Reviews

Paper Planes

Paper Planes is a simple game where you are placed in control of a, well, paper plane. You use this to fly through a drab landscape as you explore and unlock various puzzles. Every time you unlock something, you slowly change the drab landscape around you. By flying close to certain "sparkling"objects, you alter something in the fabric of land and give life to various items once again. The game was created by ENJMIN from France. It won the IGF 2011 Student Showcase Prize thanks to its amazing graphics and interesting gameplay. Give it a go and prepare yourself for a bit of a challenge and a trip back to your own childhood memories. It's a fun game to try out.

Nude: Love

Nude is a progressive rock band that's not ashamed to play with their tempo, instruments, vocals and mood. Working together for less than a decade, the group is made up of four musicians who are heavily influenced by such prominent alternative, indie and progressive rock bands like  Sonic Youth, Radiohead and Genesis. These four Frenchmen create a mix of moody prog and alternative rock with an overall moody and pensive vibe. This one is certainly worth a listen especially if you adore Tool and the other bands mentioned above.

Balloon Diaspora

Balloon Diaspora is a short but really fun point and click game made by, Jake Elliot, creator of Kentucky Route Zero. The game exudes a Myst-like vibe, cool graphics and awesome music, courtesy of Oliver Blank. The game is simple short but there's still some fun to be had despite the almost 15 minutes of gameplay only. In Balloon Diaspora, you play a stranded chap in an unknown and mysterious place. You're going to have to fix the balloon to get out. Fixing your ride means you need to talk to the locals and have them help you find patches of cloth to repair the balloon. This game is short and simple, perfect game to squeeze in your mini break.

Learining Music: An End Like This

Learning Music Monthly came to life three years ago as a collaboration between LA based musician John Wood and a CC-friendly label Vosotros. The premise of the project was simple, yet unlike anything else that was done previously; each month John Wood would write, record, and master an album which would be than released as a part of a subscription service, a free digital download, or a $60 package that included the handmade album (including everything from bonus albums, stickers, and personalized birthday songs) to be delivered to your door. And now, after 36 albums and the amazing third season that marked the end of the project, Vosotros released equally great and free compilation featuring some of the best songs of those past 3 years.

Virtual DJ (Home Version)

Becoming a DJ has now been made easier thanks to a variety of digital deejaying software in the market. Virtual DJ (Home Edition) is one of these much touted software. Now, you might have heard of Virtual DJ Pro and its hefty price tag but if you're still starting out, this home edition might be best. Besides, it's offered absolutely free. Like the infamous software, this one has all the basic features you would need when you're still trying to familiarize yourself with the digital turntable setup. The program helps wannabe deejays or simple bedroom musicians to play and mess around with various digital samples. It is available for free for non-commercial purposes only so it's a bit restrictive when it comes to use. Nevertheless, beginners and those who are simply curious can give this a download.

Hard Girls: Hello

Hard Girls' Hello is a wonderful indie pop rock compilation that'll put you in a good mood. Its mix of alternative indie rock with super catchy pop beats makes this a winner. Fronted by former Shinobu vocalist, Mike Huguenor; the album brings a sound that's reminiscent of the California Bay band along with a touch of something fresh and new. Packed with 7 upbeat, rockish tracks; the record features one catchy song after another. With members coming from two prominent indie rock bands in the area, Shinobu and Pteradon, the record doesn't disappoint in hauling plenty of rock spunk . Download the album for free on Quote Unquote Records by hitting the download album link on top left.

Trace

Looking for a cool and child friendly game that you or your little one can enjoy? Try downloading Trace. Programmed and designed by Kevin Calderone, the game features more than 6 unique worlds and about 120 levels. Plus, it has an awesome original soundtrack. The game was released in the App Store about two years ago and is still available for free download. Trace is perfect for children ages 4-9 years old but this doesn't mean adults who are kids-at-heart can't go ahead and enjoy this cool game. Enjoy this drawing game by creating platforms and solve the entire level. Revisit the little child inside you and have fun!

Work In Progress (2001)

strong>Work In Progress is an enchanting animation ready to take you on a journey into the fantastic workshop hidden deep down in the world of natural wonders. The workshop occupied by two peculiar inventors is a perfect location for their latest creation. However, as the inventors squabble over the concept and implementation of their latest project a mysterious third party comes along to provide the most important and still missing ingredient - a little touch of magic. Despite being released all the way back in 2001 the animation still offers some great visual experience to its viewers compared to other short films of the last decade.

Project Dogwaffle

Project Dogwaffle (and yes, that is a weird name) is the brainchild of special effects artist, novelist and animator, Dan Richie. What can it do, you ask? It can help you create amazing art or help you edit existing images as long as you manage to find your way around the software. The program efficiently runs on a Windows and it is available for free download as long as it's for personal use only. There's a commercial version, of course, but if you're looking to save up some dough, then this free version will do the trick. If you are looking for a simple but effective program that can churn out beautiful pieces of art in the end, then take a bite on Project Dogwaffle.