Smoke Attack is another fun freeware game from the Swiss division of Phenomedia, one of the world’s best promotional/tie-in game developers (an increasingly popular genre now commonly referred to as “ad-games”). Commissioned by Switzerland’s Federal Office of Public Health, Smoke Attack was designed to increase people’s awareness of the dangers of smoking. You control “Oxy,” a cute wide-eyed hero equipped with an oxygen gun. Your job is to navigate through offices, collect keys to unlock doors, and shoot smoking balls and cigarettes. You can find secret weapons, extra ammo, and other power-up items scattered throughout the level. Your goal is just to find the exit. Anyone who’s familiar with Phenomedia’s cult classic Moorhuhn Jagd series will find the same graphical excellence in Smoke Attack. It's all very crisp and detailed, and all the animations – down to weapon effects – are excellent. Although the gameplay is slightly repetitive, the higher-than-average difficulty level and varied level design should keep you occupied for at least as long as your coffee break lasts. Once again, thumbs up for Phenomedia for this fun underdog. Reviewed by: Underdogs |