Game Giveaway of the Day

#38

Nice article about this freeware game. :)

Reply | Comment by stranded2 – 14 years ago – Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (0)

#37

Nice Game I have tried the free version of it Acid Bomb 1 and 2 rearmed
I finished acid bomb 1 it was so amazing
Also I tried ShellBlast demo it was nice and I dlove it :)

I wanted to download it from the site but i think I was late :)

But this game is Awesome :)

Reply | Comment by Amidos – 14 years ago – Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (0)

#36

well thats ur choice but at the end of the day u have to remember that all the games r FREE

Reply | Comment by ramdon – 14 years ago – Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (0)

#35

Just a note; after reading the blurb in the email for this one, I had no interest in looking at it at all. Had I read either the comments here, or even part of the blurb on the website (a unique mind-bending action puzzle experience. Described as a cross between Minesweeper and Picross...), I would have taken a closer look, even on a Sunday. Too late now.

Reply | Comment by Jadawin – 14 years ago – Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (0)

#34

how come my comments r not showing up?????

Reply | Comment by ramdon – 14 years ago – Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (0)

#33

By the way - they've announced a ShellBlast puzzle pack in their Blog:
http://www.vertigogaming.net/blog/2009/05/13/spirits-of-metropolis-cubed-puzzle-pack-available-now/

"There will be more Spirits packs over the course of the summer as well as a ShellBlast puzzle pack, so keep readin’ the blog for the latest on those. "

Reply | Comment by Mad Ollie – 14 years ago – Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (0)

#32

I liked this game last time. Downloading it again. It's basically like Minesweeper crossed with battleship.

Reply | Comment by Nathaniel Burson – 14 years ago – Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (0)

#31

#6 - This game installes and workes fine on windows 7, windows xp x32, windows xp x64, windows vista x32, and windows vista x64. Installed on all these versions, activated on all these versions and doesn't use as much resources as you claim. Sounds to me like you have technical issues with your pc and not the game. Please do so investigation on this before leaving comment on a game because of your lack of pc upkeep!

Reply | Comment by idk – 14 years ago – Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (0)

#30

Sorry for 2 comments. I love this game & the whole genre of games similar! Also the free games they have are very fun! For others who also like brain games, have you seen all the ton of free online physics games at physicsgames.net? They are incredible!

Vertigo Games rules! :)

Reply | Comment by Skye-hook – 14 years ago – Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (0)

#29

#20 gpc111- names u call others or things are usually what someone has called you & u need expression to avoid depression. Trash u say? Besides what I already said, may I ask what games you have written & released recently?? Insult critics like u, we don't need. You didn't even say what u don't like about it. Please be nice here, we don't get many games here anymore.

Thanks GOTD & Vertigo Games! Their site has free games I love also!

Reply | Comment by Skye-hook – 14 years ago – Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (0)

#28

as i have read through this and have notice a few people have comented on someone swearing i am disgusted hopefully this person will not get on here again as to some people swearing just comes naturally to them...as for this game i am pleased that the people that do like it have commented as some of the others can turn people off as the person said b4 THESE GAMES R FREE THEY DO NOT HAVE TO PUT THEM ON HERE BUT THEY DO so think b4 u speak and if u can not say something nice do not say it at all i realise that people need to know what the games r like but all i was reading was complaints download play it if u don't like DELETE IT BUT GIVE OTHERS A CHANCE TO FIND OUT

Reply | Comment by ramdon – 14 years ago – Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (0)

#27

omg if u do not like the game do not download it other wise keep the bad comments to ur self and let others try it for themselves

Reply | Comment by mumma – 14 years ago – Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (0)

#26

Dear Stephen aka Whiterabbit,

Sorry to throw in a curve & for being a little off topic, but I'm wondering something a few in the crowd may possibly may wonder as well.

When at GameTop.com, for example the "Top Games"....

How do you tell, or where does one go/click, to find out which "Windows" these games are compatible with, or what the basic info is, other than the info that is just listed, before one would go ahead & click the "Download" button?

I've tried "looking around", but unless I'm missing something, or need to get my specs checked (lol), am not finding anything.

Thanks for any & all help, my friend(s).

Take care & keep up the great work!

Reply | Comment by Greg The Curious One – 14 years ago – Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (0)

#25

me again!! for those who like "sim" games go get the sand box of god- http://www.vertigogaming.net/game/sandbox it is a fun game.srry for posting 2 times :)

Reply | Comment by james – 14 years ago – Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (0)

#24

not my type of game,but thank you anyway,would LOVE to see some hidden object games if you could swing it.thank you WR for your hard work!maybe you can pass the word to the ones who chooses program software that we have enough of the "converter type software"and to get software like fire walls or such.but thanx again for all the hard work every one!

Reply | Comment by james – 14 years ago – Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (0)

#23

This is a nice game for my boys, they enjoy playing and didn't have too much trouble understanding. Thanks GGAOTD. My family appreciates all you do to provide games free of charge to everyone. Kudos! Also to whiterabbit aka Stephen, we rely on your insight into the games and appreciate your help. Thanks for volunteering. You all are awesome! Have a great weekend!

Reply | Comment by Barb – 14 years ago – Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (0)

#22

This is probably the favorite of the games I've gotten from the site.

This is definitely a game for people who love logic games. The music is good and atmospheric and it can get quite intense when you have just seconds left to defuse one of the nuclear devices.

Reply | Comment by rkdn42 – 14 years ago – Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (0)

#21

A good game. Not great, but good. Reminds me of a more complicated Mindsweep gane. Took a lil while to figure out how to play, but the instructions were clean, helpufl and accurate.

Reply | Comment by chuck – 14 years ago – Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (0)

#20

This game was trash when it was first offered to us. It was still trash when it was offered to us a second time. So now that it is here for a third time? i would still have to label it as trash. Thank you anyway GGAOTD team.

Reply | Comment by gpc111 – 14 years ago – Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (0)

#19

Hi, I missed a bunch of games last week but thanks for this weeks game GAOTD. I am not too sure whether I will like it or not, but again, thanks to Mr. Whiterabbit, I am playing the sandbox of god from vertigo games. Liking it a lot. Thanks for putting up all those free games, Mr. WR :) Cheers and looking forward to 2moro's game. :)

Reply | Comment by jean – 14 years ago – Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (0)

#18

Hi DE-User,

I don't know whose responsible for the German comments section. Though I'm shocked to hear that swearing is being allowed through. Maybe you should contact the owners and complain. I'm just a volunteer trying to help.

To Saber,

seems like the download has become corrupted. Have you tried re downloading? Try downlopading from the mirror link as well. Jut a suggestion.

Reply | Comment by whiterabbit aka Stephen – 14 years ago – Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (0)

#17

I could not get this program to work. As soon as it installs it says it has stopped working and is a corrupted file.

Reply | Comment by Saber – 14 years ago – Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (0)

#16

Installed fine on Vista x64, but was deleted after about 10 minutes of play. I enjoy puzzle games, but the instructions left me more confused than anything.

Great to see game giveaway is back!

Reply | Comment by Grumor – 14 years ago – Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (0)

#15

I really loved Acidbomb and other Vertigo games like Ore no Ryomi so I'm very excited about this, can't wait to play!

Reply | Comment by 0xFF – 14 years ago – Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (0)

#14

Game loaded in seconds on Vista via cable, start up fine, Game on!

Great game if you like logic games, which I do.

Thanks GAOTD for offering this upgraded version. Lost the older version in a crash and have missed playing.

Reply | Comment by TT – 14 years ago – Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (0)

#13

GAOTD downloads have become slower and slower lately... I don't know why!

Reply | Comment by PESfan – 14 years ago – Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (0)

#12

Not for me thank you anyway. I have reformatted my PC and lost my games boo hoo so will keep watching for more puzzle type games. Keep up the good work guys.

Reply | Comment by Misty – 14 years ago – Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (0)

#11

Personally I think this is a great puzzle game, I have a lot of fun playing it. It is a little bit complicated, but certainly no more so than any recent AAA title, and it should be a good time for any fan of Minesweeper or similar games. Thumbs up from me, worth the download.

Reply | Comment by Goldfire – 14 years ago – Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (0)

#10

Great game and also love the Vertigo site -really worthwhile to take a close lookat.

Installation: +++++/+++++ (5/5 easy to instll and also save for later usage :-))
Graphics: ++(+) /+++++ (2,5/5 - nothing stunning and can tire he eyes after a while)
Game: ++++ / +++++ (4/5 - puzzle challenges can get quite tough)
value: +++++ /+++++ (5/5 - its free and is fun)

To whiterabbit aka Stephen:

who moderates the GAOTD page in german ? I am losing my interest to go to this page as the comments are mostly insults or of a language / content which I would not want my child reading (thank god shes still too young to read though)

P.S. if you wish to delete this please do so, however I would really appreciate an answer to the GAOTD topic

Reply | Comment by DE-User – 14 years ago – Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (0)

#9

I have downloaded this game year ago and played for couple of weeks :)
This is a very good logical game, much more complex that minesweeper, much harder :) but that makes it good :)

If you are into logical games, try it :)

Greets

Kerik

Reply | Comment by kerik – 14 years ago – Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (0)

#8

Hi Carsten;

your post has been deleted. there is no need to post such rude comments. All comment in both the game giveaway and the giveaway sections are moderated by volunteers, and therefore are subject to availability. I try to moderate the game section as often as I can; however I do have a family and my own life to lead, so can't be moderating every few moments.

Also your language was very inappropriate for this comments section as there are children reading these pages.

To Der Fliw,
I've made an attempt to explain some of the controls below. It is a type of minesweeper game as someone else suggests. I agree that it's difficult to play at first and desperately needs a decent help file attached, but there is a tutorial at the beginning of the game. Once you've sussed out how to play I think you'll really enjoy the puzzles. :)

Regards

Whiterabbit

Reply | Comment by whiterabbit aka Stephen – 14 years ago – Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (0)

#7

Welcome back! It's so nice to see the game giveaway section again! Hopefully we will see some sim games again.
thanks again GAOTD and welcome back!

Reply | Comment by Esther – 14 years ago – Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (0)

#6

All these votes and no comments, how sad....

Does not install on Windows 7, or Windows 7 x64, or Windows Vista x64.
Very slow to install on Windows Vista 32, install does complete without errors, activation completes successfully.
Game is a major resource hog just starting the game consumes 20% of the cpu and 146.192K of memory.
Graphics and overall concept are substandard.
The game offers several different modes in from which to choose, with the hopes of amusing yourself.
Game play is fairly straight forward.
Uninstalling the game leaves behind the install directory and several files, and at least 1 registry entry. (I highly recommend use of a system backup and install monitor to ensure your system is returned to a pre-install state.)
The most impressive part of the game is that the retailer actually believes it is worth $4.95

I sorry to say that I would not recommend this application
Thanks GameGiveawayoftheday for the effort.

Reply | Comment by Sherman Williams – 14 years ago – Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (0)

#5

This is a remake of Acidbomb:
http://www.vertigogaming.net/game/acidbomb
this game is bad for me

Reply | Comment by italian user – 14 years ago – Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (0)

#4

I have not played it yet, but my friend has it and said it awesome.

Reply | Comment by Jordan – 14 years ago – Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (0)

#3

Despite the tutorial, i don't understand the game.. thought it was a kind of Mine sweeper, but no..
Maybe if someone has a dutch manual??... It seems like a game i could like, if i only knew how to play..
nice weekend to all!!

Reply | Comment by der fliw – 14 years ago – Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (0)

#2

Don't bother with this one unless you are REALY into the minesweeper kind of game play. It was very slow to play and very confusing with the instructions. The graphics reminded me of the old-fashioned 80’s arcade games. I did not play for very long (less than 10 min) the lack of clear cut instructions, the extremely slow playing speed and the music annoyed me so much that I sopped play and will delete this ASAP. So unless you are really into war games like minesweeper or battleship I’d give it the BIG miss. 1/10

Reply | Comment by Ngaire – 14 years ago – Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (0)

#1

Today’s game was originally given away on the 20th Nov 07 and again back in August of last year. The first time it was given away it received a 67% thumbs up with 60 comments and then only 32% with 38 comments (could have been due to the vacation period). Today’s version is an updated version to the last time it was given away. (from v1.3 to v1.31) The game now comes with an installer, so you can install the game with just a few mouse clicks and get a shortcut on the desktop though there’s none in the start menu (I've explained how you can create one if you prefer start menu shortcuts below).

You can see all previous comments by following the two links below:

Nov 07:

http://game.giveawayoftheday.com/shellblast/#comments

Aug 08:

http://game.giveawayoftheday.com/blast-those-shells/#comments

Introduction:

ShellBlast is the sequel to the freeware games Acidbomb and Acidbomb 2, both of which are still freely available from Vertigo’s web site. I’ve included links to both at the end of the review (In the Alternative Games section, together with several other freeware games from the same author.

ShellBlast certainly looks like an intriguing game. The aim is to select and defuse bombs before they blow or be destroyed. You have six modes of play to choose from plus you are also able to create levels via the levels editor that comes integrated with this puzzle game. The following is a quote from Vertigo’s site:

Reference: http://www.vertigogaming.net/game/shellblast accessed 22nd July 09

The Game:

All in all I found this to be an entertaining puzzle, although the In Game music did get a little annoying after a while; the intro music is an exception though. It’s almost like one of those relaxation CD’s you can buy from your local store, and which is a total contrast to the ‘in game’ music. There’s actually quite a few music tracks included with this game, all in the ogg format. It should be possible to swap the intro music which IMO is a lot more pleasant with the initial in game music, by just swapping the files around from their respective files and renaming them. You could also convert your own favorite MP3’s (or other format’s) to the .ogg format using one of the many audio converters that have been given away. I’ve discussed changing the music files in more detail at the end of the review.

There are seven game modes which I’ve mentioned above via the quote from Vertigo’s web site; though the classic mode is the main gaming mode. It has over 50 levels to explore and the free play contains several mini games as well as a levels editor for making your own levels. There’s a forum (I’ve provided a link in the’ other useful information’ section below), where you can share these, though you’ll need your own ftp to upload the files to first. I use filefront for uploading most files. You can create a free account.

http://www.Filefront.com

The graphics are unusual as well as colorful in the same was as ‘The Magic Blackboard’, ‘Bullet Candy’ or the freeware game Plasma Pong are. That is the colors seem to be phosphorescent in some way. (Maybe it’s my eyes) : lol:

The game is controlled by a combination of mouse and keyboard. To move the scanning beams use the arrow keys. Use the F2 key to see all the key bindings that are used in the game and if you want to scroll through the music selection you can hit the 7 and 8 key. There isn’t a help menu, however the game does provide a decent in game tutorial and story line, (though some may argue that point). You can read all the previous comments about this game by following the links I’ve provided above. Apart from my own comment (#11, which I’ve basically repeated and expanded upon here) I’d recommend comments #27 by APR, #29 by Mapsking, #38 by Bovi from the November 07 comments section.

Anyway I do like the look of this game and will be keeping it to explore further. I usually like games that come with level editors because they add so much more playability to a game. My children love them to and can spend most of their computer time designing their own levels. My son is particularly good at it now.

Video:

The following is a You Tube introduction to the game; it should give you a good idea as to what the game looks like when installed. Following that are some Googled images both of which should give you a great idea as to what the game looks like:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kmsT72WBvUw

Googled Images:

http://images.google.co.uk/images?hl=en&q=Shellblast&btnG=Search+Images&gbv=2

Conclusion:

It’s a different sort of puzzle from what I’ve been playing recently. There’s an excellent array of different game modes, that give it a lot of re-playability. Don't let the basic graphics (though I think the opening screens are excellent), and the lack of a proper help file put you off this game. You may have to work at the game initially, but once you've mastered the controls and the concept, the game is very rewarding. There are some excellent puzzles to be found, and the ability to make your own levels as well as the number of game modes are an added bonus. You can share the levels you create with the community if you can upload them to an ftp (file transfer protocol - a place where you can store files online) then post the download link over on the ShellBlast forums (address mentioned in the other useful information below).

I wasn’t keen on this game the first time I played it, partly because it took me some time to work out how to actually play it; but thankfully I persevered. I was also intrigued by the levels editor, and have come to like the game quite a lot, though I've not played it in a while because there has been a glut of excellent games released this year and I'm struggling to keep on top :lol: If you like puzzles you’ll love this game. I’d give it a 7 out of 10 at the very least.

For those who miss today's giveaway; the two precursors to ShellBlast are available for free (see below for details and links), though they don’t contain all of the modes you get in ShellBlast.

Alternative Games

Vertigo games are offering several games for free. Acid bomb and Acid bomb 2 which are precursors to today’s giveaway are a couple of them. Wizzard of Ozz actually posted some of the freeware Vertigo games last week as part of our ongoing free games for the weekdays project. You can find download links those games below:

Prisms of Light 1 & 2

You have to guide light using prisms (really!):

http://www.giveawayoftheday.com/forums/topic/5714#post-59959

Sandbox of God:

This game is being upgraded at the moment and will be released sometime soon as a commercial game. The version you are getting is still a full version original though.
http://www.giveawayoftheday.com/forums/topic/4391#post-47148
and directly from Vertigo:
http://www.vertigogaming.net/game/sandbox

Vivid Conceptions:
A great platformer.

http://www.giveawayoftheday.com/forums/topic/5743

The original version of Shellblast called Acidbonmb and its sequel Acidbomb 2 can be downloaded from the following links. I’ve quoted the information found on the Vertigo gaming website for each of the games :

Acidbomb:

http://www.vertigogaming.net/acidbomb.php

Acidbomb 2: Rearmed:

http://www.vertigogaming.net/acidbomb2.htm

Quote:

There are several more free games from the Vertigo site, but I think Wizzard of Ozz will be posting a few more of them in the Free games for the weekdays project over the next few weeks, so I’m not going to mention them here. If you don’t want to spoil the surprise I suggest you don’t go searching, lol

Other Useful Information:

Installation Issues:

The download size of 21.2Mb seems rather steep for such a simple looking game. However on investigating the games folder I found 66% of the size is actually an extensive music folder that contains around 15Mb of music files. I only query this because of the dial up users. It’s a shame that the music folder couldn’t be removed for the dial up users and a separate link created for them to use. :lol:, or the option to add your own music. When unpacked the game comes as a combined activation and set up module. The destination path can be changed by clicking on the path during the installation wizards procedure . There is no start menu shortcut installed. You can create one with an uninstaller link by following the instructions below:

Go to where you’ve installed the game (default is C:\Program files\Shellblast 1.31) and create a shortcut by right clicking on the games executable (which looks like a blue and black icon with Shell and Blast written on it) and selecting Create Shortcut. Repeat this with the uninstaller. Then create a new folder which you can rename to Shellblast v1.31 and then drag both of the shortcuts ionto that folder. Right click on the folder you created and select cut. Then go to your root directory (C:\) and click on Documents and Settings. Select the account you want to place the shortcut into. (You will have at least and Administrators folder and another named folder) You’ll have to repeat the following steps if you want shortcuts in all of your accounts start menus. Select whichever account you want and open up the folder. Click on the Start Menu folder, then right click on the Program folder and select paste. That will place the folder you originally created with the short cuts inside into the start menu. If you want to repeat the process with however many accounts you have created you’ll need to open up the programs folder and copy the folder you’ve just pasted. That’s it. You now have a Start menu shortcut for the game. You can even place a shortcut to the developer’s web site if you want. After creating a bookmark/favorite from the web site (you can find it at the top of today’s game giveaway) go into the favorites folder (via the Documents and Settings\account name\) and search for the appropriate internet shortcut and copy it over to the folder you created. Simple :lol:

As I’ve mentioned previously, it is always sensible to install programs such as these on a disc other than the boot disc, that is if you have more than one hard disc drive (HDD) or have created one or more logical drives from a single HDD (called partitioning). If you’re interested, see my notes in the comments section from the following link for a full explanation.

http://game.giveawayoftheday.com/hyperspace-invader/#comments (comment #12)

Forums:

There’s a useful forum where you can post details of any levels you’ve created and request any help regarding the game:

http://www.vertigogaming.net/newboards/

Music:
If you don’t like the music you can replace any of the music tracks found by following the path below, (assuming you’ve installed it to the program files folder in the root directory – though, as mentioned in my main review, you are given the option to install it anywhere on your computer)
C:\program files\ShellBlast\newmusic\
You must first convert your chosen music to the .ogg format using one of the converters I’ve linked to below (or use one you may already have one as we’ve been given loads of audio converters via the main project). Then you have to re-name the track to the one you’ve decided to replace. I would suggest backing up any track you replace just in case there’s a problem; though if you’ve created a back up of the game it shouldn’t matter.

You can find several audio converters in the freeware library that’s accessible from the giveaway home page. I’ve linked to two that I’ve previously tested:

http://www.giveawayoftheday.com/freeware/2008/06/23/free-audio-converter-cs/

or

http://www.giveawayoftheday.com/freeware/2007/07/30/free-mp3-wma-wav-converter/

Registry:

I've now copied the file and checked it out on two other computers and found that the game is free standing, which means you can play it from a flash drive or a CD/DVD, or even transfer it from computer to computer and back it up. Nice one; thanks Vertigo games and the game giveaway team.

For those of you who like to keep a neat registry, I found 12 registry entries; all of which related to the downloaded zip file from the giveaway project and the link to the games web site. You can safely delete these if you’re a registry fanatic as they won’t affect the running of the game. I would also suggest if you’re going to make changes to the registry that you create a restore point, or a back up using a program such as Eaz-Fix, just in case you do delete something important by mistake. I’ve been cleaning my registry manually for years and have never caused any problems (that I know of, lol) with the running of any of my computers.

==================================================================

p.s. sorry for the delay in moderating. I fell asleep at the keyboard this morning, lol.

Today’s game was originally given away on the 20th Nov 07 and again back in August of last year. The first time it was given away it received a 67% thumbs up with 60 comments and then only 32% with 38 comments (could have been due to the vacation period). Today’s version is an updated version to the last time it was given away. (from v1.3 to v1.31) The game now comes with an installer, so you can install the game with just a few mouse clicks and get a shortcut on the desktop though there’s none in the start menu (I've explained how you can create one if you prefer start menu shortcuts below).

You can see all previous comments by following the two links below:

Nov 07:

http://game.giveawayoftheday.com/shellblast/#comments

Aug 08:

http://game.giveawayoftheday.com/blast-those-shells/#comments

Introduction:

ShellBlast is the sequel to the freeware games Acidbomb and Acidbomb 2, both of which are still freely available from Vertigo’s web site. I’ve included links to both at the end of the review (In the Alternative Games section, together with several other freeware games from the same author.

ShellBlast certainly looks like an intriguing game. The aim is to select and defuse bombs before they blow or be destroyed. You have six modes of play to choose from plus you are also able to create levels via the levels editor that comes integrated with this puzzle game. The following is a quote from Vertigo’s site:

<blockquote>The sequel to one of our most acclaimed puzzle games is back!

The commercial sequel to Acidbomb (voted 1up.com's Best 101 Free Games and GameSpy's "Download This" pick of December 2007) and Acidbomb 2: Rearmed delivers a unique mind-bending action puzzle experience. Described as a cross between Minesweeper and Picross, ShellBlast is a game that offers something most puzzle games out there lack: a unique experience.

The objective of ShellBlast is simple: using a series of tools, defuse the bomb before it blows up. Of course, the further you progress, the more advanced the bombs get... 
This version is jam-packed with features never seen on both Acidbomb and Acidbomb 2: Rearmed. The full version includes the following modes:
 
Classic Mode - Play the fifty-level campaign as you tour the world defusing bombs. From prank bombs to nuclear super weapons, this mode will give you the grand tour of what ShellBlast is all about.

Simulation Chamber - Choose from eighteen empty bomb shells and fill it to your specifications. Want a massive Biological bomb with a short timer? Or a small Oxidation bomb with plenty of extra helper tools like Chaff Grenades? You got it!

Blast Editor - Simulation Chamber too limiting for you? Build your own bomb from scratch using the editor or play custom levels built by others. Create the ultimate superweapon!

Endurance Mode - Take on this massive bomb one layer at a time. How many quadrants can you unlock?

Shell-Drop - A unique randomly generated bomb mode that puts you to the ultimate test. Can you beat the top ranking bomb solvers? This mode is almost a game in itself!

Puzzled - Take on the bomb from another angle...this time, using preset grids and an unlimited timer. Only true masterminds can solve the harder challenges...

Nuke - Team up with another agent working on the field to tackle one of the hardest bombs in the game!

Along with all these modes, ShellBlast carries a unique blend of game play, including always-randomized solutions to bombs in any mode (ensuring unlimited replay value!)</blockquote>

Reference:  http://www.vertigogaming.net/game/shellblast  accessed 22nd July 09

The Game:

All in all I found this to be an entertaining puzzle, although the In Game music did get a little annoying after a while; the intro music is an exception though. It’s almost like one of those relaxation CD’s you can buy from your local store, and which is a total contrast to the ‘in game’ music. There’s actually quite a few music tracks included with this game, all in the ogg format. It should be possible to swap the intro music which IMO is a lot more pleasant with the initial in game music, by just swapping the files around from their respective files and renaming them. You could also convert your own favorite MP3’s (or other format’s) to the .ogg format using one of the many audio converters that have been given away. I’ve discussed changing the music files in more detail at the end of the review.

There are seven game modes which I’ve mentioned above via the quote from Vertigo’s web site; though the classic mode is the main gaming mode. It has over 50 levels to explore and the free play contains several mini games as well as a levels editor for making your own levels. There’s a forum (I’ve provided a link in the’ other useful information’ section below), where you can share these, though you’ll need your own ftp to upload the files to first. I use filefront for uploading most files. You can create a free account.

http://www.Filefront.com

The graphics are unusual as well as colorful in the same was as ‘The Magic Blackboard’, ‘Bullet Candy’ or the freeware game Plasma Pong are. That is the colors seem to be phosphorescent in some way. (Maybe it’s my eyes) : lol:

The game is controlled by a combination of mouse and keyboard. To move the scanning beams use the arrow keys. Use the F2 key to see all the key bindings that are used in the game and if you want to scroll through the music selection you can hit the 7 and 8 key. There isn’t a help menu, however the game does provide a decent in game tutorial and story line, (though some may argue that point). You can read all the previous comments about this game by following the links I’ve provided above. Apart from my own comment (#11, which I’ve basically repeated and expanded upon here) I’d recommend comments #27 by APR, #29 by Mapsking, #38 by Bovi from the November 07 comments section.

Anyway I do like the look of this game and will be keeping it to explore further. I usually like games that come with level editors because they add so much more playability to a game. My children love them to and can spend most of their computer time designing their own levels. My son is particularly good at it now.

Video:

The following is a You Tube introduction to the game; it should give you a good idea as to what the game looks like when installed.  Following that are some  Googled images both of which should give you a great idea as to what the game looks like:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kmsT72WBvUw

Googled Images:

http://images.google.co.uk/images?hl=en&#38;q=Shellblast&#38;btnG=Search+Images&#38;gbv=2

Conclusion:

It’s a different sort of puzzle from what I’ve been playing recently. There’s an excellent array of different game modes, that give it a lot of re-playability. Don't let the basic graphics (though I think the opening screens are excellent), and the lack of a proper help file put you off this game. You may have to work at the game initially, but once you've mastered the controls and the concept, the game is very rewarding. There are some excellent puzzles to be found, and the ability to make your own levels as well as the number of game modes are an added bonus. You can share the levels you create with the community if you can upload them to an ftp (file transfer protocol - a place where you can store files online) then post the download link over on the ShellBlast forums (address mentioned in the other useful information below).

I wasn’t keen on this game the first time I played it, partly because it took me some time to work out how to actually play it; but thankfully I persevered. I was also intrigued by the levels editor, and have come to like the game quite a lot, though I've not played it in a while because there has been a glut of excellent games released this year and I'm struggling to keep on top :lol: If you like puzzles you’ll love this game. I’d give it a 7 out of 10 at the very least.
 
For those who miss today's giveaway; the two precursors to ShellBlast are available for free (see below for details and links), though they don’t contain all of the modes you get in ShellBlast.

Alternative Games

Vertigo games are offering several games for free. Acid bomb and Acid bomb 2 which are precursors to today’s giveaway are a couple of them. Wizzard of Ozz actually posted some of the freeware Vertigo games last week as part of our ongoing free games for the weekdays project. You can find download links those games below:

Prisms of Light 1 & 2

You have to guide light using prisms (really!):

http://www.giveawayoftheday.com/forums/topic/5714#post-59959

Sandbox of God:

This game is being upgraded at the moment and will be released sometime soon as a commercial game.  The version you are getting is still a full version original though.
http://www.giveawayoftheday.com/forums/topic/4391#post-47148
and directly from Vertigo:
http://www.vertigogaming.net/game/sandbox

Vivid Conceptions:
A great platformer.

http://www.giveawayoftheday.com/forums/topic/5743

The original version of Shellblast called Acidbonmb and its sequel Acidbomb 2 can be downloaded from the following links. I’ve quoted the information found on the Vertigo gaming website for each of the games :

Acidbomb:

http://www.vertigogaming.net/acidbomb.php

<blockquote> Acidbomb is a fifty level puzzle game where you must find the pistons used to trigger a bomb and defuse them before time runs out. There are many bombs scattered around the world, from biological bombs that have hair-sensitive triggers to napalm bombs that are exploding at the seams, to nuclear warheads that have challenged even the highest trained bomb disposal agent.

Along with this game you get the Virtual Bomb Simulator which allows you to make your own bombs, and a mini-game called Acidrop that is completely different from the rest of the game...but you'll see that for yourself.

Given that all the bombs in the game have random pistons, you will never EVER solve a bomb the same way twice. Ever.
</blockquote>

Acidbomb 2: Rearmed:

http://www.vertigogaming.net/acidbomb2.htm

Quote:

<blockquote> Acidbomb 2: Rearmed is the sequel to the acclaimed Acidbomb (noted by such sites as Gamespy.com and in the Top 100 Free Games of 2006 on 1up.com) that takes the original and gives it a complete overhaul. If you thought the first game was too easy or unbalanced...you’re in for a treat. This game is for the casual and hardcore puzzle fanatic alike.

The objective: secure the world by defusing bombs from criminals and terrorists alike. As you crack down on this new and dangerous threat, the technology improves with both the Homeland Security team (new weapons) and the terrorists (new bomb types, such as Biological, Oxidation and more). We also have reason to believe that there are several nuclear bombs hidden in major public areas in the United States, Europe and Japan...and the clock is ticking...

With over fifty levels, unlockable content and mini-games and more, you’ll be busy fighting the terrorist threat for quite a while. </blockquote>

There are several more free games from the Vertigo site, but I think Wizzard of Ozz will be posting a few more of them in the Free games for the weekdays project over the next few weeks, so I’m not going to mention them here. If you don’t want to spoil the surprise I suggest you don’t go searching, lol
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Other Useful Information:

Installation Issues:

The download size of 21.2Mb seems rather steep for such a simple looking game. However on investigating the games folder I found 66% of the size is actually an extensive music folder that contains around 15Mb of music files. I only query this because of the dial up users. It’s a shame that the music folder couldn’t be removed for the dial up users and a separate link created for them to use. :lol:, or the option to add your own music.  When unpacked the game comes as a combined activation and set up module.  The destination path can be changed by clicking on the path during the installation wizards procedure .  There is no start menu shortcut installed.  You can create one with an uninstaller link by following the instructions below:

Go to where you’ve installed the game (default is C:\Program files\Shellblast 1.31) and create a shortcut by right clicking on the games executable (which looks like a blue and black icon with Shell and Blast written on it) and selecting Create Shortcut. Repeat this with the uninstaller. Then create a new folder which you can rename to Shellblast v1.31 and then drag both of the shortcuts ionto that folder. Right click on the folder you created and select cut. Then go to your root directory (C:\) and click on Documents and Settings. Select the account you want to place the shortcut into. (You will have at least and Administrators folder and another named folder) You’ll have to repeat the following steps if you want shortcuts in all of your accounts start menus. Select whichever account you want and open up the folder. Click on the Start Menu folder, then right click on the Program folder and select paste. That will place the folder you originally created with the short cuts inside into the start menu. If you want to repeat the process with however many accounts you have created you’ll need to open up the programs folder and copy the folder you’ve just pasted. That’s it. You now have a Start menu shortcut for the game. You can even place a shortcut to the developer’s web site if you want. After creating a bookmark/favorite from the web site (you can find it at the top of today’s game giveaway) go into the favorites folder (via the Documents and Settings\account name\) and search for the appropriate internet shortcut and copy it over to the folder you created. Simple :lol:

As I’ve mentioned previously,  it is always sensible to install programs such as these on a disc other than the boot disc, that is if you have more than one hard disc drive (HDD) or have created one or more logical drives from a single HDD (called partitioning). If you’re interested,  see my notes in the comments section from the following link for a full explanation.

http://game.giveawayoftheday.com/hyperspace-invader/#comments (comment #12)

<ul><blockquote>-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------</blockquote></ul>
Forums:

There’s a useful forum where you can post details of any levels you’ve created and request any help regarding the game:

http://www.vertigogaming.net/newboards/

Music:
If you don’t like the music you can replace any of the music tracks found by following the path below, (assuming you’ve installed it to the program files folder in the root directory – though, as mentioned in my main review, you are given the option to install it anywhere on your computer)
C:\program files\ShellBlast\newmusic\
You must first convert your chosen music to the .ogg format using one of the converters I’ve linked to below (or use one you may already have one as we’ve been given loads of audio converters via the main project). Then you have to re-name the track to the one you’ve decided to replace. I would suggest backing up any track you replace just in case there’s a problem; though if you’ve created a back up of the game it shouldn’t matter.

You can find several audio converters in the freeware library that’s accessible from the giveaway home page. I’ve linked to two that I’ve previously tested:

http://www.giveawayoftheday.com/freeware/2008/06/23/free-audio-converter-cs/

or

http://www.giveawayoftheday.com/freeware/2007/07/30/free-mp3-wma-wav-converter/

Registry:

I've now copied the file and checked it out on two other computers and found that the game is free standing, which means you can play it from a flash drive or a CD/DVD, or even transfer it from computer to computer and back it up. Nice one; thanks Vertigo games and the game giveaway team.

For those of you who like to keep a neat registry, I found 12 registry entries; all of which related to the downloaded zip file from the giveaway project and the link to the games web site. You can safely delete these if you’re a registry fanatic as they won’t affect the running of the game. I would also suggest if you’re going to make changes to the registry that you create a restore point, or a back up using a program such as Eaz-Fix, just in case you do delete something important by mistake. I’ve been cleaning my registry manually for years and have never caused any problems (that I know of, lol) with the running of any of my computers.

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p.s. sorry for the delay in moderating.  I fell asleep at the keyboard this morning, lol.

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