beside an identical symbol or a symbol of the same colour

See here - purple symbol cannot be put beside green

But purple symbol can be placed around the other purple one.

When you hover over a place that you can discard your symbol onto, the square will glow.

Sometimes a grey box appears as well.

And you can put this box wherever you like, as long as it's beside any symbol and not an empty area.

 

Okay once you build up your board.... you need to start eliminating the lines one by one.
Keep your eye on the line with the blue symbol.
I place one more at the end....

And voila! The whole line eliminates
You need to keep doing this for every line

And once you're done with the whole board, you can move on to the next level!


Happy trying!!!!


Here's the LINK!

I know everyone here expected me to review this game from day 1 because I'm playing it all the time and it's completely obvious why - this.game.fucking.rocks.

The game is played in facebook. Iphone and Ipod Touch users (the many unoriginal and similar looking lot of you) are also included in the fun.

How it's played:

The level starts with the gems nicely lines up in a grid for you. Like this:

Player next get to swap the positions of the gems to create 3 of a kind. When this occurs, the gems disappear from screen, points are awarded and new gems fall from the top to fill up the grid as the rest of the gems move down to fill the void.

At certain times, special gems are generated. The following is possible:

• When 4 gems line up, a flaming gem is produced which denotes and destroys the gems around it when detonated.
• When 5 gems line up at a right angle, a supercharged gem is produced which takes out the entire row both horizontally and vertically when detonated.
• When 5 gems line up in a straight line, a hypercube is produced. When a player swaps a hypercube with another gem, say a green one, all the green gems on the board will be taken away.

Here's an example of a flaming gem exploding:

And here's another one of a hypercube going off:

At the end of the game, the points are tabulated and a score is shown. The scores are tabulated against the high-scores of other players also playing.

Why it's fun:

The game is particularly engaging because of the simplicity in how it's played. Also, as the player has to obtain the highest score in 1 minute, the game is fast paced and exciting. Further more, the game is accompanied by extremely awesome sound effects.

There's only so much I can write about this beawesome game. So, go play it and experience the fun for yourself. (Except Weiwen, you need to srsly get facebook first.)

Rating: 9.7/10

Website: http://www.ludomancy.com/games/today.php?lang=en


Overview
Okay okay, I'm sure most of you would have realised by now that I'm tend to lean more towards experimental, trippy games. Daniel Benmergui described his latest experimental/art game as being “about the daily choice of waking up in the morning”.

Today I Die is a whimsical, pixelated little game where the player has to interact with not just the objects in the game, but the text as well. The initial page just shows a girl underwater in a sort of comatose state, attached to a weight. She is surrounded by dead jellyfish, a couple of piranhas and a very depressing poem.



Gameplay
This game relies heavily on the player's thought process. You start off the game not knowing what to do, but after awhile the pieces slot into place. When I first started playing this game, I was like, "OhmigodwhatthehelldoIdo?!" You can move around objects, as well the text and for a few moments the player literally has to stab in the dark to figure out the exact point of this game. For example:

Interacting with text:
You can replace the words with other of a similar corresponding colour to change the scenario. If I swapped the word dead with the word dark, I'd be taken to the following scene:




Interacting with Objects:
After awhile of random clicks, I realised that clicking and holding on a jellyfish would cause it to light up, and if I keep it away from the piranhas for long enough, it stays lit permanently, and I also gain a new word to mess around with! Voila!



After awhile, you'd get the general gist of how the game works and the rest of it would pretty much be a breeze. You just need to figure out how to activate certain objects, and what to do with them in order to progress on to the next change of the poem.

In short, the whole point of the game is to turn the suicidal poem into one of optimism.



There's actually a fourth line to the poem. However, there are two possible endings, so I'll let you guys play it and won't spoil it for you. :)


Why I like this game:
Today I Die’s mechanics still provide an interesting glimpse of an approach to game design where the influence of the written word doesn’t end at the title screen. I love the fact that it's a feel-good game, and very gently touches on the topic of suicide. At first, the pixelated graphics didn't sit well with me, but after awhile I realised that it added a whole new feel to the game. The poem is short and uniquely powerful, and allows the player to feel as though they've somehow managed to help that character to escape.


Why I DON'T like this game:
Threewords for you: TOO. DAMN. SHORT.

Neon Maze

http://www.kongregate.com/games/iLegendary/neon-maze

25th January 2010

In summary, this game is a visual treat for those seeking refuge from the usual flash-based graphics that are rampant everywhere. However, a lack of interesting game design makes this game more to be desired.

The first thing that attracted me to this game (and also to load it) was its graphics. Aesthetically pleasant, this game reminded me of the XBOX Live Arcade game called 'Geometry Wars', where similar neon-coloured graphics are used. I personally love such bright colours.

The game objective is simple: navigate around the maze, to reach the coveted exit point. There is no storyline, and we are not told the reason for the objectives. This, however, doesn't really distract us from the overall feel. I treat this game like sudoku, only much prettier.

Gameplay is interesting, but limited, as will be explained later. Players control a coloured orb, and moving over other coloured orbs change the player's orb colour (running over a blue orb changes your orange orb to a blue one). Players can only pass through a wall if he is of the same colour as it. Later on in the game, things will get more complicated: locks will be introduced. To pick up a lock, you have to be of the same colour as it.

Controls are really simple: just use the mouse cursor to guide the gear-looking object around the maze. However, each level gets increasingly difficult and players find that it takes more time in order to finish each level. To increase the tension within the game, the game designer included a timer on the upper-left hand corner of the screen to challenge the player to complete it as quick as he can. The player, however, is left to wonder how the timer works. Does it decreases bonus points every second? The UI doesn't show the player anything except for the game area, and there is no points display, so we are left guessing. However, the clean, sleek UI design works well for me, as it is a refreshing change from the millions of buttons and information tabs in other games. I also like how the orbs responds very fast to your cursor movement, which is crucial for games like this where time is of the essence, especially if you are planning on beating the timer. However, the playing space is too small, and I occasionally find myself hitting the walls because my mouse cursor has gone off the game screen and my orb is no longer tracking it. Perhaps the optional control of the keyboard or a gamepad can be used.

As much as the game looks great, it doesn't go long before the player starts to feel that the whole game is draggy. The game objectives doesn't change, and he will realise that it doesn't really take a lot of brains to complete the level. He is just required to navigate through the level, pick up the very first coloured orb that he sees, go through the newly unlocked wall, pick up the next coloured orb, go through the newly unlocked wall, etc. Before long, he will realise that he has just solved the level without using much thinking. This causes the game to be a drag. It feels as though the designing of the level was actually much tougher than the actual playing of it, which is kind of odd.

Rating: 7/10

Platform: Sony Playstation
Developer: Squaresoft (Now part of Square Enix)
Release: North America Version, 2000

Summary:
Threads of Fate is played through two heroes which the player can choose, the mysterious Rue and ex-crown princess Mint. Both of them are hunting down a powerful artifact known as the relic which is said to give one the power to do anything in order to fulfill their own agendas. The story will differ depending on the character picked but most of the quests are similar to each other. You're heading for the same goal but how each of the main character takes it is different. However after completing one character you can continue on to play the other main character. Complete both of the protagonist story will unlock the 'true' ending which is based on the two storylines.

Gameplay:
Depending on the character you pick, the gameplay will be different. Rue is the warrior type who takes down enemies with his club/axe weapon. His special skill is to take on the form and ability of the monster he has defeated which will leave a disc behind. Rue can only take up a limited set of monsters so any new ones will replace the older ones. This ability allows you to not only defeat your enemies and also solve puzzles in the game. Mint however is your typical magic user and uses these large hoops for her melee attack. Her set of magic she can uses are elemental base with varying strength and range that can be collected as the story goes along.

(Rue as a red monster lizard)
(Mint's Magic- Can only at set one spell)

One interesting thing to note is that you don't really collect any items(not including in quest items) other than coins which are used to revive you when you die in the game. Yes there is an item shop but the items you buy are immediately used and they're all for you to increase your stats only. That means no special effect like immunity to some elements of speed up, etc. Mana can be regained through time but for health you need to defeat monsters and hope they drop potions; red for mana, blue for health.

There are no level up features in the game nor is there any experience gained when fighting enemies. Only the chance to increase your stats by either going to a shop or doing a special quest. So most of the time you have to make sure that your health and mana are both sufficient before heading into the dungeons.

Graphics:
The 3D graphics can be considered good for during that time. The graphics are colorful though simple. It is not as realistic as some of the games now like Final Fantasy but it is still visually pleasing with the exception of one scene with Fancy Mel's place which is painfully bright and lots of odd colors. But since she is supposedly an oddball(but powerful) character so the developers probably did this on purpose.

What makes the game so compelling:
I guess what really draws me are the characters in the game. You have main characters that have a personality of their own and talk (I know too many games with the heroic mime...). There are some pretty interesting dialog littered in the game which makes the experience more fun.

(Yes, he is really dressed as a star...)

Is it fun?:
Yep. Especially when you're someone who is very new to action RPG games. It's not complicated and the graphics are nice. There are mini games which you can play and you can revisit the dungeons again, without the boss monsters though.

Is it hard:
For seasoned players, no. It will actually be quite a breeze. Unfortunately, this game was one of my first games I played so I actually took a long time to finish both Mint's and Rue's story and get the secret ending. There are rumors of people able to complete this game within a day...

DIVA LIFE - (Facebook game)

Move over Celion Dion because it's time for Sarah Alphonse to dance with the mic.
Ok so basically I've been playing this game for awhile.
Sorry, I'm not into Mafia wars or Vampire Wars or Battleship yada yada yada.
As everyone can see, I'm quite delusional and I like thinking I'm living the life as a rich and famous person.

So basically that's the gist of the game.
It isn't a 3D game where you create any simulative characters or anything.
The whole game is designed to be accomplished through endless clicks of only the right mouse button.
Yes, only a few simple clicks would allow you to stand up in comparison to fierce Divas like Ty-Ty Banks, Janice D and Whitney Houston.

So what is the game about?
This game can be found on Facebook. The game is about climbing the social ladder of fame. If you've always wanted to stroll along with the stars on the red carpet in Hollywood and never want to wake up from that dream, then do join me cause' you are just a click away from being famous(yeah right). You start of with your own personal manager who kick starts your career as either a singer, an actress or just a socialite. Your career will be determined by the short survey that you will do in the beginning, before the game actually begins. This is when you will fill out your potential Diva name, pick out her preferences and etc. You will eventually progress with experience points, through gigs that have been sorted out for you by your manager, showdowns with other Divas and their entourages, or through expensive purchases you make at the plaza. The aim of the game is mainly to have a huge entourage, good rep amongst the stars, and constant upgrade of your wardrobe's style and your poise.

What makes this game so compelling?
Well, I wouldn't exactly say this game is compelling to boys or anything, unless you happen to be fully metrosexual and everything. I would say that this game attracts people who are so delusional, in denial with their current status, and those who just want attention. AH, I TOTALLY FIT THE BILL I KNOW....
But it's true, it's compelling enough to me because I just want to feel like I am famous and I have power and I can out-do another diva through some major tap dancing choreography.

Is it fun?
HELLLLLLLLLL TO THE YEAH? Ok firstly I apologize because it takes so little for me to be happy considering..... ok we shan't go there. Well basically, even though the game mechanics are simplified down to just clicking of the right mouse button, it's enough fun to see the WINNER tab blinking repeatedly and decorated with stars on my side of the screen when I go into battle with a rival diva(who happens to be a facebook player as well). The rival divas are usually unknown and they also have several friends who play the game. That's how your entourage increases. Also, we get to 'buy' clothes from Prada and Juicy Couture and headache pills and gold lining microphones with our well earned moolah... oh-so-satisfying. Thank you Virtual world!

Is it interesting?
I'd say it's interesting because the game has several ways to which you need to gain the experience points in order for you to advance to the next level. You need to do a few gigs, tarnish a few reputations, buy nice clothes and etc etc etc. The game is constantly being upgraded because you can now custom the way your character looks so that her face will appear in the avatar provided. You can choose hair colour, length, face shape, clothing style, and skin colour.

Ok let me break down for you several things the game offers. Ok, here are examples of gigs that you will have to take on in order to earn some celebrity MOOLAHS. Ah yes, we're talking about the big (fake) bucks... When you do a gig, you use up energy which needs to be regenerated and thus there is a timer of about 2mins for 1 unit of either energy/moxie/reputation to increase. Unless of course you have a credit card, you can always replenish yourself ASAP... We're talking REAL money here. Nothing fake about that. So as you get better and better, you will advance to a higher challenge, which mine is challenge 7 for now.

So as you can see from the printscreen below, I'm a Femme Fatale. Watch your back....HEH.

Ok well this is a breakdown of the achievements/accomplishments you have so far. There are several new features added like the Emerald/Ruby/Diamond Episodes. I have yet to find out about that so THAT EXPLAINS the 0 there... Well what you guys should focus on is the Clashes won... HAH! Yes, I won 175 battles to date.

There. That's also a printscreen of rival divas who are around your standards who are up for battle. When you choose a diva to battle with, you have to make sure you have enough reputation and moxie for a cat fight. Moxie is the amount of jazztalk that you have equipped with you...(better known as bullshit maybe??)
You also gotta make sure you have enough or slightly more girls in your entourage when you go for a battle because you don't want to be circled by 15 gangsta momma's... When you win a battle, you get to keep whatever money that they are holding on to, and you will tarnish their reputation as a diva... when you lose, you will suffer the consequences by waiting really long to regain moxie/reputation(unless you use your credit card!) or you could maybe cure yourself by shopping at 'the plaza' for new stuffs... increase your poise and style while you are damaged.

Here you see are examples of things you can purchase with your fake money and all. This items will increase your style and poise points when you go into battle with a rival diva... In any case you go bankrupt, you would be able to sell them back at half the price... So this is my chance to get me hands on a Cavalli without breaking the bank...

Yet another way of earning money would be to put your fake money into investments like having your own celebrity blogs where people would visit and you would earn (i.e Nuffnang). You can upgrade the investments you have at any point of time and collect all the money you earn and deposit the moolah into your bank after every hour...

In a WRAP PLEASE???
Ok so I think I've explained a little too much. So I'll wrap it up in a few more pointers.
1) Clawing out through the virtual world is.cool.enough.
2) To date, I have $2, 089, 376 in my virtual bank. I'm more richer than any of you!!!!
3) According to my manager, he has booked me a slot to perform along the cast of Chicago once they touch down over here.
4) Not a game for the shy and demure.
5) I need to go and powder my nose now so please leave me a text and I MIGHT reply you once I am done practising my script as a guest star for 90210.

TTYL.