Reviews

Web site: http://dosbox.com
Current version (as of this writing): 0.72
Description: DOSBox is an emulator capable of running old DOS software (think, old videogames) on newer computer systems.

For those of us who grew up around old computers and the programs that ran on them, a special place will exist in our hearts for such programs as emulators, which allow us to revisit those days of computer yore. DOSBox is one such program with the magical ability to return us to the earlier days of the IBM PC and the Disk Operating System (DOS) that governed it.

DOSBox emulates, or acts as, a full-blown installation of DOS, in essence, operating as if it is an old, personal computer system. It allows one to run software designed for DOS on newer computer systems and perhaps even embedded devices. This mature emulator boasts a massive compatibility roster of existing DOS software and since the development has not ceased, where it lacks compatibility, the issue is often addressed in due time.

Arguably, the most popular use of the DOSBox software is to play old, computer videogames. This should be easily attested to in the massive compatibility list on the DOSBox web site, comprised of nearly only videogames. For aficianados of archaic videogames, this emulator is a welcomed friend, especially since support of old DOS games has become increasingly lacking in newer iterations of the Microsoft Windows platform and to run such games otherwise requires quite a bit of tedious computer hacking. Fortunately, with the advent of DOSBox, playing those old games became quite a simple task, made drastically simpler by the various front-ends designed to make DOSBox that much easier to operate.

Cross-platform versions of DOSBox exist on Windows, MacOSX and Linux and even such far-fetched systems as the XBox original can run a specialized version (with a modchip installed). The luxury of this cross-platform capability cannnot be underscored, for it allows one to run software previously only able to be run on a Microsoft Windows or DOS system, on any system which the emulator is ported to. Greater still is the fact that some businesses which previously operated on DOS software can now access that old software on their system of choice.

There are other emulators out there and even other emulators that handle DOS, but DOSBox stands above its DOS emulation peers with its set of features, usability and especially community support. Its open source nature has a great deal of effect on ensuring that its development will continue and, as with most open source programs, it has a very attractive price tag (it’s free)!

Personally, I can’t count the number of DOS programs I’ve run flawlessly through the emulator and where there were flaws, it was a often a matter of a month or two before the flaws were fixed by a new release. I give this amazing software a rating of five stars and I suggest it to anyone looking for computerized nostalgia.

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Web site: http://2dboy.com/games.php
Current version (as of this writing): Unknown
Description: World of Goo is a unique, physics-based puzzle/builder game where the object is basically to guide goo balls to pipe locations using various means, mostly by building goo bridges and towers.

What started as an experimental game project has grown into quite a monstrous beast with a rather hefty cult following. Some years back, a relatively little known freeware game experiment, Tower of Goo, captivated multitudes of puzzle/strategy game enthusiasts. Now, with the game’s much anticipated release as a commercial product, adoring fans can finally delve into the masterpiece of strategy that is World of Goo.

Much as the previous Tower of Goo, World of Goo builds on a physics-based system of gameplay where the player builds bridges, ladders and towers using goo balls which mostly are highly elastic. Various environmental elements are thrown in to complicate the building of such highly unstable constructions and as levels are progressed, new types of goo balls and other miscellaneous goodies are introduced.

There are a total of 5 different worlds to explore, each chocked full of fun and engaging, often massive levels lush with living scenery. Breathtaking soundscapes add to the unique and fantastic imagery while subtle, perfectly melded sounds of interaction between the objects and the environment stun the player with an amazing sensory experience.

The interface really is about as simple as a game could offer, being purely mouse-driven. The drag-and-drop mechanics used to control goo balls make the game playable even for young children, whose eyes and ears will likely find attachment to the cartoonish characters and their silly sounds.

After having completed the game, I must say that while the game is short in comparison to many puzzle and strategy games out there, it is nonetheless an epic adventure and such a wonderful experience can only find a 5 star rating on this blog.

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