10 for 9 in '08 - Through Enemy Eyes

We've come to the end of the year, and I've come to the end of this article. The last category I judged for was Top-down (maze) Puzzle. Through Enemy Eyes was really more than that, but even had it not been, it was by far the best game in this category.

This was the premiere effort of a new independent developer, and what an effort it was. Part "Minotaur's Maze," part RPG, and part "Quantum Leap," it's the perfect blend of some very disparate genres. The fact that you can solve each level either by reaching the exit or killing all the bad guys is nice. The strategy involved in determining where the bad guys are can be quite stimulating, and the ability to see a limited part of the maze through the enemy's eyes-hence the title of the game-provides a novel and intriguing game play element. Being able to increase movement, health, and artillery points through coins collected in each level also adds a new twist to this style of game. The graphics are very well done, and the sound effects, while not frequent, fit right in to the atmosphere of the game. The music is quite catchy, but unfortunately it only plays during the menus.

About half way through this series I realized that I hadn't provided any links for the games I've been talking about, so here are the web pages for the developers of all of this fine software.  Maybe you should treat yourself to a New Year's present and pick up one of these games.  Enjoy!

Atomic Battle Dragons
Anthelion 2: Celestial Vigilance
Earth Day
Bejeweled 2
Meltdown
Obulis: The Second Epoch
Boneyboy
Skyforce Reloaded
Spb Air Islands
Through Enemy Eyes