If "retro" to you means huge chunky pixels, bleeping and blerping sounds and gameplay that doesn't lead you by the hand, Joshua Smyth of Tiny Frog Software has just the game for you: Attack of the Meeplings. And if you think this Java-based shooter is going to explain what a Meepling is, you're sadly mistaken.
The game opens with a brief rundown of the controls: [arrow] keys move, [Z] shoots and [space] drops a bomb. The [A] key also acts as autofire, which sounds like a typical shooter to me, and that's exactly what it is.
Comprised of only three levels, the game eternally loops, getting slightly harder and faster with each go round. The pick-ups dropped by each destroyed enemy do nothing to increase your firepower or ability to maneuver brilliant, complex bullet patterns with ease. Each enemy destroyed is worth a mere 1 point. Collect one pick-up and their destruction grants you two points. Collect a hundred and, well, you get the idea. As a result the game rewards you with a higher score the longer you play, and along with that, the ability to gain a higher score with ease.
Analysis: The game is glorious, retro-styled fun from top to bottom, including every pixel and the tough but fair gameplay; however, the real stand out is the music. Usually I find myself playing with the sound muted, but with this game I couldn't play without the music. It is an important part of the experience. Everything meshes well; the bullets' pew, the destructive kssh, the pick-up pwing all go hand-in-hand together to create a nicely layered experience.
The sounds, by the way, were apparently created with this nifty little device called SFXR by DrPetter, (a 50kb download) and is well worth having a play around with especially for the game developers out there.
In short, Attack of the Meeplings is an excellent and enjoyable throwback to the days of old where gaming was a little bit tougher, but was, for some inexplicable reason, a whole heap of enjoyable. Play, and attempt to survive, the attack of the Meeplings.
Ah shame, app not loading here in FF or IE. Fairly sure it isn't my Java installation at fault.
Well, it must be your Java install if it's not loading properly.
I can't seem to get this to run either. It loads fine, and everything seems normal at first, but the second I fire my first shot in-game, it just locks up. Gotta be a Java issue, since nothing negative happens to the browser, but I thought I was all updated, and this version hasn't caused me problems in the past..
Did a new version of Java come out recently that I wasn't aware of, perhaps?
Loads OK for me in FF.
Of course, my Meepling mojo doesn't seem to be on... boy did I die real quick. Usually I'm pretty good at pattern avoidance games.
Scored 71858 first try, running out of lives just after completing one loop. I could do better (I'm much too careless in how I usually play ^^;), but, eh. Infinite shooters hold little draw for me. Once through is enough.
For a little browser game, it ain't too bad. The music and sound, in particular, are excellent.
Why in every java game my FF crashes at this point:
http://i29.tinypic.com/nxjpf9.jpg
? Jay, help! PS. In IE is good but I want it to be good in FF!
It plays well and the controls are responsive, but it's exactly like every other shooter I've ever played.
Also, a more specific nitpick: I think the stars in the background are too prominent. They often distract me while I'm trying to dodge bullets or enemies.
Is it me, or is this game insanely hard? ;o)
Well made game. Makes you want to come back for more.
It's like some evil game of Ikaruga and Galaga all mixed into one! Ahhhh!!!
Thanks for featuring my game Jay! and thanks to all the people leaving feedback.
Java has been a bit of a thorn in my side when it comes to getting it to run on all the different configurations it is supposed to run on. If I had more OS's for testing I'd do so.
If you enjoyed this game look out for a downloadable version (with new features) coming in the future.
Thanks again
Wooo! Hooray for downloadable versions!!
Update