|
 Just
because a game is freeware and made by a single person doesn't mean it isn't a
great game. Notrium by Ville Monkkonen is the perfect example of
perfection in a freeware game.
In fact, Notrium has had the bad mis-fortune of being in the wrong place at the
wrong time. It finished second in the adventure game of the year voting,
with the only game that finished in front of it is the game that went on to be
the eventual winner of the Independent Game of the Year for 2003.
However, before we move on to that game, let's take a moment and consider
Notrium. True it doesn't offer the newest and coolest graphics (though the
graphics are very similar to Crimsonland, which has a loyal set of fans) so what
sets it apart this year from so many other game efforts?
Initially I think what makes Notrium such a good game is that it catches the
player up in a real adventure. From the moment you realize you are
stranded on a planet with only a stun gun to protect you from the many enemies
all around you, players are entranced with the game, trying to figure out how to
survive through the first day and night in a foreign land. You likely will
die trying several times before you start making the right moves. Keep
yourself out of the sun at the hottest part of the day, and near fires at night
and you'll survive a little longer. Collect the right materials, put them
together correctly and you will survive a little longer.
Notrium features a random generator and multiple winning paths that makes each
game a new adventure as you try to scrape your way to survival. The game
also has several very ingenious concepts, such as the way that items are
assembled, using a combination of circles that looks just a little like a bank
safe and provides just a little bit of puzzle-solving relaxation as you step
away from the continual strife you face in the game.
Overall this is a
very well-done effort that will keep you coming back for several
days as you try to figure it out how to keep your character alive and progress a
little further into the game. As we have continued through the write-ups for the
end of the year awards, several changes have been made to the game, including an
official expansion (also free) and a FAQ on how to make Mods for the game, which
is certainly being used by the very active community of followers that this game
has. If you are looking
for a game with a good bit of action, but plenty of thinking involved, that
takes you back to the days of the great adventure games, give Notrium a run, you're likely to be surprised by how good this game is! |
