DEVELOPER: Image & Form
PUBLISHER: Image & Form
SYSTEM: Windows PC Download
PRICE: $9.99
ESRB RATING: E10+
REVIEW RATING: 4.5 stars (out of 5)
It's easy to overlook indie games when modern media focuses on mega-blockbuster AAA games created for next-gen consoles. But anyone willing to ... ahem ... dig past the hype will discover some truly wonderful gaming experiences, like "Steamworld Dig." This fun title won't "wow" players with Hollywood-style cinematic techniques, but it will still eat up plenty of free time!
When an adorable steambot named Rusty arrives at an old West mining town, he discovers that his seemingly mundane skills can restore Tumbleton to its former glory. All he has to do is grab a pickaxe, head into the mines and hammer away to uncover a dangerous secret and plenty of ore.
On the surface, this game appears to be an elaborate version of the infamous game, "Dig Dug," but there's more to it than just digging away. For starters, Rusty can only stay underground for as long as his trusty lamp remains lit. When the oil runs out, he must return to the surface to refuel and sell his ore. This money can be used to upgrade Rusty's current tools as well as new tools he finds underground or buys in the shop. One thing I really like is that it's impossible to purchase every upgrade, which forces players to make tough decisions. Sure that dynamite looks handy, but maybe an improved lamp is the best choice for now.
There's plenty to do in the mines besides digging for ore, such as destroying monsters and finding new skills in hidden areas. It's cool to find new abilities like the rocket punch and the shock absorbers, which come in handy for more difficult levels later in the game. I have a new respect for miners now that I've had to avoid lasers and fight robots just to mine ore.
Gamers looking for an enjoyable rehash of an old genre will find "Steamworld Dig" to be a pleasant and affordable surprise.
"Redshirt"
DEVELOPER: The Tiniest Shark
PUBLISHER: Positech
SYSTEM: Windows PC Download
PRICE: $19.99
ESRB RATING: Teen
REVIEW RATING: 3.0 stars (out of 5)
Let's face it; navigating through Facebook is similar to playing a game. Some people thrive on acquiring "likes" while others enjoy prodding others to achieve emotional responses. "Redshirt" is a humorous game that incorporates a futuristic version of FB in a sci-fi setting, but it gets repetitious much too early.
Players take on the role of ... well ... themselves, an anonymous redshirt assigned to the space station Megaladon-9. Apparently, something ominous will happen in 160 days and it's up to the redshirt to survive. This requires maintaining stats and manipulating friends via the futuristic social media site called Spacebook.
Promising redshirts begin their adventure by creating a character from one of five races. Then they must build online relationships and decide how to live their life. It's kind of like a cross between "Star Trek" and Facebook with game play vaguely similar to "The Sims." Fortunately, there's plenty of humor to distract players from the repetition.
The game takes place mostly on Spacebook, where players can make friends with similar interests, such as posts, and maintain relationships. Fortunately, nearly all actions have consequences. Simply inviting friends to dine with you can cause jealousy among those who weren't invited. Similarly, angering the boss can have negative impacts on your job assignment.
Not surprisingly, players are occasionally tasked with going on "away missions" to different planets that usually result in the loss of at least one companion. If one of these unfortunate soles is a close friend, it drastically lowers the happiness level. This is just one of the many stats that must be maintained to achieve certain goals. Players also have access to numerous skills and hobbies to occupy their time.
Despite the plethora of choices, "Redshirt" offers little more than stat and friend manipulation laced with offbeat humor.
REVIEW SCORING SYSTEM
5 stars = Must Have
4 stars = Very Good
3 stars = Above Average
2 stars = Bargain Bin
1 star = Don't Bother
RATINGS KEY
Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB)
E: (Everyone)
E10+: (Everyone 10 and older)
T: Teen (13 and older)
M: Mature (17 and older)
To find out more about Jeb Haught and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.
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