Soroush Javidi

Without a doubt, everybody needs a break every now and then in their work! For someone who's work depends on using the computer, that break could be visiting a news website, checking personal emails or playing a little online game. In my opinion, not all online games are interesting and it's very hard to come by some quality games. On occasions, I've found a few on Digg's gaming page. But recently, I heard about Kongregate and it's great! I've loved it so much that I've put it on the list of my daily websites! (Usually play a bit a night!)

The Review

Kongregate's website has been mainly designed by the talented Jason Santa Maria of Happy Cog Studios. Maybe one of the reasons that I love this website is the respect I have for the work of the crew at Happy Cog! You can read more about the design in their portfolio. In a nutshell, what I'm trying to say is that it's a treat to visit this website and play games. The way Kongregate works is that game developers upload their games to the website, and the revenue generated from advertising is shared with those developers. Here's an excerpt from them:-

Kongregate operates with an understanding of how difficult it can be for talented game developers - from the aspiring gamesmith to the independent studio - to get the recognition and compensation that they deserve. That's why Kongregate shares microtransaction and advertising revenue with contributing developers, who retain the full rights to their games.

As a member you can vote on games you like, create a list of your favourite games and participate in the forums. I think it is this community feature that makes sure good games are popularised, and also its developer encouraged to create more great games. Games are categorised by type and also the usual suspect: tags!

5 Interesting Flash Games I liked

I wanted to share some of the games that I have found interesting to date:-

1. The Fancy Pants Adventure: World 2 demo – Seems like an easy adventure game, but it's a bit tricky as you have go through the level and find the right doors. It was also voted as a hot game! (This game uses the keyboard)

2. Warbears – This is basically a puzzle where you control four warbears and have to find a way to save some hostages. The order in which actions are taken have an effect on the outcome of the game. I found it addictive, and couldn't stop till I solved it!

3. Hovercrafty – This is a little action game where you have to control a hovercraft with your mouse by slinging a rope and grappling to poles to maneuver. I like this game, but it can become frustrating, when you start missing the poles one by one and start to go 'in deep water' (or out of orbit as I like to call it!). You'll have to play to understand this frustration! : )

4. Paths 2 If you like thinking puzzles, then you'll like this! Basically, you have to move a ball from A to B... but there are obstacles to avoid. To decide how the ball avoids those, you have to use a pen and draw a path. You may also control the obstacles, e.g. turn them. This games requires good thinking and a quick hand as you sometimes need to be very quick with your mouse.

5. The Missile Game 3D HS – a fun game using the mouse where you are a missile traveling inside a tube and have to avoid obstacles! The game starts out slow and easy and becomes really fast quickly! Interesting game and your eyes will go round in circles after some time! : )

Bonus 6. Age of Japan Ok, I had to include this one! This is basically like a vartion Bejeweled and uses Japanese items that have to be matched and removed. The graphics are very nice on this game. I hope you enjoy playing these games. If you find a game that you enjoyed playing on Kongregate, share it here.