A Virus Named TOM: BETA
posted 2/15/2012 9:15:39 AM

So, this weekend I read an article about a new game that would be coming out this year. That game is a independent puzzle-solver named "A Virus Named TOM." Upon preordering the game for $5, I got to download the beta...

The game is about a scientist vowing revenge on the company that took advantage of his genius and then kicked him to the curb. You take on the role of a computer virus that goes around messing with the circuitry of the scientists former creations. The game can easily be played single player, but the developers have included 4 player co-op and 4 player versus modes. As the game is still in beta, the online multiplayer functionality is not available yet. And, seeing as I had no one around that wanted to help me play a puzzle-solver on my laptop, I only got to play the single player.

I have to say the game is refreshing because it is tons of fun and challenging at the same time. Many games today are only one of the two. Developers try to make a game challenging and instead make it frustrating. Other times they try to make something fun, and it turns out to be too easy. You can tell the devs took the time to balance this. The learning curve is just at the right point. Does the game get hard? Yes. Does the game get frustrating? Once or twice. Does it ever get too hard? Not in my opinion. The game had one moment of getting on my nerves, but I took a step back, thought about the puzzle, and then managed to figure it out. Someone else may have simply stopped playing, but again the devs were all over this problem. The game rewards you with the ability to skip stages after you successfully complete a level. Thus, after level 1 (which is practically a tutorial) you are given 2 skips. You can use these on any stage in any of the proceeding levels. After beating level 2 you are then awarded with an additional 2 skips. I really thought this was a cool idea, but I was worried about using my skips and then running out at a REALLY hard part. Well,I found on level 3 I had to use a skip. But, I also found that the beta only has 3 levels at this time (there are more to come). After beating the rest of the level, I went back to beat my skipped stage. Upon beating that dastardly stage, I was given my skip back. I was shocked. I was stunned. But, most of all, I was impressed with the devs thinking ahead of a problem that could have come up.

So, I'll probably do a proper review on this game when it has a full release, but for right now I'm going to enjoy going back and trying to get better scores. If you like puzzle-solvers, I'd definitely suggest this game. Especially because of the current $5 price. I believe the game will cost $10 when it's fully released, but the $5 right now gets you all the beta releases and the full release when it's done. Not a bad deal if you ask me. Also, if you're into co-op (which is huge for me) this game seems to have the makings of a really awesome co-op extravaganza. Don't take my word for it though. You can go to their site and view the videos for yourself.

Alright, that's all for this time. Next time I'm thinking about talking about the DOTA2 beta that I'm currently in. Although there's other games that also deserve my attention. Ugh, the problems with starting a video game blog. Assuming I can talk about 2-5 games per week, how do I decide if they should be past, present, or future games? Ehh, I'm sure the problem will work itself out. Until next time, remember to relax, have fun, and Game On!