Transcripted: a Flash-based Fusion of Two Game Genres

Transcripted is a flash animation puzzle and shooter combination submitted to Newgrounds.com by Newgrounds.com user Krobill. As stated in the Author Comments box, this submission is the first project of the Alkemi game site. The audio for the game was credited to Ian Blumfield. This puzzle/shooter was submitted to Newgrounds.com on January 18, 2010 and won a Daily 3rd Place award on January 19, 2010.

Game Background

By commanding a technologically advanced nanobiological defense system, you break and disrupt the DNA chain around you while avoiding hostile bodies.

Gameplay

The objective of Transcripted is to break up the DNA strand. To do this, match at least three strands of the same color. This will break the matched strands. The DNA will then reform at the break. Continue doing this until you have filled the meter that is displayed at the top of each stage. Time is limited, so you must completely fill the meter quickly to be successful.

Collect cubes to launch at the DNA by first shooting down hostile bodies. Some, but not all, hostile bodies will drop cubes of various colors. Pick up a cube by running over it. While you have the cube, you are invulnerable to attack; however, your speed is also greatly decreased. You can only carry one cube at a time. Fire the cube at the DNA chain in the appropriate area to disrupt the chain.

While holding the cube, you will be given a separate timer that will indicate to you how long you can hold the cube before it disappears. Launch the cube before this meter goes down completely. The meter can be seen at the bottom-right hand corner of the screen.

At the bottom-left hand corner of the screen, you can view your health. Getting hit by hostile bodies and/or their bullets will decrease this meter. Avoid having this meter deplete completely to avoid losing the game.

As you destroy hostile bodies, you may encounter a number of other items that you can pick up to help you complete each stage. Items include everything from increasing the time you have to complete the stage to increasing your health.

At the end of each stage, you will be given a performance report. This report includes a time bonus based on the amount of time you have remaining, any combos you were able to complete, a level bonus, and total score bonus.

Game Review

Transcripted is an exciting game that blends elements of both shooter and puzzle games. It is thus entertaining on multiple levels. First of all, you get the action of a shooter game, as you must shoot and dodge hostile bodies. There are also drops to be collected for any kills you make. The puzzle aspect of the game, however, keeps the traditional shooter on his or her feet with the constant thinking of where to place the next colored cube. Thinking ahead and planning accordingly are essential to success in this multi-genre game. Transcripted is a good demonstration of the type of game that can result from fusing two different types of gameplay.

Transcripted scores a 10/10 for its creativity and high level of entertainment value.