Another 5 Free Games Worth Checking Out
With how much I enjoyed my previous mini-session of short and sweet, free-to-play games from the Steam storefront, I figured I would go hunting for more enjoyable bite-sized titles given just how many there are. Once again, to take a break from regular reviews, I wanted to share some of my findings, all free on Steam, most of which have low PC hardware requirements.
Helltaker
Released 11th May 2020
Developed by vanripper
To kickstart the day, I spun the wheel on some random free-to-play games I installed, and the winner was 'Helltaker'. On the quest to win over the hearts of demon girls, the player will be guided through Hell in levels where you'll need to reach the end-gate in the least amount of moves possible. The art style is delightful and brings much life to an otherwise simple colour palette, the puzzles are finely tuned and satisfying to complete, and the premise is so outlandish that it makes the previous qualities stand out even more. The puzzles at certain points got challenging (especially during the final boss) but if you ever need to, a skip puzzle option lets you bypass the brain-teasing for the brief interactions you share with the demons.
If you want to check out this game, click here for its Steam page.
Alien Removal Division
Released 17th June 2022
Developed by Enchanted Bean Studios
The second short experience I decided to indulge in had been on my "Need to Play" list for a while: 'Alien Removal Division'. At first glance it would seem like this is just a 'Doom' inspired Uni-team project, and it is exactly that. Set in a 1950s military research facility, aliens have overrun the facility and you are tasked with defeating them all. Amazing parkour movement of air dashing, wall running and grappling; satisfying gun control of a powerful shotgun and a heavy-firing machine gun; strong enemy variety with creative designs, there are so many things that this game gets done well. It could go with a mute protagonist as their dialogue didn't necessarily add to the 25-minute experience, the gameplay is addictive enough to warrant replays, speedruns and a want for a sequel or expansion of sorts.
If you want to check out this game, click here for its Steam page.
The Two of Us
Released 18th December 2021
Developed by Flow State Games
Not to be confused with 'Two of Us', 'The Two of Us' is a sidescroller platformer puzzle game that is operated in co-op. For what it was between me and my friend - a quick, little time-passer - it did make for an enjoyable 25 minutes. The puzzles are clever enough to be worth the time, requiring as much timing and precision as it does cooperation, if you want to go achievement hunting then the bonus challenge does make the experience more intriguing, and you get to play as ninja frogs so you really can't complain.
If you want to check out this game, click here for its Steam page.
Tag: The Power of Paint
Released 1st May 2008
Developed by Tag Team
To continue the platformer streak, I decided to give 'Tag: The Power of Paint' a chance due to its overwhelmingly positive reviews, despite its rugged look. Feeling more like a flash game you'd play in the back of your computing classroom, 'Tag' ended up more enjoyable than I anticipated, feeling fluid and effective in executing its ideas. In a mostly grey city, you'll be able to spray coloured paint, each with its functionality, from increasing your speed to boosting you up like a launch pad. Switching between paints on the fly for that effortless, speedy feel, or meticulously planning your route using these paints; all could be found within this 30-minute experience, that, while lacking in audio quality, makes up for a fun time. Here's a fun fact: the game was developed as a student project at DigiPen Institute of Technology and came second in IGN's Top 10 Indie Games of 2008, resulting in the team getting hired by Valve to work on ‘Portal 2’.
If you want to check out this game, click here for its Steam page.
How Fish is Made
Released 14th January 2022
Developed by Wrong Organ
I figured I would go for a horror finish to round off this session. 'How Fish is Made' isn't an explicit horror game, instead, it thrives on the surreal atmosphere it presents and goddamn does it thrive. It's so weird, unsettling and odd that it strikes this balance of comfortable and uncomfortable. What's the short story about? You're a fish and that's all I know. There is a narrative here but it's so enigmatic and strange that you'd need to do some Game Theory levels of deep diving to understand it. The main appeal is the atmosphere and the dialogue with the other fishes because it is simply a walking (flopping?) simulator, but coupled with the free expansion pack that doubles the 15-minute playtime, its aesthetic, visuals and sound make for an intoxicating experience that will continue with the developers' follow up game: 'Mouthwashing'.
If you want to check out this game, click here for its Steam page.
With all that said, I'm going to keep looking for free games to scratch my itch, who knows what I'll find?
