Reviews

The Unarchiver

From the get-go, it's obvious what The Unarchiver does. It can easily unzip or unpack any files that you want. Even though the program might have an unimaginative name, it gets the job done without much trouble and complaint. The program was developed by Dag Agren and available for free download on the Mac App Store. It works great on Mac but it's also possible to run it on Windows or Linux. You just have to follow a few things before you can get it up and running. It's a nifty little tool that's easy to navigate and understand. Best of all, you can easily open any file you have since it supports a great selection of formats. Give it a try.

Dear Esther

Dear Esther is not your typical game. There's absolutely no gunfight, no puzzles to solve and no princess to rescue, but this creepy Source Mod has definitely captured the attention of more than a few gamers out there. Released back in 2008, the game features a unique take on first person gameplay. The game is a bit tough to discuss since it showcases a fragmented plot and no real, or actual gameplay happening. You simply have to follow along and see where the game takes you. If you're up for trying out the unconventional, then you might want to give this game a try. It's definitely one -of-a-kind and worth checking out.

Ära Krâ: Ferne Tage

Prepare for some mayhem when listening to Ära Krâ. This death metal band from Germany knows how to knock your socks off or wipe sleep from your eyes in an instant. I'm not exactly an expert in the metal genre, in fact my musical exposure to the genre is limited to Children of Bodom, In Flames and Lamb of God -if you count them as death metal. Nevertheless, Ferne Tage or roughly translated, "Distant Days," is a pretty solid album filled with hardcore rock with good beats and ass-kicking vocals. The album is available for free download on the band's Bandcamp page. Give it a listen.

John Cube

If puzzle games are more your thing, Johnny Cube should prove entertaining. This cool puzzler runs in the same vein as Sokoban. The game involves plenty of block pushing and puzzle solving. Even though it's quite new (released just this month by Primož Vovk, otherwise known as Blodyavenger) the game is already winning good points for its smooth gameplay. This is the second indie release for the developer, following the footsteps of the 2D game, Obelisk Blocks. It's definitely a game worth playing. The graphics are clean, gameplay is much better and smoother than Sokoban and it's certainly quite enjoyable. Give it a download by clicking the Download Game link on the upper left.

Free Solitaire 3D

erhaps one of the easiest and most well-known computer game since the days of yore is the Solitaire. With countless remakes and a couple of face lifts; this cool, classic game is now hitting the iPad and other iOS device in full 3D. Created by GrassGames, this Free Solitaire 3D is a great way to keep yourself busy on your spare time. It has everything that the classic card game has to offer and a little bit more. The game is offered as a free download on the Mac App Store, so go ahead and download this one by simply hitting the download link above the image.

Quentin: A Gig At The Dachshund Breeder’s Club House

Quentin is a German band that spits out punk rock tracks that you might not understand but is definitely a hell-of-a-lot-of fun to listen to. This three piece German band has definitely got spunk and tons of attitude. A Gig At The Dachshund Breeder's Club House is said to be more than one-year in the making yet it seems to be the product of a spontaneous live performance or get together in the studio. It has plenty of energy, attitude and a touch of cheekiness here and there. Definitely a cool 7-track compilation worth checking out. It's a bit of pop, Brit rock, new wave and punk all rolled into one interesting and upbeat record. Give it a download.

Beacon

Beacon is a short, fifteen minute freeware game that lets you control a spaceman that has crashed and landed in some unknown space rock. The game might be short and features simple 2D graphics but there's something that's enjoyable and fun in playing this game. This was created for the Ludum Dare 48 game, where developers who participated had to create a game in a 48 hour deadline. Despite the game's simplicity, it features a wonderful and atmospheric mood. There's also plenty of depth in the game that makes you wish it was a little longer. Since the game was initially released, it has been polished, making it a little more faster and better than the first version. Give the game a go.

Fall Walk Run: Throwing It All Away

One of my most favorite discovery this year, Fall Walk Run makes me want to run around and frolick in a beautiful sea of grass and flowers. Throwing It All Away is the debut EP for the duo. Made up of Lawrence Harvey and Stuart Eaves, this acoustic duo hails from Wolverhampton, England. Their debut is a beautiful compilation of indie acoustic pop music that is catchy and easy to listen to. Inspired by artists like Jason Mraz, Ben Lee and Feist; the duo seems set in soaring high this year. With music this good, it's hard not to think they might just make it.