2005 ArcadeTown Game Awards "All I got was this stupid cup"

2005 brought a whole new crop of games and a marked increase in quality to the online and downloadable games world. Why? Here are a few reasons.

Online game developers got solid performance improvements from the release of Flash 7 and 8, which they have put to good use. In addition, the average user's machine is now more powerful. Combine this with online advertising continuing it's solid recovery from the post dot-com bubble burst and there's simply more incentive to make better online games.

Downloadable games saw an explosion of new developers and a general increase in quality. We did see less risk-taking than expected. While there were some 3D accelerated games released there were fewer than we had expected. We did see many 2D games start taking smart advantage of 2D accelerated graphics.

Top 10 Games For 2005

Tribal Trouble : Strategy Game Three long years in the making Oddlabs released their much anticipated Tribal Trouble. This must be one of the most ambitious efforts ever put forward in the downloadable games market and stands up with many retail games. Featuring excellent 3D animated characters, solid computer AI, and even multiplayer. Are they little islandersthat do your bidding or are they vikings on vacation?

Luxor : Puzzle Game This game is loaded with character and extremely smooth and polished game play. The game play basically feels just right all around. Comibined with sound effects and music that give a general upbeat feeling, you just can't help but keep playing Luxor.

Bricks of Atlantis : Breakout Game The latest in the Bricks series, ArcadeLab pulled out all the stops in breakout game features here. It's loaded with a slew of innovative powerups and different features. The coolest one (inspired by Insaniquarium?) lets you release fish that swim across the board and drop bonus coins. Tempting, should I pickup bonus coins or watch the ball?!

The Black Knight : Freeware Arcade Game The queen needs a new swimming pool! Who you gonna call? The Black Knight - of course! Go on a smashing spree and bash as much tax from thy freeloading peasants as possible. A great stress reliever and time waster. Some say it's like playing a cartoon.

Clash N Slash : Shooting Game At first glace it didn't look all that exciting, but the game play quickly becomes frantic. Buy a ton of various powerups from the upgrade store and bam those enemies don't stand a chance. Game play feels very balanced and polished as you always seem to escape the latest crazy situation by the skin of your teeth. Whew, Clash N Slash is just loaded with action.

Professor Fizzwizzle : Puzzle Game This game sports some of the cutest animations we've seen, plus polished game play and a large assortment of obstacles to overcome. When you roll down over the menu options the Professor types one way, if you roll up he types a different way. Just one of the cute details that make us love this game.

Heli Attack 3 : Freeware Action Game This took the Heli Attack series to a whole new level and could easily be the most played web game ever. With a slew of weapons and levels, this is more than your typical free online time waster and can easily keep you entertained for hours.

Tradewinds 2 : Adventure Game Set sail and battle pirates while building up your fortunes. This game puts you in the times of plying the vast oceans with nothing but your negotiation wits and wind behind you.

Roller Rush : Arcade Game We love Diner Dash and Betty's Beer Bar, Roller Rush takes the genre to a whole new level with super-polished gameplay and graphics. The tutorials are strong and show you how to play without feeling it's like even really a tutorial.

Gun Run : Freeware Shooting Game A visual feast for the eyes with great action to boot and a totally surreal look (is he really wearing a tie?) Just wait until you pick up the crazy manic powerup that turns your whole world into a red-and-white dream of baddie blasting. This game is simply one of the most different and surreal experiences we've seen.