 "Photo: Andkon.com")
Dear readers,
This week, I will be sharing with you my thoughts on not one, not zero, but THREE games from andkon.com/arcade. Two of them are classics from the beginning of time itself, and the third will be a look at one of the most recent additions.
One of the best things about Andkon is that the instructions for each game can always be found at the bottom of the page for quick reference. Sometimes this is rather useless, but most of the time it is very helpful, and oftentimes humorous.
The “Instructions & Controls” for Interactive Buddy — one of the oldest games on the site — reads simply: Do anything! While this isn’t quite the case, it does a good job of capturing the unique freedom offered by this simple game.
The game begins with a cute little gray figure standing in a slightly less cute box. If one were to then place the mouse over him, one would find oneself able to cause the little gray figure to punch itself in the face. Delightful!
A little exploring reveals many other ways to inflict harm on the little guy. From placing a grenade in his hand, to blasting him with a fire hose, or burying him with bowling balls — the possibilities are endless.
Perhaps what makes this game so endearing are the simple emotions expressed by the gray fellow. At first he isn’t sure of his surroundings, investigating objects you place in his world with a child-like curiosity. However, he soon catches wise to your devious ways and will attempt to run when your mouse approaches him. This classic is definitely worth a look and is a good, wholesome way to vent.
Another game that’s been around since Andkon began is the controversially titled Divine Intervention. This game places you in the role of a priest who takes on a one-man crusade to rid the world of the demons that have invaded the earth.
What tools would a priest use to exorcise these abominations? Why guns, of course. The aesthetics are where this game really shines. It creates a mood of suspense and bad-assery that’s rare in most online flash games. I want to use the word visceral to describe the game, but I’m not really sure how to work it in … (see what I did there?). Some might call it gratuitously violent and sacrilegious, but I call it jolly good fun.
This past week’s updates were definitely above average. Nob War, GlueFO 3 and even Flaming Zombooka are worth playing.
But the real star this week is Hetherdale. When the opening cinematic began, I couldn’t believe I was looking at a flash game. These are the kind of graphics and story that I used to have to pay for at the store. Times have really changed if this is what can be found for free on the Internet nowadays.
Hetherdale is one of those games that raises the bar for all other game designers out there. If you have some time, definitely check it out. And you can even save your game, so you don’t have to do it all in one sitting.
Until next time, may you rediscover an old joy.
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