Hi there,

After playing the game nearly to the end on Win7 64-bit, I really enjoy the growing difficulties of levels.

Two things however, I had to observe:

1. After closing the game and returning back to the desktop, always the installation binder in explorer opens. Don't know why.

2. When playing and activating the different bonus buttons on the button (cross, bomb etc), my mouse often fails to aim the respective button. I have to redo it 2-3 times before the bonus finally works, This cost me lives ...

Thanks for your attention and already awaiting the next cradle of something.


.......................Moderator comment...................

Please excuze the late moderation Nelly. Once the giveaway days are over I tend only to check a few times between Monday to Friday; usually Wednesday, Thursday & Friday's). Thank you for your feedback, much appreciated. You can get the other Cradle game free 'Cradle of Persia' from MyPlayCity (MPC) via the following link:

http://www.myplaycity.com/cradle_of_persia/

You do need to uncheck the boxes during installation, and at the moment MPC have a policy where you have to uncheck every time you start up the game. The actual game is fine, with no advertisments. It does open up your browser when you shut the game down, but it's safe and totally innocuous. It gives you a chance to see what new games they have added to their massive catalogue (well over 700 arcade games now). They do change this policy every so often; i.e. sometimnes theres no checkboxes, at other times just during the installation phase, unfortunately at present its pretty aggressive, but so long as you remember to uncheck the checkboxes you can avoid getting a toolbar installed or your home page changed or your search engine changed.

You'll find over a hundred match 3 games (141), some of which are brilliant (e.g. Treasures of Montezuma 1 & 2, 4 Elements, Call of Atlantis, Atlantis quest, Around the world in 80 Days, four of the Fishdom games, and a couple of my earlier favorites Sky Bubbles Deluxe and Zzed :D

Love this game (I got it from a free site a while back); three times I have gotten to the last level, only to run out of enough lives to get the really good power-ups to win the game. Definitely give it a go if you like match-3 games.

Installed easily and quickly on Win8/64bit and played nicely.
I really like the game, but I noticed something after a playing a few hours. On some levels the colors of the background and items are really hard on the eyes and hard to distinguish. I would recommend some color changes. Other than that, we really like the game.

Hello everyone,

I'm not sure that my comments are worth posting since I doubt it very much that Awem would change anything for this game has been around for a long time. Worth it or not, I'd like to mention a few things just the same.

Someone pointed out that the faster you clear a level the more points you have. Personally, I think it's almost an oxymoron since the longer you take to finish a level, the more resources you have. Go figure which is best! I haven't played long enough to figure it out. As mentioned, a relaxed mode for those who don't like to rush is a must.

Also, buying buildings in between levels is somewhat boring. You just click and watch. I like the "hands on" approach where you can save resources and money, choose your own materials and stuff and build it yourself little by little. A lot of things could be added to this game to make it better, a whole lot but, are they even open to suggestions?

But that's just what I would prefer. As a match 3 it has nice graphics but all together it's nothing to jump out of your seat for. Basic enough but still worth the download. I've seen worse Match 3's out there, much worse so this is a keeper.

One thing I've been wondering for a long time is, why don't developers show up during a giveaway to ask for suggestions, post their opinions, offer bonuses for best advice, etc... I know that a few developers showed up but very very seldom do they. I know our comments/suggestions serves the purpose of attracting more developers but honestly, do they even care what we have to say about their products? Just wondering.

O.K. I'm done. I just want to say thank you to GGOTD, Stephen & Awen for this offer. I hope you feel better soon Stephen. I have much empathy for what you're going through as I too am on meds, etc. So take care and God Bless you all. Have a great week! :-)


..........................Moderator comment..............................

Thank you for your excellent feedback. I prefer the resource management and tend to play a level as near to the end as I can; usually leaving one tile already set up to destroy. :)

My wife and I are both enjoying it so far. She made the comment that the stones and silver coins are a bit too similar.

@ Ratdog
This version looks like a newer build and doesn't allow easy access to the data files so cheating isn't as easy as with other games. It might be possible to find a trainer.

This looks like the old game but with a slightly updated Awem credit page. It's possible this is just a version designed for newer machines but is the same otherwise.

Why NOT build in a relaxed mode (no-timer option)?!?!?
Forgotten? Dumb? ???

10% of your male customerbase is colorblind for certain greens and reds!

A very nice game, downloaded and installed very tidily on Windows 7 64-bit. Bright and cheerful graphics, music may get annoying but if it does, it's easily turned off.

I've just had a quick try-out, but I think it's going to be a keeper - the rounds are quick and short, so it's ideal for a brief break from work.

Thanks again for another goodie! And, Whiterabbit - have a peaceful night's rest. Your health is more important than moderating other people's games. We can wait.

I need to crash. will try and finish moderating before the giveaway ends in the morning. W.R.

I have all 3 of them. I couldn't play just a few hours and win though. You have to really work to win. I had to start over several times. You need to make sure you get as many "citizens" as possible. They are the key to winning plus watching and making the matches. Some of those boards are really tricky. Great stories, graphics..the music..meh.. I just turn it down.

Hey, Wabbit, I tried to get that Game Booster from Razer and you have to OWN a Razer product to get it free..from what I could see. So I have been using the Booster from Toolwiz. ToolWiz Game Boost | ToolWiz Software - http://www.toolwiz.com/products/toolwiz-game-boost/. I don't recall any toolbars but not sure..Just be on the look out for them.

Thanks Awem and GGOTD for the great game...and Great review Wabbit. Thanks. Hope you are feeling better today.


........................Moderator Comment...................

Ah, that's why I was able to download it. Though have you tried creating a free account?
I hope alls well with you and yours? :)

Unfortunately i feel worse. :(

Downloaded and executed fine! Works well!
Thanks for another great game!!!

I know, another match 3 game, but I love them!!! Thanks GGAOTD Good graphics and fun to play. Installed and ran fine on win7 64

This game is a lot of fun. Definitely give it a try. However, Cradle Of Rome 2 I liked better since you could turn off the timer.

Installation perfect but:

1. mouse sensivioty in game is screwed.
2. on higher levels, where is two blue kind of background
a silver coin and stone looks very similar
- I would ask for correcting that "similar" issue.

I'm waiting for Garden scrapes, maybe that yestardays
"Haryy Pooter" partially feed mine hunger for Scapes :D


..........................Moderator comment......................

Right click on the games exe then choose properties and then compatibility. try disabling visual themes to improve mouse tracking. Also try tiurning off background programs that aren't necessary. Download Game Booster from Razer. That turns off all unecessary windows background programs while you are running the game. You can also configure it to turn off all those giveaways that are possibly running in the background. ;)

#23 I found out I didn't have DirectX installed. Works fine now!



..........................Moderator Comment............................

:)

Nice game, but I really preferred the system of Cradle of Persia by following chains even around the corner. Not by clicking / moving stones only. Puzzles are meanwhile so many on the market, and I was eagerly looking foreward for a real successor of Cradle of Persia. Please, please, please!!!

Installed quickly and easily on Win7 64bit (off to try installing it on the detested Win8/64bit machine).
Game play has an interesting twist in that you earn the items that you match. I ran out of time during a few rounds as I got caught up in trying to get more of a certain item. I rarely get lost in games, so this is definitely an interesting twist that I really enjoy.
I see myself coming back to this game again and again.
HUGE thanks for the great freebie!!!!

Thx for confirmation, at least i can stop worrying now, cheers

Works great on my Vista 64 bits... Nice game! Thanks GOTD!

Guys its deffo shows as just 51 MB install for me, can you see what may be different then from my install photo, game runs fine also, so very strange. http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/651/cradleofromeinstall.jpg/

.............................Moderator Comment..............................

My mistake. I can't remember doing it, but all the images I took for the review while writing it last week were stored in the installed games folder. Once I deleted all of the images 51MB is the corect size. :)

This is a pretty decent game. I like the level ups in terms of there is construction as well as a change in my characters market power.

What I didn't like was that flour is turkey leg is watermelon is wine barrel. I was never sure what was worth more in terms of the items to match within a required category. If the way to fulfill the goals was clearer then beating the clock to get just those items would be more fun and increase the stress (enjoyable stress) to get just those items.





..........................Moderator Comment............................


Thanks for your feedback lu

@Whiterabbit, great review. In your problems section, you reference getting the game from MyPlayCity, but the links are for the sky taxi games :D






..........................Moderator Comment............................


Thanks for pointing that out. i forgot to change the links. i'd already written the review last week, so was a little miffed when I discovered that i'd deleted it mid week while clearing my desktop.

Installed quickly and without a problem on Vista HP. Game graphics are clear, colorful and crisp. The M3 tiles are distinctive and easy to differentiate. Options control music and sound effects levels and there's a checkbox for a windowed mode (didn't test that). The music seems to change every few layouts so it doesn't get annoying.

Each level becomes slightly more complicated than the last. Gold and silver coins that are matched earn you money, logs/stones earn you supplies, etc. You have to make matches over certain colored bricks to clear them in order to finish the level, while you are trying to earn as much money, supplies, etc. as possible before the timer runs out. If you clear the lever before the timer ends, you get a time bonus. At each stage you have a chance to advance in rank within Roman society as you build the businesses and buildings needed to create and support a Roman city. So you've got the Match-3 game going plus a builder aspect to the game (earn enough money and you can construct a new building - though their locations are pre-set).

It's a fun game and a keeper for me. I already have Cradle of Egypt so I'm familiar with the gameplay, but for those of you who are not, the game does hand-hold you a bit through the first couple of levels by pointing out what's to be done and what's new in a particular level. Helpful but not obtrusive. I have purchased other games by Awem and they are all well-made, interesting, and run smoothly. They are one of those companies that if I see their name on a game, I know I will get value for my money.

The pointer moves sooo slow and jerky it is useless. The game activated and I have checked compatibility. Also redownloaded and installed. Then I see the post that time has expired? I downloaded at about 11:30 AM Feb. 10. Is that the problem?

Loaded fine on my XP S3 and installed easily. Noted that on initial install screen, have to click first on "Settings" rather than "Next" if you don't want to load it on your C drive. First time I've noticed this. Pros: It loaded just fine on my storage drive. No problems. Nice match-3 game, cute graphics, loads pages quickly. A nice change from most match-3 games. Cons: Wish there was a relaxed mode as well. Thanks to the team and to you,Stephen. Linda

From the classic Atlantis/Rome/Persia series. I think it's the game "color" and extra background material that greatly enhance this series. The music is fine for me, but music is often "to each his own". A must download for match-3ers. Nothing more to say except - thanks!

Classic game, works perfectly.

So I downloaded it & played a few levels, but the game seems to mess with my mouse sensitivity, & it takes me FOREVER to move my mouse around, it's really annoying & makes the game almost unplayable

FWIW, I'm playing on a netbook with Windows 7 starter edition.





..........................Moderator Comment............................


sorry for the late reply. Been sleeping most of the dayu. try gping into compatibility mode and disabling visual themes. also try closing down un needed background programs. A good program to use for thyis is Game Booster now found on the Razer website.

Strange. I thought I had this along with the Persia game, but I can't find it so I am downloading. I enjoyed the Persia game so I know I will enjoy this one.

WR: "I had to completely rewrite the review after accidentally deleting it earlier this week. I didn’t proof read the review, so there will be a few minior ommissions such as the shortcut."

I found one! In the problem section you still link to Sky Taxi on MyPlayCity. No biggie, as the other Cradle games are mentioned at the top of the review anyway. As far as I can tell, MPC only offers Rome and Persia for free, for what it's worth. It's possible the others are free downloads elsewhere.

i am running windows 8 64-bit and it installed and played fine. i just don't like a game with a time limit and limited lives.

Win 8 x64 Pro. Hey good one! Clean, crisp graphics. Timer bonus hasn't been any issue on beginning levels. Great winter games.
Thanks guys.

This game has been a staple in my array of match 3 games along with their sister games Cradle of Persia, Cradle of Rome 2 and Cradle of Egypt. The only thing about these I do not like is the fact you cannot play in relax mode. The "story" line is simple, you build the city as you progress through the game. The details are OK for the era it represents. Except for the name and some details, each of the Cradles are the same in purpose and in how you play it. The difference is the scenes behind the tiles match the location you're building; although at some intervals you might get "recycled" tiles across the Cradles. It's to be expected. I play these while on break from writing or if I have to mull something over and don't want to strategize playing the games while in mull mode. I don't multitask well, lol.

Mine is only 51mb but in any case for some reason the mouse is really slow in it which is irritating so I shan't play it.

Also why does GGOTD always open Chrome after install rather than my default browser IE? That is also irritating!

Works on my Windows 8 machine, no problem. Reminds me of Fishdom, another match-3 where you collect 3 types of resources. Huge bonuses for finishing fast is a nice change-up!

Great game thank you.
You posted a link for cheats for # of lives and level #. Is there a cheat to give more time or unlimited time? I am old and slow and hate timed games.

............................Moderator Comment..................................

Hi Ratdog, possibly, but I've not found one yet. If you can hack the game to change the number of lives or jump a level, I'm sure there will be a way to add more time, but I don't know how to do it. Hopefully GMMan will help if he visits. I've not seen him around much recently. I'd post a request over in the game discussion forums. :)

thanks

this game are also here http://www.playrix.com/games/pc/cradle-of-rome.html

AWEM work repleted with playrix,

but AWEM are are builder of the game ? find yourself the true way ill' don't know.


thanks

EX-Sacha

Hi there just wanted to confirm,the download is 26.4 MB and the install size is 112 MB?

Just a few things, its just 51 MB fully installed, and it does create program menus and puts a shortcut on the desktop, well for win7 anyway.


............................Moderator Comment..........................


My installation is 112MB. As for the shortcut, I had to completely rewrite the review after accidentally deleting it earlier this week. I didn't proof read the review, so there will be a few minior ommissions such as the shortcut. :) I use a standard document with all the titles and part of the installation paragraph already written up. I just didn't edit it fully this morning. Am feeling unwell so missed the mistake.

This game is diabolical! I had it from one of the free sites, and definitely had to cheat to get through the later levels. But I lost interest after getting to Olympus, because by then the city is all built, and for me it was just really hard-slogging match-3 after that.

But this giveaway reminded me that I have Cradle of Rome 2 (not as difficult) and Cradle of Egypt (has a Relaxed mode--yay!), so I'll stick with them. At least I was able to find ways to get through Cradle of Rome; that's not true of Cradle of Persia: in that one, I got stuck on level 72 and never did get any further.

50% of Counterstrike? I'd jump at that if counterstrike wasn't so over-rated. Half-life for me!

Anyways...I was more appreciative of the game giveaway than of the screensaver - which was truly dire in comparison in terms of quality. Whilst I think there are far too many of these match three games going on (along with my real pet-hate of hidden object games - I have problems looking for my keys without having to look at a screen to find something else that ain't where you'd think it should be), this is actually not all that bad. It has some nice music to it - although not keen on the cheesy fanfare stuff when you've successfully finished a level. Failing that it's yet another match three game, fairly good quality, doesn't like using a widescreen monitor though. It could do with a non-timed version of play which would be good. Still...not a bad job.
Thanks!

This is really a game worth downloading, I still got it from an earlier give away.

It's different to have to collect your building materials, money and your inhabitants by a match3 game. If only it was as easy in real life ;-)

Giveaway period for this software ... is OVER !!!
Thank you.

...............................Moderator Comment.................................

Check your clock. :)

Very nice game, I think it's the first match3 that is available in German!
Thank you GGOTD.

Alawar’s game box's free game has been 'Sheep's Quest' for some weeks now. It's a fun game.

Excellent game! I've downloaded it for free from one of game sites. You have really valuable time bonuses finishing level quickly. With The Lost Kingdom Prophecy (and many others) you get almost nothing.

Cons. There are clearly Russian faces of ancient Roman statues on some intermediate pictures through the game. Gameplay is not well balanced, you have not make all of your best to reach Olympus and win. That all. Cradle of Persia has a good balance, it is really challenging.


.............................Moderator Comment.................................


Thank you for your feedback. Cradle of Persia is also available from MyPlayCity 24/7. :)

I would have posted this earlier, but accidentally deleted my original review which I'd prepared last week. I had to completely re do the review this morning, which was annoying, but as I always say Cest la Vie. :)



Cradle of Rome:







In Brief:

A match Three game with city building elements

Installation:


Cradle of Rome downloads to a 26.4 MB zip file that unpacks to a read me and a wrapped setup activation file (the orange colored file with the key symbol), plus there's a setup file with security (setup.gcd) that's protected from being hacked. This file may case some security software to alert the user to a possible malware attack, but it will be a false positive.

The game giveaway team check all game giveaways for malware using several well known anti -malware suites. There has never been a game giveaway infected with malware since the project started back in Dec 2006. The installed game is 51 MB in size.



C:\program files (x86)\Cradle of Rome\CradleOfRome.exe







You will find a desktop shortcut is installed. :) Once installed you can delete the giveaway setup files.



I've only tested the game on Win 7 this time around, Anyone running Win 8, Vista or XP, please confirm whether this game works Thanks.

Cradle of Rome and the second in the series Cradle of Persia are both available free from MyPlayCity 24/7

Introduction:

Welcome to Cradle Of Rome! Use the chance to build Ancient Rome, the most legendary city of all time! One of the powerful capitals that have ever existed wants you to become its Emperor! Conquer 100 intuitively designed levels by swapping tiles and matching three or more in a row. Collect supplies and build 5 historical epochs.
You start at the beginning of Cradle Of Rome game… First a village appears… Then you buy a fountain and a tavern… Will you choose the water mill or the blacksmith next?
Play more and watch your city grow into a vast and magnificent center of life, the heart of the antiquity! You'll be able to reconstruct masterpieces of Roman architecture, build the Coliseum to train gladiators, and even rebuild the Pantheon, the Temple of all the Roman Gods to bring you even greater luck! As Rome grows, the citizens who populate your city will proclaim you Emperor as a Head Priest considers a worthy tribute!
Rise from an emerging ruler to the most powerful name to cross the mouths of both mortals and gods. Do this, and solve the puzzles that will be put before you, and you will enter Olympus - the Home of the gods! The fabulous lands of Caesar open their gates in front of you in our new puzzle game: Cradle Of Rome!

Reference accessed HERE 2013

The Game:


Cradle of Rome offers a single, story-based mode of play that spans over 100 levels across five epochs (stages) with a ranking system that takes you from lowly peasant to supreme emperor. A fairly straightforward match-three design, you create combos by swapping adjacent tiles. Line up three or more identical ones and they disappear. Pretty standard fare. The results of those matches, however, are not so ordinary. But, first, the basics.


The chief idea is to build Rome from the ground up, one structure at a time. Starting with a sawmill, forge and quarry, you work your way to more famous, and costly, buildings like the Coliseum, Forum and Pantheon, twenty masterpieces of Roman architecture in all. Eventually, you'll reach Mount Olympus... if you play your cards, I mean tiles, right.

The twist to Cradle of Rome is that building requires resources -- Gold, Supplies and Food. Assets are acquired by matching tiles representative of crucial materials, specifically coins, lumber, stones and various edible provisions. This adds a strategic element to play since you'll often be in want of one item over the others. Further, as the game progresses, costs rise proportionately. Your first building, a sawmill, costs just 500 gold, but the Coliseum, purchased midway through the game, costs 34,000 gold, 35,000 supplies and 33,000 food.


Play is reminiscent of Big Kahuna Reef (if you haven't played BKR, you've missed out). As you match and remove tiles, replacements fall from above. "Locked" tiles, those with marble plaques beneath, require one or more matches to clear depending on the number of plaques. Remove them all and you advance to the next level. But, as you progress, more and more tiles will be plagued by plaques until every tile rests upon them.

You'll also find tiles "chained" in place by one or two chains. These must be matched before you can tackle the plaques underneath. So, for instance, if you have a tile fettered with a double chain and a double plaque, it will take four matches to clear.


Tile matching in Cradle of Rome is not a leisurely affair either. A water jug serves as a timer. As the minutes pass, the water level slowly drops. If it reaches the bottom before you've cleared the screen, you lose a life. Finish the level with water remaining and you'll receive a Time Bonus -- a real benefit since it adds to the resources you need the most. Of course, each match earns you points which, in turn, rewards you with extra lives.

In addition to resource tiles, others secure bonuses (power-ups). Examples include the Hammer, Lightning, Bomb and Hourglass. Creating combos with these items fill up their respective containers on the Bonus Bar making them ready for use (though, you must constantly replenish them). What do they do? The Hammer breaks any tile, plaque or chain you choose, while Lightning zaps twenty random tiles. Bombs blow up squares of nine tiles each and the Hourglass adds water to the jar.


Events come into play, as well. For instance, on your first match-five you're awarded a new citizen. The same holds true when you earn 10,000 points in under ten levels and 2,000 supply units on a single level. More events occur, too, but you get the idea. With every citizen earned, you receive extra supply units or a quicker refill on bonuses on reaching the next level.

Ancient Rome was an impressive place. Cradle of Rome is somewhat striking, too. Its visuals are attractive and its tunes appealing. Plus, having to balance your tile-matching efforts with needed resources adds a unique, strategic element to play which, by the way, can be quite addictive.
Not all of Rome, however, was memorable in a positive way (like slavery, gladiatorial games and insane emperors). The same holds true here. While most of the competition offers multiple game modes, Cradle of Rome has but one. Once you reach the first level of any of the game's five epochs, you can start over from that point if you run out of lives, but that's it. You can't restart from the last level you completed and you only receive one life.


Still, Cradle of Rome is an enjoyable three-in-a-row diversion with some interesting twists. So, give it a try. Its resource-matching play provides a solid foundation for fans of the genre.







Reference accessed HERE Jan 5th 2013

Tips & Tricks:


• Three tiles will get you a match, but four or more will earn extra resources.

• In order to make it to Olympus before the game ends, you need to work quickly to build Rome so don't dawdle. Finish each level as quickly as possible.

• In general, start making matches at the bottom of the screen first. As you create combos below, others will be generated above without extra effort on your part.

• On levels with chains, try to create matches that break the chains first. Then move on to other combos.

• Use bonuses as soon as they're replenished. Otherwise, you loose the benefit of additional matches.

• If you're near the end of a level and you have time, fill up available bonuses before completing the last match. Then you can use that bonus on the next level if needed.


I've not posted the tricks. There are two that allow you to skip a level or increase the number of lives you have. I suggest only using either if you are really stuck. You can find the tricks HERE

Features:

• More than 20 masterpieces of the Ancient Roman architecture to build!
• 5 historical epochs where you start from a small village and construct your way to the Golden Age of the Roman Empire!
• Challenging ranking systems that let you become the Emperor of the great Rome!
• 8 original bonuses, including lightning, shield, star, mixer, bomb and many others!
• Build and conquer your way to the legendary Mount Olympus with over 100 levels sure to keep to wanting more!
• Continue the adventure in Cradle Of Persia




You'll find a walkthrough of the game HERE





System Requirements:



Windows 2000/ XP/ VISTA/ 7/ 8

CPU: 1.0 GHz

System RAM: 256 Mb

DirectX: 8.1 or higher




Video & Images:


You can see a slideshow of around 80 images HERE.


You’ll find videos of game play HERE, HERE, HERE, HERE
and HERE.




Music:

You can change the music by swapping the music files via the following path. You will need to rename each file and convert them to the .ogg format:


C:\program files (x86)\Cradle of Rome\music\x.ogg

Conclusion:

Overall a better than average match three, with decent graphics and an incentive to carry on if only to see Rome being built. It would have been nice to see some animation, but as it stands its okay. The sound track could have been better. For me the weakest link in the chain, but you can always change the music if you wish





Scoring

Gameplay – 8
Graphics – 7.5
Audio – 5
Re-playability – 7
Originality – 7

Total = 6.9

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Problems:

If you are posting late in the day I would also suggest posting in the main giveaway forums in the game discussion section. If you’ve installed the game but it won’t work for some reason, it should still be registered, so someone may be able to help at another time. Unfortunately if your problem is actually installing it then once the giveaway period is over there’s nothing that can be done until the game is given away again (though that isn’t guaranteed).



If you have any problems installing or getting to work today's game please go HERE for help.



It’s always worth checking out the free games sites as sometimes the games we get here are also available for free from them. MyPlayCity has the most with over 600 games to choose from. Cradle of Rome IS available from MyPlayCity HERE and the secomnd in the series Cradle of Persia HERE.



http://www.myplaycity.com/cradle_of_persia/

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Games, Games, and yet more Gamesl>:




If you're looking for something other than today's game check the didimatic site via THIS link for some brilliant deals.

There are several other deals available from Steam for example there's 50% off both CounterStrike: Global Offensive and Borderlands 2 (both brilliant games IMO). Today's 24hr deal is Wargame: European Escalation, an intense and spectacular Real Time Strategy game, where realism and strategy are brought to the front lines. Also, if you've previously purchased Cities XL 2011 or 2012 you can get 80% off the latest version Cities XL: Platinum. There's also 75 % off the original Borderlands + dlc and all previous games in the CounterStrike franchise as we;ll as 75% off Cities in motion and all dlc's, There's also loads of deals from Gamersgate, Gamestop, Greenman Gaming and GOG; all of which you can find via the Didimatic site, which I've linked to above (apart from Greenman gaming. Check out GMG because they have some excellent deals for example you can get 35% off the still unreleased Aliens: Colonial Marines. You'll find the weekend deals THIS. You'll also find some free games this weekend, Saturday's free game called Ninja Blade is still available, but will end sometime today, Today's and Monday's games are called Unstoppable Gorg and Superstars V8 Next Challenge respectively. What's the catch as there's nearly always one? Well, you have to subscribe to Playfire. :) Click on the free games link on GreenManGamings home page HERE for details of the latest free game



The usual monthly free game from Alawar's game box is still Sprill. You may need to reinstall game box if its still showing the previous game (Finding Doggy). It's supposed to change every month, but some community members are seeing the same game for months on end. Dido suggested that you reinstall game box to fix the problem. Reinstalling game box shouldn't affect any previous freebies. :). (You need to install the free Gamebox from Alawar to access the free games, which for newcomers change approximately every month). If that's not enough, check out the Game Discussion forums HERE for details of other games either free or on deals such as the Indie Game bundles or the four day sales at IndieGameStand.



Check out the Game discussion forums HERE for details of any Indie Game Bundles that are still live. At the moment there's a new Greenlight bundle. To those who don't know what Greenlight means, its games that have been put forwards for inclusion into Steam. The community vote for the games they like. if they get enough votes the games are added to Steam. If you purchase a greenlight bundle you are getting loads of games dirt cheap and, if any do make it onto Steam ( at least 50% should definitely IMO), you will get Steam keys. The latest bundle includes Paranormal a Haunting simulator, Beware Planet Earth! a time management tower defence game, Hairy Tales a tile-dragging Puzzler + n Soundtrack, Dwarf Quest a casual Dungeon Crawler, Depth Hunter a spearfishing simulator, Potatoman Seeks the Troof a 8 bit platformer, Megabyte Punch a fighting/beat 'm up, Gear Jack a pretty side scrolling platformer and Aeon Command a strategy space warfare game. There's also a new Groupees bundle that contains for a minimum of $1 Section 8 (a futuritic Unreal Tournament like game) and Monster Madness (32 bit only) for a minimum of $3 you also get Cargo Commander and Hotel Giant 2. Finally there's also a bonus of RooGoo if 2000 bundles are sold.


I've posted images and video of game play for most of these bundles over in the forums. Click on the Game discussion forums to find all of the active bundles easily.
These bundles give you the opportunity to get a lot of great games for almost nothing (the price of a cappuccino at your local coffee shop)

The latest game from Indie GameStand (they have a new indie game every four days) is Krunch a quick-reflex game about escaping, survival and the fear of being closed in. You can get the game for $1 minimum or, if you want extra's, pay the average price, which, at the moment stands at just over $2.

With respect to my links to MyPlayCity and Gamtop. Please be aware that these sites may add toolbars and home page hijacks to your web browser, but these can be avoided by un-checking the appropriate boxes during installation. Also when you close any of their games down, your browser is opened and directed to the sites home page. This is innocuous so don’t worry. Closing the page ends any connection and nothing is downloaded.

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A Request for helpl>:

Developers rely on good feedback to improve their games. If you download this game please take some time once you’ve played it a while to leave some constructive feedback either positive or negative. The more constructive feedback we get, the more likely developers are going to give more games away. The giveaway site already has a very good standing with the search engines. Developers want their products out there on the WWW, this site has the potential to do that. The game giveaway project gives away on average between 9 to 17 thousand downloads for each game depending upon what genre and how obscure the game is. That’s a lot of homes these games are being downloaded into and a lot of 'potential' cash that’s being lost by the developers. If we get better games because of better feedback, the community are likely to continue to benefit from the generosity of the developers. Satisfied community members are then more likely to visit the home sites of those developers and purchase games that they may not have bothered with before they discovered the developer via the game giveaway site, thus giving the developers more incentives to give away even more decent games.

Please leave some feedback once you’ve checked the game out. It can be positive or negative, but please explain what your reasons were for the feedback you post. You could also leave suggestions for improving the game, for example, this game could do with more block types for the levels editor, add more power-ups, describing the ones you think would be suitable, add some mini games (which seem all the rage in some arcade games now) or enable the user to be able to change the in game music easily.

Thank you in advance to all those who take the time to post a constructive comment.

Regards

Whiterabbit aka Stephen

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