Alan Adams: 'Spikes Tend to Kill You' Is Painfully True to Its Name

Thursday, December 30, 2010

'Spikes Tend to Kill You' Is Painfully True to Its Name

It's almost a brand new year, so we thought we'd say goodbye to 2010 with a round of indie and Flash platformers that hearken back to yesteryear while looking toward tomorrow. The genre that 'Super Mario Bros.' created 25 years ago is still going strong, and, whether you're a nostalgia hound or just a gamer who needs his twitch fix, these games aim for the throwback.

Not since 'You Have to Burn the Rope' has a game's title so fundamentally defined its experience. True to its name, spikes will cause you to meet your untimely doom in 'Spikes Tend to Kill You.' You control a bouncy blue square that must overcome a series of increasingly challenging single-screen levels, riddled with obstacles that should be neatly avoided. The simple control system finds movement and jumping controlled via the arrow keys. Focus on perfecting your timing, and on keeping your hands from cramping up during the game's hairier stages. 'Spikes Tend to Kill You' is perfect for those seeking a quick dose of precision platforming. Just don't expect to make it through easily.

Gallery: Spikes Tend to Kill You