Another great puzzle game from rake in grass. This time the game is much more involved then the previous Crystal Cave Classic. There's more than just pushing blocks around. You can fly, use other devices and have to be wary of your environment around you. There's many many levels to get through and a decent story behind it. Great job!

Thank you for your comments Whiterabbit,

I didn't realize that you were the moderator and the ONLY one. Yes after 4 hours I thought I was not going to show up in comments.
Thank you for taking the time to answer my concerns.

Stuff happens and I over reacted. You do a great job with your reviews and I thank you.
Joe

Did not you gave this game already ?

Pretty fun actually. And my kids absolutely love it!

Complete translation of post #15 in French:

QUOTE: bonjour l’option langage n’apparaît pas ??????????

TRANSLATED: hello language option does not appear ??????????

My comments:

I suppose it's because this is a very old version of the game. I have the latest version, and it is fully translated in several languages, including French.

In French: Je suppose que c'est parce que c'est une très ancienne version du jeu. J'ai la dernière version, et elle est traduite entièrement en différentes langues, dont le français.

To Whiterabbit-uk:

Well done.
Even though I did not download or install this game (not a fan of indie games), I see all the work you have put and volunteered on this page.

All of us should be thankful to you. You have at least 1 fan :)

moderators comment:

Thankyou Gabriel

Sorry I wasn't of more help. I used to have an AIW graphics card. :)

White Rabbit.. thanks for the suggestions... I have a all in wonder x600. Have open gl installed and direct x. My card is seated correctly and I can't select anything from the game. It does not start.

Hi Ray, I'm using Kaspersky AV and it doen't report anything; neither has anyone else since the game was put up over 20 hours ago, so it is either a false positive or your computers or something in your system is already infected. (just a suggestion)

The game will install if you click on the left had box along the bottom of the installer. Though it wont appear to have been installed because no shortcuts are installed. you need to make a note of the installation path which i've already mentioned at least three times previously. Then find the executable (there are two to choose from) and create a desktop shortcut.

To Nancy, you do not give enough information for me to answer your shout. The game is automatically unlocked when it's been installed. If it appears that it isn't unlocking try clearing your internet cache. hopefully that will enable you to get the game to work properly.

I'm going to bed now. It's 05.37am here in the UK, but will be up in time to reply to anyone elses queries before the end of the giveaway.

Regards

W.R.

Well, two different PCs with different AV progs report a virus running the installer, and all characters in the pop-up boxes during install are question marks. The *ONLY* thing that can be installed after a half-dozen attempts (downloads) is the software informer. THE GAME DOES NOT INSTALL.

i CAN NOT UNLOCK THE GAME

Frances and Donna, Read my comment above (#2) It explains what to do to get the game installed. If you see a checkbox that's checked un check it to stop Software Informer being installed (or if it's unchecked, check it) I can't remember which way around it is. I you don't seea check box you've more than likely alreay installed Software Informer. To save you having to back track, to get Archibald installed click on the bottpom left button. That should start the installation wizard for you. Please post any problems you may be having.

W.R.

There are two application files to play this game. I used the archibald_nogl icon. Works fine for me.

Giveaway of the Day - Archibald’s Adventures tried to download and couldnot unzip all I got was a bunch of question marks on the download windows whats up with that.

I tried to download Archibalds adventures, when I go to unzip, the winzip box comes up with question marks all over it. This is a game that I would really like to play Any suggestions on how to inzip this game? Fran H

Hi tungaemmod,

I agree with you on that point. Most arcade games being released today especially from ditributors such as Gamehouse, Big Fish, Realore and Alawar are clones of clones and the quality seems to be taking a nose dive. Personally I think it's happening because of the proliferation of so many cheap games Prior to 2007 all arcade games cost around $20 each. I think Real Arcade was the first to start offering budget games, which is when the rot set in. However, that said, theres a booming Indie scene where you can get some fantastic games, though these do cost a little more that a Big Fish/Real Arcade bargain, lol. Reflexive used to be a decent gaming house until Real Arcade bought them out. All the games were reduced to half price, but there's been nothing decent posted for ages. There used to be regular releases of good games which are few and far between now.

Check out Direct 2 Drives and Steams list of Indie games which includes games such as Hammerfight, AI War: Fleet Command, Eufloria, Machinarium, Quantz, A Reckless Disregard for Gravity, Osmos, Madballs in Babo:Invasion, Foreign Legions: Buckets of Blood, And Yet it Moves, Trials 2: Second Edition, The Path, The Maw, Smashing Toys, Zeno Clash, Light of Altair, Trine, Brainpipe, Bad Rats: The Rats Revenge, Crayon Physiscs, World of Goo, Larva Mortus, Obulis, Braid, Audiosurf, Aquaria, I-Fluid, Darwinia and Multiwinia, Spectraball, Gravitron 2, Starscape and Galactic Bowling, plus loads more. And if you check out the free games synopsis over in the forums you'll find precursors to other releases such as Mightier as well as some brilliant indie freeware, some of which is far superior to most of the dross thats being released at present from Real Arcade affiliates (Gamehouse and Reflexive Arcade) and Big Fish Games.

To Karen,

There's nothing wrong with the game, and as I'm nothing to do with the giveaway project apart from volunteering to moderate the comments section and write reviews I can't help with the installer. No matter what game we get I'm sure until the installer is fixed the problem will persist.

The problem definitely sounds like its at your end. Try rebooting your modem and router and despite you saying you've read everything; have you cleared out your internet cache? I hope you resolve the problems you are having as this is one of those games well worth having. If Software Informer was installed you should also have had the game installed. Remember I said that there are no shortcuts installed onto the desktop, so it may appear that there was no game installed. This is your first time posting here so I'm assuming you're relatively new to this project? Most games for some reason don't instal shortcuts, so you need to make a note of where the game is installing to. If you didn't change the install path it should have installed to C:\Games\Archibald See if it's there. If it is, create, a shortcut to the desktop. Just in case the game did install to a different disk (you may have your windows installation on a different disc), use Search to find the executable which is called archibald or archibald_nogl (there are two, one of which - {as was pointed out by another community member earlier today} - requires OpenGL and the other doesn't.

p.s.

I hope the above is of some help

If there are so many problems with this one - and you've even admitted problems with the installer - why not offer another free game and take this one down, to avoid others having the same annoying problems?

(now to make sure software informer is truly uninstalled. :-( confidence level dropping ... )

Forget this. Can't download it for anything. ANd yes, I HAVE read - and re-read - ALL of the comments, and NO it still does not download.

I have been following game.giveawayoftheday for quite some time now, and mostly I'm just annoyed with one after the other stupid clone of some already not very good game. And then once in a while it's all worth it, and you give away good game. This is one of the times - one of the in my opinion GGotD-all-stars!
I really hope you'll give away the sequel or that they release a level editor!
If I hadn't already installed and completed the games on all the computers I have access to I would do it.

Hi Joe, sorry you’ve had so much bother. Under normal circumstances Software informer is only installed with the users permission. Because you weren’t able to see the blurb asking for permission it’s been installed when you’ve followed my suggestion above, so I can only apologise for the oversight on my part. To be honest I’d totally forgotten about Software Informer because I allowed it to be installed ages ago on my computers as I like the program a lot. It’s similar to Version Tracker which tells you which drivers need updating (though it’s not as good) Unfortunately my memory is appalling because of the opiate drugs I have to take. I should have remembered about Informer but I didn’t. It should be un-installable though.

I can’t explain why we are getting the ??? apart from what I’ve already said above and what Watcher has suggested.

As for deleting negative comments (especially constructive ones); that’s simply not true. Unfortunately I was up all night re writing today’s review so needed to have some sleep earlier this afternoon. I’ve only been awake for half an hour or so and needed to help getting the children to bed , so it’s taken five hours in between my last moderation and now. Moderation on this comments section is voluntary. At the moment I am the only moderator operating and can’t be here for the whole 24 hours though in the past I have tried to be. By the way please refrain from swearing; this is a public forum and children do read these comments.

To delete Software Informer find the Start Menu Program entry and use the uninstaller provided. If you can't find it, the default installation is via the following path C:\Program Files\Software Informer, you'll find an uninstaller inside the applications main folder. If you want to delete any orphan registry entries you'll have to do it manually by opening the registry editor. If you're not sure how to do this just ask and I'll give you the steps required. Don't forget to create a restore point before you start messing with the registry. :)




To Diane,

The 162 levels is for the later version. I think it was just an oversight by the giveaway staff. We are getting version 1.01 which only contains 114 levels. I've already tried to explain the probable reason for us not getting the latest version which actually contains even more levels. Do not uninstall your original installation because today's game is an older version.

I'll have to see if I can amend the description - to be honest I'd not noticed it myself.

To Sarastro,

Read my previous comments... There is a problem with the installer, but you can still install the game. Just a warning, if you haven't installed Software Informer check for any tick boxes. If it's ticked un tick it. If it's unchecked, check it. This will then stop software informer from being installed.

To respawned,

Thanks for the info regarding the two executables.

To MrLatin,

It could be something to do with your video device. Update your video drivers, and ensure you have OpenGL installed. (Create a restore point before installing anything first). Also check to make sure youre video card is installed properly (it may not be sitting in its socket properly). Also try changing the performance from the default high to medium or low. Let me know if any of the suggestions work. If not I'll try and think of something else. :lol:


To Beth,

Redownload the game and install again. The install package is a dual set up and activation package so you should be getting the full version installed. I can't explain why you are getting a demo only unless you're not allowing the installation to complete or you've downloaded the demo from 300AD's home page and installed that instead??? Plese let me know if you solved the problem. Thank you.

W.R.

?????? and then there was... nothing!

This game is awesome! I love this kind of game. I've completed all levels except one of the last giveaway....

Well since my first comment was not posted I guess I probably won't see this one either.

I really wanted this game. Too bad I wasn't allowed to be helped.

It's amazing that you aren't allowed to have a VALID negative comment. It is deleted. Too bad I thought the game side of GOTD had more class.

@watcher13:
There are 2 game executable files in the game folder. Apparently one is for OpenGL graphics, and the other for DirectX. I solved the slowness problem on my own machine by switching to the other executable. You could also lower your resolution settings in the game startup options.

@wynter:
You have to get a running start from the platform directly across from the button.

This is a high-quality, platform type game. Its best feature is the inclusion of the "respawning devices". I hate those games where you always have to restart at the beginning of the level after making it almost to the end. Even we older, less-nimble players can enjoy this one.

I installed as admin on Vista-32 (Ultimate). When I run the game I get "Can't initialize SDL Libraries. Engine initialization failed".
I went and downloaded SDL.DLL and put it in system32 ... but it was in the games directory anyway. Same error. Any ideas? Thanks...

help! all I can play is the demo! Is there a registration code, or am I just missing it?

How come the description says "Go through 163 levels", if all we get is 114? I downloaded this the first time around, and it's quite possibly my favourite of the Game Giveaways, and I was hoping that the newer levels were actually included here.

So is the description false, or are they actually there? I still have the original installation and I'd rather not go through the trouble of uninstalling it and reinstalling the new one only to find that nothing's changed.

This game is fantastic! Rarely do you find a game that a 6 year old and a 40 year old both equally love. My kids love it and I love them playing it because they learn advanced problem solving and "out of the box" thinking. They've had to give me some hints on some levels. It requires good old fashioned gaming hand eye coordination mixed with puzzle and problem solving. Loads of fun!

Loved this game. Needs a sequel! ;)

I was hoping that I would enjoy this game. But because I too got all ????????? and informer installing with box unchecked.As #14 Darb also had that problem and I think a couple others. I am really ****** ** 'comment edited'.

This is something I would expect from the regular GOTD page. All kinds of things happen there. I have come to expect better from the game page.

Very disappointed. by the way, HOW THE **** ... 'comment edited'..... do you get rid of that damned informer.

Thank you for listening.

Diese Zeichen erscheinen bei der Installation von Giveaway of the Day - Archibald’s Adventures,aber es installiert sich nichts??????? ?????? ???????, ????? ?????? ??????????.


?????? ????? ????????? ??????? ????? ?????????? ? ?????? ?????. ??? ????? ????? ????? ?????? ???????.


???? ????? ?????????? ?? ??????????, ?? ??? ????? ??????? ?? ?????? ???????? ??????????.


Moderator comment:

Translated:


These signs appear when installing Giveaway of the Day - Archibald's Adventures, but it installs nothing.


Lieber Helmi

Klicken Sie auf die Schaltfläche unten links. Dass das Spiel auf C installiert werden soll: \ Games \ Archibald

Notieren Sie den Pfad zu installieren, dann, wenn der Assistent fertig ist, finden die installierten Ordner und öffnen Sie sie auf. Erstellen Sie eine Desktop-Verknüpfung aus der ausführbaren in den Ordner installiert.

Keine Abkürzungen sind bei der Installation installiert

Darn. They gave us the even older 1.01f version. Last time that I got this it was 1.02g. I don't really get why they're going backwards.

Moderator comment:

The probable reason why we don't get newer versions is because of peer to peer sites. Many of the games given away find their way onto these sites. I don't blame them for not wanting to give away the latest. However, even the early version is worth having IMO. :)

Love it! This one is up there with CrystalCaverns. Keep 'em coming GGOTD!

I got this game the first time and it is one of my favorites. I finished but went back and replayed it again. I got stuck on a few levels but youtube.com has quite a few level solves if needed.

I had no problems installing it like some people are experiencing here. I don't remember anyone complaining about install problems the first time around. This is the second time I've seen the ? complaint for a game in a short time recently.

Just wondering, is this an updated version since last time? Also, does this contain the additional level packs in the regular version of the game?

Moderator comment:

Read Whiterabbit's review it'll answer your question :lol: -- well okay to save you the bother; it's actually an earlier version. We got v1.02 last March; today's version is v1.01. And no we didn't get the expansion packs which were integrated in v1.4 and 1.5

I'll pass up on this one too.
It not my cuppa tea

If you're stuck, you can find video walkthroughs of most levels on Youtube.

My only complaint so far is that control of the "bubble" seems very mushy and imprecise. Repeating the same sequence of moves over and over until I'm lucky enough to squeak past some obstacle isn't terribly entertaining in my book.

Other than that, it's a great little game and well worth the download.

Is This Side Scrolling Platform Game Like Metal Slug,Super Mario And More??? Please Game Giveaway Of The Day Please Give Racing Games!!!!

Was running slow using the .exe startup but works fine now using the other startup.
Does anyone know how to activate the wall switches? There's one on level 5 and no matter what I do I can't get archibald to reach it - does he have a jump function and I just can't find how?

just downloaded it, will install now and give it a try right away.
but according to the commends above from friends, it seems that it's going to be an interesting game.I hope everyone will like it.

I got Archie last time and definitely give it a thumbs up, though I didn't get very far. The only reason for that, though, is that I had trouble mastering the floating compound (goo, whatever) bubbles and put it aside, but didn't get around to sending a note to Whiterabbit or one of our other gurus asking for help on the specific level I was stuck on. And, of course, I could have skipped ahead and done many of the other levels, if I'd have gotten around to it.

It may sound like faint praise, but what I really like is the fact that the early levels are quickies. It's like a neat collection of minigames, and is perfect for when you want to sneak in a little game fun, but don't have a lot of time. Although, you'll still have trouble resisting the temptation to sit there awhile. If you have any interest in this type of game, I can't imagine you wouldn't enjoy fiddling with Archie at least a little.

One problem, though. On my Vista Home Premium 32, 2G speed HP machine, I have trouble with the menu screen and level selection screens on Archibald. They make my mouse pointer run slowly and imprecisely, like swiming through molasses. Makes it a little tough to make a selection. I seem to have the right control in the game, though, so it's just a minor annoynace. However, the latest Rake in the Grass giveaway - Crystal Cave Classic - does this through out the entire game, and I haven't gotten around to troubleshooting it yet. I have a 128 meg graphics card - noething special for gaming obviously - with the capacity to use shared system memory. I probably need a graphics driver update, or to free more RAM when I run it. Or to try Stephen's frequent excellent suggestion to use gamebooster.

http://www.iobit.com/gamebooster.html

Since I seem to remember that Whiterabbit said in the original giveaway that Archibald was a little older, it may be that just Rakes new stuff has problem's and they updated the intro only. Or I could be having play problems in the actual game and don't realize it because I'm the one that's too slow. LOL!

As to the question marks, mow123 pointed out in Crystal Cave Classic that the installer that mow saw was in Russian - I assume the Cyrillic alphabet is what was meant - and, if you don't have that special character set installed you'll get question marks. However, since I assume some if it comes out in English, it's likely that, as WR said, Rake has been messing with their installer, and it's spitting out Cyrillic where it shouldn't. I agree with him, though, you should soldier on, as the British used to say, and get the game.

Well as everyone has mentioned there are a bunch of ??? on the installation window but I just chose the default and it seemed to install correctly. I have Win 7 x64 (Enterprise) and it works fine in it. Win 7 didn't think it installed correctly but I detected no problems during 10 minutes of play. This game reminds me of a bunch of older platform games like Commander Keen.

Thanks! Installed without a problem and looks like a fun game!

Hi Kathy,
Try clearing out your internet cache. If you use Internet Explorer just right click on the internet icon and select internet properties. This brings up a window that enables you to clear your browsing history, cookies and temporary files. Sometimes a cookie that hel-ps load a page is corrupted and can cause problems. Deleting the cache may clear the problem you are having. If not try one of my other tried and tested methods that is rebooting - (unplug yout router and or modem from the mains supply - leave for about 20 seconds then re connect). Give it a minute or so then re try downloading and installing the game.

Also try installing to a different location.



I hope that works for you. :)

p.s. which O.S. are you using? Is your hard drive nearly full and have you defragmented your drive recently. also are all your computers drivers updated? Software informer, the program that we can install for free can find which drivers are old (Version Tracker is a better program for finding old drivers, but you have to pay a yearly subscription for the service - however you can install the program and it will scan and tell you which drivers are outdated. Subscribing gets you the ddresses where to download, but this can be done manually if you don't mind trawling the net for a while to find the necessary drivers. Changing your system should always be preceded by creating a system restore point (just in case).

Stephen I tried everything you said in message 2. I cannot get the game to install. When it gets to the end after it activates it says a error has happened and do I want to reinstall. I looked in the games folder and the game is not there. I have tried 3 times now with no success. I have Vista home 32. I clicked on the left ??? but it still didnt work.

I've still got this on my machine from the last time it was given away, it's that good. Certainly one of the best of its ilk given away on this site and I'm still stuck on one of the levels after all this time. THAT's vfm! :~)

I'm so glad to see this game again since I didn't find GGOTD until recently. But I did go back and play a lot of the games that sounded interesting and this was one I was hoping would be offered again and it was! YEAH! Thanks, GGOTD! It's a great game!

German:
Super Spiel, macht echt laune :)

Moderator comment:

translated:

Great game, makes really moody

Interesting game! Thanks for the previous advice about the ?????. When I encountered them with this game, I knew what to do.

Hi Wizzard - Yes definitely! :) (either/or) :lol: If I can get a KF server working it would be great to play Killing Floor - as an alternative maybe find an empty server and jump in - anyone else interested because you can play up to 8 members cooperatively to a team. (Check the forums for times later today or tomorrow morning)