Saving the world from zombies? Yeah, we've done that (but we never mind doing it again). Saving the world (including cats, they're in the world, too) from fires? Bring it on!
Fire Point (Windows, free) - All right, let's be heroic! Life as a fire fighter is tough, but boy do you get to do some brave things. Like rescuing cats from trees, putting out fires at close range, and carrying humans down flaming steps. Fire Point is a sidescrolling game that lets you live out these moments with stunning simplicity, placing you in a series of situations where you have to rescue occupants of burning buildings slowly, carefully, and methodically. It's a frightfully entertaining game. Go on, be a hero.
Continue? Philly Under Fire (Windows, free) - So, you fancy NES-style sidescrolling shooters like Contra? This is totally your thing! Created by Lazy Brain Games, pick one of three characters and head into the dystopian world for some good old fashioned arcade action. Gun upgrades to collect, enemies to shoot, bosses to take out, and an awesome chiptune soundtrack to soak in. What could go wrong? Well, you could die, that's wrong. But who cares?!
Elette (Windows, free) - Zombie hordes are attacking. But don't worry, you've got a bow and arrow! Sitting in your tower, click to fire and take out the undead, whether they come by land, air, or air in a hot air balloon. You'll eventually get pushed back to the next line of defense, at which point you get to upgrade some part of your tower or archers. The action itself can feel a bit thin, as you pretty much just click the whole time, but the game somehow keeps you glued to the screen from area to area. Plus, the cutscenes are pretty nice!
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