Here at JayIsGames, we're all excited about the rapidly approaching Launch Day for the TRICKYA game console! And by that, I do not mean the day the console will be released to the general public for sale. I mean Launch Day. All you people lining up at midnight had better be bringing trebuchets. However, if you're one of those who prefer spending blustery winter nights in front of your computer with a mug of cocoa, then this week in The Vault we've got some excellent puzzle, action, and interactive art games from our archives that'll warm your heart in their own special way.
- Filler - Usually I think it's a bad sign when I'm starting off a Vault installment with some filler, but this 2008 arcade puzzler by Will Hankinson is the exception that proves the rule. A variation on the classic Jezzball, but with growing circles instead of cutting lines, Filler is pure mindless entertainment. If you're like me, and shiver at the prospect of only doing one thing online at a time, Filler is the perfect game to be playing in browser window #2 while browser window #1 is catching you up on what Grif and Sarge have been up to, or whatever.
- Solipskier - I've never been much of a skier, tripping over myself on even the bunniest of slopes. So in that sense, Solipskier, the 2010 piece of retro action by Intuition Games, is a refreshingly accurate simulation. Equal parts Canabalt, Line Rider, and exploding rainbows, Solipskier will provide and endless amount of fun for those able to keep up with the slopes-drawing. Even those whose philosophy convinces them that only their own mind can be proven to exist, will not need much convincing to admit Solipskier's external awesomeness. Not to get all existential on you, man.
- Somnium Orbis - Incredibly short, but incredibly sweet, 2006's Somnium Orbis is an oldie with some visual tricks that still feel new. Nate Horstmann and Peter Schmalfeldt's winning entrant in a Rockstar Games New Media competition. More like a pair of interactive gallery pieces than a full game, Somnium Orbis has atmosphere and mood to spare. No one can claim that it is anything more than a quick diversion, but diverting it undoubtedly is.
While we welcome any comments about this weekly feature here, we do ask that if you need any help with the individual games, please post your questions on that game's review page. Well, what are you waiting for? Get out there and rediscover some awesome!
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