Why are there murderous aliens in my space station? Also, lasers, buzzsaws, and is that...ice? Easy answer is because Pavel Galchenko created a puzzle platformer by the name of Cosmo Gravity where you play a plucky astronaut trying to get the heck out of his overrun space station at all costs. To get around each level you'll use your [arrow] keys or [WASD] if you prefer, and from there you have to make use of the fans and buttons strewn about to turn off lasers or change gravity. You have no weapons but you do have the aid of zero gravity to make your jumps go further. The goal is to get the little key card, get all three gems, and get out the door before something terrible befalls you.

Okay, downside? Will Smith doesn't make a cameo at all which is ridiculous, I know. Kidding aside, your greatest ally and weakness comes in the form of the zero gravity. Before jumping you need to plan your moves because there are fickle buttons that must be pressed, the saws result in a rather grisly demise, patches of ice are waiting for you to get overly confident and not pay attention, then ZAP! You're fried astronaut served up with some couscous for the aliens. Luckily, the difficulty is satisfying and the game with its bewitching protagonist is something that is a delectable treat for any fan of platform games.

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Question of the day: How can you possibly make cats more cute and appealing to a desensitized internet crowd? You put them in the story of Little Red Riding Hood and you turn it into a crafty room escape game. That's right, Choko-Chai has put those darling little kittens in 3 Cats Little Red Riding Hood and they're trapped in the room with the big bad wolf. Click arrows to move around the room, and your cursor will change when you hover over something you can interact with. Clicking on the cat in the bottom corner of your screen will bring out the helpful felines when you run into a task you can't complete on your own.

You'll find the tools of your escape hidden around the area, but puzzles are in your way as well. Undeniably cute is the first thought that pops to mind when looking at this game but it's more than a gateway to a cat addiction. The puzzles require an observant eye but don't demand an abstract train of thought and the length of play is a highly appreciated change from the usual modest escapes. You don't need to be a cat fancier to delight in this light hearted escape... though as an added bonus there are more cats as a reward if you get out.

Play 3 Cats Little Red Riding Hood

In a room with no windows, no air ducts, and no communication system to demand release how in the world are you supposed to escape? If you're in Ladder, a short and sweet room escape game by Tateita, the key to freedom is a handy dandy ladder...and an actual key.

Hover over the left or right edge of the screen to decide which direction you want to turn and interact with the environment by clicking on the things you want to examine further (or for inventory items click "about item").

Luckily, if you're a fan of straight forward escapes, this is the right game for you. Sure, the cursor doesn't change to accommodate lazy searching but the game also doesn't require any frantic internet searches to decipher esoteric references. While the interior design is unabashedly subdued this game is remarkably enjoyable and gratifying.

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As the saying goes, there's no use crying over spilled milk. Or in Yuri's case, a toppled bucket of water that has unleashed monsters that inhabit the lab where he works. The only real option available in Monster Meltdown, a new puzzle platform game from Ambient Studios, is to put on a spiffy suit that will allow him to teleport around the lab and find those creatures as quickly as possible.

Teleport by pressing on the spot you wish to jump to, or tap on a monster to switch places with them. Not only do you need to avoid lasers and poisonous gas, but in order to get a perfect three star score you will need to complete the level, have the monsters collect all the medals, and finish without going over the teleport usage limit. In other words, it ain't easy!

Quirky and humorous, Monster Meltdown is a game that is easy to get addicted to and one that performs well above expectations. The teleportation device responds quickly, the challenges for each level are reasonable but still complex and will require a moment or two of quiet consideration, and the art is silly but well-done. The hardest part of the game is getting enough stars to unlock the higher levels, but with a steady hand, patience, and good coordination it's possible to get a perfect score. This game is hard to set aside and will be the most enjoyable mental workout you can get without ever having to leave the comfort of your bed.

You would think ducks, with their aerodynamic abilities, would be immune to the menace that is a strong gust of wind. Alas, four little ducklings and their mother are about to learn the hard way in Duck Quest, a pleasant adventure game by Waffle Friday Studios, that a breeze is nothing to mess with. As Mother Duck, move with the [arrow] keys. The park is a wide open space so you'll have to search all over and interact with obstacles by pressing [E] and to peruse your inventory click on your [W] key then hit [enter] if you wish to use that item, or want to finish dialogue. During the hunt quacking with [Q] while standing still will reveal if one of your ducklings is in your area.

There's a healthy dose of walking in this adorable game and unfortunately Mother Duck is a lethargic waddler so be prepared for a slow pace during your adventure. Still, there's nothing wrong with a calm jaunt through the park, even if it is only in a game. The story is sweet, light hearted, and long enough to keep you entertained while going about your day and something that can be shared with even the littlest of your household for a nice bonding experience. In short, it's a quacktacular.

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Thanks to Delilah for sending this one in!

Much like the gentle flapping of butterfly wings, our everyday decisions have unforeseen consequences that will catch up with us, for better or worse. Those very decisions could result in a happy life filled with incredible highs and sustainable lows or they could drown a person in hopelessness and unbearable misery. In Actual Sunlight, an indie adventure game by Will O'Neill, the key character Evan Winter is embroiled in the darkest of emotions and thoughts: suicidal ideations, self-loathing, loneliness, and severe depression. Told through extensive, self-deprecating narratives laced with sarcasm, Winters takes you down a dark path that will leave your emotions in a stranglehold.

Despite the morbid overtone, the game still plays like your usual adventure where you guide your character with the [arrow] keys and tap the [spacebar] to interact with people or objects. The story unfolds through your discoveries, so to get the full effect of the game you'll want to talk with everyone and investigate every object. All of those discoveries give you a glimpse into the mind of Evan and the very real, very dark hole he's slowly sinking into.

With such a bleak topic, modest interactive options, and a play through that won't be more than an hour, it would be easy to write this game off. Though brief, Actual Sunlight does something that few games are capable of doing: It traps you into the same feelings as the protagonist. The lack of decisions push you into that corner where you're forced to read the macabre thoughts that will inevitably make you pause and realize, oh no, some of this hits far too close to home. As the days pass for Evan you'll be hard-pressed to question why he feels the way he does. Instead you'll have anxiety twisting your gut knowing there's no happy ending but wishing, hoping desperately that there could be. This won't be the game that gets the best graphics award, it won't be the one that makes you feel accomplished for outwitting some puzzle. No, this is the game that once you're done playing you'll sit in front of your computer screen, take a deep breath, and question every choice you have ever made and all the ones that you haven't and that, more than anything else, is what sets this game apart from all the rest.

Due to the nature of the game and the mindset of the protagonist, the thoughts and conversations that occur are not going to be family friendly. You must also install the free RPG Maker VX RTP in to play Actual Sunlight.

Windows:
Get the free full version

Mac OS X:
Not available.
Try Boot Camp or Parallels or CrossOver Games.

Oonga boonga baboomba troonga. For a more modern translation: Hey everyone! There's an awesome new game that is ready to rock your socks off. Before you ask, yes I am a professional caveman linguist so there's no need to turn to your translation apps. Feast or Famine, a new action platform game for iOS devices dreamed up by X4 Games, was made with some inspiration from Neolithic paintings and just maybe a bit of that totally-not-made-up language above!

As a caveman stick figure your one goal in life is to survive. That means you've gotta eat meat. Armed with a string of different weapons like a spear or a ray gun, tap on the left side of the screen to shoot at birds or bison so you can keep your meat-er filled. Starvation isn't your only opponent, however. Tap the right side of the screen to jump, avoiding angry creatures while you grab bones speed boosts. Bones function as a currency that let you purchase helpful and often humorous upgrades that make platforming just a touch easier.

First off, how has someone not thought of this before? Secondly, thank goodness no one has already done this because that game would probably be put to shame when compared to Feast or Famine. Despite being made for mobile devices the graphics are shockingly attractive, the response of the mechanics are impressively clean, and the difficulty that each level presents isn't always dependent upon throwing an obvious obstacle in your way. The only real flaw comes from a lack of checkpoints, which means when you die you have to start the level all over again. Still, the stages are short enough that this doesn't become a game-killer. Whether you have an appreciation for cave art or want to test your mettle at being the hunter instead of gatherer this game is ready and waiting for your tender lovin' attention.

Secrets, much like annoying songs, seem to come up when you least expect them. For Prince Snowe, long-kept secrets are quickly unraveling as he finds that his deceased parents have left him a legacy marred by less than admirable deeds. In Star Stealing Prince, an RPG adventure game by Star Cadets, Prince Snowe will have to discover the full extent of what his parents have done, which is hard when the whole kingdom of Sabine relies on the Prince being alive and happy.

Use the [arrow] keys to move Prince Snowe to and fro, and if you're impatient with his leisurely pace, hold [shift] to dash. Use the [Z], [enter] or [spacebar] keys to interact with characters, items and other bits of scenery, and tap [esc] to access the all-important menu where you can save or work with your inventory. Enemies appear as little puffs of air on the screen and you're immediately given the option to fight or flee. Each character has a designated elemental preference in battle, such as Snowe using Fire spells, and each element dictates how strong your spell will be against a creature of a certain element. Pay attention to your health and magic point meters in battle, and watch the IP bar fill as you gradually take damage. Top it off and get ready to exact a bit of revenge!

There's more than just battles to contend with, of course. The story pushes you to explore new areas so you can meet new characters, solve puzzles, and gather items, spells, and potions like any good role playing game. Minions and bosses will be also be waiting for your party, blocking your path and making sure you haven't skimped on leveling your characters while wandering around.

A game as robust as Star Stealing Prince is hard to find, especially in the freeware realm, so it's an occasion for excitement when you do catch that gem. With hours of playtime to chomp on, a story that is engaging from start to finish, visuals that are impressively detailed, and characters that have realistic responses, I can warn you now that if you start playing you'll find it difficult to tear yourself away. There are phantoms and chimeras, tormented souls and ominous secrets, and most importantly there are new friends to find. The old King and Queen were very fond of hidden passages, so don't let the darkness fool your curiosity. Dive in head first!

Note: You must install the free RPG Maker VX RTP in order to play Star Stealing Prince.

Windows:
Get the free full version

Mac OS X:
Not available.
Try Boot Camp or Parallels or CrossOver Games.

It's pretty easy to admit we're no longer in the age of a manifest destiny mindset. For the battle hungry colonizer in you this has to be depressing information... but don't fret! While it's not land based warfare, Colonial Wars provides you with a great opportunity to flex your naval military muscles. This real-time strategy game created by Eugene Markeev and Olexiy Starodumov starts with you as a red colored island looking to expand your colony. To send your little soldiers off to battle, click and hold on your island, then drag towards the island you want to invade and release, or drag to another island under your control first to send multiple armies to the same destination. Doing so sends over half the number of troops displayed at your island, and you need to send over a larger number than the one displayed on the enemy's forces... which is exactly what they'll also be trying to do. Luckily, the islands regenerate fighters and there are upgrades available that will help you out and hinder your foes.

Off the bat the game might seem too simple for the seasoned strategy gamer but the difficulty picks up as you plow through the levels. Part of the difficulty comes not only from island positions on the map but also from more than one enemy to contend with. Upgrades provide a helping hand though the price for them becomes quite steep when compared to the rate of obtaining the gold. While the boats and planes will seem rather sluggish the speed boost comes in handy to cast away that frustration. You won't need to be a master tactician to beat the game but you will have to keep your wits about you and that's what makes this game all the better. It's a familiar concept, but it's fun, well presented, and fits perfectly into your day.

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For a knight, the greatest accomplishment is to rescue a Princess from whatever cursed prison she's been placed in, and the bonus is she's so happy about her escape that she supplies a happily ever after. In Mad Princess, a defense strategy game originally created for the "You Are the Villain," themed Ludum Dare 25, creator Jussi Simpanen has given the Princess a neurotic twist. Instead of looking for her gallant knight she's killing them off little by little with the help of caltrops, bombs, crossbows, and swinging spiked balls. You can access these weapons by either clicking them or by using the [1]-[5] keys to select from your given arsenal then placing them on the floor. The traps will turn green if they are able to be placed and will remain red if they can't be put down. Blood is the currency that you will need to collect in order to purchase your death traps and with diligent placement and timing it is up to you to prevent the knights from reaching the Princess.

Whether you find it awesome or maniacal that the princess is a sociopath it's easy to appreciate the twist on the overused damsel in distress plot. It's not hard to see how the idea would translate perfectly as a defense game and the traps given are amusing to say the least. Having a finite amount of traps and revealing them quickly without any chance of upgrade keeps the game tiptoeing a fine line between difficult and repetitive but fortunately it handles the balancing act well. Strangely, even in the moments of repetition the game doesn't lose its allure to help the fearsome princess maintain her freedom from a fairy tale ending that isn't of her choosing.

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Magic and mystery, much to the displeasure of many, is not as ever-present as is should be. On one hand that fact makes reality seem far too dreary, but on the other, it might be for the best that power of that nature isn't lurking around every corner. In the newest installment of Elephant Games' Grim Tales series, Grim Tales: The Stone Queen, this is made very clear. In this hidden object puzzle adventure mystery game, it's easy to realize why magic and supernatural powers can be a grim alternative to the mundane normalcy of bill paying and chores.

It all begins in Stoneville where you're about to meet your nephew. Yeah right, since when does anything go as planned in a hidden object game? Instead of finding him happy and healthy, you stumble upon something bizarre: people are being turned to stone by a woman known as the Stone Queen. To add the extra cherry on the top, your nephew is on the verge of death whilst being cradled in a bed of crystals. The once charming town that was protected by the Stone Queen is now the unwilling victim of her fury. It's up to you to figure out why she's off her rocker with rage and hope that once you find out, it will help you cure your ailing nephew.

After you've chosen a difficulty level and started your adventure you will encounter a smattering of mini-games and hidden object scenes that will help you obtain inventory items that will assist your enterprise. Your inventory bar is collapsible so it won't interfere with your view of the surrounding area, and to the right of the bar is your interactive map that will allow you to jump between scenes.

Analysis: Unlike previous games in the Grim Tales series, Stone Queen takes a story twist by focusing on the villain more than the family. This doesn't keep the story from touching on the familial bond or the strength it can provide, but it offers a greater dimension for relationships by showing more than what you might expect. The greatest shock of all is the very obvious lack of achievements and collectibles that have become a standard of Elephant Games releases. It's not a point against the game, per se, just a bit of a head scratcher.

Despite a few questionable tweaks in the otherwise perfect formula, Grim Tales: The Stone Queen offers the same great experience as previous releases. Each scene is crafted with a touch of autumnal beauty lending the game a solemn yet sensational atmosphere. To add the perfect sprinkling of magic there are creatures that will assist you or detain you, but nevertheless intrigue you with each new appearance. While it's hard to say for sure whether this is better than any of the Grim predecessors, it's easy to be certain that Grim Tales: The Stone Queen is a glorious game that is worth the number of hours it will take you to devour it.

A Collector's Edition is also available. It contains bonus content, an art gallery, strategy guide, and more. Remember that Big Fish Game Club Members pay only $13.99 for Collector's Editions (or 2 club credits), and collector's editions count 3 card punches of 6 total needed for a free game.

Windows:
Download the demo
Get the full version
Also available: Collector's Edition

Mac OS X:
Download the demo
Get the full version

Back in my day, a guy wouldn't have to go searching all over town for tickets to a sold out concert just to have a girl give him the briefest hint of a smile and her name. Clearly, I've missed some key element in the courting process because that's exactly what Shawn has decided to do in order to catch the eye of a beguiling blonde haired stranger that is being guarded by her talkative friend. In Tickets 4Love, a point-and-click adventure game brought to you by Carmel Games, you will have to search through a small town on your daring hunt for tickets. Click to pick up items, located with the help of a changing cursor, and then use those items on scenery or people to help in your grand scheme. Your map and inventory are located at the bottom of the screen and both can be double checked whenever you please.

For a point and click game, Tickets 4Love keeps the search about town on a moderately linear path. The game, fortunately, maintains a logical thought process for use of items so you don't feel as if you're wandering about searching desperately for some type of clue. There's still a touch of fiendish methods to achieve your means but the results are more humorous than horrifying. The addition of the changing cursor helps greatly for some of the harder to notice items, but thankfully the amount of objects you need to find and use are minimal. Both quirky and amusing, Tickets4Love makes a nice joke out of the dating game and does so with a fun twist.

Play Tickets 4Love