This Week's Waste of Time

Just a typical day in the life of a video game hero

In case you haven't noticed yet, as you religiously follow my weekly blog posts about free browser games, I enjoy games as interactive art. Last week's meta-fest was certainly proof of that. This week comes a game that feels more like a short film that you get to explore.

That game is Fathom, designed by Adam Saltsman of Adam Atomic. His simple website has a bevy of complimentary games from the scatological to the frustratingly addictive. You might also want to check out some of his iPhone games and his downloadable Wii game Cave Story, if you're more into paying for your playing.

Anyway, Fathom starts off like a very easy version of Mega Man until you reach the mechanical villain at the end of the hallway. Shoot all you like, as far as I can tell there's no defeating it. Before you know it you're plunged into a dark and peaceful underwater system of tunnels with only the fish as your friends. The deeper you go, the darker it gets (that's what the flashlight is for). You're only choice is to explore. Hint: pay attention to anything out of the ordinary as it will likely come into play.

The ending is strangely eerie despite the simple graphics and short play time.

Click here to play.

Enjoy.