Fixed Web Hack in Pop-Culture Spectrum

UPDATE: I believe I on my own with no help of outside sources (neither WordPress or my site provider) finally found the issues and have locked the virus effecting this site off and out, but in case, I am leaving this note pinned with a read more if you are curious to history.

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Mutant Camels and Psychedelicillisumaura

My first computer and also gaming system was Commodore 64, this was somewhere in 1987 or 1988. Sub sequentially playing Attack of the Mutant Camels and Revenge of the Mutant Camels became a major deal for me. While the system itself wasn’t as huge in the US, I quickly invested myself in it and all knowledge of it. My second ever system was an Amiga. I couldn’t get away from Jeff Minter if I tried. If you owned an Atari in the US, its possible you didn’t either, or maybe you did. I wouldn’t know, my first console was an Xbox. Anyway, this is all to say I know who Jeff Minter is, but I also knew nothing about Jeff Minter or how much else he’s done and that is where the second Gold Master Series from Digital Eclipse becomes such a prize and something worthy to not only MY library but to anyone’s library.

If you have not yet experienced a Digital Eclipse Gold Master, but are a fan of museums, history and video games you are doing yourself I feel a disservice. While there is only one other in the series, that be The Making of Karateka, (which only gives a glimpse into one game in a large Jordan Mechner catalog), it was a true deep dive of treasures; and Llamasoft: The Jeff Minter Story is no different and in some cases even fuller. New documentary video pieces, scans of documents, recreations of game boxes which one can “touch” making them interactive museum pieces, along with 46 playable games and creations as well as one game fully remastered and re-engineered for the modern game player.

These playable games have been reconfigured as well, all reset to work on a controller, which I know had to be a ton of work. One of the absolute joys of the museum is that they focused not just on the games of Llamasoft but the entirety of Jeff’s career (at least up to a certain point) and creations. The light synths are probably my favorite thing. Infinitely playable. The games are as well, from both a nostalgia and also from an innovation stand point. Jeff only made games he wanted to play and Jeff had good/has good taste.


What I love most is there really being something for everyone here. Wanna play games of varying styles and difficulties? We got ya. Want to just watch some documentaries piece? Here ya go. You just want cool music? We got YOU too.

Llamasoft: The Jeff Minter Story may have as much a personal connection to my own history as Making of Karateka, but the next Gold Master Series could be anything, be it something I know or something I never heard of and I’ll be on board there. If you have no connection to Karateka or Jeff Minter I feel you too will find something as I said in the previous paragraph to enjoy in these virtual immersive interactive museum art playable game displays… or Gold Masters.

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YO JOE! NEW G.I. JOE MINISERIES SCARLETT AND DESTRO COMING FROM SKYBOUND, IMAGE & HASBRO  

The Energon Universe Expands with Two All-New Limited Series This June!  

LOS ANGELES 03/07/2024 — Today Skybound and Image Comics, in collaboration with leading toy and game company Hasbro, announced two all-new G.I. JOE limited series set within the Energon Universe. Scarlett and Destro, featuring two of the most iconic G.I. JOE characters ever, will arrive in comic book shops in June 2024.   

Red-hot writer Kelly Thompson (Black Widow, Birds of Prey) and artist Marco Ferrari (Frontiersman) introduce some of the most anticipated characters to the Energon Universe in ways you’ll never expect in Scarlett #1launching June 5, 2024.  
 Shana “Scarlett” O’Hara is about to take on the most dangerous black ops mission of her career: infiltrating the mysterious rising power in Japan known as the Arashikage Clan. Her one lead is her former partner—Jinx—turned Arashikage enforcer. Now, Scarlett must use her operative skills to survive undercover… and discover a shocking weapon that could change the balance of power on Earth.  “I’m fortunate that, thanks to my job, I often get to dig into characters and worlds that I’ve loved for a long time,” said Kelly Thompson. “But G.I. JOE’s Scarlett is truly one of my first geek loves as a kid, and I am absolutely thrilled to have a hand in building her for this new, incredibly cool and rich universe at Skybound.”  “I’m very excited to join the Scarlett team and to use every tool in my toolbox to bring her to life in this new series,” said Marco Ferrari. “I can’t wait for everyone to dive into Scarlett’s mission with us!”

And then, acclaimed writer Dan Watters (Loki, Universal Monsters: Creature from the Black Lagoon Lives!) and artist Andrei Bressan (Dark Ride, Birthright) change the balance of power in the Energon Universe forever in Destro #1launching June 19, 2024.   James McCullen Destro XXIV is the man behind M.A.R.S. Industries, the undisputed leader in providing high-tech weapons to world powers…for the right price. But the emergence of Energon has changed everything. As Destro’s ambitions grow, the “Crimson Twins” Tomax and Xamot Paoli emerge to destroy their competition, and Cobra Commander realizes his current ally could be his future greatest enemy.  “I’m incredibly excited to bring Destro to life with Andrei,” said Dan Watters. “This is going to be a visceral, explosive thriller in which he [Destro] isn’t very nice to anyone at all — everything you’d want from your favorite amoral arms trafficker.”  “I just can’t wait to see what Dan has planned for Destro!” said Andrei Bressan. “I’m pretty excited because everything going on with the Energon Universe so far has been bonkers and Destro…he is just an absolute bad***, ready to kill and destroy.”  Rounding out the lineup of four action-packed G.I. JOE miniseries that introduce the iconic characters of the G.I. Joe and Cobra teams to the Energon Universe, Scarlett and Destro join Duke by Joshua Williamson (DC’s SupermanDark Ride), Tom Reilly (The Thing) and Jordie Bellaire (W0rldtr33) and Cobra Commander from writer Joshua Williamson, artist Andrea Milana (Impact Winter: Rook) and colorist Annalisa Leoni (Oblivion Song). These miniseries promise to set the stage for a fresh new take on G.I. Joe, Cobra and the iconic characters that you only think you know in a shared universe with TRANSFORMERS and Void Rivals!  “Duke and Cobra Commander were two of the highest-selling G.I. JOE comics of all-time, and they’re only the start of our new beginning for the amazing G.I. JOE franchise,” said Sean Mackiewicz, SVP, Publisher, Skybound. “With G.I. Joe and Cobra now locked on an unavoidable collision course, Scarlett and Destro will introduce new characters and factions that will disrupt their most carefully laid plans. Kelly Thompson, Marco Ferrari, Dan Watters, and my favorite madman, Andrei Bressan are crafting action-packed, jaw-dropping comics that will forever change the Energon Universe.”  The Energon Universe officially began last summer with the surprise first appearance of iconic TRANSFORMERS character Jetfire in Void Rivals #1 from Robert Kirkman (Invincible, The Walking Dead), Lorenzo De Felici (Kroma), and Mateus Lopes (Step by Bloody Step), introducing the historic new collaboration between Hasbro and Skybound, with TRANSFORMERS and G.I. JOE comics finding a new home with the publisher. Then TRANSFORMERS from writer/artist Daniel Warren Johnson (ExtremityDo a Powerbomb, DC’s Wonder Woman: Dead Earth) and colorist Mike Spicer (Stillwater, Murder Falcon) kicked off a brand-new era for the iconic franchise. The Energon Universe recently expanded with the launch of Duke and Cobra CommanderFans should expect can’t-miss moments from every issue of the Energon Universe, as secrets are unveiled along the path to answering the BIG questions.

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Nerd Notes (3/4/2024)-All New Music

Lead singer/Song writer Samuel Kelly-Cohen was/is currently as of the date of this post appearing on the Winter 2024 Season of American Idol. They wrote this song based on that sudden occurence. This group/artist is wonderful and fantastic.

A mix of straight bangers in ear candy or music videos that came out last week.

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THE TOXIC AVENGER Returns In an All-New Comic Book Series 

By Pulitzer Prize Finalist and THE NIB Founder Matt Bors and Artist Fred Harper

(February 22, 2024) Matt Bors — the founder of The Nib and a political cartoonist who has twice been named a Pulitzer Prize finalist —and acclaimed artist Fred Harper (Snelson) are collaborating on an all-new 5-issue comic book series, THE TOXIC AVENGER, starring the satirical superhero of the Troma Films cult classic films. Having already spawned five films, a cartoon, action figures, a musical, and a Marvel comic book series, the Toxic Avenger is a pop culture icon. He is also perfect for AHOY Comics, a Syracuse-based publisher dedicated to satirizing  horror, space opera, social satire, sword & sorcery, and superhero stories. THE TOXIC AVENGER will debut this fall.

THE TOXIC AVENGER delivers what Troma fans want,” said AHOY Comics Editor-in-Chief Tom Peyer. “The series has violent action, gross mutations, bursting pustules, eye-popping visuals, and trenchant humor.” 

“If there was ever a superhuman hero for these toxic, miserable times, Toxie is the one!” said Lloyd Kaufman. “Only AHOY Comics and Bors & Harper could pull this off…er…mop this up! Toxie and the Troma Team can’t wait ‘til you read -no, experience – the art and stories that the Toxic Avenger Comic Book will explode in your brain, your soul, and your heart. Above all, remember – Toxie loves you and so do I.”

“This series will combine elements of the original films with the Toxic Crusaders cartoon and characters in familiar ways, updated to tell a story of environmental devastation, corporate control, and social media mutation,” said Bors. “THE TOXIC AVENGER is first and foremost an environmental satire, one about a small town and its unremarkable people trapped and transformed by circumstances they don’t control. The story Fred Harper and I are telling is about people frustrated by authorities telling them not to worry about their life, that things are fine, even as their dog mutates in front of their eyes. And at its core it is about a powerless boy, Melvin, who finds out he can be incredibly strong, hideously mutated, well-admired, and incredibly heroic… but still ultimately powerless over human behavior.”

In THE TOXIC AVENGER, teenager Melvin Junko helps run his parent’s junkyard in Tromaville, a small town in New Jersey where nothing much ever happens — until an ill-timed train derailment of toxic waste transforms Melvin into a hideously deformed creature of superhuman size and strength: the Toxic Avenger! Under a media blackout imposed by Biohazard Solutions (BS) and their PR-spewing Chairwoman Lindsay Flick, Melvin emerges as a hero fighting against BS and the mutated threats that keep popping up around Tromaville. Eventually Melvin uncovers a vast conspiracy  more far-reaching than he could have ever imagined — but he knows if everyone is simply made aware of the crisis, they’ll act to stop it. Right?

The Toxic Avenger first appeared in the 1984 cult classic film about a mutated weakling mopping up a corporate mess, directed by Lloyd Kaufman and Michael Herz and starring Mitchell Cohen. 

TOXIC AVENGER is the second comic book series from Bors, following the release of JUSTICE WARRIORS, his critically-acclaimed comic with artist Ben Clarkson which follows two police officers, Swamp Cop and Schitt, stationed in the world’s first perfect city. 

“In addition to the environmental and action satire at the forefront of this story, TOXIC AVENGER  will skewer corporate PR, influencer culture, and the mainstreaming of conspiracy theories” added Bors. “It isn’t paranoia if they’re really out to pollute you!”

TOXIC AVENGER #1 will land in stores on October 9, 2024.For more updates on AHOY Comics, visit them on XBlueskyFacebook and Instagram

About AHOY Comics

AHOY Comics debuted in the fall of 2018 with the bold promise for readers to expect more from its line of comic book magazines, featuring comic book stories, poetry, prose fiction, and cartoons. The independent, Syracuse-based company is the brainchild of publisher Hart Seely, an award-winning reporter whose humor and satire has appeared in The New York Times and on National Public Radio. AHOY’s editor-in-chief Tom Peyer is committed to publishing comics with a (dark) sense of humor with titles like the religious satires SECOND COMING and HIGH HEAVEN, the superhero parodies THE WRONG EARTH and MY BAD, the sci-fi spoofs CAPTAIN GINGER and HIGHBALL, the time travel tales PLANET OF THE NERDS and G.I.L.T., and the humor/horror anthology series EDGAR ALLAN POE’S SNIFTER OF BLOOD. 

About Troma Entertainment, Inc.

Established in 1974 by Yale friends Lloyd Kaufman and Michael Herz, Troma Entertainment is the longest-running, independent movie studio in North America, and it’s one of the very few genuine brand names in the industry. Troma is worldfamous for producing & distributing classics such as Kaufman’s “The Toxic Avenger”, Trey Parker’s “Cannibal! The Musical”, “Poultrygeist”, “Class of Nuke ‘Em High”, Charles Kaufman’s “Mother’s Day” & “Tromeo & Juliet”. Many of today’s luminaries can be found in Troma’s library of 1000 films, TV shows & shorts. Robert De Niro, Dustin Hoffman, Kevin Costner, Fergie, Vincent D’Onofrio, Samuel L. Jackson, James Gunn & Eli Roth are just a few notable Troma-lumni. Troma Blu-rays, DVDs, books, shirts & Tromabilia can be purchased at www.tromadirect.com. Troma’s classic & new films & exclusive extras can be viewed at www.troma-now.com

About the creators

Matt Bors is a cartoonist, writer, editor, and publisher who founded the comics publication The Nib. His work has appeared in The Nation, CNN, The Guardian, The Village Voice, Daily Kos, and was collected in the book We Should Improve Society Somewhat. He is a two time Pulitzer Prize Finalist for his political cartoons and drew the graphic novel War Is Boring.

Fred Harper has illustrated stories for DC Comics and Marvel Comics. Most memorable (at least to Fred) would be penciling for Animal Man at DC Vertigo. He started out with Savage Sword of Conan, Ghost Rider, and Doctor Strange at Marvel Comics. He went on to do illustrations for White Wolf and Magic the Gathering as he transitioned to magazine illustrations for The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Time, The Week, SPORT, The Sporting News, Muscle and Fitness, Men’s Health, Muscular Development, and Sports Illustrated… to name a few. Fred currently resides in an apartment where he conducts experiments about the effects of copious amounts of espresso on an artist’s brain. Results have been inconclusive, but sometimes secrets take time for the beans to spill.

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ICYMI: New Orleans Trip Jan 2024

Having added photos and done edits and updates to my New Orleans live reporting I’ve felt it best to put links to all three posts in one.

Day One and Two

Days Three and Four

Days Five and Six

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Nerd Notes 1-12-24

(I put this collection together in Jan and somehow never posted it… it includes trailers and music videos still noteworthy of the start of the year, so I am posting them along with captions)

In no particular order a collection film, game and tv trailers, music videos and tracks and other stuff from Youtube that caught my attention.

A wonderful song, but an even more wonderful music video showing the beauty and grace of Inga Petry.
This 2023 production didn’t actually land on Paramount+ till Jan 2024. I have of this date not been able to watch the entirety but am still interested to see it.
Jeff comics are so fun and the way they find to animate them is even better.
The first single from Black Crowes first new album in 13 years.
Katherine McNamara is infinitely watchable.
One of those FOMO type of things from a convention
The documentary was brillaint.
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Please, Touch The Artwork 2 Now Available for Free on PC & Mobile Platforms

I had gotten an early access copy to the full version of Please, Touch the Artwork 2 and fully enjoyed their experience. They found a few bugs which they reported to the dev and have been excited to see that they continued to polish the game showig love and promise to a completely free game says much about Thomas Waterzooi. As excited as I am by this game to be available now for all I am even more excited to see what he and/or his Studio does next.”

-Pop-Culture Spectrum

Early reviews hail it as “A Masterpiece in its own right” and “A must-play free game”

19 FEBRUARY 2023 – Today marks the official release of Please, Touch The Artwork 2, now available as a FREE download on smartphones/tablets via the Apple Appstore or Google Play as well as on Windows/Mac via Steam. There are no ads, no hidden fees, and no paid DLC – just a free game to savor at your own pace.

Dive into the world of James Ensor, the Belgian Modern Art pioneer, with Please, Touch The Artwork 2: Explore his iconic paintings in a quirky, cozy, and engaging hidden-object artventure that’s filled with surprises. Help quirky characters retrieve lost items and restore gaps in the paintings in a game that transforms art appreciation into a short,fun-filled journey.

The game was made with the support of the Flemish Government, on the occasion of the Belgian EU Presidency 2024 and to celebrate the 75th anniversary of James Ensor’s passing in 2024. Making it available for free ensures that everyone can enjoy the game without any barriers to entry.

For more information and to download the game, visit the official website. Join us on this artistic adventure today!

Here is what the press had to say:

“Please, Touch the Artwork 2 simultaneously managed to reframe my perspective on art, introduce me to one of the 20th century’s greatest painters, and offer a touching, heartfelt narrative imbued with great reverence for a medium that is perhaps at its best when we get to poke it with a giant skeleton hand.”
– 9/10, TheGameCrater.com
“Please, Touch The Artwork 2 offers unique and engaging gameplay with the challenge of a hidden object puzzle game. With its seamless integration of gaming and art appreciation, it shows the creativity that can be found between gaming and the art world, and developer Thomas Waterzooi’s love of the arts shines through in the gameplay.”
– ​ Two Thumbs up! (10/10), LadiesGamers.com 
“Walking through James Ensors’ paintings offers a magical cozy artventure that’s filled with unexpected moments; as a free game, this is a must-play!”
​- 
9/10, GamingBoulevard.com
The entire game shows enormous respect for Ensor’s work. It’s just an hour long, but for a completely free game, that’s not bad at all. So by all means, take the time to download and play this artful game that has itself become a masterpiece.” (translated from Dutch)
​- 5/5, HetNieuwsblad.be

About the game

Assist a wandering skeleton artist in navigating a surreal, hand-painted universe, while collecting hidden objects for its quirky inhabitants. ​Solve casual puzzles and fix gaps and cracks in the paintings. Carefully crafted from works by James Ensor, a Belgian pioneer in the world of Modern Art.

Key features

  • Explore 5 unique worlds – Embark on a journey through five distinct worlds, each brimming with the mesmerizing art of James Ensor. Discover hidden treasures and unravel the mysteries within his famous paintings.
  • Hints when stuck – Stuck on a particularly elusive object? No worries! Players can request hints to nudge them in the right direction. This ensures a frustration-free adventure, allowing you to seamlessly continue your exploration.
  • Simple point & click controls – Navigate the world by clicking or tapping where you want to move. The intuitive controls make it accessible to all types of players. Take advantage of the zoom function to delve into every intricate detail.
  • Casual hand-painted art – Interactive elements and animations made from James Ensor’s authentic hand-painted works bring his masterpieces to life.
  • Atmospheric relaxing sound – Let the immersive atmosphere and tranquil soundscapes wash over you as you delve into Ensor’s world. The combination of real art and calming audio creates a mesmerizing experience.
  • Highly accessible – With a light-hearted and playful approach, “Please, Touch The Artwork 2” is a delightfully cozy adventure suitable for almost everyone.
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Alan Moore & Steve Moore’s Long-Awaited Magnum Opus, Coming Oct 2024

LOS ANGELES, CA (February 16, 2024). Internationally celebrated publishers Top Shelf Productions (USA) and Knockabout Ltd (UK) are proud to announce the publication date of the long-awaited THE MOON AND SERPENT BUMPER BOOK OF MAGIC. Born of the longstanding creative partnership between legendary writer Alan Moore (From Hell) and his creative and magical mentor Steve Moore (no relation), this celebration of magic and the occult has been meticulously under development for nearly two decades and is brought to life through a combination of prose, illustration, and sequential art from five incredible artists. This veritable grimoire of the magical, the mystical, and even the macabre will be on sale in October 2024.

The secrets of the celebrated Moon and Serpent Grand Egyptian Theatre of Marvels (sorcery by appointment since circa 150 AD) promise to be revealed in THE MOON AND SERPENT BUMPER BOOK OF MAGIC. This clear and practical grimoire of the occult pairs the knowledge of the proprietors of the aforementioned Grand Egyptian Theatre with illuminating visual delights from artists Kevin O’Neill, John Coulthart, Steve Parkhouse, Rick Veitch, and Ben Wickey. Unprecedented in its scope and splendor, this tome is full to bursting with illustrated instructional essays, activity pages, biographies of the great sorcerers, and forbidden knowledge sure to tantalize even the most disillusioned of adults into believing in magic once again.

“One of the great honors of my publishing career has been to work with Alan Moore on so many monumental projects, like From Hell and Lost Girls,” says Chris Staros, Editor-in-Chief of Top Shelf Productions. “THE MOON AND SERPENT BUMPER BOOK OF MAGIC represents an amazing capstone, created by Alan and Steve, and brilliantly brought to life by five unforgettable artists. It’s been a privilege to watch those magical minds spend years building this grimoire, and I’m proud to join Knockabout in finally sharing it with the world.”

THE MOON AND SERPENT BUMPER BOOK OF MAGIC (ISBN 978-1-60309-550-1) will be available in fine bookstores and comic shops in October 2024.

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As Seen at NY Now Winter 2024

A photo essay with links and descriptions of products in books, food, design, etc. that caught our eye at the Winter 2024 session of NY Now from Jacob Javits Convention Center which is also celberating 100 years as an expo/convention/curator.

Dia de Las Drag Queens by Chacon. http://shopchachon.com

Not Picasso, art jewelry: https://shopnotpicasso.com/

San Diablo Churro Mix and kit and more: https://sandiablochurros.com/
Thousand Skies made a brand new booth design for Winter 2024. Maybe the last time they change it up for a bit other than new products so scope it and enjoy.https://thousandskies.com/

Haute Diggity Dog now makes cat toys: https://www.hautediggitydog.com/

Steiff had a small but elegant display as well as their Elton John Teddy and upcoming Snoopy Scout. https://www.steiff.com/

A few choice upcoming items from Running Press Minis including kc green’s This is Fine dog.

Scheduled for July 2024, published by Abrams.

New games and books from Brass Monkey. https://brassmonkeygoods.com/

Relume out of DC made their NY Now debut and have excellent products. https://relume.co/

Cool and fun toys from Fun In Motion. https://funinmotiontoys.com/

New products from Crazy Aarons. https://crazyaarons.com/

Display set up from Art Is Bond. https://www.artisbond.gallery/

Products from Today is Art Day. https://www.todayisartday.com/

Spring 2024 products for Kikkerland. https://kikkerland.com/

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SteamFest February 2014

Every gamer will tackle things at an “event” like Steam Fest differently. Based on the games they enjoy, thumbnails that catch their attention or even advertisements/promotions outside the Fest that guide them to a certain game. With 100s of games to demo one can only tackle a fair share before being inundated. The following is not every demo I played, only ones which I found enough fun, interest and enjoyment of gameplay in to make a small statement and in some cases grab a screenshot. Some of the demos will no longer be available but the games are ready to be wishlisted, so here’s one I personally feel deserve notice and promotion.

Children of the Sun: A clever puzzle tactical more than a shooter. You might be stealthily firing upon targets but it truly is mastering multiple trajectory and timing mechanics alongside hand/eye coordination to hit those targets then it is a action/adventure game. At least in the demo. The graphical style and design layout is really cool. I personally don’t care for seeing a Leader Board and hope the final version has a way to turn it off, as I find it a distraction instead of an impetetus to do better. My impetetus is to do better than myself, not others. https://store.steampowered.com/app/1309950/Children_of_the_Sun/

Please Touch the Artwork 2: Extremely different from Thomas Waterzooi’s first game, this completely free (available Feb 19th, 2024) hidden object game is built around some extremely strange paintings based in various styles and periods. The quiet zen vibe and relaxing feels even with an evil seeming art destroyer running around. I’ll have more on this wonderful game later in the week. https://store.steampowered.com/app/2600140/Please_Touch_The_Artwork_2/

Duck Detective: The art style alone really pulled me, but the sleuthing felt fun. In the demo it seems very.. rudimentary, nothing truly difficult but I can get the vive there’s a chance of frustration because you can’t just SOLVE it, you must deduce it, you must SHOW your work and that’ll be where it gets hard and I’m here for it, cause it’ll also stay cute. https://store.steampowered.com/app/2637990/Duck_Detective_The_Secret_Salami/

Miniatures: From the demo I can’t really tell exactly what this is, but the art style, the simplicity, the strangeness, the eeriness. I want to know. https://store.steampowered.com/app/2428840/Miniatures/

An English Haunting: Old school pixel art traditional point and click adventure game based in olde England with ghosts, mysteries, and more. Well constructed demo compels to see more. https://store.steampowered.com/app/2474030/An_English_Haunting/

The M/S Cornelia II Incident: Extremely minimalistic pixels, less traditional but still intuitive point and click adventure game built around amnesia, murder?, and a cruise ship. Another well crafted demo. https://store.steampowered.com/app/2516650/The_MS_Cornelia_II_Incident/

It’s Kooky-Land of Aotearoa: Basically a hidden object game, but different. Find the stuff that looks weird. The art style makes it extra fun. https://store.steampowered.com/app/2650510/Its_Kooky__Land_of_Aotearoa/

Follow the meaning: Basic logic puzzles, hidden objects hunts, an extremely fun art style, follow the meaning is a logic puzzle game through and through, although sometimes with weird logic or at least weird responses to what felt like logic and I love it for that. Perfect teaser made me clamor for the rest. https://store.steampowered.com/app/2720280/Follow_the_meaning/

Daemon Masquarade: Built on comic book images and logic puzzles, the demo for this more confuses than excites, but the art and puzzles in the teaser were just enough to get me going. https://store.steampowered.com/app/2277090/DAEMON_MASQUERADE/

A Park Full of Cats: Find the cats… I love these find the cat games and I love that multiple studios have versions of them with different storytelling mechanics and art styles. https://store.steampowered.com/app/2610090/A_Park_Full_of_Cats/

Aarik and The Ruined Kingdom: Top down isometric connect the pieces puzzle with a compelling story. Very simple, yet complex. https://store.steampowered.com/app/2687300/Aarik_And_The_Ruined_Kingdom/

Mizi No!: This is basically a digital jigsaw puzzle of various objects and sizes but the art and background concept gives it ease. https://store.steampowered.com/app/2654860/Mizi_NO/

Queer Quest: This might not appeal to all, but it seems to be mostly a modern point and click about everyday life. A hand drawn type of deal that makes me think of Zack McKracken or Day of the Tentacle or Deponia. Cept it’s a small town and you’re a non-binary with a beautiful girlfriend and you like weed and then… your girlfriend gets kidnapped. Normal stuff. https://store.steampowered.com/app/1296300/Queer_Quest_All_in_a_Gays_Work/

Copycat: Meow, meow, meow… meow, meow. Meow. Really though, cat simulation life games are the rage these days, there’s many of them but Copycat really has a good flow. The demo gives you just enough to feel where it’ll go without giving it away and ending on a cliffhanger. https://store.steampowered.com/app/1622350/Copycat/

Harold Halibut: I haven’t actually played this long demo yet, but as I’ve mentioned this game multiple times since it was first announced, here I am again. https://store.steampowered.com/app/924750/Harold_Halibut/

Tiny Terry’s Turbo Trip: Open world insanity in a weird world with lots of things to do, collectibles, simple mechanics, but with a goal, get your car into space. Earn money, do jobs, do errands, gain upgrades. It looks like a wacky cartoon and the demo even though I couldn’t fully figure out how to end it… or did I? I’m not sure… I wanted more. https://store.steampowered.com/app/2238040/Tiny_Terrys_Turbo_Trip/

Mutants Ate My Carrots: Animation artstyle, traditional point and click. Would love some fast travel as even in just the demo there’s a lot of back and forth and the majority of everything is more fetchquest guess than anything, but there’s something here and the demo ends just when it gets really good. https://store.steampowered.com/app/2654690/Mutants_Ate_My_Carrots/

There were so many more demos in Steam Next Fest. Some I have downloaded and not yet played. A week sometimes isn’t even enough time. Some of these demos alone are a few hours of gameplay despite being only a portion of the game. I appreciate these fests and adding to my always growing Wishlist.

Posted in Video Games | Comments Off on SteamFest February 2014