Game of the Week: Teddy’s Excellent Adventure

Have any of you ever lost a toy as a child before?

Have you ever wondered if they’d ever try and find you?

Well I found a lovely, simple, little game that was designed by PlayKidsGames. The artist Jimp and code by Gazsmith Games collaborated together to create this lovely, charming, little platformer that I simply feel that I have to share with folks. I was immediately drawn to it due to the art style, but more than that it’s the story and childlike characteristics of this game that make me just smile when I clicked on it. Join me as we go on an adventure with a teddy in his search for his owner with, Teddy’s Excellent Adventure!

Cute + Platformer = Teddy

I swear when I saw the title I was immediately drawn to my childhood memories of Winnie The Pooh and Christopher Robin, but while the game doesn’t have Disney-esque artwork it’s simple whimsy are what will grab you. It’s a combination platform/point-and-click adventure. The mechanics are very simple and it makes the game simple and light for all ages to enjoy. You can use either the Arrow or WASD keys for movement, and a simple click of the mouse controls interaction with objects within the game.

‘Oh I love honey and I’m a pooh-bear, so I do care, and so I climb there!”

Now, here’s a quick breakdown of the accessibility of Teddy’s Excellent Adventure:

Pros:

  • WASD and Arrow Keys are a benefit for giving users a choice of control
  • Relaxed gameplay, that gradually amps up in intensity, is a nice touch.
  • Simple puzzles and platforming provide exhilarating gameplay as puzzles get tough.
  • Art style is warm, inviting, and seems to be easy on the eyes. Good for colorblind.
  • All words/tutorials are text based. Great for deaf gamers.
  • Music changes from moment to moment depending on puzzle/area.
  • If you fail, game allows you to start from start of newest stage.

Cons:

  • Platforming, while simple, can become a bit of an issue for motion impaired in later sections of the game. Doesn’t ruin game, just will make game more challenging.
  • Some sections have very similar color schemes and may make differentiating objects a bit hard for colorblind gamers later in the game.
  • Music can be a bit loud, but can be muted, so that helps.
  • No sound cues/audio other than music makes game extremely difficult for blind.

Other than that, this game is full of fuzzy, cuddly, adventurous fluff and should definitely be looked at. It may be simple, but isn’t that something that we all sort of secretly desire? Simple games that we can enjoy and experience in short amounts of time? The game has this lush draw of trying to get to the end. You want to so desperately get your teddy back to his owner and it drives you to continue working towards accomplishing goals. So – you can gladly check out Teddy’s Excellent Adventure on Kongregate now! – and while we’re at it I’ll also promote the promoter of this game: PlayKidsGames.

If you’re looking for a great little site full of educational/kid friendly games PlayKidsGames is a in-depth site with a large library of educational flash games that can be shared with kids.So – go platform the stuff and fluff out of this game! I’m sure this game would make Winnie blush with happiness. In fact, I’m pretty sure, he’d be busting with happiness:

Take care folks and enjoy your gaming – one input at a time!

Inspirational Gamer of the Week: Quadilious – Quadriplegic WoW Player

Well, I’ve been digging the inter-webs and last week was a difficult one to find any new inspirational gamers abound. Low and behold though, I was able to scrounge up a wonderful story [ and even though he’s been a gamer that’s been covered for a couple of years now ] I’m proud to be covering Quadilious’ story on Gastrogamer this week! Now – what’s so special about Quadilious that makes me admire him as an inspirational gamer? Well, to start, ‘Quadilious’ has been playing World of Warcraft [ WoW ] since 2006, and he’s been doing so as a quadriplegic gamer!

Please watch in FULL SCREEN. His video is hard to read if you’re watching it on screen.

He has a spinal cord injury that he suffered during a diving accident that affected his vertebrae. The injury affects his motor skills in his arms and hands, not just lack of movement in his legs. This, to most people, would be looked as a major issue when it comes to gaming, but somehow, Quadilious has overcome his struggles and he’s been playing as a part of DPS raids for years now. He’s been helping to form his own resource website for other WoW disabled gamers.

A WoW’er that makes me go: ‘Wow! I’m so blessed to know his story!’

Quadilious’ Resource Website

I think this is great, because even though it hasn’t been up for many years, it shows off some solutions to how quadriplegic gamers can get involved with PC gaming. You can check out his website, and I would also suggest that you check out the full interview articles from WoWInsider. They share a lot of wonderful inspirational gamer stories of gamers who play World of Warcraft. I’ll probably be covering a couple of other great stories like this, but I personally think it’s fantastic when I see a fellow gamer reaching out to his gaming community!

WoW Insider: Quadilious Interview #1

WoW Insider: Quadilious Interview #2

So here’s to you Quadilious! So glad to see you’ve found happiness and joy in sharing your story and gameplay with others and I am so inspired by you, because despite your hardships you seem to have truly found a happiness through gaming and the community around you! Congrats man and I wish you the best in your future WoW playing!