Pixel Prospector http://www.pixelprospector.com the indie goldmine Thu, 09 Sep 2010 21:48:02 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 en hourly 1 Vibrant http://www.pixelprospector.com/2010/09/vibrant/ http://www.pixelprospector.com/2010/09/vibrant/#comments Thu, 09 Sep 2010 21:48:02 +0000 PixelProspector http://www.pixelprospector.com/?p=3485 Vibrant is a fantastic high speed arena shooter that delivers fast paced action and fresh gameplay with abstract visuals. Swirl around, collect stuff, use your boost and destroy the enemies.
Note that it needs a few minutes until you get used to the controls…
as soon as you race elegantly through the arena you will notice that it’s a blast to play.
Glorious!

Info:
There will probably be a non installer version soonish since I have asked the developer lately about it (and he respoded that he will work on that).


Link to Gameplay Video (Pixel Prospector)

]]> http://www.pixelprospector.com/2010/09/vibrant/feed/ 0 Timerocketxby http://www.pixelprospector.com/2010/09/timerocketxby/ http://www.pixelprospector.com/2010/09/timerocketxby/#comments Fri, 03 Sep 2010 13:15:27 +0000 PixelProspector http://www.pixelprospector.com/?p=3448 Timerocketxby is an interesting puzzle platformer about shooting and time manipulation. When you stop time you can basically stand on everything (except spikes)… This means you can stand on enemies, your own rocket (and it’s dust), diamonds, mines, rain drops etc. With the help of that feature you have to solve the levels by reaching the exit sign. Really fun stuff!


Link to Gameplay Video (Pixel Prospector)

]]> http://www.pixelprospector.com/2010/09/timerocketxby/feed/ 0 Annihilation http://www.pixelprospector.com/2010/08/annihilation/ http://www.pixelprospector.com/2010/08/annihilation/#comments Fri, 27 Aug 2010 12:18:34 +0000 PixelProspector http://www.pixelprospector.com/?p=3451 Annihilation is a fine arena shooter that is inspired by Geometry Wars. Just shoot stuff, use your bombs in tight situations and survive. Nice old school fun!

Info:
The game supports also Dual Anaolg Gamepads.


Link to Gameplay Video (Pixel Prospector)

]]> http://www.pixelprospector.com/2010/08/annihilation/feed/ 1 The Big List Of Game Development Resources http://www.pixelprospector.com/2010/08/the-big-list-of-game-development-resources/ http://www.pixelprospector.com/2010/08/the-big-list-of-game-development-resources/#comments Mon, 23 Aug 2010 20:41:31 +0000 PixelProspector http://www.pixelprospector.com/?p=3419 Well i thought it was about time to create some sort of big resource for game development related things…
Enjoy :)

Note: This is a work in progress…it will be updated every now and then.
(Consider to suggest interesting stuff in the comments…).

Game Programming

Game Design

Graphics

Music & Sound

Game Programming

GAME ENGINES

SOURCE CODE EDITORS

PROGRAMMING TUTORIALS

USEFUL TOOLS

Project Management Tools

GAME DESIGN

GAME DESIGN

GRAPHICS

IMAGE EDITORS (PIXEL)

IMAGE EDITORS (GENERAL)

ONLINE IMAGE EDITORS

PIXEL ART TUTORIALS

PIXEL ART FORUMS

PHOTOSHOP TUTORIALS

PAINT.NET TUTORIALS

GIMP TUTORIALS

MUSIC & SOUND

ROYALTY FREE MUSIC

(note: read licences before you use the music)

FREE SITES

COMMERCIAL SITES

ROYALTY FREE SOUNDS

(note: read licences before you use the sounds)

FREE SITES

COMMERCIAL SITES

INDIE MUSICIANS

CREATE YOUR OWN MUSIC & SFX

DIGITAL AUDIO WORKSTATIONS

]]> http://www.pixelprospector.com/2010/08/the-big-list-of-game-development-resources/feed/ 19 Houkai Mura http://www.pixelprospector.com/2010/08/houkai-mura/ http://www.pixelprospector.com/2010/08/houkai-mura/#comments Fri, 20 Aug 2010 18:28:20 +0000 PixelProspector http://www.pixelprospector.com/?p=3401 Houkai Mura is a great platformer that is heavily influenced by the classic Ghouls ‘n Ghosts Series. The game features the notorious double jump and offers also a nice selection of different weapons (Check out this Video that shows all weapons in action) . I like the tennis racket pretty much as you can see from the video. An overall really good tribute to the Ghouls ‘n Ghosts Series!


Link to Gameplay Video (Pixel Prospector)


Link to Gameplay Video that shows all Weapons (Pixel Prospector)

]]> http://www.pixelprospector.com/2010/08/houkai-mura/feed/ 2 Nether Dimensional Runner http://www.pixelprospector.com/2010/08/nether-dimensional-runner/ http://www.pixelprospector.com/2010/08/nether-dimensional-runner/#comments Fri, 13 Aug 2010 09:26:15 +0000 PixelProspector http://www.pixelprospector.com/?p=3364 Nether Dimensional Runner is a platform shooter with a pretty unique graphical style. Jump around, collect crystals and blast enemies away with the power of various weapons…. Oh and you can also double jump and dash around with the turbo boost. Nice game!

Info: The game is also available for Linux.

From the Homepage:
In Nether Dimensional Runner you are tasked with collecting rare elements only found in the nether dimensions. Jump, warp, shoot and bounce your way through 26 action-packed levels while avoiding mining robots, spikes, auto-turrets and bosses that stand in your way. Also included is crazy graphics that a screenshot cannot do justice and music that makes you feel really awesome!


Link to Gameplay Video (Pixel Prospector)


Link to Gameplay Video [Level 1-15] (Pixel Prospector)


Link to Gameplay Video [Level 16-24] (Pixel Prospector)

]]> http://www.pixelprospector.com/2010/08/nether-dimensional-runner/feed/ 2 Typomagia http://www.pixelprospector.com/2010/08/typomagia/ http://www.pixelprospector.com/2010/08/typomagia/#comments Fri, 06 Aug 2010 19:43:56 +0000 PixelProspector http://www.pixelprospector.com/?p=3195 Typomagia is a typing game with RTS elements. Type fast, gain energy, spawn creatures, kill invaders! Each creature (imp, orc, troll) as well as every abbility (faster, stronger, tougher, regenerating) requires a certain amount of energy… If you want to beat the levels you have to manage your resources well. Great fun…


Link to Gameplay Video [Quick Game Mode] (Pixel Prospector)


Link to Gameplay Video [Story Mode] (Pixel Prospector)

]]> http://www.pixelprospector.com/2010/08/typomagia/feed/ 2 How To Record And Edit Gameplay Videos http://www.pixelprospector.com/2010/08/how-to-record-and-edit-gameplay-videos/ http://www.pixelprospector.com/2010/08/how-to-record-and-edit-gameplay-videos/#comments Tue, 03 Aug 2010 23:56:17 +0000 PixelProspector http://www.pixelprospector.com/?p=3204 Welcome aspiring directors!

Well, since I have already recorded a few hundred videos I thought it would be useful to know for many gamers and devs what recording and editing software is recommendable. Having a gameplay video / trailer for your game is essential these days… Way more effective than offering only a bunch of screenshots.

On this page you will find 9 Screen Recorders and 7 Video Editors.
I recorded a quick Trailer and short How To Videos for each of these programs since i think this is way more effective than writing lengthy descriptions.
Moreover: At the bottom of this article you will also find a collection of Reviews for all of the programs on this page.

2D Games and Flash Games

The best choice is Camtasia and good alternatives are Snagit, CamStudio and HyperCam 3.

Online Recorders?

ScreenToaster, Screenr and Screencast-O-Matic are browser based and are great choices if you are looking for a quick and easy way to record a game. They are completely free and since these are online apps there is no download required. Hit record and there you go. Awesome stuff! Performance and quality is not as good as from the above mentioned ones but still pretty good!

More graphic intense games…and 3D games

If you want to record a more graphic intense game then you should consider to use Fraps, PlayClaw or the Freeware Alternative Taksi because they are capable of handling that kind of stuff.
(Note that these programs cannot record MMF or Flash Games)

What about Editing?

Well after you have recorded a Gameplay Video it is neccessary to compress it a bit because 1 minute of gameplay material might take 1 GB (Sometimes less and sometimes more. Depends on game, codec and recorder)
For basic editing i recommend Avidemux, VirtualDub, iWisoft Video Converter or the famous Windows Movie Maker.
If you want to create a somewhat professional trailer i recommend to check out Vegas Movie Studio.
Also interesting is JayCut which is a pretty nifty Online Video Editor.

Allright, allright but what do you use personally?

For recording i use either Fraps or Camtasia (depends on the game) and for editing i use Camtasia as well.

Anyway…Enough talk.
Sit back and check out this little compilation video (and then watch the How To Videos for those programs that interest you)
This Trailer gives you a quick overview for all the featured programs.
(Oh and the game that I’ve used in the videos is NeonPlat 2 by Jayenkai)

Some General Advice to Increase Performance:

  • Reduce Resolution (e.g. 640×480 instead of 1024×768)
  • Switch to 16-bit instead of 32-bit Color Depth
  • Choose the right Codec (less compression = faster recording speed)
  • Upgrade PC (faster CPU, more RAM, better graphics card)


Link to Video

Navigation

(A click on a link leads you to the related spot on this page)

Screenrecorder

Screenrecorder (Online)

Video Editor

Video Editor (Online)

Screen Recorders for Mac & Linux

Record From PC, Mac and Game Consoles

(With Additional Cables and Hardware)

CamStudio offers good recording quality and is a good freeware alternative to Camtasia. Of course it isn’t as good and strong as the commercial but pretty good for a free product. For recording it is recommended to use either the Lossless Codec or for somewhat better performance FFDShow Tryout or Xvid.
 
 

  • Price: Free
  • Restrictions: None
  • Size: 2 MB
  • Download

 
 

Link to Video

Camtasia is a great screenrecording suite with very good recording quality and performance. It offers also a nice Video Editor. The drawback is the relatively high price (300$ and accordingly 180$ for Students). But don’t forget that there is still a Free 30 Day Trial Version which has no restrictions. That time frame might be enough to record and create some videos. However if you should record videos regularly it is worth its price tag.
 
 

  • Price: 300$ (Free 30 Days Trial Version)
  • Restrictions: None
  • Size: 184 MB
  • Download

 
 

Link to Video

Snagit is from the creators of Camtasia and is normally a program for capturing all kinds of images… However it offers also a Video capture feature (but no video editing function). With it’s 50$ price tag you can use it as a cheaper replacement for Camtasia Studio since it’s pretty cheap in comparison to it’s bigger brother. It is also recommmended to use the free TechSmith Screen Capture Codec (TSCC) for good results.
 
 

  • Price: 50$ (Free 30 Days Trial Version)
  • Restrictions: None
  • Size: 30 MB
  • Download

 
 

Link to Video

HyperCam 3 is also a good piece of software. You can use it as long as you want without any limitations except a watermark that sits in the top left corner and says “Unregistered HyperCam 3″. To remove the watermark you have to register for 40$.
 
 
 
 
 
 

  • Price: 40$ (Free Demo useable for unlimited time)
  • Restrictions: Watermark
  • Size: 8 MB
  • Download

 
 

Link to Video

Fraps is the way to go if you want to record more graphic intense games and DirectX or OpenGl games. You can use the Free Demo as long as you want but there are some limitations: There is a watermark at the top of your video that says “www.fraps.com” and you can only record clips wiith a maximum length of 30 seconds. You can record multiple 30 sec clips and then glue them together afterwards but the watermark will still be there. The registration costs 37$. Note that you cannot record MMF or Flash games with this program. (Well there is a workaround: Choose “Monitor Aero Desktop (WDM)” but be advised that with this option enabled your whole screen will be recorded because there is no option to record only a specific area…)
 
 

  • Price: 37$ (Free Demo useable for unlimited time)
  • Restrictions: Watermark and recordings are restricted to 30 seconds
  • Size: 2 MB
  • Download

 
 

Link to Video

Taksi is a fine free alternative to Fraps. Note that Fraps is better in terms of performance, usability and stability but Taksi is completely free and for that pretty good. One drawback was the lack of a sound recording function. It seemed to be canceled in 2006… but fortunately the development continued in July 2010 and now it even offers sound recording! Consider to download the Fraps Demo because it provides a good codec called “Fraps Video Decompressor Codec”.
 
 

  • Price: Free
  • Restrictions: None
  • Size: 1 MB
  • Download

 
 

Link to Video

More Alternatives

Here are a few programs for those of you who are still searching for more alternatives.
Note that I haven’t tested all of these programs (and those that i have tested i have only checked out briefly).
Anyway they seem to be good according to others.

Krut

a lightweighted and easy to use open source recorder. No installation needed. Adjust framerate to at least 30.

  • Price: Free
  • Restrictions: None
  • Size: 5 MB
  • Download

 
 

GameCam

  • Price: 20$ or 30$ (Free Demo useable for unlimited time)
  • Restrictions: Watermark and recordings limited to 45 sec
  • Size: 6 MB
  • Download

 
 

PlayClaw

alternative to fraps with pretty good performance.

  • Price: 30$ (Free 15 Day Trial)
  • Restrictions: Watermark
  • Size: 3 MB
  • Download

 
 

Expression Encoder 4

Good recorder (Note that you have to install NET.4 in order to run it)

  • Price: Free
  • Restrictions: Only WMV as Output Format
  • Size: 25 MB
  • Download

 
 

Jing

nice project from the camtasia developers but the free version only produces swf files which are not editable (at least with normal video editors)

  • Price: Free
  • Restrictions: Only SWF as Output Format
  • Size: 8 MB
  • Download

 
 

BB FlashBack Express

  • Price: Free
  • Restrictions: ?
  • Size: 8 MB
  • Download

 
 

Adobe Captivate

haven’t tested this but it might be good.

  • Price: 800$ (Free 30 day Trial)
  • Restrictions: Registration required
  • Size: ?
  • Download

 
 

ZD Soft Screen Recorder

haven’t tested this but it might be good.

  • Price: 39$ (Free 30 day Trial)
  • Restrictions: Watermark and recordings are restricted to 60 seconds
  • Size: 3 MB
  • Download

 
 

ScreenToaster is a great Online Screenrecorder. Record games without downloading and installing anything. Quality is pretty good but not as good as the downloadable ones of course. Once you have recorded your video you have to register (only Email adress required and then you have 15 days to activate your account) and then you can download your creation as a MP4 file.
 
 

  • Price: Free
  • Restrictions: None
  • Size: Online
  • Start

 
 

Link to Video

Screenr is also a very good Online Screen Recorder. Hit the record button and start recording immediately. After you have finished your recording you have to login with your Twitter account (Don’t have one? No problem, create one in seconds) and then you are able to download your video in MP4 format.
 
 

  • Price: Free
  • Restrictions: 5 minutes limit per recording
  • Size: Online
  • Start

 
 

Link to Video

Screencast-O-Matic is another good Online Screen Recorder. This time no registration whatsoever required but therefore you will get a watermark in the bottom left corner that says “Screencast-O-Matic”. If you want to remove that watermark you can buy the Pro Version for 9$ which includes also a Video Editor.
 
 

  • Price: Free (9$ for Pro Version without Watermark and additional Video Editor)
  • Restrictions: Watermark and 15 minute limit per recording
  • Size: Online
  • Start

 
 

Link to Video

Avidemux offers basic editing which means you can snip away some unwanted sections of your recording. You can also crop your video and get rid off unwanted black bars (Sometimes you record a video and it seems to be tiny because there are huge black bars located on the right and at the bottom).
 
 

  • Price: Free
  • Restrictions: None
  • Size: 17 MB
  • Download

 
 

Link to Video

VirtualDub is also a good choice if you want to edit your video. Cut off unwanted parts. In order to compress your video you need some codecs. Consider to get the all-in-one codec pack ffdshow tryouts or the Xvid codec for good results.
 
 

  • Price: Free
  • Restrictions: None
  • Size: 2 MB
  • Download

 
 

Link to Video

iWisoft Video Converter is a nice and simple program that lets you convert your video into dozens of different formats. It also offes basic editing functions and does the job pretty fast. Noe that you can only trim your video on both ends. It isn’t possible to cut out a piece from he middle for example… However if you only want to remove some unneccessary seconds from the beginning and the and don’t want to create a trailer this is. Anyways when i first heard of this program I had some mixed feelings and thought that this might be some shady piece of software but after i have read many different reviews and checked the program several times it turned out that it is clean. If you have concerns please read the Reviews that i have listed at the bottom of this article.
(There’s only one drawback: Each time you start the program it automatically checks for updates and opens your web browser. Let’s see if this will be removed in further versions…)
 
 

  • Price: Free
  • Restrictions: None
  • Size: 9 MB
  • Download

 
 

Link to Video

Windows Movie Maker is pretty good with it’s basic editing. However it offers only .wmv as output formats… Still a good product for free. If you should run Windows 7 or Vista I recommend to get the Version 2.6…  For Windows XP you can get the version 2.1. There’s also a new version out called Windows Live Movie Maker but with it you get also other stuff and it takes longer until you can actually run the program… However it’s your decision.
 
 

 
 

Link to Video

Vegas Movie Studio HD Platinum 10 is a really good professional video editor. I think it’s one of the best commercial video editors in that price range. Anyways if the 95$ should be too much for you after the 30 Days Trial period consider to check out the Standard Version which costs 45$ (I think the Standard Version is way enough for Home Users. Anyway check out the comparison chart to see f the limiattions would affect you.)
 
 

  • Price: 95$ (30 Days Free Trial Version) or 45$
  • Restrictions: None
  • Size: 146 MB
  • Download

 
 

Link to Video

JayCut is a nice online editor. Upload your video and edit it online. AWhen you are done you have to provide an Email adress in order to get the download link for your video.
 
 

  • Price: Free
  • Restrictions: None
  • Size: Online
  • Start

 
 

Link to Video

More Video Editors?

On Wikipedia you will find a list of video editing software and a Comparison Chart that shows about 50 Video Editors
There is also an article about 18 Free Video Editors

UPCOMING PROMISING FREE VIDEO EDITORS

Lightworks
The professional Video Editing Suite Lightworks (which was already used for many Blockbusters) goes Open Source! That is simply great…! I heard it will be released later this year…

VLMC
The team behind the famous VLC player is working on a Video Editor called VLMC… It’s currently in a very early state and crashes a lot. Might be a good piece of software in the future but it’s currently not very stable (Alpha Version 0.1)

Screen Recorder for Mac

I do not own a Mac and haven’t tested these programs personally but i did some research and found a few interesting looking ones that were recommended in some forum threads.
All these programs do offer Free Trial Versions.

For more Screen Recorder you might check out this site called Pure Mac

Video Editors for Mac

For editing iMovie seems to be very good (but if you own a Mac you probably know it already).
If you are looking for alternatives consider to check out this site

Screen Recorders for Linux

I do not have Linux installed and haven’t tested these programs personally but they were recommended in some forum threads…and maybe they are good.

Video Editors for Linux

Screen Capturing Devices for PC, Xbox360 and other consoles

If you want to record Gameplay Footage from your Xbox360 or any other Game Console consider to check out this article about some Screen Capturing Devices. Of course this works also if you want to record PC games: For example you can capture the games by plugging in a DVD Recorder or by using a second PC or any other device… Setting this up takes more time and additional money but it may be an alternative to you. The good thing is that you don’t have to think about framerates… What you see on the screen is what you get. Kind of taking a Cam and pointing it to the screen (but internally via cables and stuff)
Note that I haven’t done this by myself so my knowledge in this area is limited but I thought it may be useful for you to know that this is another option you could choose.
Moreover there’s also this 10 minute video tutorial.

Media Coverage:

CamStudio
SnapFiles
Major Geeks
osalt.com
Softonic
Softpedia

Camtasia
Indoition (Screencasting Tools Market Overview)
Zath.co.uk
TIGForums (Tutorial by ortoslon)
Digital Inspiration
download.com
Softonic
PCWorld
Softpedia (1)
Softpedia (2)

Snagit
Zath.co.uk
Digital Inspiration
download.com
List Of Reviews

HyperCam 3
Softpedia
SnapFiles
download.com

Fraps
Major Geeks
download.com
Softpedia
Softonic
PCWorld

Taksi
FreewareGenius
Softpedia

ScreenToaster
WebWorkerDaily
Mashable
ReadWriteWeb
Go2Web2.0
Digital Inspiration
AppScout
TechCrunch
BBC News
PCWorld (101 Undiscovered Freebies 2009)

Screenr
AppAppeal
Mashable
ReadWriteWeb
oneforty
cnet news

Screencast-O-Matic
AppAppeal
MakeUseOf
Digital Inspiration

Avidemux
Softonic
Softpedia
download.com
techsupport
Computerworld

VirtualDub
SnapFiles
PCWorld
Wikipedia

iWisoft Video Converter
Techsupportalert
Softpedia
dotTech
Freeware Mission
download.com

Windows Movie Maker
BrightHub
download.com
Wikipedia

Vegas Movie Studio HD Platinum 10
Softpedia
download.com
Softonic
geek.com
Videomaker.com
Wikipedia

JayCut
AppAppeal
AppStorm (15 Web Alternatives to Popular Desktop Software
G4tv.com (Video Review)
Computerworld
Moving at the Speed Of Creativity
Wikipedia
BusinessWeek

]]> http://www.pixelprospector.com/2010/08/how-to-record-and-edit-gameplay-videos/feed/ 21 Robotron Blitz http://www.pixelprospector.com/2010/07/robotron-blitz/ http://www.pixelprospector.com/2010/07/robotron-blitz/#comments Fri, 30 Jul 2010 11:05:14 +0000 PixelProspector http://www.pixelprospector.com/?p=593 Robotron Blitz is frantic tribute to the classic and timeless Robotron: 2084. Extremely fast paced and intense stuff! Shoot around, dodge the bullets by performing elegant dive jumps and rescue the people. A challenging arena shooter that requires your full attention. Great!


Link to Gameplay Video (Pixel Prospector)

]]> http://www.pixelprospector.com/2010/07/robotron-blitz/feed/ 3 NeonPlat 2 http://www.pixelprospector.com/2010/07/neonplat-2/ http://www.pixelprospector.com/2010/07/neonplat-2/#comments Sun, 25 Jul 2010 10:41:59 +0000 PixelProspector http://www.pixelprospector.com/?p=2169 NeonPlat 2 is a fantastic single screen platformer with abstract neon graphics. The game is a tribute to classic arcade gameplay and can be best described as a frantic mix between Bubble Bobble, Joust, Burger Time, City Connection and Mario Bros. (Classic) with sharp HD graphics. Jump around, color the floors and throw spheres around to catch the baddies in bubbles and then pop them to score points. Moreover there are also plenty of powerups to pickup like: Slow Motion, High Speed, Double Jump, Wings, Shrink, Invulnerability etc.
Great fun with 8 different gameplay modes!

From the Homepage:
“Hop around the level, grab the spheres, hit the bad guys, pop the bubbles and paint the white bits.”

Info:
The game is also available for Mac and Linux and can be enjoyed in crystal clear 1920×1080 HD resolution!
Moreover it offers also great multiplayer hotseat fun… for up to 4 players on 1 PC!

If you want you can also try out the prequel NeonPlat

Background:
Both games are based on an idea from PixelProspector and were developed by the prolific Jayenkai who strives to create A Game A Week!


Link to Gameplay Video (Pixel Prospector)


Link to Trailer (Jayenkai)

]]> http://www.pixelprospector.com/2010/07/neonplat-2/feed/ 2 Monolith http://www.pixelprospector.com/2010/07/monolith/ http://www.pixelprospector.com/2010/07/monolith/#comments Fri, 23 Jul 2010 10:46:51 +0000 PixelProspector http://www.pixelprospector.com/?p=3096 Monolith is a nice platformer that consists of 2D sprites combined with a 3D cubic view. Beside the interesting graphical mechanic you have to collect green cards and put them into specific places in order to move the cubes to new places. You can also destroy enemies with some different weapons.


Link to Gameplay Video (Pixel Prospector)

]]> http://www.pixelprospector.com/2010/07/monolith/feed/ 11 Wings 2 http://www.pixelprospector.com/2010/07/wings-2/ http://www.pixelprospector.com/2010/07/wings-2/#comments Wed, 14 Jul 2010 19:52:57 +0000 PixelProspector http://www.pixelprospector.com/?p=3143 Wings 2 is a nice multiplayer shooter where you swirl around on various maps and blast other ships away with a nice selection of different weapons (In each round you get a random set of 4 weapons).  Oh, and you can jump off your ship and control a tiny pixelated guy with a grappling hook… But it is recommended to stay in the ship. An overall funny hotseat game with destructible terrain!

The game offers 5 different game modes:

  • Base Defence
  • Deathmatch
  • Flag Capture
  • Last Man Standing
  • The Hunt

and can be enjoyed by up to 4 players (Splitscreen / LAN or Internet).
…but can also be played alone with bots when you choose practice mode from the menu.

Info:
Consider to download the level pack and the music pack as well.
The game is also available for Linux.

If you want you can also try the prequel Wings
(Note: since the game is from 1999 you need to run it with DOSBox)

From the Homepage:
Wings 2 is a 2D multiplayer network game. You fly small and agile ships in varied maps, choosing from a wide variety of different weapons and devices to use against your opponents. The game includes five multiplayer game modes playable in the Internet, LAN or single computer, and a single player practice mode as an added bonus. Easy but challenging gameplay, great variety of weapons and equipment to choose from.


Link to Gameplay Video (Pixel Prospector)

]]> http://www.pixelprospector.com/2010/07/wings-2/feed/ 2 Robotz DX http://www.pixelprospector.com/2010/07/robotz-dx/ http://www.pixelprospector.com/2010/07/robotz-dx/#comments Fri, 09 Jul 2010 13:02:41 +0000 PixelProspector http://www.pixelprospector.com/?p=3131 Robotz DX is a fantastic arena shooter with lovely old school gameplay. Clear each screen from the robots to advance to the next and collect stuff for bonus points (grab enough and you also get some extra lives). Note that the red emmiters have to be destroyed before you can kill the robots. An overall great game with 30 challenging levels. Moreover the fact that the enemies and objects are always randomly placed in the arena increases the replay value even more!

From the Homepage:
Robotz DX is an unashamedly old-school, single-screen shoot-em-up with strategic game play. Although simple in concept, it is a difficult game to beat; you will die many times before you master all 30 arenas – and even when you do conquer the game, it’s randomly generated level layouts will provide a new challenge on every subsequent play-through.

OK, with the hype and 80’s sci-fi b-movie plot out of the way, let’s talk about how you actually play the game… :)

On each level, the goal is to destroy all the robots within a time limit of 60 seconds. To destroy the (shielded) robots, the player has to blow up the red, pulsating shield emitters first. You’ll know when you have successfully hit a target because it will flash white. There are bonuses to collect, and computer banks to use as temporary cover, or to simply blow up for extra points (and note that there is a small chance of the computers hiding an additional bonus within).

Sounds easy? Well, it isn’t. The player takes one hit to kill (or contact with an enemy), and those 60 seconds run out fast.

Do you want a boxed copy of the game?
“To obtain your copy of Robotz DX in a neat CD case complete with GM8 source code and all assets used to make the game, beat all 30 levels in a single sitting and follow the instructions on the end game screen! :)

These are strictly limited in number (50) and will be mailed out on a first come first served basis.

If you can’t beat the game but still would like a boxed copy, send me a PM.”


Link to Gameplay Video (Pixel Prospector)

]]> http://www.pixelprospector.com/2010/07/robotz-dx/feed/ 4 GunGirl 2 http://www.pixelprospector.com/2010/07/gungirl-2/ http://www.pixelprospector.com/2010/07/gungirl-2/#comments Fri, 02 Jul 2010 13:30:22 +0000 PixelProspector http://www.pixelprospector.com/?p=1207 GunGirl 2 is a fine action platform shooter with exploration elements. Collect different weapons (and level them up), acquire various abbilities, explore many different locations, solve main missions and additional sub quests… Oh, and blast zombies away of course.
I also recorded a gameplay video that showcases the first 20 minutes of the game…
(The complete game offers about 6 hours of playtime)

Info:
The new version 1.1 adds an Endless Mode (randomly generated missions) and Online Scores.
The game was about 2 years in development and features also an original soundtrack by Josh Whelchel.

From the Homepage:
Go on an epic adventure and explore a huge world with the nameless blonde chick GunGirl or her best friend GunDude (aka Marvin). On your quest you have to find more and more weapons, power-ups and special items that will give you access to new areas of the game. Talk with survivors of the apocalypse and discover the hidden secret behind what’s going on. On your journey there are thousands of zombies and other monstrosities that will continuously keep you on your toes!


Link to Gameplay Video 1


Link to Gameplay Video 2


Link to Trailer

]]> http://www.pixelprospector.com/2010/07/gungirl-2/feed/ 8 SQRXZ http://www.pixelprospector.com/2010/06/sqrxz/ http://www.pixelprospector.com/2010/06/sqrxz/#comments Tue, 29 Jun 2010 14:26:21 +0000 PixelProspector http://www.pixelprospector.com/?p=3106 SQRXZ is a nice platformer with puzzle elements. Hop around, collect stars, stomp on enemies, avoid traps and reach the exit in each level. The game offers 15 levels of oldschool platform fun reminiscent of the classic Amiga era… Also be informed that some levels may take a few tries until you beat them. Good stuff!

Info:
I also recommend to check out Giana’s Return which was made by the same team.

From the Homepage:
A remake should be usually bearing improvements, so does Sqrxz 2010. Beside the “classic” graphic mode, there is a new mode with “deluxe” graphics. The main gameplay has modified in a way that you need to collect all items to open the door at the end of each level, which makes some levels harder than they actually already were. Extended “fun” is guarantueed with additional three levels, unseen before. Each level does have it’s own chiptune and adds up to the retro feeling. A Top 10 highscore table will hold all your records. For the ones who like hidden features, there is even a small easter egg!

Features:

  • Hardly any game will annoy you more! Frustration deluxe ahead!
  • Amiga’ish feeling!
  • 16 Levels including a “beginners” level
  • 18 Chiptunes
  • Classic AND new graphic mode
  • Top 10 highscore
  • Endless continue mode
  • Hidden easter egg


Link to Gameplay Video (Pixel Prospector)


Link to Gameplay Video [Walkthrough Level 1-5 // Part 1 of 5] (Pixel Prospector)


Link to Gameplay Video [Walkthrough Level 6-8 // Part 2 of 5] (Pixel Prospector)


Link to Gameplay Video [Walkthrough Level 9-11 // Part 3 of 5] (Pixel Prospector)


Link to Gameplay Video [Walkthrough Level 12-13 // Part 4 of 5] (Pixel Prospector)


Link to Gameplay Video [Walkthrough Level 14-15 // Part 5 of 5] (Pixel Prospector)

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