I just wanted to add one more comment having played this game for a week now. I decided to buy it and support the developers. What a great team! I was having a problem downloading the free game packs and David walked me through it and when that did not work he took the time to send me a zip file of them and kept corresponding with me until we figured things out.

That said, what a really fun and unique game! There are so many difficulties set up, and it really makes you go back and play things again. I do wish the tutorial walked you through some of the mechanics of how things work with the patterns that you have to clear. They are outlined in a white box. I am still working on the second constellation. This game has nothing to do with the occult or anything as a poster had said. The native americans thought of the star as spirits looking down on them, this is probably where the name of the game came from.

Thank you Game Giveaway, I would have missed this game and a great company. I am looking forward to the next game they are developing right now!

Pixiey


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

Thanks for your feedback Pixiey, much appreciated. I've liked all of Davids games. They are different to the run of the mill copy cat games that we see all the time. Even his more casual games have something original that make them stand out from the crowd.

This game is great! If you do not manage to download it, buy this game - it is worth every dollar spent!

On the developer's blog, the link to dl SOG is dead. There was no place I could see to leave a comment on the blog page for SOG, so I hope the developer sees it here.



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

Google the game using ,Download Sandbox of god, there are other sites who host the free version of the game.

I really like this game so far!! I am having a hard time downloading the extra packs for some reason though. I have read the readme but the files are exe and not the puz file the manual suggests. Other than that, this is a truly unique game! I love it, it is easy, but difficult and fun at the same time! You really have to pay attention, I think the add ons will be a big help to keep this game going. I would buy an upgrade of this game. If they could add some rpg elements to it, that would be cool too! I like the music, and the fact that you can make it super bright and colorful also!! I haven't downloaded any games lately as none of them were my cup of tea. Usually match three are just kinda boring but this is not a match three, it is more than that, sort of on the same line as the pokemon puzzle game for the N-64 or the gba. They had blocks though and not lit up switches, but it was a bit different too. This one is so much fun! I wasted too much time playing! Trying to beat the scores are quite hard! Not super frustrating though. Thank you!! I plan on letting the company know what I think once I figure out how to download the maps like butterflies and fourth of July things!!

Finally a game for me!!
Pixiey




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


Thanks for your feedback

Wouldn't download, too slow. Main DL site said 14 hours, mirror site said 20 minutes, then kept increasing. Would have loved to get but guess so did a lot of people, lol.



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


Yes unfortunately downloads took longer than normal, I don't now why.

Love this game. Match 3 games are one of my favs. You NEED to plan your every move and Time is a BIG factor. It's hard but it's a fun hard. And it never seems to play the same. Love the music too.

I don't think there has not been one game I haven't liked from Vertigo games. And they are all different...... Shell Blast, Green Tech Plus. I even voted for The Oil Blue in the Indie Contest earlier this year. We all need to support the Indie developers.

Thanks GGOTD and Vertigo Games for the game and The Wrascally Wabbit for the review.......


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

Hi Delenn, You're right there. Don't forget to check out the Indie bundle (number 3) before it's too late. you'll find a link in the forums. There's 7 great games plus if you pay a reasoable amount you'll get all of Humble bundle 2. Okay sorry, that must have put a damper on the vacation; sorry to hear about it. You also missed a great racing game (Grid) via the Steam 24hr deals (for the hubby) while you were away.

Even though he got me all excited for nothing. LOL..Every time Sandbox of God: Remastered has been offered here, I have been away. :(
I was reading the review above and he was talking about the free packs...and I saw...Sandbox of God and I got SOOOOOOOO excited. Then I read on......Oh..well!

My game buying days are being curtailed at the moment...On our trip to Nova Scotia..we blew the engine..$2200.

I forgot to say that I tried the Mirror... However, I can finally report: "SUCCESS At Last" !!! I finally got the game installed and now I have to sleep for about 6 hours. I'll try the game when I get up. Have a GREAT Day!!!


......................Mderator Comment..................

That's good news Chris. :lol:

I REALLY wanted to get this game to try out!!!
I have redownloaded the file over 20 times.
jZip says that the Zip file is corrupt it and will not extract it.
PKZip (Secure Zip) ver 12 will extract the incomplete Setup.exe file
(various file sizes between 100 K to 18 MB).
I had NO problem with Yesterday's game OR Software, OR with Today's Software!!
I have re-started my Router & Modem,
Is it possible for you to extract & Re-Compress the zip file for us ???
I'll check back for any reply at aboput 10:00 PM (Pacific time).
Thank-in-Advance,


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

Did you read any of the comments above? Others have had this problem so I suggested that they try one of the other free archivers such as 7 - Zip. I've posted links to get it above. Also check the size of the downloaded file; it should be 44.3Mb. If it's not try downloading from the mirror.

I found the instructions confusing, and I still do not fully understand the concept of the game. My son (13 years old) understands it and really likes it (he usually does not like match 3 games). However, it became too hard for him by level three, so he quit. He likes the concept and says it would be a better game if there were more easy levels to begin with.

I might like it if I could understand how to play. I can't tell what's a chain and what's not, nor do I understand what a multiplier is and how to make one.


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

Apparently the game actually gets easier after the first few levels. Multipliers give you better points when you attain specific goals for example you may get a multiplier of x3 which basicaly multiplies every point you get by 3 until you lose the multiplier.

Like yesterday, Another game that downloaded ok, installed ok but won't play. Get a box that says loading and then doesn't do anything.
It is a real shame that I am not able to use many things offered here. More like 1 of every 10.
I have modern computers with totally "UPGRADED" graphics drivers and mostly the same results.
GGOTD is the only place I get software that doesn't work. Is it a coincidence. I don't know. It just doesn't work.
Oh well, it's not like I had to pay for it.
Thank you anyway for offering it.


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

It could possibly be something to do with the wrapper or your security settings may be too high. Not many users report the problem that you are having?

Very nice - unique - have been playing computer games for over 30 yrs - a little hard on old bones to get done within time - but very enjoyable - Thank you

I feel sorry for #7. Can you imagine not being able to go to ANY sporting events because lots of people have team SPIRIT?

A rose by any other name would smell as sweet.

This is very enjoyable game, glad to see it given away once again so more people can try it out. I like the graphics and music and most of all the variations in gameplay. The game requires thinking but not to where it gets in the way of having fun. The addition of game packs means this is a game you can enjoy for a long time!

Ooh - I like this a lot! I'm a big match-3 fan and I wasn't sure that I'd like this after doing the tutorial, but after playing the 3rd level, I'm totally hooked! Thanks for the great game!

I really like this game. It makes you think, demands your full attention while your playing, and gives you lots of rewards when you succeed in it.

Doug (in comment 7)- I'm a conservative evangelical pastor, and there is nothing connected to spiritism in the game. There's nothing related to the screen picture either (but apparently sex sells, even in simple games like this!). So I would recommend that you try it. I think you'll find it very interesting.

Your friend in Christ,

Michael


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

Thank you Michael

EXTREMELY high consumption of resources!!!

Gotta pass on this one.


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

It shouldn't matter how much memory is being used unless you are multi-tasking while playing the game. If you just played the game, so long as you had the system and graphics RAM to run the game does it matter how much is being used??? I checked how much RAM was being used while the game ran and it only used 0.15GB of RAM, cpu activity increased from 20% to 50% when the game started up (3.2GHz dual core). I ouldn't say that was using extremely high resources

I cannot unzip the packet. Normaly I can with no problem. Still trying to figure it out. Help if can. Please.



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

I've had the same problem with some zip files when using Winrar. Try some of the free archivers such as 7-Zip or J-Zip


7-Zip:

http://www.7-Zip.org

J-Zip:

http://www.jzip.com

used to play this game around one year ago, it was very challenging and i was not always able to come trough puzzle - that's exiting! thanks

Interesting game, I think I'll keep it for a while.

Ok Win 7 Ultimate. On 24" widescreen LCD it doesn't go full 'full
screen" tho might just be way I'm set up new display. Desktop is full screen, many websites auto shown full screen, others are like the game with borders on each side. Either that's their default or the HDMI LCD isn't stretching aspect ratio?
Game is ok for fans, nice graphics and tutorials. Main game not my pleasure tho. Bit too much like 'work' rather than play being very rules based as to linking chains of like colored shapes. Just tried the timed mode which goes pretty fast even on first full game. I do like Jewel, 3 or more of a kind, games but this one didn't grab me.
Real big fans should be sticking more with it if brain wired that way.
Good design and game play for its kind. Thanks for the offer.


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

Thanks for the feedback Beergas

I love this game. It is challenging and relaxing at the same time. I can pass a lot of time (wasting time and loving it!!) with this game.
Thanks GameGiveAway!!

Installed and worked fine for me on Win7 ULT 64 bit.

This looks like a nice Challenging game. Unfortunately I will not be downloading this because of the name. Many people like me stay away from anything that suggests spiritism. Change the name to "Metropolis Challenge" or something similar.


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

Thanks for your comment Doug. The game has nothing to do with the occult, religion or anything to do with spirits etc. By the way, you can change the name yourself, well the shortcut and even the executable. I also reckon if you've got a suitable editor (usually a Hex editor) you could even change the in game title.

hello. did not work for me,installed, then splash screen for 2 min then - "unexpected error occurred while loading",
very unusual, installed in default location, have still Xp Sp3/32bit -- any other requirements??, does it need pixel shader,?? have 2Gb Ram and machine in good order? just puzzled.. have a nice Sunday

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

Try updating your graphics drivers. If you aren't sure how to find out what graphics card/chip go to the start menu and click on run. Type dxdiag into the field. This opens up the DirectX Diagnostics panel. click on the display tab. The left hand panel shows you which graphics card you have. Go to the graphic cards home site (usually NVIDIA or ATI) and look for the driver section. There should be a link on the front page of the web site. Follow the instructions to get the new drivers. (which are free)

You could also update your Direct X. which for XP is DX9.0c. You can get it from Microsoft

On launching the game i got an error and says it needs to close and sorry for the inconvinenece.

Error Signature
AppName: spiritsofmetropolis1_10.exe AppVer: 1.1.0.0 ModName: kernel32.dll
ModVer: 5.1.2600.5512 Offset: 00012aeb

Technical Data

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

You didn't give any details of your system specs:

1) ... Try running the game in compatibility mode
2) ... Run as Administrator
3) ... Do a clean boot
4) ... If you've not defragged you drive for some time it may be badly fragmented which can lead to errors and even program shutdowns
5) ... Change the screen resolution via the control panel
6) ... Replace the kernel32.dll library file (found in windows system32) - Kernel32.dll exposes to applications most of the Win32 base APIs, such as memory management, input/output operations, (process and thread) creation, and synchronization functions. Many of these are implemented within Kernel32.dll by calling corresponding functions in the native API, exposed by Ntdll.dll. Just google the dll adding download. you'll find several places to download it from. Make sure you backup the original before adding the new onw to the Windows system32 folder. Also create a restore point to be on the safe side.

Hey WhiteRabbit,
It appears that the Link thAT YOU REFERENCED ABOVE
(http://www.vertigigaming.net/blog/category/spirits-of-metropolis-packs/ )
VertigiGaming.net is a "Domain for Sale"!!
SHOULD be:
http://www.vertigogaming.net/blog/category/spirits-of-metropolis-packs/

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


Thanks Chris, ALF had just pointed that out as well. Todays review is a repost from last year due to a last minute change by the game giveaway team, so I'd not had time to check all of the links; (they were going to post a different game last night and I didn't think to check this morning as they rarly change. At least I've got most of the review done for that game). I've amended my review to include the new link which can actually be found via the main vertigo game page to the top right of the game page (link to the main page at the end of the introduction)

Just a note, this is the same version as given away on July 26, 2009. The end bytes on the installers are the same, and the installer sizes are the same, and so are the version info fields, so there's no doubt.


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

thanks for your comments GMMan. I've had to delete the password part of your post as we are not allowed to post then in this section. Still it will be interesting to see what tweaks you come up with. I'll look out for further news. :) Well done

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

Thanks ALF, i'll see if they have posted a new link to extra puzzles. Have a great vacation with the family. Deleted your comment as requested. :lol:

Spirits of Metropolis

Login Page

Installation:

The downloaded zip file is 44.3Mb. The file unpacks to two files; a read me and dual setup and activation module. The game comes with a full installer and installs desktop and start menu shortcuts. . The default installation path is:

C:\Program Files\Spirits of Metropolis v1.10 (assuming your root directory is the C: drive).

The installed game is 45.2Mb.


Introduction:

There will be no full review from me today (I'd been working on a different game yesterday and for a couple of hours this morning, but the giveaway team decided to change what had been intended for 'Spirit of Metropolis' which was down for next weekend) However I have posted my previous review which includes info about what you get with this game plus the authors description of the game, a recommended review by the author, some videos, loads of images (via the slideshow link) and a couple of links to user reviews, one positive and one negative. I was having too much fun playing some of my latest game acquisitions.

The Game:

Journey mode - in game

From the main menu you can access extra content that includes links to free downloadable content such as the puzzle packs. At the moment there are seven puzzle packs available for free and include the following;

Fred the Monkey
SOG (Sandbox of God)
Shellblast HD: Day 3
Patriot
Cubed (see image via the slideshow)
Spring Meridian
Abstract

Free DLC - Puzzle Pack - Cubed

The author intends to have made available ten packs as DLC’s (downloadable content) before the end of the year, so if you really enjoy this game it will pay to make a bookmark of the link I’ve posted below (reference to the authors review) so that you can check back. It seems there’s one every month being released. July’s puzzle pack is called Sandbox of God. Though that is not the recently released re-mastered game of the same name, just a theme based off of the game

You can also access the tutorial at any time which is also a compulsory part of the Journey mode when you start the game. As new modes are unlocked more tutorials will be added to the tutorial menu. You access tutorials via the star next to the name of the tutorial. At the start of the game there is only one tutorial available.

There’s also a tips and hints link, but none are available until you’ve started winning medals or unlocked milestones. There are five pages of these; each one requiring a specific number of medals or milestones. For example to unlock the fifth page of hints and tips you have to win ten medals or pass 10 milestones. I’ve posted an image of page one of these tips, which is relatively easy to win. It’s right at the end of the slideshow, which contains 51 images. If you want to skip the slideshow just hover your mouse near the bottom of the page. Then click on the grid button. That will bring up all the images posted on one page. You can zoom in slightly, but to see individual images just click on it. You have to complete level 1 and 2 before the first medal is awarded, then you can access page one of the tips and hints

End of Level 2 - Medal Awarded

Page 2 of Medal awards

There are 36 medals to win during the game Once you’ve completed the compulsory journey mode tutorial, the puzzle mode will be unlocked. There are over 50 puzzles to play, or you can create your own via the puzzle editor, you can also download more puzzles via the following link;

http://www.vertigogaming.net/blog/category/spirits-of-metropolis-packs/


You’ll find the above link via the puzzles menu so you don’t need to copy it into your bookmarks/favorites. As mentioned elsewhere there are seven puzzle packs available to add to the 50 + that you already have and more are supposed to be uploaded sometime soon.

The options menu, which is accessible from the mai menu contains several toggles which enable you to customise the graphics or improve the look of the game via Anti-Aliasing, V-sync, or changing the color of the gems for colorblind mode. you can also turn off the visual effects and city spotlight. 9This may be necessary if the game runs slowly on your system. You can also change the look of the gems as well.

Options Menu

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Authors introduction

When I first started to design this game, I had one goal: create a title unique in a genre that was flooded with unoriginal, me-too casual games. That genre was the match-3 gem genre, one that has been dominated by such casual titles as Bejeweled and Puzzle Quest.
Over a year later, I think we've succeeded in bringing a totally new type of game that's unlike any puzzle game out there. Being that this was our first major commercial game (we have made over a dozen titles previously for PC over the last seven years) we wanted to make sure to start out with a bang. Not only does this game have over 120 levels, but it has ten unique game play modes that completely changes the nature of the way the game is played, with three difficulty settings each. Spirits of Metropolis also has a puzzle level editor to make and play custom puzzles, and not only does this game have an assortment of options, it has a colorblind editor that allows you to change the color of each gem to your preference, including an option to use shapes. The colorblind editor was actually designed with help from colorblind gamers, making sure that it would have maximum effectiveness.

Puzzle mode level map

Puzzlelicious Review posted by the author:

When I first saw a screenshot for Spirits of Metropolis I have to admit that I thought Oh god, not another Bejeweled clone. You can't blame me if you've seen the game. It features multi-colored gems arranged into patterns, and the purpose is to eliminate them in lines. Sound familiar? The only difference seemed to be a late-night aesthetic, the kind you find in techno clubs and jazz joints. Luckily, I was wrong. So very wrong. Spirits of Metropolis is a unique experience, and an excellent one at that.

Spirits is a puzzle game, predictably enough. You need to eliminate lines of gems. The difference between this game and all the others, however, is that this requires just as much strategic thinking as it does speed. True, you need to move quickly, but you also need to plan out your line eliminations carefully the more points you get, the more time you get. And time, in this game, isn't nearly plentiful enough.

All play revolves around a white crystal. It constantly puts out pulses of light through the strings of surrounding gems. Those pulses only persist, however, if you line the gems up according to color: like a string of Christmas lights, if one bulb/gem doesn't work/isn't the right color, the rest down the line won't light up. Fortunately, this problem is offset by the fact that every third gem will explode when the time comes to set the lines off, transferring its power to all the surrounding gems. Build more strings off each exploder and you'll score major points. Somewhat like Tetris, strings are built by laying down gems, and the game's kind enough to display upcoming gems.
Matters would get boring with just that over and over, naturally, so Spirits throws in roadblocks to keep itself interesting. The time limit is usually the biggest obstacle, and can prove a quick killer in some levels. It's so limiting, in fact, that you might throw the game down before giving Spirits the chance it deserves. Beyond the timer there's also set limits on moves, black gems on the board that need to be filled, unchangeable gems and boards that get smaller and smaller.

Level Editor

I thought for sure the pleasing look of Spirits would wear off or, at best, mask a mediocre game. I'm happy to say now that Spirits is an excellent experience with a lovely face on it. The menus, the game board, even the background is nice to look at, with an early morning city passing slowly by in the distance. You'll quickly realize that the exploding gems resemble streetlights, and suddenly the whole thing makes a lot more sense.

Supporting this is the real star of this game, the soundtrack. With one or two exceptions I LOVE the music in Spirits of Metropolis. Ranging from techno thumping to some beautiful guitar work, Spirits has a diverse selection of tracks that you'll never want to turn off. This goes to show that having a smaller budget than the big leaguers doesn't stop a game from pleasing the ear.

Slick, beautiful, charming. The only fault I find in Spirits is an unforgiving difficulty level in the first few stages. Other than that, this is a fantastic game, and I highly recommend trying it. I'd buy it. 4.5/5

Reference: http://www.vertigogaming.net/game/spirits Accessed 22nd July 09

Other reviews worth reading:

Positive Review:

http://www.helium.com/items/1289378-downloadable-game-review-spirit-of-metropolis


Negative Review:

http://www.helium.com/items/1289217-rating-of-spirit-of-metropolis

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Features:


• Over 120 levels spanning ten different modes of play.

• Colorblind editor allows you to change the shape of gems, as well as change their color value.

• Puzzle Editor allows you to create and share your own brain-bending levels.

• Medals & Milestones system awards you with fresh content by beating challenges and progressing through the game.

• Ranking Mode allows you to compete for the high score in a variety of modes.

• Journey lets you experience all the different modes of Spirits of Metropolis as you choose your own paths throughout the game.

• High quality soundtrack that lets you change music on the fly.

• Support for multiple profiles, visual options and lots more!

Journey Mode Level Map

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Video:

http://www.vertigogaming.net/blog/2009/07/15/spirits-of-metropolis-dlc-update/#more-298

http://www.gametrailers.com/video/debut-trailer-spirits-of/44298

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kbXW25mFZAA&fmt=18

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=--bgAjmqTAQ


Slideshow showing tutorials menu screen plus some in game images:


http://s571.photobucket.com/albums/ss160/Whiterabbit04/Spirit%20of%20Metropolis/?albumview=slideshow






Googled Images:


http://images.google.co.uk/images?hl=en&q=Spirits+of+Metropolis&btnG=Search+Images&gbv=2&aq=f&oq=

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Conclusion:


From playing the demo for a short time I was impressed by the interactive tutorial and the number of modes you have available. The graphics remind me a little of ShellBlast, but the game play is totally different. I’m not overly enamored by match three games. They usually have to have something special about them to hold my interest, for example Treasures of Montezuma or Puzzle Quest. This one definitely intrigues me, but I’ve not played it long enough to justify giving it a score out of 10. That would be unfair. That said I am impressed enough to continue playing it, so will keep it in my library at least on a temporary basis until I’ve had the time to explore the game further.

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

Additional Information:



Music:

If you wish to change the in game music you can do so by converting the music you choose to ogg files. You can download several audio converters to do this from the giveaway freeware library. Audacity can also be used;

http://www.giveawayoftheday.com/freeware/cat/Audio_Video_Audio_Encoders_Converters/

or

http://www.giveawayoftheday.com/freeware/cat/Audio_Video_Rippers_Converters/


You’ll find the ogg files located via the following path - assuming you have your operating system installed to the C: drive (mine is installed to the F: drive):

C:\Program Files\Spirits of Metropolis v1.10\oggfiles

Ensure the files you replace have the same name as the original files. I’d also recommend backing up the files just in case you want to revert back to the default music. If you forget to do this you can always download the demo and transfer the ogg files from the demo as they should be the same.


Problems:

If you have problems running the game or need to ask questions once the giveaway is over i've also posted this review in the game discussion forums, which you can find via the following link.

http://www.giveawayoftheday.com/forums/topic/7955


If the game runs slow try installing Game booster, which is free from Iobit. It turns off all the unecessary windows programs that are running in the background plus also enables you to specify other programs that you may have installed other than windows applications. It works very well and once you've finished playing your game you can revert to normal windows functioning by clicking on the return button. you can get it via the following link:

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

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Free games similar to today’s game:



If you like match three games there’s loads of commercially available games that are being given away over at Gametop and Freegamespick. I’ve posted a thread over in the forums that specifically deal with Match three games though I’ve not updated it in several months. You’ll find Gametop have extended their catalogue of match three games to include such titles as Around the world in 80 days, Atlantis Quest and Lost Treasures of Eldorado plus a few new additions called Voyage Puzzle and Aboo. You can find a list of several via the first link below, plus the entire match three catalogue from Gametop via the second link, which number more than 26 if you count the online variety. Gametop have started to include toolbars and in some gases browser hijacks, so do watch for the tick boxes to ensure they aren’t installed. Also if you don’t have your pop up blocker set to medium or high, you’ll get the emicons popups. As always I must remind you that all Gametop and Freegamespick games will open up your browser when closing the game down, but that is innocuous. There’s no malware installed. I’ve tested all the games I’ve downloaded from Gametop and all come up clean using the latest Kaspersky antivirus program:


http://www.giveawayoftheday.com/forums/topic/3846#post-41420

http://www.gametop.com/category/match3.html

There’s 43 match 3 games at MyPlayCity:

http://www.myplaycity.com/free_match3_games/

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