Now Updated to Version 2

Vicky: What's that? It looks like Final Fantasy.

Me: No, it's a game called Aveyond.

Vicky (after watching for several minutes): It looks fun. Can I play?

Vicky's right; Aveyond does play a lot like Final Fantasy--maybe about V, since the graphics are 2D sprites in an oblique overhead view. It's a game you wouldn't be surprised to find on your SNES or Genesis.

You can think of Flatspace II as a sort of shmuppy Elite by way of NetHack. Like NetHack, the universe is randomly generated each time you start a new game; like shmups, starship combat is fast and intense; like Elite, you're a starship captain exploring a huge universe--and there are a whole slew of different roles you can take (trader, mercenary, bounty hunter, assassin, police officer, or scavenger).

Drivin' an' Shootin'

The first thing you notice about Mexican Motor Mafia is that the music is seriously kick-ass--as is the introductory sequence, carried in graphic novel-like images and text. It is also definitely not for the tots; your brother is executed, gangland-like, in front of his small children. You have to go after the killers, of course.

The actual game is a top-down driving-and-shooting game, something along the lines of the original GTA. You use the WASD keys to tool around, aiming with the mouse and blasting away at enemies, driving into towns along your route for new ammo, equipment, better cars, and so on.

If you yearn for the days of Ultima (round about VII or VIII) or the King's Quest games--or if you've plowed all the way through Oblivion and aren't willing to wait for years until the next great, big-budget fantasy RPG gets released--you've just stumbled on a game you will like a great deal. In fact, stop reading now and go play the demo. Maybe I need to insert a rotating spiral GIF here and a deep hypnotic voice intoning "You Will Like It," but it hardly seems necessary. No mental coercion needed--the game speaks for itself.

Morning's Wrath is an isometic "2-and-a-half-D" fantasy RPG, a sassy (if tragic) female protagonist, a story that not only makes sense but you will actually care about, excellent music, and a great deal of fast-paced combat, along with an original and well conceived spell system.

For a small indie team, Ethereal Darkness has produced a surprisingly polished little gem of a game in Morning's Wrath--and yes, the graphics are a little retro, but for that we make no apologies. Gameplay over glitz, remember?

And for a mere $10 bucks. Hard to beat that.

Cute, Zany and Engaging Arcade-y Play
Reduced Price for a Limited Time (Regularly $19.99)>

Developed by Steve Ince and based on his own web comic, Mr. Smoozles Goes Nutso is a cheerfully arcade-y 2D game with strong "adventure game" aspects--that is, success is dependent more on solving puzzles than on mastery of the interface. It boasts attractive comic-style graphics, well-written and often amusing dialog, and surprising depth of gameplay -- light-hearted gaming madness.

The Developer Says

A hugely fun arcade adventure, based upon the online comic strip, Mr. Smoozles, it boasts a cast of 50 characters spread through 60 exciting and varied locations and has an original soundtrack by talented young composer, Josh Winiberg. With an addictive mix of gameplay and humour, this game is a delight for gamers of all ages and tastes.

You are the leader of a powerful Order of Sorcerors. Having defeated mankind's greatest enemy, the Demon Hordes, you retreat to Haven for a life of peaceful seclusion.

One day, after many decades, your retirement is shattered by signs of an old, familiar danger: the Demons have returned! You return to find the Order slaughtered, monstrous creatures roaming the landscape, and humanity on the run.