Potatoes

Valve are a very strange company, but also rather crafty. In the running up to the release of Portal 2 they collaborated with indie games companies that have their game published on steam to create an advertising ARG. This ARG’s success is debatable due to the relatively meh end result of cutting the release time by 10 or so hours. 

What I did love is the deals they did on the games. The ‘Potato Sack Pack’ they released was an offer too good to pass up, 13 indie games with 75% off the total price. Some of the games i have played and really enjoyed, others i just haven’t bothered to install despite intentions to play them. So a brief summary from my own perspective of these games:

Defence Grid: As tower defence games go, this is by far the best. My first experience with a tower defence game was actually a small flash one by the name of Desktop Tower Defence, i lost many many hours to it during my sixth form years. This really bought it all back and really enjoyed playing it

Audiosurf: I actually got this game upon its initial release a few years ago, probably the most addictive rhythm game that I have played.

Rush: Fantastic puzzle game, another I would expect to find in flash format somewhere but having such a nicely presented puzzle mechanic is a refreshing sight.

BIT.TRIP BEAT: My favourite of the pack, the simplicity of design and a nod to retro gaming made this an instant classic in my books. Whilst I’m not particularly adept at the game it is great fun and something I get really lost inside of.

AaAaAA!!!: A game i have been meaning to play since it was announced. This is an interesting game mechanic and I will certain go back to take another look when I have the time to spare. Who knew you could have so much fun falling?

The Ball: Fantastic FPP game (first person puzzle) the challenges are not all that difficult however the addition of enemies that run and attack really made me jump out of my skin. I guess i should have read something about it because it was such a shock.

So what does potatoes have to do with any of this? Well for those who followed the ARG there was significant focus on them which was somewhat of a mystery

**PORTAL 2 SPOILERS** 

however it all became clear why potatoes were used once the game was released. GLaDOS powered by a potato has to be the most random twist I have ever seen in a game. Birds!!!! aaah evil!!! 

**END OF SPOILERS**

I would love to talk about Portal 2 however I feel is should wait until I have played through the Co-op campaign as it makes up a good proportion of what you get from the game. Most likely i’ll play through once more anyway for good measure. All in all the potato pack was a great purchase and would recommend anyone seeking indie-fun-times to get any of the above.

When valve gives you potatoes, make… mash?