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Games on the Go: Our Next Round of our Fave Flash Games

by Leila Brillson on April 16, 2010 at 12:50 PM

For this week's round-up of the best in Internet-based Flash games, a casual gamer took the helm. In the interest of complete disclosure, the author has a weakness for cute animals, fun soundtracks, satisfying bouncy noises and a job well done. Our entries this week are neither mind-blowingly hard or incredibly fast-paced, but are rather relaxing, charming and craving-for-sushi-inducing games. From RPGs to battle reenactments, here are our top five favorite ways to waste time.

Steambirds

Kamikaze missions, dog fighting and plain old strategy are all elements of 'Steambirds,' a title that is meant to appeal to your inner general, or just your inner 'Top Gun' fan. Using arrows, planes and several specialty tactics, players move through WWI and WWII (perhaps even further, but we didn't make it that far) in missions that require an all-seeing, all-guiding hand. The game is tough, although not impossible, and actually gets more fun with practice, as the always-changing scenarios keep the levels fresh. One helpful hint: turn down the 'Bridge Too Far' music, as it gets tedious.

Chibi Knight

chibi knight
Another offering by Armor Games (basically the masters of Flash-based titles oozing in adorableness), 'Chibi Knight' is a tried-and-true RPG. You, a tiny knight destined to save a town, fight baddies and earn points. Sure, there's the typical adventuring. (Help someone earlier on, and they'll open a path later.) But the best part may be the sound effects for the knight's stabbing and swatting, voiced by creator Brian Holmes's young daughter.

Taberinos



taberinos
Be warned: this game is addictive. Highly addictive. Like, don't even click unless you are willing to sacrifice an easy ten minutes just grooving to the clever tango music (which stopped curious passersby in the office). If you like pool, 'Taberinos' is right up your alley, and the basic premise of hitting a bouncy ball into things is exceedingly simple. But, as the levels increase, so does the difficulty (and the frequency of teeth-clenching "Almost had it!" moments). We recommend it for 'Tetris' fans, pool sharks, or people with abundant gaps in their schedule.

Sushi Cat

A tale of two loves torn apart, the inherent handicap of the smallest among us, and the implicit desire to do something great, this, our dear readers, is 'Sushi Cat.' An adorable kitty (made out of a circle, little feet and a smiling face) sets out to find his one true love and fill his belly. Thus starts this simple, arcade-style gravity game that is both charming to watch and fun to play (while the upbeat, Eastern-dub music is great to hear). Just don't let the face of the starving kitty melt your widdle heart.

Magic Pen

magic pen
Perhaps one of the better designed games we're featuring this week, 'Magic Pen' is reminiscent of 'Scribblenauts,' except, instead of writing words, the player draws objects. The pencil-and-crayon setting appeals to your artistic side, and the plucky guitar music almost sounds like New Order. Almost. As is the case with 'Scribblenauts,' when you're left with endless possibilities, it's possible to feel trapped. Still, with an intuitive drawing/hinge/pulley system, getting a ball to cross a flag (the purpose of the game) is more of a mind-bender than it is a time-waster.

Tags: armor games, ArmorGames, chibi knight, ChibiKnight, features, flash games, FlashGames, gamesonthego, magic pen, MagicPen, steambirds, sushi cat, SushiCat, taberinos, timewaster, timewasters, top, videogames

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