The Basement Collection (2012)

by Nish
written by Nish 7 minutes read

Summary

The Basement Collection: A Nostalgic Trip Through Edmund McMillen’s Flash Game Roots

Released in 2012, The Basement Collection is a compilation of Edmund McMillen’s early Flash games. These games were originally developed between 2006 and 2009, and they showcase McMillen’s unique brand of dark, surreal, and often disturbing humor.

For those unfamiliar with McMillen’s work, he is an independent game developer who is best known for creating the Super Meat Boy and The Binding of Isaac franchises. His games are often praised for their challenging gameplay, unique art style, and dark sense of humor.

The Basement Collection includes eight of McMillen’s Flash games:

  • Triachnid (2006): A physics-based spider simulation game where you control a spider and eat other insects.
  • Coil (2008): An experimental game where you control a snake-like creature and navigate through a series of abstract levels.
  • Meat Boy (2008): A prototype for Super Meat Boy, featuring the same challenging platforming gameplay.
  • Aether (2008): A space adventure game where you control a spaceship and explore a strange and mysterious alien world.
  • Grey-Matter (2008): An anti-shooter game where you control a character who can only move by shooting bullets.
  • Spewer (2009): A liquid physics platform game where you control a character who can shoot liquid from their mouth.
  • Time Fcuk (2009): A dark puzzle game where you control a character who can rewind time.

The Basement Collection is a great way to experience the early work of one of the most innovative and influential indie game developers of our time. The games in the collection are all challenging, unique, and often very funny. If you’re a fan of McMillen’s work, or if you’re just looking for some great indie games to play, then The Basement Collection is definitely worth checking out.

Triachnid: A Physics-Based Spider Simulation

Triachnid is a physics-based spider simulation game where you control a spider and eat other insects. The game is simple to play, but it’s surprisingly challenging to master. You have to use your spider’s web to swing from walls and ceilings, and you have to be careful not to fall into the water.

Triachnid is a great example of McMillen’s dark sense of humor. The game is full of gruesome and disturbing imagery, but it’s also very funny. For example, when your spider dies, it explodes into a shower of blood and guts.

Coil: An Experimental Game

Coil is an experimental game where you control a snake-like creature and navigate through a series of abstract levels. The game is very challenging, but it’s also very rewarding. As you progress through the levels, you’ll learn new abilities and you’ll be able to explore more of the game’s strange and mysterious world.

Coil is a great example of McMillen’s willingness to experiment with new ideas. The game is unlike anything else you’ve ever played before, and it’s sure to challenge your mind.

Meat Boy: A Super Meat Boy Prototype

Meat Boy is a prototype for Super Meat Boy, featuring the same challenging platforming gameplay. The game is very difficult, but it’s also very fair. You’ll die a lot, but you’ll always know why you died.

Meat Boy is a great example of McMillen’s design philosophy. The game is challenging, but it’s also fair and rewarding. If you’re looking for a tough but fair platformer, then Meat Boy is definitely worth checking out.

Aether: A Space Adventure Game

Aether is a space adventure game where you control a spaceship and explore a strange and mysterious alien world. The game is very atmospheric, and it features a great soundtrack.

Aether is a great example of McMillen’s ability to create unique and immersive worlds. The game’s alien world is full of strange and wonderful creatures, and it’s a joy to explore.

Grey-Matter: An Anti-Shooter Game

Grey-Matter is an anti-shooter game where you control a character who can only move by shooting bullets. The game is very challenging, but it’s also very clever. You have to use your bullets to push yourself around the levels, and you have to be careful not to shoot yourself.

Grey-Matter is a great example of McMillen’s willingness to experiment with new ideas. The game is unlike anything else you’ve ever played before, and it’s sure to challenge your mind.

Spewer: A Liquid Physics Platform Game

Spewer is a liquid physics platform game where you control a character who can shoot liquid from their mouth. The game is very challenging, but it’s also very fun. You have to use your liquid to solve puzzles and navigate through the levels.

Spewer is a great example of McMillen’s ability to create fun and challenging games. The game is full of clever puzzles, and it’s sure to keep you entertained for hours on end.

Time Fcuk: A Dark Puzzle Game

Time Fcuk is a dark puzzle game where you control a character who can rewind time. The game is very challenging, but it’s also very rewarding. You have to use your time-rewinding abilities to solve puzzles and progress through the levels.

Time Fcuk is a great example of McMillen’s ability to create dark and disturbing games. The

Review Score

8.5/10

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Nish is a software engineer by day and avid gamer who loves to play video games after he puts his two boys to bed. His insights delve into the mechanics, and storytelling of the games he plays with the aim to share his passion with the audience. He loves to travel back to his native India and travel the country on his restored Royal Enfield Bullet 350, a relic from a simpler time, like some of the games he plays.

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