Best of 2008 (shared):
Final Ninja is the latest Nitrome title to be released. It's a side-scrolling action/adventure with plenty of ninja-goodness like wall-jumping, stealth mode and rope grappling. The stealth mode is a pretty fun tactic, as you'll be met with lots of security systems and enemies that will require a delicate touch to overcome. But the grapple is definitely the key mechanic that makes this game shine.
Proo, a mischievous but good-hearted little girl who accidentally crash-lands her father's spaceship on a bizarre planet, must relearn basic skills like walking and jumping in order to navigate an enormous and beautiful world. With rising plumes of energy that can lift you to new heights, streams of red-hot lava that cascade into underground pools, and adorable pixel art, Pieces fulfills in ways most unexpected.
Why we picked them: Who hasn't wanted to sneak around on secret missions swinging from a grappling hook while beating up bad guys? Nitrome capitalizes on everyone's dream of being a ninja while creating a game that's not only exciting, but stunning in design. From the action movie soundtrack to the arsenal of weapons and tricks available to the player, Final Ninja is an immersive and amazing experience and one of the best platform games we played all year. Nitrome certainly has a knack for creating clever and engaging games, and their fans were clearly evident in this year's Best of the year results, with several categories dominated by Nitrome games.
Pieces was a diamond in the rough from our Casual Gameplay Design Competition #5 that eventually shone brilliantly. After a shaky start, this exploration-centric platformer turned into the kind of game that sucks the player in and captures the imagination. A beautiful world with a crisp nostalgic feel, well-paced upgrades that make your character more versatile over time, and a too-cute personality make this little gem one not to miss.
So, cheers! to the Nitrome crew for another year of excellent casual gameplay, and to Guntur "Soybean" Sarwohadi for creating one of the most engaging and complex platformers we played in 2008.
Audience Award:
Final Ninja is the latest Nitrome title to be released. It's a side-scrolling action/adventure with plenty of ninja-goodness like wall-jumping, stealth mode and rope grappling. The stealth mode is a pretty fun tactic, as you'll be met with lots of security systems and enemies that will require a delicate touch to overcome. But the grapple is definitely the key mechanic that makes this game shine.
