Short-lived fun

No Spin Zone: What could be more springy and serene than watching ladybugs skitter and scamper on a tree stump? Now imagine those same little Coleoptera were rotating at various speeds in either a clockwise or counterclockwise motion, and your goal was to make them collide without falling off the edge of the stump—and you could only do this by thumping the stump, sending them forward in whatever direction they’re facing. No, it’s not an anxiety dream, it’s an addictive little Flash game from Japan for you to play at www.donpixel.com/play/en/060413201807/.

Squarepusher: When you’re done with the beetles, it’s time to get even more minimalist with some squares. Pushies looks like a game on the Atari 2600—you are a solid square, facing off against an army of empty squares on a primary-colour background. Your goal is simple: Don’t get pushed off-screen into certain doom. You can push the enemy squares, but when they get together, they push back. Keep right at www.addictinggames.com/pushies.html.

by Michael Citrome

Comments? mikecitrome@yahoo.com