Free FPS with a twist
Softlock Games created Manic Mania for the ASU Game II Game Jam over a period of seven weeks. It’s a free action video game that forces you to think outside the bullets you blast at your enemies. It’s not just a case of choosing the best weapon upgrades available because you also have to pick them for your enemies, and the effects are cumulative.
The graphics have a definite hand-drawn quality to them, which makes a refreshing change in these days of super hi-res visuals. For more realistic graphics, check out Ravenfield or Unvanquished.
What kind of game is Manic Mania?
Manic Mania is a first-person shooter (FPS). Instead of just blasting your ways through waves of enemies to carry out your mission, you have to think beyond the barrel of your gun.
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Each time you finish a level, you get to choose from a selection of three upgrades for your weapon. The twist comes in the form of also having to pick an upgrade for your enemy’s weapon. Even that’s made more challenging because upgrades are cumulative, so you’ll have to choose very carefully how you distribute them.
How do I install Manic Mania?
When you click on the ‘Download now’ button, a small window will open, suggesting a voluntary contribution to the developer’s ongoing work. You can pay the amount suggested or choose an alternative amount.
If you prefer to just grab the game for free, you can skip the payment altogether. Either way, the usual Mac installation process will begin, although a security warning will appear. It’s safe to authorise the installation and allow it to complete.
How do I remove Manic Mania from my Mac?
You can remove Manic Mania from your Mac by navigating to the location that you saved it in when you downloaded the program. Then right-click on the program and left-click on ‘Move to Bin’. To remove the program permanently, right-click on the Bin and select ‘Empty Bin’.
Blast through colours
We think the game mechanics in Manic Mania are brilliant. Knowing that your decision-making can directly influence how difficult the game becomes for you allows for very interesting combinations.
The hand-drawn quality of the graphics and the incredibly loud colour scheme help draw you into an almost surreal gaming experience. It’s a well-thought-out game that’s definitely worth downloading.
