Speculating Screenshots (25th February 2017)

For most, weekends means two days off work with some much-needed R&R. But for game developers, it’s also a time during which they get to show off what they’ve been working on. I am of course referring to Screenshot Saturday, which involves tweeting screenshots with the #ScreenshotSaturday hashtag. Screenshots which I will be critiquing some of every single Tuesday, in Speculating Screenshots.
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The Greenlight Groove: ‘Omegaland’ and… more?

Many Steam users don’t check - or even notice - the majority of Greenlight additions; it's simply too time-consuming. Hoping to alleviate this problem somewhat, I bring you The Greenlight Groove, showcasing my recommendation(s) from the past week.
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‘Midnight at the Celestial Palace: Chapter I’ Combines Colorful Comical Questing With… Tune Trickery?

It's Midnight at the Celestial Palace! Or rather, Midnight at the Celestial Palace: Chapter I - of who's to say how many - is upon us, and as such, the time has come for Greg and… an otter (wait, what?) to embark on what is bound to be a grand adventure. Together. Because that's what humans and otters do in this pointy and clicky odd locale. Or maybe this is a special case. One unlike any... otter (nope, not sorry).
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‘Shift Happens’, and Now Bismo and Plom Are More Jelly Than Ever

Jellies can be oh so very delicious, although I suspect Bismo and Plom - the two protagonists of Shift Happens - would be quite upset, were one to try and take a bit of either. They're not that kind of jelly after all, and besides, there'd be no game to play without them. Which would be a darn shame, as this adventure of mass-self-manipulation (it's a... word(?)!) looks to be a rather amusing one.
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It’s Almost PAX East Time, and You Know What That Means: Indie MEGABOOTH!

Ah, PAX East. Where games are talked about, showcased, and perhaps most importantly, played! And boy does this year ever look exciting - even if you just focus on the Indie MEGABOOTH lineup. Just kidding: PAX East 2017's Indie MEGABOOTH is going to be amazing! I mean, how could it not, with close to 80 games partaking? So very groovy.
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Let’s Get It Kickstarted: ‘Prisma & the Masquerade Menace’

At first glance, the world in which Prisma & the Masquerade Menace takes place may seem all lovely and peaceful. Sadly, that is not even remotely the case, as magical masks have… taken over… powerful creatures? Yeah. I don't know. Magic is weird. Whatever the case, these things must be destroyed… by the dimension-hopping duo, Ray and Fractal. Magic!
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Speculating Screenshots (18th February 2017)

‘Usurper’ Demo Impressions: I Pity the Demons…

From the moment the Usurper demo begins, the tone is set and you better believe that it is played to a wonderfully weird melody. One of demonic horrors, wizardry, oversized weaponry, and of course, a grand evil to vanquish. All that and more, in this alternate timeline 1989 London; or rather, some of it, as this demo does offer but a slice of the stylish action. What a slice, though!
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The Greenlight Groove: ‘Cogmind’ and… more?

Piece Together the Remnants of a Shattered Timeline As You… ‘Lit the Torch’

What if one was able to create windows into a different timeline? I mean, it'd be a pretty neat trick for sure. But alas, in Lit the Torch, it's a way of salvaging what once was, more so than... well, showing off. Or perhaps it's actually a bit of both, depending on how you feel about, oh I don't know, saving the world. Might as well look cool while acting as a savior of all, right?
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Speculating Screenshots (11th February 2017)

The Greenlight Groove: ‘Freedom Planet 2’ and… more?

Thoughts on Greenlight and the Reveal of Its Successor, Steam Direct

Believe it or not, this year, Greenlight actually turns five. That's right, Valve's attempt at creating a better curation system for game additions to the store section of Steam has been around for close to five years now. Won't be around for a sixth, though, as its replacement was announced just the other day. "Finally", some might say, and honestly, I'm inclined to agree, for so many reasons.
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‘Voyageur’ Has an Infinite Galaxy to Explore, One Full of Choices, Wealth and… Danger?

In theory, the Descent Device is a wonderful thing, enabling the fastest form of travel mankind has experienced. Unfortunately, it has a rather large flaw: the journey with it, throughout Voyageur, is, for reasons unknown, one-way. Doesn't mean you can't make the most of it, however, amassing large amounts of wealth as you embark on a grand adventure through the cold depths of space. Oh, and do be careful, as not everyone is friendly. I think. They don't seem friendly, at least. Maybe they are?
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‘Gunmetal Arcadia’ Looks Like a Lovely Old-School Take On Classic RPG Platformers

In one corner, the Tech Elves of Arcadia - in the other, the hordes of the Unmade Empire. Who will win? Well, since the Tech Elves are the good guys in Gunmetal Arcadia, chances are they will. That is, provided the player can handle the challenge laid before them in this roguelite throwback to the likes of Zelda II: The Adventure of Link. If not, guess the evil empire will win this war. Which would be bad. For everyone.
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Speculating Screenshots (4th February 2017)

‘Empty.’ Impressions: Furniture, Why Won’t You Vanish?!

The rules for whatever dimension Empty. takes place in are simple: if something is invisible, it disappears. Instantly. No exceptions. Oh, and by invisible, I mean... well, camouflaged. Kinda. In the 'orange object against orange surface is invisible, and thus, gone' way. Because that all makes sense, right? Not really, but who cares, so long as it makes for an interesting puzzle game?
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The Greenlight Groove: ‘Riptale’ and… more?

‘High Noon Revolver’ Sets You on the Path From Gunswinger to Gunslinger

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to go from zero to hero, becoming a complete bad-ass in the wildest western tale ever told, gunning down countless bad guys to save the day? Well, if you don't mind not getting the tale part of that deal, High Noon Revolver might be just what you're after. I mean, it does claim to take your character "from puny to powerhouse", as you go about dispersing of outlaws. Groovy.
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‘Takume’ Impressions: Dealing the Hand Life’s Played

I don't know much about Takume, protagonist of same named game. Pink, long hair, odd wardrobe, rater pixelated - that's about it. Oh, and she is trying to find her sister... in a strange, unfamiliar place. Confused? Now you know how I felt while playing this one, although it'll all make sense in the end. I think. Heck, if it turns out I'm wrong there, at least you'll (hopefully) have experienced a groovy adventure.
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MAGS February 2017: Get Creative and Define “As Time Goes By” In Game Form

Adventure Game Studio. Easily my favorite engine, second only to SCUMM. So, MAGS! Unlike most jams, which tend to last from 72 hours to a full week with no engine restriction, this one spans a month and requires participants to use... wait for it... Adventure Game Studio! Who's in the mood for creating some adventure games?
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