Valerie

Cave Story

Cave Story is a cool Japanese platformer that was originally released back in 2004. Despite the age, it's still winning plenty of gamers, thanks to its fun and engaging gameplay. The nice thing with this game is the fact that it's so simple. Graphics are retro 8-bit yet it manages to be endearing still. The soundtrack, like the graphics, is simple but it certainly lends some lovely depth to the game. Of course, the gameplay is equally lovely. The game was created by Daisuke Amaya and released in Japanese, but theres a full English patch that you can download as well. Grab the game right now.

The Wild: The Wild EP

This is the second time this group of Atlanta young'ins who call themselves, The Wild, have made an appearance here in Frostclick. You'll find their other album, Set Yourselves Free, right here. Before that album came out though, the group released this 5-track self-titled EP. Their bright and sunshiny folk country sound still resonates though. The album is still a bit raw compared to their succeeding release yet is imbued with a fun, happy-go-lucky vibe that makes you think of frolicking around the countryside with friends. The album is released and available for free download on Quote Unquote Records. Take a listen and download this entertaining record.

Ulitsa Dimitrova

Ulitsa Dimitrova is a German game created by Lea Schönfelder and Gerard Delmas. This game actually won big as part of the 2010 IGF Student Winners. This one is quite unique and interesting. It's not just the graphics but the gameplay and storyline (or lack of it) are one of the major quirks for the game. You'll be playing, Pjotr, a homeless boy that lives in St. Petersburg. Why a seven-year old boy is living on the streets? You'll need to find out for yourself. And there are disturbing things in this game, but it is nevertheless, an okay game to play. The uniqueness of the graphics alone is interesting enough. Give it a go.

Studebaker’s Blacksmith Shop: Nebula

Studebaker's Blacksmith Shop is a rock, indie alternative band that packs a lot of punch. This German band has a nice raspy voiced female for a vocalist and an equally intriguing set of musicians backing her up. Nebula is the group's first full length debut and was recorded some time in 2008. Apart from this compilation, they also have a three track self titled EP which is also available for free download under a creative commons license.

Manos: The Hands of Fate

If you thought you've heard the title somewhere before, well, you probably have. Manos: The Hands of Fate is actually a game based on a horror film of the same title. The original movie was written, produced and directed by Harold Warren. Now, the movie didn't actually set well with most of the public. In fact, according to Wikipedia, it's considered to be one of the worst films ever. So, how does a game based on a "horrible" movie fare? Surprisingly, it's not that bad. Of course, I do have my reservations on fully recommending the game. After all, it's hard to distance yourself if you are remaking a game based on a film that's generally held as "awful" by a huge portion of the public. Nevertheless, it's quite decent and interesting to play at best. Give it a try.

Lungs For Gills: One Man & Thousand Ghosts

Listening to Lungs for Gills feels like you are walking on a frost filled morning with nothing but the beautiful sound of nature and silence to accompany you. That may sound weird, but this four piece group certainly knows how to create an ethereal mood. The band hails from Quebec City and formed during the winter of 2010. Maybe it was the cold weather, but these guys definitely got something to be proud of. One Man & Thousand Ghosts feature songs that contain sweet lyrics, emotional vocals and lovely melodies. There are some that border on the rock edge but still has a sweet touch to it. Of course, the recording isn't as crisp as you'd expect from pros, nevertheless it adds a delicate rawness that makes the band even more endearing. Check out their tracks.

8bit Killer

You can say that 8bit Killer is like playing an NES game. The fact is that it was made to look exactly like an overhaul of an NES game. It features the same graphics and gameplay style that fans will definitely feel as if they have gone back in time. The game is set in AD 2488, in a world where the human race is bracing on extinction. In the hands of Master Brain, the world is being threatened and now, a group of humans have formed to combat this growing evil. The game focuses on the final mission for these group of soldiers. If you are looking for a nostalgic yet awesome NES-like game, then you'll definitely find it here on 8bit Killer. It's definitely worth giving a go.

Laura Stevenson and the Cans: A Record

Listening to Laura Stevenson and the Cans is like lying in a hammock under the shade and drifting away to dreamland. This amazing indie folk/rock artist beautifully mixes relaxing rhythms and melodies beautifully, making it look effortless. This album came about after Laura took several years steering clear from creating a compilation. Hence, when she finally decided to drop the sabbatical, "A Record," was born. In this one, you'll find a great variety of textures, instruments and simply gorgeous vocals from the singer and her crew. Most of her albums are available for purchase, but these are definitely worth it. However, for this record you can enjoy this one free. It's certainly worth the download and so much more.

Tiny and Big: Up That Mountain

Tiny and Big might still be in its Beta stages but it's already generating a fairly good buzz among many gamers. For one, the game features beautiful graphics, lovable characters and a cool gameplay; pretty much everything you could possibly want from a game! Created by Black Pants Game Studio, it became a 2011 Student Showcase Finalist. Its amazing graphics, quirky gameplay, and odd storyline add to the beauty of the game. In fact, it's hard to let this one pass by without even trying it out for yourself. The game is available for free download in various formats, including Mac, Linux and of course, Windows. Check out this game now!