Check it out as I review VDrift, HoverRace, and SuperTuxKart!

Audio is way better this episode because of my new mic. I’ve also changed how I encode the video so it appears sharper on YouTube (Episode 011 was very unfortunately very blurry).

Enjoy!

There are lots of web games out there where you get to build up a character, but Urban Dead is different in that it places more emphasis on exploring.  In fact, I’d almost go so far as to say that this feels like a point and click version of a classic MUD (a text based game, or multi user dungeon).

Web style games aren’t usually notable for their graphics, but Urban Dead unfortunately demonstrates that the look does matter.  Where a classic text only game is full of expansive descriptions, prepare for sparse and uninspired descriptions.  On top of that, the color scheme is drab and there are no supporting graphics to speak of.  Simple accents at the very least would have been nice.  It might me excusable in a pure stats driven game like Battle Knight or Canon: The Mortal King, but not in a game where there exploration is involved.

So on to gameplay.  The game is action point based, where everything you do uses an action point and your action points are replenished over a period of time.  It’s simple, the recharge rate seems to work well for the game, and the current configuration keeps the game very playable for people who can’t run to play every time they get an action point back.

That being said, there just wasn’t too much fun to be had.  The fundamentals are there, with exploring, combat, and acquiring new skills, but Urban Dead somehow fails to bring it all together properly. You start off with the basic methodology of exploring a bit and then finding shelter.  The plot sounds like a good setup, but then it falters mostly in the fact that progressing through the game fails to make it any more enjoyable.   Perhaps it’s just a failure of urgency, but nothing really pulls you in or compels you to grow in the game.

Is Urban Dead a bad game?  No, and the beauty of free titles is that you can check them out without losing much.  Looking for an online game to keep you occupied on a daily basis?  Give Urban Dead a look, but make sure you check out a few others before committing to playing it daily.

www.urbandead.com

Just a reminder, GamePwned.tv is making a comeback this Friday!!!

So what’s new in Episode 11?

• New set configuration.
• Improved audio during reviews.
• New background soundtrack (not just the theme like before).

Other improvements coming in the near future:

• Improved audio throughout the show, waiting for new equipment to arrive.
• More specials, inverviews, conventions, etc.
• Guest hosts, different sets, extra clips, and more.

and last but not least…

A VASTLY IMPROVED RELEASE SCHEDULE!

Ikariam is a continuously running web based strategy game, available to play for free at www.ikariam.com.

Graphically, the game in it’s native form consists of static images with a background image that changes as you level up.  The imagery is well drawn, but the lack of motion can make it a bit drab to look at sometimes.  Do note that there are fan created browser plug-ins that add animation, but I have not had the time to play around with them.

Gameplay timing is consistant with other continually running web games, with only a certain amount of actions allowed in a specified time period.  In this case, that time increases as you level up.  Low level buildings can be built in 15 minutes, while higher level building upgrades can take over 10 hours.  Gameplay is strictly time based, with no “turns” or “moves” to speak of.  Even military movements are based off of travel time.  Think of the game as Starcraft in very slow motion.

Ikariam was fun when I first started.  I love playing realtime strategies, and this game has very similar elements with a graphical interface not typically found in web games like this.  Perhaps the two biggest drawbacks, however, are the game speed at higher levels and constant attention required.  Once one of my towns was above level ten, every expansion seemed like an all day event.  On top of it, it is really hard to compete when you cannot log in at exactly the right time to make your next move.  A building queue for construction and resource mining assignments would be nice.

The community in the game can really change the game dynamic.  Most people want to ally and work with you to grow each other’s kingdoms, rather than attack each other.  Compared to a real time strategy, expect to do a lot of building and expanding without much fighting, especially in the lower levels.

While this game could be better, keep in mind that it is still at version 0.2.7 and I have yet to come accross another web game that is similar in size and scope.  On a final note, there is an option to upgrade your account for better gameplay options, but the free game should be enough for most people.

I’ll admit it, I’ve paid for video games, LOTS OF THEM.  PS2, Xbox, Wii, Dreamcast, Genesis, Virtual Boy, and lots of other systems with lots of games for each.  Although I focus on the free and open source stuff, I’d also like to comment on mainstream titles from time to time.  Obviously, there is no way I can keep up with reviewing all of the latest greatest commercial titles, but I’d like to comment on the commercial titles I play from time to time.

The dark side… commercial apps

Just to be clear, there is nothing wrong with commercial gaming.  I love my Wii.  I just thought it was a silly title to run with.

Welcome to the new GamePwned.com!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

For those that are new, GamePwned is mostly focused on free and open source games.  So, this blog will serve as a hub for all of the new titles I come accross, non-mainstream gaming news, and announcements regarding the GamePwned.TV webcast.  At the moment, I am the only one writing, but I may be rounding up some other people to write for the site.

If you have any ideas for the site or the show, be sure to send them to letters (at) gamepwned.tv