What is Reach3dfx, you ask? It is a brand new fully featured, highly advanced 3D game engine that was revealed at the game Developers Conference earlier this year, that works across iOS, Android, Flash, and HTML5 platforms. It is based on the OpenFL framework and Haxe, and allows for an extremely high end 3D game experience to be delivered on these platforms that have traditionally been viewed as low end.

Gamebase, the guys who are working on this engine, have announced a close beta test for the upcoming engine, which will will showcase the HTML5 version and all features of the engine. For those invited, the closed beta test will run until August 18^th. 

If you are a game developer for the smaller, lower end platforms, this may be a good chance for you to get the jump on what appears to be a fairly full featured engine; for mobile game developers, it has never been a better time, as currently, they have access to a full range of great engines, including Unreal Engine 4, Unity, and now Reach3dx.

In a blog post, the company stated that, “We don’t see Adobe being firmly committed to the future development of Flash. This is evidenced by the cancellation of Flash Player Next, the instability of recent Flash Player versions and by Adobe’s workforce moving on to work on other projects.

“By introducing, and then abandoning, a revenue sharing model, Adobe eroded developers’ (and our) trust in Flash as a dependable, continuously improving platform.

“Developers are moving away from Flash, and while Flash publishing has gotten little traction, our own Unity Web Player has seen unprecedented growth in recent months.”

Unity will still support existing Flash customers but it will not be selling Flash development licenses from now onwards. The company states that, “the performance of early builds was promising, and Adobe seemed to be dedicated to making it a success. Since then much has changed.”

Utilizing Stage 3D and Flash, the game presents a fully 3D world with bright, vivid colours. For those with more humble configuration, you can switch between different views like Simple (right), with Real view (left) showcasing an active fight. Regardless of which view you go for, the game will function pretty much the same.

The publisher is looking for members to sign up for the closed beta that begins in early 2013. For more information, check out the site. Players who sign up early will receive a complimentary Gold Shield.

Source: Siliconera

In the one level demo, you’ll be taking control of a wicked dual katana wielding rabbit as he mows down raccoons, boars and crowds. Of course, there’s also a giant skeleton boss who feels like ruining the so-called scarecrow’s day. Despite requiring more polish, the game is fast and fluid, and quite a blast to play.

Samurai Scarecrow isn’t the kind of game you sink hours into. It’s a cute little diversion and would work great with smartphones or some casual gaming. Check out the Kickstarter page here, and pledge a few bucks if you enjoy the demo.

Source: WeeaboswithControllers

The tool, which has been in development for a number of years, can be used to create a multitude of games- from platformers, to action, to shooting gallery games. Just take a look at this game, Gourd. In the words of Irock, the game’s creator, “Stencyl seems to follow the idea that everything should be made as simple as possible, but no simpler.” Said Irock.

“Everything, from the point where I start my game to the point where I publish my game, makes sense, and it doesn’t limit what you can do. If I want to do something in StencylWorks, all I need is my own logic; I never had to learn anything that goes against my way of thinking.”

So what’s next for Gourd? “Stencyl has gotten my dream further than it ever would have gotten using any other toolset, and I still have a lot to do with Gourd before I can hang up my hat on this project. My next steps are to work on more graphics, design some fun and unique levels and work on the graphical user interface.”

Not only that, but more graphically complex games can be created with Stencyl too. Put simply, Stencyl is a powerful tool that doesn’t require C++ knowledge or a hugely in-depth understanding of scripting in order to understand.

The aptly named Tower Tank by Trey is one of 4 fully functioning games out there- check them out here. Trey described the process that took him from beta-participant to indie game developer, “I started development on February 24th and ended it one week later on March 3rd. First, I laid the foundation for the graphics.”

“Second, I added simple graphics, like a big yellow block for the tank and a basic sprite for the first enemy helicopter. From there, I continued to add detail until I was happy with the results.”

So if you’re reading this while catching yourself salivating, or even if you aren’t, you can check out Stencyl hands-on if you join the beta. It’s a private beta at the moment though, so no promises.

There are some of you who saw the Falling Sand Game in Page 3 of this feature and thought, “What the he-? Why isn’t Dune on here?”. Patience is a virtue people, and don’t worry; this excellent and superior version of the FSG will have you engrossed, while strangely puzzled at your ability to drop bombs on oil, blow it with water and then just turn the screen into a huge colourful mess.

9. Bejeweled

This puzzler will keep you occupied for many hours. A simple idea, all you do is move multicoloured jewels around to create sets of 3; but it is somehow addictive.

8. Big Red Button

The button ALWAYS wins! Playing this game is like arguing with your computer. But undoubtly funnier.

7. The Helicopter Game

It always seems to be the simplest games that are the best, don’t you think? Anyway, here is one game that will keep you glued to your office chair; simply click the mouse and hold down to gain altitude, and release to drop. Avoid the obstacles. Simple right? Ha, you will soon see.

6. VR Defender

A standard Tower Defense game? Think again. This game ecourages cuning in your positioning of defences. Not only that, but a refreshingly clear graphical finish helps to differentiate this game from the masses.

5. Last Stand 2

Bigger and better than it’s predecessor, Last Stand 2 features more weapons and more freedom. Gather up your clan, get your supplies and make haste to the city before the last evac team leaves!

4. Shift

Are you ready to confuse yourself? In a world where only black and white exist, will you be able to make your way through this fiendishly puzzling platformer?

3. Line Rider

Line Rider is just an incredible game. All you have to do is draw a line. Or, you can craft a masterpiece. However you go about it,  this game is all about creating your very own toboggan run. Then sending your little man hurtling down it.

2. Warfare 1944

This is an excellent WWII strategy game from veteran flash game developers, ConArtists. Lead your men to victory, and take charge of snipers, mortars, tanks and machine gunners in order to take the field.

1. Heli Attack 3

This game is so freaking awesome, it’s difficult to put into words. It’s just  awesome. And addictive. You control a merc on the ground fighting waves of heli’s with a multitude of various weapons. There are many levels, and if you play on the harder difficulties you are in for one hell of a time. Use the mouse to point and shoot, and use the arrow keys to move. Jump, slide, duck, slow down time….There are so many features of this game, it just has to be played.

So thats the final part folks! Thanks for reading, and if you missed the previous parts in this feature, the links are below!

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