As the second GM Competition draws to a close, the more than 240+ entries line up the YoYo Games docket to be judged. So let’s take a look at four games that are near the top-of-the-crop, eh?

MUBBLY TOWER
by 2d Cube

PROS: Excellent concept, great physics and AI, nice art style.
CONS: While the concept is great, the execution could have been better.

I think 2d Cube once again has a winning formula here…the object of the game is to build a high tower while defending it from incoming enemies.

While it’s an interesting game, it gets too chaotic too quickly. It would have been even better if there was a “build” phase and a “attack” phase.

Bottom Line: It’ll get runner up, but the ancient civilization theme doesn’t show up enough in the game to garner top three material. Still, it’s a fantastic game.



GYPTO’S ESCAPE
By Blueburn67

PROS: Fantastic art and music, reminds me of the good ol’ floppy disc days.
CONS: No WASD support, shooting could be faster.

A hybrid platform-puzzle game with an Egyptian theme…and it works really well. While I really, really wish the game had WASD support (as my setup is very uncomfortable with arrow keys + mouse), the game is an intriguing concept and executed with awesome style.

Bottom Line: If there’s any justice in this world, the game will get at least third place. Due to the late entry into the competition, it might be tough to crack the top tier.



AGARTHA
by Sharkbyte

PROS: Very clean art style, great gameplay.
CONS: Needed a bit more polish.

A great little top-down action game using a sling-boomerang like device to dispatch the enemies, Agartha (what a horrible name!) is a great throwback to the SNES action games of the day.

It could have used a bit more polish however, specifically with the room changes, tutorials and other random elements.

Bottom Line: Judging on theme alone, it won’t make the top three. It definitely deserves top honors.



TEOCALLI- THE TREASUREHUNT
by SQRKINILR

PROS: Unique exploration in an overhead view; nice voicework, clean graphics, and concept.
CONS: Controls can be “sticky.”

The game is Indiana Jones-esque: jump the blocks to grab the artifact. It’s pretty amazing how the creator of this game managed to mix adventure, action and puzzle in one. The way the level collapses and forces the user to go back to the beginning quickly is a great gameplay element, as previous choices in the beginning of the level can trap you completely. You take your time getting to the artifact, planning for your great escape at the end. Brilliant.

There are some gameplay quirks however; I wish there was a checkpoint system so you didn’t have to remember the correct solution on the puzzles. In fact, the puzzles get pretty large quickly, and it’s easy to lose interest in the game early on. Still, a great entry into the competition.

Bottom Line: Not to be missed, but I’m not sure if it’ll attain the glory.

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So which games are you guys thinking will get top dog?