Navaak's game Reviews on Newgrounds

[Music Catch 2]

An incredible musical journey

What a beautiful game you have made... the music and the shapes were all so well-binded together that playing this game had a really natural feel. This magical feeling was maintained throughout the experience, and you did well not to make the game unecessarily hard. I salute you on this one!

I will be looking forward for more such abstract games... reminds us all that Newgrounds is not only about toilet humor.

[Mastermind: World Conqueror]

Well...

I was reluctant to write a review at first; the main reason was the difficulty of writing a useful review, instead of just praising the amazing work you have done. Then I thought, what the hell, an artist needs the good vibe, too.

First of all, my review will be biased, since I consider the whole "Mastermind" Series (if I can call it that) one of the best examples of good humour, not only in flash, but in art generally. Therefore, it can only follow that the atmosphere of Mastermind: WC was wonderful, balancing between the hilarious, disturbing, insane and the dark with unmatched skill.

However, this is not what really surprized me; it was to be expected. What really made me say "Ooohh come on! Why does this keep getting better and better? I also need to work, dammit!" was the gameplay. I happen to be a fan of strategy games, both flash and commercial ones, and rarely see innovative ideas in the field (especially in flash). Well, I believe that your approach had this difference needed to make this game stand out, instead of just being "a good clone of game X, with a different theme". Moreover, the whole gameplay really puts the player in the position of the Mastermind, feeling and acting as a deranged, hate-driven criminal with the sole purpose of destroying Earth. The humorous elements, although ABSOLUTELY hilarious, did not negatively interefere with the (optically and otherwise) dark theme of the game.

The mission/meeting cutscenes were another addition that took the game from "pretty good" to "freakin' excellent". I have always thought that a strategy game should include such cutcsenes. In fact, some do, but in a very boring, repetitive way. By changing the dialogues and creating many variations depending in the mission and the supervisor, you kept me watching them over and over again (the humorous elements also helped towards this end).

I really hope to see more such games from you, offering other innovative ways to exploit the genre of strategy games. This attempt was indeed the work of a mastermind...

[Ge.ne.sis: Alpha Demo]

Incredible

It seems to have the potential to become an amazing game. The silluette-type graphics and the particular design that you are using give this RPG a very unique style, along with the names of characters and skills. Suggestions include:

1. Since the layout/design is, the way I see it, the most important advantage of the game, you should emphasize it more. When everything is stylized, if one little thing is out of style, it looks bad. For example, when you hit the enemy, hit points lost apear in an explosion-style frame, which does not fit well with the rest of the layout.
2. I suppose this was on purpose since this is a demo, but the battle was too long. I would prefer a shorter battle, and, if needed, put more of them.
3. If this is going to be a non-hack-n-slash game, it would be nice to give characters some out-of-combat abilities, that can help solve the game in different ways, eg., via stealth, wits, or force.
4. The "dream" element is another great aspect of the game, so it should also be emphasized more. If possible, put more surreal elements in background, character movement and the enemy.

Concluding, I believe this game has great hope of becoming absolutely astonishing, rather than another common RPG. Try to separate it from the rest by giving emhasis to its unique elements.

[How fast can you click]

Yup.

I got a 63 on my third try. Put two fingers on the left mouse button and use both to click taking turns. That should do it ;)

Now, for the game, it is a good attempt but needs lots of work to become a real game. Try adding multiple stages (with a click threshold for each stage) and other features, such as moving buttons, multiple buttons, etc. From what I can see, your designing skills are sufficient, all you need is some good (and not old) ideas, because there have been many versions of this type of game.

[Dirk Dagger]

Very good.

Extremely good artwork and animation, easy-to-use (yet stylish) interface and seemingly interesting plot. Very good job, this reminds me of the good old times' point-and-click andventure games I used to be very fnd of.

One negative element is the huge ammount of film-noir cliches that you have included... I would go for something more fresh (I enjoy the atmosphere, but it has been done way too many times, especially recently).

Overall, I think we are all expecting the next part!

[XENO TACTIC]

Excellent!

First, the review: this game was great. It kept me (and my roomate) on the screen for days! Very good audio and graphics, flexibility in tactics, and incredible overall atmosphere. It surely deserves 10/10.

If anyone has passed wave 86 in the last level, PLEASE PM YOUR TACTIC! I HAVE BEEN TRYING TO FINISH THIS FREAKING STAGE FOR CENTURIES!!!

[Warlords: Call to Arms]

Thumbs up!

I like it, I got addicted to it twice; BUT, without a save feature (or a way to store your progress), it really can't get far. Consider adding this, plus a few more upgrades (perhaps one that allows you to build troops faster) and the game will become an all time classic ;)

Great job.

DJStatika responds:

It does have a save feature, it autosaves after each level

[You Have To Burn The Rope]

Well...

Ok, ok, I agree that it has a valid point to make, and it might be argued that it offers a good laugh.

But... front page? I mean... come on guys...

Kianis responds:

I agree. Sorry! We will immediately remove it.