A single level demo for Locomalito’s new project Hydorah is now out and available for download. Note that the game isn’t designed for novices, since there is no checkpoint system, difficulty setting or an option to continue included in this preview build. Windows only.

Version 1.4 of Johan Peitz’s popular jumping game Icy Tower was released today, and features a number of improvements, including new graphics and options for stat-tracking and customizing your experience. The last version of the game came out at least 3 years ago, but Icy Tower has maintained its large and loyal fanbase since its release in 2001. And it’s perfect timing for Classics Week… did you plan this, Johan?

TIGdb: Entry for Icy Tower

Peter Sjostrand’s Mega Man 2.5D sadly doesn’t have a playable public build yet, but this video uploaded just recently was enough to get me excited enough to post it. It seems to reimagine Mega Man 2 as a Paper Mario style platforming adventure, with a number of interesting play twists on the original’s classic layout. A few of the pictured sequences involve a seamless transition between stages of the Mecha Dragon fight, and a usage of the conveyor belts in order to move Mega Man around between the foreground and background. It seems the Blue Bomber is only capable of movement in his regular dimensions so the only way to explore requires using the changing environment to his advantage.

(Update: According to commentors and some googling, this appears to not actually be a gameplay video but rather a concept video. Well… shit…)

The most interesting part of the video however is roughly halfway in where the game showcases a sequence from its Mega Man 3 mode, which actually appears to be a co-op adventure with a player controlling either Mega Man or Proto Man. Far from a simple side-scrolling slog with an extra gun, these levels incorporate a number of rather crafty looking puzzles where both characters really must work together to survivor. My favourite part is probably where Proto Man is being attacked from a flying enemy, but he must remain on a button until Mega Man jumps to safety. It looks like a suprisingly tense experience that simply isn’t present in any of the main Mega Man iterations. Suprisingly I’m pretty damn excited for this. A 2009 release? We can only hope.

Similar to Joakim’s The Legend of Princess, Ivory Springs is an incomplete project that is short on length but packs enough content to entertain for about half an hour or so. The game is an enjoyable exploration platformer which features great background art and sprite designs, a catchy soundtrack, directional shooting, Mega Man-type slides, hidden areas, and memorable boss fights.

There is a special guest appearance included as a surprise, but if you haven’t been following konjak’s work for a while now you’d probably wouldn’t even notice her cameo.

Storm Assault is a horizontal shooter created by the Storm Project development team as a tribute to Konami’s early Gradius series. Everything from the classic power meter, upgrade capsules, and boss ships with specific weak points have been transferred and updated with slight changes for this loose remake.

There are two stages to play in version 0.2 and upwards. The second level features battles with Moai statues, which was originally never included in earlier releases. Joystick and gamepads are automatically detected, but you can use the keyboard to control your ship as well. (stage one gameplay video in the extended)

Squid Yes, Not So Octopus 2: Squid Harder is an arena shooter created by Robert D. Fearon, featuring glowy graphics and eye candy that (at maximum setting) is guaranteed to push the limits of any computer setup you may have. A host of configuration options are included, allowing players to change screen size, toggle autofire, activate motion blur, or even enable the practice mode where novices could take the game for a spin without worrying about dodging bullets or colliding with enemies.

Joysticks and gamepads are automatically supported, although you could use the keyboard to play as well. The current version available for download is a beta release that will be updated with a fifth world sometime this week. (source)