So, I generally troll the net looking for something to do, play, have fun, etc., etc. And one place that I check frequently, JayIsGames, listed this weekend a little platformer that is specifically stated as being a beta with no true intent on completing.
Holdover is an intriguing game set in a quasi-post apocalyptic environs. However, there isn't really an overworld. Its the ruins of what was apparently a medical research facility, where a medical engineer placed his ailing daughter in a cryo-capsule in the "distant" past. Through some equipment error, power failure or what have you, she is revived in the run down ruins of the center, alone. Apparently her father programed a AI of himself to run adjacent of the facilities' own AI. And it up to the player to help the girl live.
Some people are calling it a Metriod Zero/MegaMan clone rip-off. But... given that you can die all to easily, and there are no such things as extra lives (pro-tip, save, save frequently, whenever you can) The only similarities is "upgrades" and level trauling. (sp?)
The game has somewhat of a step learning curve, but once you get the hang, you'll be dashing through the ruins with ease. Spikes, though it says you can move away from them, without the protective suit (much later in the game) it isn't possible. So spikes, and lasers before the suit are one hit killers. You have some under-water areas to explore, with limited air supply, however collecting blue hearts you find along the way, some how allow you to "hold your breath" longer for every "set" you can collect.
All in all not bad for a 16-bit, under 1 Mb, platformer. Even with hand-eye corodination, expect at least three hours dashing back and forth through the ruins. those with less than adept control, will probably take longer. And for those that just can't figure out how to get to the next location, there is essentially a player's guide on the site, in the form of capture shots, commented on in Japanese.
Though, if anyone can figure out how to crack the game code, it could use some sprucing up.
