Streambolt

Streambolt is another excellent freeware release from Fallen Angel Industries, a group that develops all their games with Clickteam's excellent game-creating applications. A cross between Mega Man and Konami's classic platformers, Streambolt harks back to the golden days of 8-bit gaming, and like a great NES game, will keep you occupied for hours on end.

The game's graphics already set it apart from most freeware platformers: anime-style "boss" enemies, quality cutscenes, and detailed scenery are all very well drawn and animated. The gameplay is similarly well designed. You start the game with multiple abilities, a gun that can fire in six directions, and will acquire new abilities/weapons with each new stage. This keeps the game from being repetitive. In addition, there are non-platform segments interspersed throughout the game to add variety to the gameplay – even some arcade-style "puzzles" thrown in.

All in all, Streambolt is a very well-polished, superb freeware action game that no fan of the genre should miss. I find the game too difficult and frenzied for my (almost nonexistent) skills, so beginners be warned. Two thumbs up, way up!

Review By HOTUD