Okay, I've posted Fridays game a lot earlier than I normally do, but only becuse I've decided to take a break from the computer for the rest of the evening. Here's the game that Idahl posted several months ago, that got buried in the forums. I'm sure the old regulars will already have it, so I apologise for keeping you dry today. I'd search for something similar, but really need a break from the monitor tonight. :) It's a really cool 3D match three puzzle. It's much harder than your usual 2D version. Unfortunately there's no installer included, so you'll need to create a folder and name it gem towers. Then unzip the contents of the zip file to the folder. Once you've done that, place the folder where you want it, then create a shortcut to the desk top. You can also create a shortcut for the start menu if you wish. Create a shortcut by right clicking on the executable file, then copy this to a folder named Gem Tower. Move this folder to the following patch for it to show in the start menu. (you will have to create a folder and shortcut for each account on your computer):
C:\documents and Settings\Administrator (or whatever account you want the shortcut to show in)\Start Menu\Programs\
That's it.
The guy who created the game has a link that opens up to his home page when you close the game down, only it's no longer his site. It's innocuous, and can just be closed with no damage to your computer. (much like the browser opening when you close down a gametop game)
Gem Tower: (3.74Mb)
So what is Gem Towers all about? It's a 3D puzzle game. You must remove the required number of gems in order to progress to the next level. You do this by swapping gems so that they create a line of 3 (or more) of the same color. You can only move the gems if they are going to create a set.
You can spin the whole gem grid in full 3D, and gems have 26 possible neighbours, so you need to look carefully at the grid from each angle, to see if there is anything you've missed. As with most games of this nature, if you stack them correctly you can set off entire chain reactions. It's not impossible to finish a whole level with just one swap. If you get totally stuck you can sacrifice one of your lives in order to skip the level. The further you play, the more colours enter the grid (and therefore, the harder it gets).
Everything looks lovely - the gems glisten and reflect the light, the controls are smooth and the whole game very responsive. It isn't perfect however - the random nature of the gem placement means that you can often start on a really difficult level, only to have to skip it in order to stand a chance on the next. And sometimes the new gems drop onto the grid too fast for you to be able to see clearly what is underneath them. But having said that, this is a fine release and for a free game - a great time killer.
Reference: http://www.thegamecreators.com/data/newsletter/newsletter_issue_41.html#6
Accessed 1st October 08
Download Link:
http://demonews.com/download-2977.html
If perchance the game giveaway project doesn't run again this weekend, I've got a great set of three really good quality space shooters/space management games to post download links to. If we do get a game on Saturday and Sunday, then I'll save them till Monday. I almost posted them today that was the original plan, but I promised I'd post this puzzle game.
