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Note: Some games may omit to mention all the game controls, so these are some common game controls, although not all games will use them.
F1 for help, F4 switch between a window and fullscreen, F5 saves game, F6 load a saved game, Esc exit the game.



Spatieball.

Spatieball is a fairly simple game, just jump the ball over the spikes, to reach the end of the level. There are twentyfive levels, with new features appearing as you progress through the game, when you complete all the levels, you unlock three bonus "extreme" levels and a random level generator.
Your only control is the space bar, which makes your ball jump, the longer you hold it, the further you jump. The esc key returns you to the mouse controlled menu.

Although Spatieball starts off rather slowly, I liked it and completed all the levels, the last two levels were pretty difficult and I haven't managed to complete the unlocked extreme levels yet.
I thought the colourful graphics were good, better than I could do anyway and I liked the underwater sections, the parachuting spikes was a novel idea.

The only things I didn't like, were the music, which began to grate on my nerves after a short time and the way the view moved up and down with the ball (sent my eyes funny!), I would have preferred the view static and the game window larger to accommodate the up and down of the landscape.

Overall, a solid well made game and simple to play, not much replay value, but it kept me entertained for 30 minutes.
Note: No install required, but place the exe in a folder, as it creates a save file.

Important Note: YoYo Games allows you to play games online, by installing an ActiveX in Internet Explorer. To play online click the Play Now button and follow the prompts on the YoYo Games web site.
Games can still be downloaded in the normal way, the play offline link is located at the bottom right of the game page.

Freeware -- Download size 5.13MB -- Win 98SE, 2000, Me, XP

http://www.yoyogames.com/games/show/13055

Old School Monster Shooter.

OSMS is a monster blasting platform game. You guide your hero through sixteen monster packed levels, collecting keys to unlock the next level.
OSMS is quite an old fashioned looking game, but the graphics are very colourful, with some good animations amongst the twelve monster types.
I found the background music a bit intrusive after a while, but it can be turned off, the sound effects were numerous and suited the game well.

OSMS isn't particularly difficult and I completed all sixteen levels, although I must admit that the ability to save the game at any point was a help.
The levels were a bit simple, with no hidden items, or passages and the only task (apart from surviving), is to collect all the keys on each level. But I did enjoy playing OSMS, it definitely has that elusive "something".

OSMS is made by Zvika Israeli and he has created (using Game Maker) a large collection of games, which are displayed on his site. OSMS is probably his best game, but I also liked Supply Panic, which is deceptively difficult and one of my friends grandchildren loves Goldfish. Note that the old version of Goldfish is easier and better suited to small children.

Note: Most of the games on the web site should run on Win 98se, NT, 2000, Me, XP, they may run on Vista ( you may need to use compatibility mode).

OSMS specs: Freeware -- Download size 3.09MB -- Win 98se, 2000, XP, Vista.

http://www.geocities.com/zvikaisraeli/free_classic_games.html

Go Up v1.0.

Go Up is a platform game, but with an original twist. To advance in the game, you frequently have to leave one side of the game window and enter the other side, often jumping up, or down, to a platform on the way.
As well as this novel form of progress, there are the usual spiky objects to avoid, switches to trip, invisible blocks to find and coins to collect.

The game graphics are basic and the game runs in rather a small window, but you tend to forget that, as the gameplay is good.
The background music can be turned off, which is just as well, as it gets very repetitive. The few sound effects are pretty good, with the exception of the mans scream as he dies, that gets very annoying and needs an off switch.
The help file is currently fragmented, with bits here and there, it would be better as one comprehensive help page.

There are twentysix levels altogether. The main game has sixteen levels, plus five bonus levels, which are unlocked as your score increases.
There is a challenge mode, where you have just one life to complete five levels. You can download extra levels from the authors web site, although currently only one is available.
There is no level editor, which is a shame, as the game is ideally suited to user created levels.
The levels get steadily harder as you progress through the game and some are quite tricky, with the most obvious path to take, not being the actual path you should take.
Your game progress is saved as you complete levels and there is the occasional waypoint at the start of tricky sections.

Go Up is quite a good game, innovative and fun to play.
I have got as far as level ten, on the main levels and unlocked three of the bonus levels (completed two). I found the challenge mode very tricky only reaching the second level!

Freeware -- Download size 2.3MB -- Win 98se, ME, 2000, XP, Vista

http://www.rutgerbevers.be/go_up_eng.html

Muon v1.0 by Kvalsternacka

Muon is best described as a cross between a platform and puzzle game. Each game consists of ten levels, which must be completed as quickly as possible. Your score is based on your speed over all ten levels and is shown at the end of the game.
The ten levels are randomly generated for each game, making each game different.

You play as a block, surrounded by small rotating orbs (the orbs signify how many boosters you currently have). You must collect the five boosters (bouncing blocks) on each level and then reach the gate.
You move using the arrow keys and pressing up twice gives you a double jump. Pressing down activates a booster, which will make you jump again, or destroy the block you are standing on.

Muon requires quick thinking, along with some coordination and strategy to get a good score. You must quickly find the quickest route to collect all the boosters, while using your collected boosters wisely. It is often best to destroy a block, rather than jump around.

Muon is an addictive game and can be frustrating when you fall off the screen! It is also technically quite clever, as producing a random layout is harder than it seems.
I would have liked to see the option to save the high score (my best is 131,440 so far), but apart from that minor niggle, a very good game.

Note: No install is required, just click and play. F4 is fullscreen, Esc is exit.

Freeware -- Download size 1.64Mb -- Win 98SE, ME, XP, 2000, Vista.

Important Note: YoYo Games allows you to play games online, by installing an ActiveX in Internet Explorer. To play online click the Play Now button and follow the prompts on the YoYo Games web site.
Games can still be downloaded in the normal way, the play offline link is located at the bottom right of the game page.

http://www.yoyogames.com/games/show/7094

Misty Dungeon.

Platform games aren't a favorite of mine, but this one caught my eye because of the cute graphics. It is a fairly short game, with just eight levels, but fun nonetheless.
You play as a wizard who must collect treasure to gain extra lives and keys to open the doors. Various enemies protect the treasure, some fairly harmless, others rather more dangerous. There are also collapsing paths, spikes and lava to impede your progress.

The graphics are very nicely done, with some cute animations and effects and everything has a nice tidy appearance, apart from the wizard in the title and game over sequences, who doesn't match the rest of the game.
Each level has a different music track and there is a reasonable selection of sound effects.

Misty Dungeon is fairly difficult, a lot of the jumps are very precise and some of the monsters can be tricky to approach.
Collision detection isn't brilliant, as your characters bounding box is too large, so you sometimes find yourself apparently standing in mid air, or colliding with a spike unexpectedly. But this can also be used to your advantage, to clear long jumps, by moving slightly off the edge of a platform, before jumping, thus giving yourself more range.

Misty Dungeon is nicely presented, with a good help file and menu and is worth a look.

Note: The game starts in a window, but pressing F4 will set it to full screen.
No install is required, just click and play.

Freeware -- Download size 4.93Mb -- Win 98SE,ME,2000,XP

http://sggworld.altervista.org/sggsoftware/mdungeon.php

Bounce2 by SuperCasey4.

Bounce2 is a puzzle platformer with fifty levels. You control a small blue ball, that you must maneuver to the swirling vortex on each level. You can make the ball bounce higher by bouncing on the blue blocks, or lower by using the red blocks, the white blocks have no effect, while the rare yellow blocks give you a super bounce.
Note: It is possible to get stuck if you stay on a red block for too long and the only cure is to press the yellow reset button and restart the level.
You must use the different types of blocks, to negotiate the obstacles on each level, you will also find blowers, magnets and gravity switches to help, or hinder your progress.

The graphics are good with some nice effects, the crumpling effect of the window as you enter the vortex is excellent (I wonder how he did that?).
As well as the fancy graphics of Bounce2, you can also see the graphics of Bounce1, as twenty levels from the original game are available from the menu.

The background music is fairly faint on my computer and the sound effects are limited to just a few bouncing sounds, both can be turned on, or off during the game.

The levels vary considerably in difficulty, with some being almost unbeatable, while others can be completed in seconds.
The first level contains a simple tutorial, which is just as well, as there is no help file, the author hasn't even included any credits.

In conclusion an excellent game, lacking in presentation, but with great gameplay and a wide variety of challenging and sometimes frustrating levels.

Freeware -- Download size 1.95Mb -- Win 98SE,ME,XP,2000

Link to 64 Digits.

Mage-X by Hellbound.

Mage-X is a platform game, you must magically create and destroy blocks as you progress through each level, to discover items, kill monsters and build staircases.
Your objective is to collect a key to open the exit door. Completing each level as quickly as possible adds to your score, as does collecting gems along the way.

Graphically the game has a very crisp and clean appearance, with some nice character animations and a smattering of particle effects.
I liked the classical background music (makes a change), very soothing. The sound effects are fairly sparse, limited to few "beeps" and "bonks".

The game is deceptively easy to play at first, but soon becomes more difficult, as you try to dodge fireballs, while creating a staircase out of blocks, you also need to move briskly to complete the level before the time runs out.
The biggest disadvantage to the game, is that when you lose all your lives, you return to the start of the game. Your progress is saved if you leave the game, but you cant save it at key points, to preserve your lives.

Mage-X is rather lacking in the presentation department, there is a custom icon and that is about it, no title screen, help file, or options. There is a tutorial that explains the controls at the start of each game, you can skip past it by pressing F12.

Overall a nice looking and entertaining game. There is no mention of how many levels and what extra features the game might have, and I have only reached stage two so far, so it will be a surprise!!
It is a shame that the author didn't put a little more effort into the presentation, after producing such a nice little game.

Freeware -- Download size 1.37Mb -- Win 98,ME,XP,NT4,2000
No install required, just unzip and run.

Direct download: http://www.rocketsoft.gm-school.uni.cc/uploads/Mage_X.zip

http://64digits.com/games/index.php?cmd=view_game&id=847

Ollie Ostrich by 2Dcube.

Regular readers of my homepage will know that I'm not a great fan of platform games, so for me to review one, it needs to be a bit special and Ollie Ostrich fits that bill.
The game stands out because of its graphics, although not very sophisticated, they have a very appealing cartoon effect, with bold use of colours and shapes.

The game starts with an attractive title screen, although I wasn't too keen on the menu selection method of using the mouse, but with no pointer.

On starting a new game you are given a story introduction, this was quite amusing, although the typewriter effect got old very quickly, you are given the option to skip the story if you wish, but then you won't know what is happening.
Basically the evil Dr Mad has stolen all but one of the Ostrich planet power sources, the golden eggs and Ollie the Ostrich has been sent on a mission to recover them.

The game controls are the left and right arrows to move Ollie and up/space/shift/ctrl or enter to make him jump, he can be made to jump higher by collecting all the feathers in a level, feathers also give you points.
The controls were very positive and the collision detection seemed very good.

When playing the game it is a fairly normal platform game, although you do get to fly in a space ship in level two.
But most of the features will be familiar, eat fruit to replenish your health, collect coloured eggs for points, jump on springs for a boost etc.
You kill enemies by jumping on them and avoid jumping on broken egg shells, which saps your health, or falling in the water were you will drown.
One thing I would like to see improved is the animation when Ollie is running up the steep slopes, which looks a bit poor at the moment.

There is a good help file which is accessible at all times, plus help eggs are placed at key locations to give you extra advice.
The game has a nice status bar at the bottom of the screen and pressing the I key will display additional info, telling you your location and how many eggs and feathers you have.

Overall I quite enjoyed playing Ollie Ostrich for a while, although like all platform games, after a while I found it frustrating, because you return to the start of the level each time you are killed.
But I'm sure lovers of platformers will enjoy it.

Freeware -- Download size is 3.3Mb -- Win 98,ME,XP,NT4,2000
No install required, just unzip and run.

http://home.tiscali.nl/jessevenbrux/venbrux/freegamesjunkie/site/home.htm

Easter Avenger by Josepho.

Easter Avenger is an original platform game, you play the part of a chocolate egg, Pascual, who is seeking revenge against the Easter Bunny, for the lethal chocolation of his father.

The game graphics are excellent, very clear and colourful and beautifully drawn and your character despite being an egg, is surprisingly well animated, with simple effects such as cocking his shotgun after each shot.
The music is quite nice and I didn't find it annoying, even after playing for some time, which is just as well, as there is no option to turn it off. There are plenty of sound effects, I particularly liked the "home run" sound when you hit an egg exceptionally well.

The game has a fairly gentle learning curve, but it does take quite a while to master your first weapon, a bat, aiming and swinging is with the mouse and this works well, but good timing is essential.
As you progress through the game you acquire a hand gun and shotgun, but ammo is limited and you will find yourself relying on your trusty bat.
There are checkpoints during the game and you are given a password after completing each level.
I only got as far as the caves, where you have to ascend passages by using springs and bouncing from side to side, unfortunately I just couldn't get up the longer sections.
But for those of you whose gaming skills are better than mine, there are thirteen levels across three zones, which should keep you occupied for some time.

A nicely presented game, with a custom loading bar and a cartoon story for the introduction, but there is no proper help file. You can choose to play the game windowed or fullscreen. (F4)
I enjoyed the game and played for quite a while, it did throw up errors a couple of times, but restarting the game solved the problem. I just wish he had a jet pack instead of springs.

Freeware -- Download size 6Mb -- Win 98,ME,XP,NT4,2000

http://www.questtracers.com

Qube by DesertFox.

In this fairly standard platform game, you play as Qube, a square little chap whose girlfriend Lola (is she a showgirl?) has been kidnapped. You must guide Qube through the thirty plus levels, defeating enemies and bosses until you rescue Lola.

The game features some very nice graphics, not perhaps the most artistic, but very endearing, with just enough animation to give Qube some character.
The game has a large selection of pleasant background music, but sound effects were few and far between, which was quite noticeable.

I must admit I found the game rather frustrating, Qube tends to slide rather easily and this makes controlling landings rather tricky, a bit of practice improves control, but I still found it annoying.
Apart from the control, everything else seemed to work well, with good collision checking and object collection.

A well presented and made game, with a custom loading bar, some nice cut scenes and an attractive map room. There is a help text in the zip file and help cubes at critical points in the game.
If you enjoy platform games you should like Qube and you will soon master the slightly tricky sliding, but if like me you are not a great platform fan, you will probably find the game frustrating.
Note: A modified version of the game is now available in which you can increase the friction.

Freeware -- Download size 4Mb -- No Install.

http://64digits.com/games/index.php?cmd=view_game&id=587

Puzzle platform game -- Logi-Gun.

Logi-Gun is primarily a puzzle game and quite a difficult one. You guide your character through a series of levels, solving puzzles by moving blocks, pressing switches, igniting gas and using a variety of guns, such as a grapple and squirt gun.

The game graphics are very nicely drawn, with a choice of characters and some excellent effects when using the guns. The accompanying sound effects are also very good.
I found solving each level very difficult, I had to ask in the forum for the solution to the end of level 1-1 and then promptly got stuck again a the end of level 1-2. But if you have the brains for this type of puzzle, you should have fun.

Logi-Gun has a basic tutorial and then one for each type of gun, you can find info on the game controls by pressing F1.
A very nicely made and presented game, I just wish it was easier, or I was brighter.

Freeware -- Download size 3.5Mb -- Win XP, Vista

http://darklink570.fobby.net/

Some cheats for level 1-1, 1-2, to get you started, highlight to see.

Randolph the Reindeer-Christmas Edition.

The story is that the evil Phanta Claws has kidnapped Santa Claus, his reindeer and elves. Only Randolph the reindeer has escaped, fortunately Phanta Claws has accidentally left a trail of elves behind him, so Randolph can follow the trail of elves and rescue Santa.

The game begins with a short movie showing Santa and the reindeer being captured and whisked away (press any key to skip). The game then moves to a map showing the location of your first room.
On starting the game proper, the first thing that strikes you is just how nicely drawn everything is, Randolph himself is only slightly animated, just moving his head and toes, but he looks good and the scenery is terrific, with snow covered houses, snowmen, snow balls, christmas trees and presents.
To complete each of the fortyfive levels you have to rescue the five elves in each level and take them back to the sleigh, which is parked somewhere on each level.
While rescuing elves you have to avoid the enemies, which are cars, helicopters and what appear to be clockwork snowmen, you also have some hazards to watch for, the standard platform game spikes ( Although looking suitably icy! ) and you mustn't fall in the water either.

As you move along each level there are lots of presents to collect, every time you gather together one hundred, you get an extra life, there are also powerups, such as special boots, that help you jump higher for a short period.

The background music is very good, with lots of Christmas tunes, although there is no option to turn it off if it gets tiresome. The sound effects are excellent, in particular the snow crunching sound Randolph makes when he lands in the snow, along with a spray of snow, he also makes a splash when he falls in the water.

I thoroughly enjoyed this game and children of all ages should really enjoy it.

Freeware -- Download size 3.05MB -- Win 98SE,ME,2000,XP -- possibly Vista.
Note: no install needed, just unzip and play.

http://www.jassinc.com

Note: The web site doesn't seem to display pages very reliably (not for me anyway), but the download link works fine.

I Wanna Be The Guy.

After my review of The Worlds Hardest Game, Ovrkllr suggested, that for a very hard game, I try, I Wanna Be The Guy (IWBTG).
After a quick Google, I found the game site and downloaded the demo version, as the full version is a whopping 68MB! and the author doubted that I would get past the first few screens anyway.
IWBTG is a very unforgiving platform game, where your character, resplendent in a red cape, must avoid a variety of deadly (and very quick!) obstacles.

This is as far as I got.

I was mown down by spikes in the first few seconds and then died numerous times, trying to complete the first section of the game, before giving up in disgust (the computer nearly went through the window).
The game doesn't come with a help file, so you might want to save the web site pages. Note that you can alter the game difficulty when you choose a game save slot.

IWBTG is so difficult, that I doubt many people will enjoy it. But highly skilled gameplayers that sail through normal games, should enjoy the challenge.

Freeware -- Download size, demo 15.5MB, full 68MB -- No spec given, tested on XP.

http://kayin.pyoko.org/iwbtg/

Game suggested by Ovrkllr:
Comment: "TWHG isn't even close to the hardest. I Wanna Be The Guy is definitely harder".

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